The next stop on our trip around York was to head to the Castle Museum. Again another amazing museum for everyone and not the typical museum I was use to at least to going to at least. It beats the Norwich Castle Museum hands down (sorry home city, love you really). There were so many interesting exhibits within the castle that really engage you in, such as the toy gallery showcasing children's toys throughout each decade, 400 years of fashion, food and life, a recreated Yorkshire street that is so lifelike and literally makes you feel like you're walking back through time, recreated period rooms, the prison cells and the 1914 start of the war exhibition showcasing how the world changed. Another one I'd really recommend going to and I'd go back in a heartbeat!

After all the tourist type activities, we headed down to the local high street and lanes to have a wonder around the shops. Again another winner for me who loves shopping. One of the streets we wondered down was one of the smallest oldest shopping streets I had ever seen. It's famously known as the 'The Shambles' with overhanging timber framed buildings, some going as far back as the 14th century. I love exploring cute little parts of towns!

The next day (Tuesday) was spent a little more relaxed and in the local area since we had quite a few busy days and had a busy day planned the next day. In the morning we headed into Yarm, which is a small town in Stockton-on-Tees and around a fifteen minute drive from where we were staying. We had a look around the local businesses and I spotted such a pretty flower display outside one of the florists. I, of course, being the blogger I am, had to take a picture of it and had to include it in this post. Who doesn't love a pretty flower display? After checking out Yarm, we came back to the cottage for the rest of the day to chill in the hot tub in the glorious weather that had finally decided to make an appearance. Now I'm back, I am missing that hot tub more than anything. It was such a great way to relax in the sun after a busy day!

In the afternoon, my mum and I headed more into the centre of Newcastle and went to Eldon Square shopping centre, whilst my brother and dad went to St James' Park, the home ground of Newcastle United Football Club. I made my first visit to a Charlotte Tilbury counter in Fenwicks, which by the way is such a lovely department store. I couldn't stop snapping pictures on my phone of some of the gorgeous things they had in there and the food hall in particular was amazing. There were so many delicious treats. I wish I had got a full photo now. But as you can see, I did take a picture of the marble flooring in there (blogger goals!!!) and also the adorable classic biscuit set that look's so yummy! Also I had to have one of my favourite summer Costa drinks, the original ice lemonade. 

Before we headed back to our cottage for the evening, I also made another first visit to Ikea. Back in Norwich, we only have a small Ikea, which basically has a few showrooms and only a select few items you can purchase, like fake plants or decorations. It's basically just a click and collect store. So since I had never been in an actual proper Ikea, I made the most out of the Newcastle one. I couldn't believe how long it went on for and how many great home pieces there was. It was like an interior lovers dream. I purchase the cutest flamingo glasses for 50p each, so I'm sure you'll be seeing them appear on my Instagram very soon.
The last day of our trip was another go out in the morning and then relax in the afternoon/evening sort of day, since we would be having a long journey back to Norwich the following day. We headed to the coast again and went to a place called Redcar, a small seaside resort and town. One of my mum's friend's actually recommended going there. It was your typical seaside town and had a gorgeous sandy beach. I hate it when beaches are all stoney and you can't sit on them properly, anyone else?

So there we go, a little photo diary and insight into what I got up to on my holiday to North Yorkshire/Newcastle. It was fun to explore places I had either not been to before or hadn't been too since I was really young. 

Have you been away recently? What did you get up to? Or where are you headed on your travels?

Lauren x