Langley Pt 2

After leaving the Garden Station, we drove northwards to Wark in the River North Tyne valley. On our way, we pass the entrance to the beautiful Langley Castle.

This is the place popular for wedding venues and fine dining in medieval style. An overnight stay is on our `to do` list.
Our destination in Wark is the award winning restaurant and hotel/Bar, Battlesteads. A lovely old coaching inn and the name no doubt inspired from the Roman occupation of the Tyne Valley and of course the infamous Hadrian`s Wall.

This was one of the few dry weekend days we have had in quite a while, so the opportunity to sit and eat outside was grasped with glee. There is a walled garden to the rear of the hostelry with a lovely patio area with tables and chairs. the boarders are filled with flowers and herbs by the smell of things wafting our way in the summer breeze.

There were a number of non native English speakers around our table, but I guess this area of Northumberland will always be popular with tourists both foreign and Brits alike.
I have to confess lunch was a little slow in being served, albeit a late lunch at that. It would appear we landed at a changeover period with staff. After we had eaten, we were able to move to one of the tables with an umbrella to shelter from the afternoon heat and read the weekend supplement of the Times. All peaceful and quiet, just the hum of the bees in the lavender flower boarder.

Overall, a pleasant afternoon out. Trouble is, there is so much to see and do in your own local area, we quite often overlook what beauty is so close to hand.

Ian