A day out in Newcastle

From Cragside, we drove on to Rob and Ann's house in Newcastle. It's been three years since we last saw them, so it was great to catch up. Ann cooked a delicious chilli for dinner and we spent the evening reminiscing about the season we all worked together on Yole.

This morning, we got up late and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before catching the Metro into Newcastle city centre. Neither of us have visited the city before, so we had no idea what to expect. In the event, it was a pleasant surprise!

Our first stop was the Great North Museum: Hancock. It is a a museum of natural history and ancient civilisations. Rob had never been, so it was a new experience for him, too! The museum was established in 1884 and was formerly known as the Hancock Museum. In 2006, it merged with Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities and Shefton Museum to form the Great North Museum. It reopened as the Great North Museum: Hancock in May 2009 following a major extension and refurbishment of the original Victorian building. It now stands on the campus of Newcastle University.

The new museum includes displays on natural history and geology, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, Romans and Hadrian's Wall, World Cultures, and Pre-History. It also includes an interactive study zone, an under 5's space, and a digital Planetarium, as well as new learning facilities, a new temporary exhibition space, and a study garden. It was fascinating to look around, although our visit was marred somewhat by hordes of screaming schoolchildren! I've no idea why the teachers weren't telling them to be quiet!!Read more