staycation

Spurn Point: End of the world

/ mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

Spurn Point is an exposed slither of land between the Humber estuary and the North Sea in East Yorkshire.

I’d always noticed this slim spit of territory on maps and was lucky enough to visit on a warm, sunny August day.

It’s a 7.5 mile (12km) hike to the tip of Spurn and back again, taking in beach, heathland and a few buildings including the totemic black and white lighthouse. 

Spurn is peacefully desolate. You can see wildlife, look towards the city of Hull and Grimsby, photograph the landscape or just decompress.

This is a memorable place to wander around – but be aware of tide times and wild weather which could affect your visit. For me it was a touch of sunburn! Would you like to experience wild Spurn?

Tap/click first image to view gallery

Link to mikeosbornphoto's Facebook page

Heysham: Village by the sea

/ mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

Visitors to Lancashire in north-west England flock to its seaside resorts of Blackpool and Morecambe.

But it’s worth stopping at Heysham (pronounced Hee-sham) which is a charming little village perched on the cliffs with beautiful sea views. CONTINUES BELOW

Tap/click first image for gallery view

However, there’s another side to Heysham which is hard to ignore – a nuclear power station and ferry terminal which support a large population beyond the quaint village.

I’m quite fond of industrial facilities but failed to find any redeeming features about the power plant. But on this side of Heysham you can see The Ship sculpture, a truly intriguing landmark.

My advice is to concentrate on the village, the remains of St Patrick’s chapel and enjoy those commanding views over the bay.

Link to mikeosbornphoto's shop

Humber Bridge

/ mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

The Humber Bridge, which connects East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, is the UK’s longest single-span suspension bridge. It’s a man-made thing of beauty and wonder.

I was lucky enough to visit on a little staycation to the nearby city of Hull. You can trudge along the Humber shore for fantastic views, even walk underneath this colossal but graceful structure.

It was a quick pitstop graced by wonderful skies. I’m told the bridge looks different every time – a reason to return with my camera!

Tap/click first image for gallery view

Link to mikeosbornphoto's Instagram account

Bodnant Garden: Wonder of Wales

/ mikeosbornphoto / Leave a comment

It’s a short distance from Manchester to the border with Wales. Travel along the country’s north coast and you’ll come to the delight that is Bodnant Garden. READ MORE BELOW

Tap first image for gallery view

This property, now cared for by the National Trust, is a magnificent place to wile away your time.

It’s packed with plants in a variety of settings from lush riversides to formal gardens.

Bodnant’s crowning glory has to be the Pin Mill, a handsome building next to a long lilypond. Wales’ answer to the Taj Mahal?

A lot of staycationers from nearby seaside resort Llandudno visit here, so come early to avoid the crowds. A beautiful spot to have largely to yourself!

Link to mikeosbornphoto's shop

Hull: City of contrasts

/ mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

In this age of staycations, I left Manchester for a few days and crossed northern England to visit the East Yorkshire city of Hull. CONTINUES BELOW

Tap/click first image for gallery view

Hull sits on the Humber estuary and has an interesting mix of grand civic buildings, industrial facilities and modern architecture.

The city has suffered from a shady reputation over the years but I found it both impressive and having plenty worthy of exploration.

The marina area has been extensively restored and Humber Street is an excellent spot for eating out. And with its independent telephone company, Hull is famed for its cream phone boxes.

The city also has a rural and coastal hinterland to visit – more on that in future posts.

Link to mikeosbornphoto's Facebook page