My November Days

Usually in November I try very hard to hide away from all of the early festivities in an effort not to hit peak Christmas too early but this year I am throwing myself into it and I think after the year I've had it's completely acceptable. I have spent a lot of my month sitting on my sofa snuggled up under a fleecy throw watching the cheesiest of Christmas films on Netflix and it's become a bit of a happy haven to me as the darkness of Winter begins to hit.

Here's what happened in November that didn't make the blog.

Thornley Woods

We have been meaning to explore more of the Derwent Valley for many years now yet never seem to make it past Gibside (you can't really blame us, when you have National Trust membership it does tend to influence most of your walk decisions). So I'm so happy that this month we finally made it to Thornley Woods for a short stroll through the Country Park. There's miles and miles of countryside to explore across the Derwent Valley and our short stroll took us to some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in the North East with stunning views across the leafy landscape. Eating our sandwiches on a bench in the sunshine and watching the Red Kites fly overhead was quite a moment.

The Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel

Whilst hanging about in a tunnel may not be everyone's idea of a fun Saturday morning, my visit to the recently reopened Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel was one of my highlights of the month and I'm so glad that I went for a little nose about.  The Grade II listed tunnel reopened this year following a 6 year restoration project and I am so glad that this little piece of history is now open for us all to enjoy. The tunnel takes pedestrians and cyclist under the River Tyne from Jarrow to Howdon and the wooden escalators down to the tunnel transport you to the most fantastic place if you are into photography or exploring more of our local history.

For the Love of the North

Just when I thought Spanish City could get no better For the Love of the North arrived.  With stores already in Whitley Bay town centre, Stack at Newcastle and Corbridge, the northern inspired shop now has a beautiful space next door to The Split Chimp and sells the most incredible collection of prints, pins, mugs and totes all created by and inspired by the North.  I dragged poor Simon round the store dropping endless hints about what I'd quite like for Christmas!

Hive Coffee

I finally returned to Hive Coffee in Jarrow this month for a breakfast catch up with the lovely Sarah. Getting there super early (I'd forgotten how many tables they have and so panic rushed to get a seat!) we enjoyed a lovely quiet start with matching breakfasts of Avocado, Salmon and Poached Eggs on Toast. This place is so special and if you're yet to check it out it's a must visit.

Feasting at Central Oven and Shaker

Now that it's getting very dark, pretty soggy and quite cold I am all about pizza parties and carb loading so I was more than ready for a night at Central Oven and Shaker, somewhere I hadn't actually been since it very first opened (shame on me!)  To celebrate the launch of their new Autumn Winter Menu we feasted on some incredible warming dishes and I am still dreaming about the Wild Boar Lasagne Bites and Goats Cheese and Jam Pizza.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Spanish City

I'm not sure I should confess to you exactly how many Festive Afternoon Teas I have booked in this Christmas. The fact that we're not even in December yet and I've already had two says it all really doesn't it? This month saw the first ever Festive Fayre at Spanish City in Whitley Bay and arriving on a very wet day at the coast hoards of eager Christmas fans piled their way into the Dome to mooch around the little stalls and admire the beautiful Christmas Tree that's become one of my favourites in the region. We decided to go all out for our visit and booked ourselves in for a Festive Afternoon Tea. Priced at £25.00 per person the cakestand was a thing of real beauty with mini Father Christmas, Reindeer and Christmas Trees all carefully created out of cakes. If you're looking for something really lovely to do this Christmas time I highly recommend checking it out.

For more adventures from New Girl in Toon make sure you follow me on Instagram.  I post a new photo every day and you will find vlogs from my favourite North East adventures on  my highlights.