Alnwick, Bamburgh, Warkworth & other Towns in Northumberland Road Trip

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much for watching this video! If you missed last week's castle video, please click here, as this area is not fully shown without a look at the magnificent CASTLES! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3qrdaeGbb6nlZo

[@annirvinetaylor1376]

Thank you for showing what a wonderful place the north east of England is. It has been my part of the world for 80 years.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We fell in love with Northumberland in 2021 and enjoyed returning again in 2022, as well as visiting Durham!

[@davidjones332]

Northumberland is a beautiful place that most Brits don't know about, let alone foreign tourists. Well done for venturing off the beaten track and capturing it so well.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I really REALLY love visiting places that are not common for most tourists, let alone Americans. That is one reason I love Herefordshire too... like Northumberland, most of the residents you meet have neve spoken to an American in person before! ;-) Because we have been crazy/lucky enough to travel during the pandemic, we have been even more rare with our American accents!

[@Ionabrodie69]

How true...And so much history..

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Ionabrodie69 Yes, absolutely! Fascinating history.

[@virtualatheist]

Seeing Alnwick too me straight back to the late eighties. I was part of the team that leveled and relaid the cobbles either side of the high street. I lived in a small village called Acklington near Warkworth. The best time to see the castle is in spring when the slopes all around it are covered in daffodils.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Aye, I have seen photos of Warkworth with the daffodils all around… simply STUNNING!!! did you see my seven castles in two days video? When I showed Warkworth, I thought I mentioned that, but I’m not sure it made the final edit. Anyway, I would have loved to have photographed the castle then! But unfortunately, we don’t get to England until mid May. So I think we will always miss daffodil season ☹️ I love hearing that you are so familiar with Alnwick! Such a beautiful, historic town!

[@ians3586]

Kudos to you for helping to preserve the character of Alnwick so it’s still a beautiful town we can admire to this day.

[@MadameMinima]

The sleeping dog can be taken as a sign of loyalty both in faith and in chivalrous service.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh, isn't that so sweet? I love that!

[@jillhobson6128]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I like to think it was to keep his feet warm!

[@davidhoward5392]

My place of birth Northumberland, a hidden gem for most parts of the country.. ancient kingdom,...

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That is one of the best things, Northumberland IS a hidden gem and therefore not overrun with tourists! As an American, it's nice when people are glad to see you, rather than "oh no, not another obnoxious yank again!" haha Your birthplace is a lovely land!! Cheers XX Dara

[@malcolmstead272]

I am born and bred in Northumberland, it's very nice to see the area through the eyes of a visitor, nice photography too.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so very much! That means a lot to me! Have you seen my video of the castles I visited on that trip? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3qrdaeGbb6nlZo I hope you are subscribed, because we had a wonderful trip to Northumberland again this past summer, and I haven’t quite been able to edit the footage yet. But I have some really good stuff! We love that county so much!💖 Cheers! Dara

[@marycahill546]

Greetings from Canada. Thank you. That was peaceful and lovely. Nice touch including Christian organ music during the church tours.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Hello Mary! I'm always excited to hear from viewers in other countries like Canada and Australia... so interesting to hear how your experiences are a merger of both British and American culture! I hope you enjoy some of my other videos. If you like traditional Christian music and church tours, I'll share a link to one of my videos that is a personal favourite of mine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHm2mpyZbJd6bsU Let me know if there are any topics of areas of Britain that interest you specifically and I can share a few more links. Cheers! XX Dara

[@PlanetImo]

Ah yes! Most splendid loos!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Haha very fancy and private 😉

[@johnritter6864]

Northumberland is a big county and absoutely rammed with history.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I agree! I adore the fact that you can just drive down a road and see one castle after another!!!

[@newbris]

So great, thank you. I've only been to 2 of them so you have given me more to see. Thank you!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yay! I’m so glad to have shared a few new ideas! 🙌

[@oz25]

Another fantastic little video. Thank you, Otters xxx

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks, Oz! We love Northumberland and are already planning a return trip!

[@TheBeggFamily]

Great video. I love the music selection in the churches!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! I sometimes resent having to spend so long finding and laying in the music... but it does make such a difference in all the videos! Cheers! XX Dara

[@StephenandAndie]

I LOVE the cemetery in Ford with all of the long weeds! that has to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries i’ve seen.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It was so peaceful and lovely... and the view! *sigh*

[@glastonbury4304]

Yes the cemetery didn't really look overgrown , it was kind of beautiful in its way ...

[@davebirch1976]

I believe it was on that coastline where they filmed the scene from Harry Potter when they buried Dobby. I went to Northumberland with school back in 1987, we stopped at a place called Seahouses, and I seem to remember we visited bamburgh Castle. The east coast of England is a beautiful area,The castle at whitby on the north Yorkshire coast was the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's Dracula

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Which bit of coastline... near Bamburgh? I love that you know that about Dobby's burial! Thanks so much for your comment! I can't wait to go to Whitby... I have seen so many amazing photos of the area. And I really want to go eat fish & chips there! haha... it's ALWAYS about the food for me! As for Seahouses, we were supposed to go there this summer and the National Trust ruined our plans by keeping the Farne Islands closed!!! That was actually the number 1 reason we planned the trip to Northumberland in early June... to see Puffins! If you haven't seen our report on how that worked out, here is the SHORT video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4CYi6eufKiFnqc

[@davebirch1976]

@@MagentaOtterTravels oh thanks for jogging my memory, we took a boat out to the farne islands, that's where all the seals are if I remember rightly. Ive just googled dobbys grave and it's actually Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, although they do look similar. When you visit Whitby try and visit a little village called Goathland, they used the train station at Goathland for filming the Hogwarts station scenes in Harry Potter. And the actual town itself was used as the setting for the fictional village of Aidensfield in the long running uk TV programme Heartbeat

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@davebirch1976 well THAT is a coincidence! We went to Pembrokeshire to look for puffins when Farne was closed to us!

[@davebirch1976]

@@MagentaOtterTravels it was filmed at freshwater west, I don't know if that was near to where you were

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Great history lesson Ian. Dara, he doesn't want to be the Butts of any of your jokes! 😂

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

LOL... well said! He does NOT! and honestly, I can't blame him!

[@jillhobson6128]

Marvellous, I'm glad you pronounced Alnwick correctly. Also pleased you visited Bamburgh church although Ian told me you didn't! Grace Darling's story is amazing and she was so young.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks, Jill! I try to pronounce things the way the locals do... but on most occasions someone still tells me I'm doing it wrong ;-) Haha, that is funny Ian said that! The truth is, he was off getting loads of drone photography and I visited the church all by myself. He often doesn't know all the things I've done and seen until he watches my vlogs! LOL

[@PlanetImo]

I was walking around a graveyard of a church from the 1200's today. I think the graves themselves were much later, though.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I love old graveyards!

[@RichardWells1]

What an encyclopaedic narrative for such a stunning tour of Northumberland villages! Your background history really brought your vlog to life, and it was good to hear both of you. Great scenery, superb architecture, informative commentary - what more could you ask for?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much, Richard! I keep urging Ian to do more talking on camera, and comments like yours really help! HE is the one who knows history and architecture... so I want him to do more narration and explanation! He can leave all the talking about food to me ;-) haha

[@ians3586]

Thank you Richard. I really think that Northumberland should have far more attention from international visitors than it gets. Looking through TripAdvisor reviews for Cragside, even before the pandemic, you rarely see input from people outside the UK. They're all focused on the London, Oxford, Stratford or the London, Bath, Stonehenge triangles. Part of it probably has to do with the fact that driving in the UK is intimidating to many who come from right-hand side of the road countries. Perhaps this is a good thing though. I'd hate to see even more people heading to the Lake District.

[@PertainingtoRose]

This was so interesting, I loved the story of the girl that saved the sailors, very fascinating

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks Rose!

[@PertainingtoRose]

@@MagentaOtterTravels your welcome

[@f3aok]

It's lovely exploring my country through your vids. Keep up the good work.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Awwww, thanks so much Stuart! We enjoy exporing your country! I hate doing the editing bit, but I'm always glad when the video is done. It usually makes me want to go back and visit again. I need to walk along Bamburgh beach and see inside that castle! LOL

[@alisontaylor6135]

What a simply beautiful video. I love your editing style. Thank you do much. X

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank YOU! I really appreciate your comment, since editing these type of videos is SO time consuming. But honestly Ian's drone photography make them so special, I think ;-) BTW, I sent a screen shot of your comment to my friend Alison Taylor who lives in Utah. At first I thought you might be her, but the X in your comment gave you away ;-) Cheers! XX Dara

[@alisontaylor6135]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Hi there, Dara. There are so many Alison Taylors about! I'm not joking. When I was a student I spent one summer many years ago on a summer camp in Upstate New York. Over the course of the camp I met 2 more Alison Taylors and there were 3 at my university in the UK. Is your friend an Alison Jane Taylor - I wonder? Xx

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

She did grow up in New Jersey! Not too far from New York… but Jane is not her middle name 😉

[@wasp6594]

The Butts are the areas where targets were set up for archery training in the Middle Ages. We became quite good at it, as the French discovered

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes indeed! Is the name today as funny to Britons as it is to us Americans? 🙃

[@wasp6594]

@@MagentaOtterTravels No, because we have different words, which I will not mention here. We are familiar with the American word and meaning but it's not in common use in England.

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

Hey up, Magenta Otter Travels, I grew up in a town in North Lincolnshire in which there is a thoroughfare called Butts Road. An English lass giggled upon passing through it on the bus ( no pun, etc ). So, yes - we get it. In fact, on the same road there is a set of terraced houses whose name is written in a cornerstone of the terrace. It is called "Well Aimed Terraces," bearing in mind what Wasp quite rightly says regarding archery. The town is called Barton upon Humber, immediately south east of The Humber Bridge.

[@StephenandAndie]

how awesome that the folks cleaning the church let you come in for a look! feels even more special since not everyone can just go in right now.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I felt very lucky!

[@tonywilkinson6895]

I love the statue of Harry Hotspur,nice thing to have in a town.Thanks For another great vlog.👌

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It's a pretty fancy statue! Very well developed calves and pointy boots on that lad! ;-) Thanks Tony!

[@tonywilkinson6895]

@@MagentaOtterTravels as it should be.

[@derekmiles7358]

Loved the video Dara 😍 I could watch videos of castles all day thanks for the video so peaceful in those villages love the Oreo cows brilliant they come with their own milk 🥛

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes indeed... if only their milk were "cookies & creme" flavoured, LOL! Thanks for the kind words, Derek!

[@SwissRoadsPlaces]

Nice travel report! Beautiful scenery in Northumberland. Thanks for sharing your impressions 👍💛😀

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much!

[@MadameMinima]

@IanS thanks for your stunning drone footage once again 🥰

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree! I loved the footage of the drone going under the bridge in Alnwick at the beginning!!!

[@MadameMinima]

@@MagentaOtterTravels yes, this one was stunning!!

[@ians3586]

Thank you. That's the fun part.

[@MadameMinima]

@@ians3586 you are really talented, drone footages in a video make the video so cinematic 👍

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

It is early in the am. I've slept well and feel rested. I know I need to have some relax time- how wonderful to be able to travel those country roads, see those house, fields, castles and churches while I sip my ginger and mint tea. Dara that was so lovely. Thank you for sharing this great road trip with me. What a lovely way to start my day. 💖 🌺 🇳🇿 🙋‍♀️ 🇳🇱

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You are so sweet Anita! Ginger tea sounds lovely! Cheers XX Dara

[@cogidubnus1953]

To be quite honest Dara you and Ian have excelled yourself here...and have captured so much...stuff that many right ponders (including myself) won't have seen. Clearly it was a fascinating as well as a fun holiday...I'll even forgive you the Oreo Cows!

[@ians3586]

Yeah, I'm sure no one has referred to them as that in Britain. I don't think I've even seen a package of Oreos there. Until recently, I didn't realise what a beautiful county Northumberland is. It was more of a place to drive through to get to Scotland.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much Dave. I am always thinking about cookies (biscuits)! I haven't heard the term "right ponder" before... that's great! Yes, Ian's drone footage was SO good in this one... my favourite is the flight under the bridge at Alnwick at the beginning!

[@cogidubnus1953]

@@ians3586 Oreos are in the UK now, though not for long comparatively - I have at least one grand-daughter addicted to the Double Cream variety!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@cogidubnus1953 I generally don't like store bought cookies, but Oreos with a glass of cold milk are rather amazing.

[@potdog1000]

beautiful

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much, John! I hope you are well ❤

[@potdog1000]

@@MagentaOtterTravels fine thanks. keep up the good work

[@The_Brit_Girls]

I remember learning about the Grace Darling story at school. I love exploring old churches too - and looking round the churchyards. Thank you for sharing all the interesting information you discovered.

[@wencireone]

I only learnt about Wendy Darling 😉

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Eric, that is because you are a graduate of Disney University! LOL

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

There is a Grace Darling museum across the street from the church... which I might have visited had I not been in such a massive rush all day! haha

[@davegreenwood1663]

Dara must say you have done a beautiful job editing this video ,the drone shots,music. And history lessons ,superb .Never been to northumberland ,But after this ,its on my bucket list.Thanks

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! I'm glad we were able to share enough beauty of the area to make you want to go visit! I can't wait to go back...

[@manfredwilliams3860]

Thank you so much, I really enjoyed that. We are indeed blessed in this tiny country, to have so many beautiful places to visit.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Absolutely! And when I edit a video like this I think two things: 1) I missed so many places! I wished I had seen Lindisfarne and Otterburn, and inside Bamburgh castle! 2) I must go BACK!!! Cheers XX Dara

[@PostcardAndAPint]

Loved it. We really want to go to Alnwick, it looks so pretty’s the dirty bottle looks like it could be our pint. Ford village looks amazing (and expensive!!) - thanks for all the history and the great tour xx

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Alnwick is a great place to visit. The Dirty Bottles was a lovely pub and I'm sure you would enjoy a pint there... just don't drink it from one of those dirty bottles ;-) Cheers!

[@PostcardAndAPint]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 🤣

[@leedshunk]

That was a fabulous romp around Northumberland , thanking you for taking time to visit us in the north 😘👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much for you comment. We had a WONDERFUL time in Northumberland, and Yorkshire, and can't wait to go back next summer! I need my Yorkshire pudding fix and we know the best ones are in Leeds ;-)

[@Ionabrodie69]

@@MagentaOtterTravels No ...not necessarily... 😂😂

[@johnritter6864]

I used to work not too far from Edlington but only visited the place once

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I felt like it was quite a discovery on my part! I just saw it from the road as we drove by, and begged Ian to stop ;-)

[@MadameMinima]

"Oreo-cows"....you made my day 🤣

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I'm a child. And a cookie monster ;-) LOL

[@ConsistentAsh]

Wow love that vintage look from over 200 years ago. You are always so good at vlogging. Love that yellow in the field. The history in that church is incredible.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks Ash! We love exploring, and even though I absolutely hate editing the footage, I’m always super happy when it’s done! It’s fun to have a video scrapbook of our travels ❤️

[@PinnedonPlaces]

Loving your videos! so cool. Your narration is beautiful. heh, very well edited and interesting as usual! :D Okay, i would love to stay in that tower, how cool!! Thanks for the great video as usual, enjoyed seeing about Warkworth too :D

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much! Staying in that tower would be super cool! There are two issues, however. One is that it appeared to be booked out for months and months in advance! The other is that the website wouldn’t tell the price. I have a feeling it is extremely expensive, LOL!

[@googlpanda]

I love all these old historic towns, we really need to get up North! But for now I'm enjoying seeing them all through your eyes 💗

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Northumberland is SO wonderful... but I'm not gonna lie, it's a DRIVE!

[@StephenandAndie]

I would LOVE to stay in that tower! how cool!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It looks like it is booked for MONTHS in advance. But it would definitely be a cool place to vlog from!!! Check out the inside: coquetcottages.co.uk/northumberland-holiday-cottages/pottergate-tower/

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Interesting fact on "painting the town red" All these churches are amazing. Love the Oreo cows!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oreo cows are my favourite cow! And probably my fave store bought cookie... though I do prefer homemade choc chip ;-) Now I want to go bake some! LOL

[@WITYTRAVELS]

@@MagentaOtterTravels dang it! Now we are craving homemade chocolate chip cookies.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@WITYTRAVELS well I don't think either of us will be having them! I'm still trying to loose my sticky toffee pudding pounds! And I imagine you are not in a place where you can bake chocolate chip cookies!

[@WITYTRAVELS]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 😂 sadly we have not seen the ingredients to make nestle chocolate chip cookies.

[@petersymonds4975]

Dara, ove your North country visits, I’ve lived in the UK for all my life and I’ve not yet been to Northumberland. I don’t know the heraldic reason of the crossed legs and dog were meant to depict but where I’m from we call that “busting”, or where’s the bathroom! My mum used to love our dog to sit her feet as they kept them warm.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, since I drink FAR too much water, I can relate to the common meaning of crossed legs these days. I have a feeling there was a more noble symbolism for the fallen knights ;-) Peter I know that Northumberland is a far drive, but it really was such a lovely place. Hopefully we have inspired you to visit one day! Thanks for your comment. Cheers! XX Dara

[@bobbyxhilone9224]

So very, very pretty, Dara. Another wonderful job of editing, narrating, adding background music, etc. Now, one question: Whenever Ian comments on things, is he reading something off an information brochure (or whatever), OR is he actually telling us these things just naturally and straight from his own knowledge, without having to read any sort of script?? I mean, I am amazed that he just knows all these facts so easily and is able to talk about so many historical things like this. You two are both just wonderful Brit History Teachers!!

[@ians3586]

Thank you for that kind comment. I hate to shatter the façade, but my knowledge of British history isn't so detailed that I can just spout off dates and names off the top of my head. While I'm not reading cue cards, I've usually read whatever they have at a site before I say anything. I do really have an interest in British History (and history in general) and enjoy reading and watching shows about it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks Bobby! I am so glad you enjoyed the video. I can watch Ian's drone photography over and over again! I'm going to give MY version of the answer about Ian because he is modest. He knows a LOT about architecture, and a lot about British history generally. As for Harry Hotspur, he had read the sign by the statue and memorised a few facts. But when he talks about architecture, that is all just knowledge in his brain! When it comes to ME, I do a ton of research and then write a term paper in my own words that I use for my script when I do voice over. There is very little in my brain! LOL

[@theoddjobcentre6686]

@@MagentaOtterTravels the Alnwick Gardens have good toilets the sinks/taps change colour

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@theoddjobcentre6686 that’s cool! Isn’t that also the gardens where they have a poison garden? And the giant treehouse ? It’s been years since I’ve visited there, but I remember they were pretty cool.

[@jpw6893]

Surprised Alnwick was open!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

The castle was not... we talked about that in last Friday's video. They were filming movies at both Alnwich AND Bamburgh castles the week we were there! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3qrdaeGbb6nlZo We have to go back again... hopefully I'll see inside Bamburgh Castle on my THIRD visit there, LOL!

[@jpw6893]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I live in the North East so it's not too far but a friend wanted to see Bamburgh Castle and the one day they went the Queen was visiting so they couldn't get in lol

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@jpw6893 yes that is the downside to visiting a castle that is so popular and in use! I think you can stop by and see a ruin like Edlingham any old time! haha

[@thewealduk9802]

Loved your video so much, I love Northumberland, there is no limit to its attractions. Spent a week at Kielder two years ago. I also appreciated the music, was that Libera?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for taking time to leave such a kind comment! Northumberland is so beautiful. And while I haven't been to Kielder, I just looked it up on the map and I'm sure it is in a stunning location! As for the music, it was not Libera. I get all my music from a royalty free website called Epidemic Sound. That lets me use a lot of different music with no copyright issues. Cheers XX Dara

[@johnbrownbridge873]

Nice going with the Dorty Bottles pronunciation , but Coquet has a long, soft o so it sounds like Coh-ket.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for helping me with that! I was struggling with how to pronounce the name of that river since Rothbury!

[@johnbrownbridge873]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Nee probs bonny lass. ( No problem attractive lady/girl ) and btw Coquet has the stress (can't think of the proper term) on the first syllable, so COHket.

[@flatdweller]

I love Northumberland, hopefully youll do a video of the Northumbrian coastline, it's absolutely AWESOME x

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We love it too! Thanks for your comment! Did you see last week's castle video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3qrdaeGbb6nlZo Unfortunately we didn't get to spend much time ON the coastline, though we originally planned to! We tried going to Lindisfarne and ran out of time. Worst of all, we were SUPPOSED to be going to Seahouses and visiting the Farne Islands. But that wasn't allowed because the islands were closed... leading to this Puffin Curse video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4CYi6eufKiFnqc

[@flatdweller]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Yes I've watched the castle video with fond memories x

[@zaikakitchen1234]

Wow amazing dear please stay connected

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you

[@The_Brit_Girls]

What fabulous scenery and stunning architecture, beautifully captured. Your narration and editing skills are first rate! Great job Dara and Ian! ⭐👏⭐👏⭐

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much, friend!

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

Im spellbound and could have watched another 18 mins of video! Beautiful drone shots and excellent narration Dara! I would love to attend services in one of these churches. Fabulous job! ~Cara 😊

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You are too kind, Cara! I am spellbound by Ian's drone footage... my favourite is flying under the bridge at Alnwick at the beginning of this video! We visited one church in the Cotswolds, in a TINY village, and had a long chat with a man in the church who was a "reader" there... he kept telling us we needed to attend a service there. It would be nice to do sometime!

[@johnwoodgate8125]

These meant that he had died in holy war, or he had died on the way home. "Sometimes the figure on the tomb of a knight has his legs crossed at the ankles, this meant that the knight went on crusade.

[@ians3586]

Thanks for that info. Definitely an honour to have crossed ankles.

[@أكلاتسمسم]

جميل جدا جدا بالتوفيق والتقدم والازدهار 💕💕👈🔔

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

❤

[@keithweelands5822]

We booked Alnwick Castle for my daughters wedding. Booked white horses and a open carriage for her to arrive in shared the day with the public but had the run of the outside of the castle after closing time

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh wow, that is AMAZING!!! What a memorable and beautiful wedding venue! When my son first got engaged, I did extensive research on castle weddings around Gloucestershire. Sadly, that didn't work out... but I do think a English castle wedding would be lovely. I was lobbying for Berkeley or Warwick...

[@jeanbennett202]

Crossed legs represent that the knight died in the Christian faith. Where the figure's legs are crossed shows how many times he went to fight in the crusades: ankles once, knees twice, and thighs thrice.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

So interesting! Thanks for giving that additional context. I love the symbolism in the grave markers and tombs. I have a lot to learn about them!

[@ChânLýHay]

Very good always connect you

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks

[@captainsensible8433]

👍 A great relaxing & interesting video, you do manage to fit a lot of lovely different places into your videos, your love for history is clear to see. Dara & Ian, if you had a time machine, which place and period in history would you like to travel back to ? Because you two are FOODIES, your time machine would need to have a built in kitchen and an on board chef 👨🏻‍🍳 to cater for all your food cravings ! .. 😉 Then you would maybe have to change your name to 'Magenta Otter Time Travels' 😉

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

OK, that is really funny... Magenta Otter Time Travels! haha I can't answer that question! I think I would like to explore living in different times in Britain, but I honestly think that today is the best time to be alive. The clothing would be fun to explore in the Regency or Victorian time period. Definitely the FOOD is much better today! And I would hate to have to endure past times when women were not treated as equals and certain groups of people were enslaved... that would be tough for me!

[@ians3586]

I would love to travel back to London pre-1666. It would be interesting to see all the beautiful buildings that were lost in the Great Fire including the old Saint Paul's and the many fine half-timbered houses that existed then. Also, if there were any way to travel back in time and eliminate the three men who did the most damage to Britain's historical buildings (not to mention their human toll) - Henry VIII, Cromwell, and Hitler. However, like Dara, I think I'm living in the best era there is. It saddens me to think that future generations likely won't live in a world that is as good as the one I was privileged to inhabit.

[@captainsensible8433]

@@ians3586 Good reply, we totally agree with you with regards to those vile men you named. We were of course taught in school history lessons about them, especially HenryV111 who was so fat he had to be winched onto his horse ! Many years ago we went on various school trips to see some of the Abbeys that he destroyed during his reign, the ones we visited are all in nice locations next to either a river or lake, except for Whitby abbey which is near the sea. Whitby is of course where Bram Stoker got his ideas for his Dracula books. Enjoy your travels and keep posting your videos they are very interesting and educational. 👍

[@captainsensible8433]

@@MagentaOtterTravels The Victorian period is a good choice, we can relate to that. It was a period of life changing inventions too numerous to mention. You did mention food so lets include the tea rooms that sold lovely cakes, and the fact that it was the Victorians who opened up the first fish & chip shops ! ....an ideal period to visit for time travelling foodies ! lol

[@ruthgoebel723]

Enjoyed this tremendously! I remember our ‘adventures’ with British plumbing and finally figuring out the fixtures after an accidental cold shower or two. The wide range of toilets was amusing as well, from the stately ‘throne’ used by Queen Victoria at Stoneleigh Abbey, to the Lilliputian loo behind Burton’s Restaurant in the town of Battle. Those roller coaster roads would be of much delight to my son who calls them “Whoop-dee-doos”. We have some around here which he delights in when he gets the opportunity. 😉 I like that the churches are (well, they were when we were there) open for anyone to go inside. I can’t imagine that happening here in the States! Those lovely stained glass windows are so interesting as well as the many tombs we saw. Thanks for sharing this…….now I’ll have to pull out my scrapbook of our trip and do it all over again! ❤️

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Whoop dee doos is a great name! Very appropriate! Thanks for your comment, Ruth. It sounds like you have also seen a collection of interesting loos! I agree with you that the churches are wonderful in how accessible they are... certainly during Covid it is less so, but there is usually an option to ring the vicar or warden and gain access if you plan for it. Both the churchyards and the churches are peaceful and tranquil places for us to stop on our frantic travels ❤

[@ruthgoebel723]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I have two favorites: the church where Lizzy and Darcy were married in the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice (Longbourn really IS next door!) and Winchester Cathedral where Jane Austen is interred. Massive nave….too ad the organ was silent!

[@britainonabudget]

You had me at “interesting toilet”

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

LOL... I should not have oversold that. Last week's castle video had a MORE interesting toilet. I hope you are not too disappointed.

[@britainonabudget]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Not at all! I love a toilet cubicle! And the rest of the video was so beautiful. I just love exploring these towns and villages!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@britainonabudget I look forward to seeing what interesting loos you encounter! haha

[@PoliticalprisonUK]

The Knights tombs in Warkworth . The reason for the crossed legs is that he was a Knights Templar.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Very interesting! Since filming this video I have seen many knights with crossed legs on tombs. It's wonderful to learn these little tidbits along the way as it makes visiting churches, castles and cathedrals so much more interesting! Thanks for your comment. Dara

[@davewhittleston2963]

Those straight roads were almost certainly built by the Romans, 2000 years ago.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Did they ride their chariots on them for the roller coaster effect? Or were they only marching?

[@dek123]

It’s worth googling the story of “Grace Darling”.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is a great story! I should have mentioned that there is a museum in her honour across the street

[@brassj67]

I used to explore Northumberland and Durham most weekends growing up and living there and it makes me homesick watching these videos. Did you play Mark Knopfler - "Fair Thee Well Northumberland" as you were leaving? 😁

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We didn't... but obviously we SHOULD have done! I'm glad that you enjoyed the video, but sorry that it makes you homesick! I hope you can plan a return visit soon ;-)

[@evancortez2]

I sure do miss travelling the UK! Hopefully next year I'll be able to resume my UK travels but till then I guess I'll have to content myself with your vlogs :)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Very nice of you to say, Evan! I hope that some of my vids inspire you to add a few places to your list! Trouble is, I keep wanting to visit AGAIN the places I've been, but I have a long list of new places I need to go, LOL!

[@FlourEggsYeast]

Dara, I've been missing your videos but will be binge watching today! I just love how you shoot this film and tell us all about the history. We'd love to visit England one day and if we do, you know I'll be taking notes from your videos LOL! Kindly, Theresa and Cam

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks guys! I get behind in watching my friends' videos too... life just gets too crazy sometimes! But isn't it great that KZbin is here waiting for us when we get a minute ;-)

[@FlourEggsYeast]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 100% ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabetherwin1315]

This was magnificent, Dara...made me homesick...

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is such a bittersweet thing to hear you say! I'm glad that I could show you lovely parts of the area that you love... but I don't like making people sad. I hope you can visit soon! Cheers! XX Dara

[@digitalcomposer2000]

Very straight roads in the Uk are usually Roman for the soldiers to March from one Roman time to another, we visited Alnwick and warkworth in August 2021

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Ah yes, and one day I'm going to do a video about that. It is in my long list of ideas to be filmed. I wonder if the Romans were marching or riding any chariots on those rollercoaster hills and dips! haha Thanks so much for your comment! Cheers XX Dara

[@digitalcomposer2000]

@@MagentaOtterTravels that would be great! We buy our meat at a farm shop, it’s on the Fosse Way (a long Roman road).

[@redf7209]

If its the road i think they were on, the romans called it Dere Street.

[@digitalcomposer2000]

@@redf7209 well done I live in the Midlands so Fosse Way is about 17 miles from me. Long way but great food.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@digitalcomposer2000 I think I've been on the Fosse Way... we have spent so much time in the general area around Warwickshire over the past 3 decades ;-) It is a very long straight road!

[@The_Brit_Girls]

I loved the Harry Hotspur story. Nice tour of the Ye Olde loos. Haha, we need to use "The Butts" sign in one of our short videos about funny British place names!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You need to find the Butthole sign... THAT is even worse!

[@Beejay950]

As someone said regarding the crossed legs that they had been on one or more crusades, I also saw a refrence that it meant they had been castrated by the Saracens. Should of kept their legs crossed earlier. :-)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Not to sound like Victor Meldrew, but... "I don't believe it!"

[@Beejay950]

@@MagentaOtterTravels But it's on the internet, it must be true

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Beejay950 that is like believing everything I say just because it's in a video... VERY dangerous! LOL

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

Love this 💖 it’s been too many years, I must go back. Thank you 🙏

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, you need a visit! ❤

[@chrismchale543]

The dog represents loyalty or faithfulness.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That totally makes sense. Since filming this video I have seen SO many dogs at the feet of tombs. Like yesterday in Canterbury Cathedral, there was one dog at the feet of a bishops tomb that had a big grin on its face! So funny! Thanks for your comment. Dara

[@chrismchale543]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Not just the loyalty of the dog but loyalty within families.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@chrismchale543 absolutely! I understand that it is really symbolic. Of course, there are other animals as well. Though I have to admit my favorite was in Ottery St. Mary when I saw an otter on a tomb! 🦦

[@88KeystoCure]

Wow! A knight at 13?! That’s amazing! I love all your info in all these videos! Always learn so many things. Great job Dara and Ian!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much, friend! I CANNOT imagine being a knight at age 13! Can you imagine your son leading a crowd into battle?

[@Ionabrodie69]

He would have become a Paige at around the age of 7 to 14 ( helping at table, etc ) and then would have become a Squire ( probably sent to another lord to learn to be a knight ) until the age of 17/18 when he would have been knighted.. so he would not have been on the battlefield at 13. ..It’s a fascinating time , although I’m more interested in eleventh century Mediaeval history.. Alnwick is about 1 hour .30 away from where I live , but Hotspurs mother Margaret Neville was from about 6 miles away from me at Raby Castle... a Neville stronghold..( also strongly tied with Richard Neville ....Most Southerners tend to believe all major History and historical castles are in and around London... but the Nevilles and the Percy’s were two of the Biggest and most powerful families in the country...

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Ionabrodie69 I agree! I’ve only scratched the surface, but the history of the Percy family alone is quite amazing to me.

[@88KeystoCure]

@@MagentaOtterTravels no😂

[@juliamaitland7160]

I don't know if youve been as far north as Berwick-upon-Tweed. I live a few miles south at Cheswick which has an impressive beach with a sign warning you not to dig in the sand because during world war 2 the American navy out at sea used to use it for target practise!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh my goodness! That sounds like a dangerous place to make Sandcastles!

[@dek123]

The “Butts” signifies a nearby rifle range. The butts are where the targets were raised and lowered.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

But now it’s just a source of giggles for ridiculous people like me!

[@ImaneDesigner]

Love your videos ! 💜

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I love you! Miss talking to you. Send me a DM and let me know how you are doing!

[@ImaneDesigner]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 💜💜💜 so sweet thank you so much, I am good 🌺 I hope you are doing very well. Love all your videos

[@JessicaKwon]

wonderful adventures 👍🏼

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks!

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

That straight road was possibly the Devils Causeway, a Roman road

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks! That is a very intriguing name for a road!!! I hope you enjoyed our wee road trip. Did you see the Northumberland castle video as well? More Northumberland vlogs coming SOON... as soon as I finish my current Liverpool series. I hope you are subscribed, because I'd love to hear your reaction to the new batch ;-) Cheers! Dara

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

@@MagentaOtterTravels yes Dara I saw the castles video. I made a point a few years back of visiting every castle and ancient monument on Northumberland including Duddo stone circle which is a prehistoric site.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Mind-your-own-beeswax oh that's wonderful! Prehistoric sites are particularly cool. I have visited the Rollright stones and filmed there, I just haven't been able to edit and post that yet! But I did post my visit to the neolithic burial site in the Cotswolds called Belas Knap. Wonderful place, and not too touristy!

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

@@MagentaOtterTravels well you enjoy your travels and as we say up here ‘ gan canny bonny lass ‘

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Mind-your-own-beeswax cheers mate!

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

A little way south of where you were in Northumberland (passing through the relatively new county of Tyne and Wear) you come to Co Durham and, near Bishop Auckland, a church built in Escomb. If you look at the structure ( admittedly, there’s nothing much to look at) the church is mostly Saxon, partly made up from stones robbed from a nearby abandoned Roman fort (IV Legion) with a circular graveyard to prevent evil spirits lurking in corners. If ever you get the chance to visit, I recommend it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We are definitely going to Durham next summer! Thank you for the recommendation, we would love to see that church! Did you see my vlog of Veryan Cornwall? The houses are around for the same reason! Really beautiful village! Here’s a link if you want to check it out kzbin.info/www/bejne/maKWqmR4ZqmHf9U

[@Ionabrodie69]

OMG. I was Christened in Escomb Church..I live in Hamsterley now.. ( although I have lived around the region a bit even as far as the Scilly isles 😂) Our local and regional history is amazing.. Raby castle etc..

[@kevinbrewis6014]

crossed thatFord 45 years ago.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

And never came back?

[@MadameMinima]

Maybe next time you should show Ian a chocolate bar before asking him to give any explanations.... 😜

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

He just doesn't like being on camera... bless him!

[@MadameMinima]

@@MagentaOtterTravels but maybe with some chocolate it would be easier 😂

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Amazing that people don't go to Northumberland.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree!!! I’m trying to help spread the word how wonderful it is! So many American tourists just pass on by to stop in Edinburgh. They are missing out 😉. But then again, the fact that it’s not crowded is part of its charm.

[@fizzyridertoo]

It's funny how our lives have so many parallels. Here I am in Texas watching you exploring the county where my youngest son was born and going to places I never knew existed. My ex is from Alnwick, which I visited last year with my new wife. I'm also an Ian so we have that in common too.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That's crazy! I think the most amazing coincidence beyond you both being named Ian is our sons attending university in Austin/Cheltenham! We love that area in Northumberland! We have already booked an Airbnb to stay in Alnham next summer.🩷

[@fizzyridertoo]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I was telling my missus about it and she thinks we might be having a secret affair :D . Not really but the coincidences are striking.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@fizzyridertoo she needs to watch our videos too! 😉💖🦦

[@bobbye8071]

Have you visited wells in Somerset? If not please go and see the cathedral and Vickers row it's amazing

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Not yet, but we definitely plan to go! I’m hoping we can go next summer, as we have a cousin that lives nearby in Somerset who is a cathedrals expert, and I would love to have him go with us! Also of course, I need to visit Wookey Hole! As I discovered in Porlock, I love that cheese! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2rIaIWrd9-Iq7M

[@dek123]

There’s a village and large military training area near there called Otterburn.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I discovered that when I was there, and was very disappointed that we didn’t have time to go visit! We tried to fit it in, but there was just way too much we were trying to do 😫😫

[@redf7209]

I don't know if you got to see the murals you mentioned. Many of the locals were used as the models

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I didn’t, and it is one of my many regrets for having made this tour in such a rush! Lady Waterford used people from the village to paint gorgeous murals of biblical scenes. I wish I could have visited the museum and seen them in person!! NEXT TIME 😉

[@redf7209]

@@MagentaOtterTravels My family lived there in the 1600's but were gone by the time the murals were done. So unfortunately were not included in the murals

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@redf7209 Too bad! That would be a wonderful legacy!!

[@cornwallglory]

Your trip around Northumberland looked amazing, what beautiful castles and churches. We always do the same, visit every church in villages in England 😍 Are you back home in Texas now? Thanks for your videos 👏

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yep back in Texas until next May! But I have enough content to edit and publish another 50 videos of our travels this summer, so it’s all good! I will be reliving my time in Britain until I’m back there again 💖🇬🇧

[@cornwallglory]

@@MagentaOtterTravels can’t wait to see more of your travels, that’s fab! Where will you visit when you come over next year, what parts have you not been to? And you must try to see puffins again 😍

[@ians3586]

@@cornwallglory we are definitely going to try the Farne Islands again next summer. We have friends visiting us that we are taking down to Devon and up to Derbyshire to see Bakewell and Chatsworth. We’re also going to take them around the Cotswolds which are on our doorstep. Independently I would like to take trips to the Thames Valley and Sussex and Kent since those are areas that we haven’t really explored and I have a long list of things that we need to see. If we have time I would also like us to makes some stops in Lincolnshire (never seen) on our way back up north. So A LOT!

[@cornwallglory]

@@ians3586 wow that is a lot but may as well see as much as you can! Chatsworth is stunning and Bakewell, try the tart and pudding! Really hope you get to see puffins next trip. Hope you have a good year until you come over again and am looking forward to the rest of your videos for this year.

[@StephenandAndie]

can’t wrap my head around the pronunciation of Alnwick. 😅

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I just pretend in my head that it is spelt "Annick" and then I'm fine. It's like Warwick castle... you just have to spell it "Warrick" in your head ;-)

[@jayveebloggs9057]

Did you look at the village of Blanchland? Or Berwick on Tweed which is still at war with Russia?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

No we didn’t… do we need to next time?

[@jayveebloggs9057]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Blanchland is a beautiful but little known village with a lovely hotel (with fabulous garden area at the back). Have a look on you tube... Allendale another one in the nearby area that has a pagan festival on new years eve... ... I suppose you are finding out that the UK is full of lovely villages and you can never do them all!

[@jonsmith8582]

If you like odd street names there's a Butthole lane in Shepshed , Leicestershire . There was a Butt hole road in Doncaster, South Yorkshire , but the residents got tired of tourists taking pictures of the sign so they got the local council to change the name to "Archers way " !

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That street name is really zany! I can imagine the tourists... I would be one of them! And I also can understand the disgruntled town council. Just like how they had to replace the town sign for Shitterton with a massive boulder. You can imagine how often the previous sign was stolen! Speaking of Doncaster, we had a Sunday roast lunch at a pub there! Did you catch that vid? kzbin.info/www/bejne/o37Qh5SoqZmcjsU

[@jonsmith8582]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I did watch the vid , the next time you're in the UK try a carvery at a Toby's restaurant , great value and I've never had a bad meal there .

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I have seen Toby Carveries about! Haven’t tried one yet. Thanks for the recommendation 👍

[@MadameMinima]

Did they say how much a stay in this tower will cost?? 😳

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I tried to find out but it didn't say on the website. It did look booked for months in advance... popular place! I'm sure it costs "a king's ransom" as we say!

[@wencireone]

I think if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it !, "It's WOW, right in between Ouch and Boing" 😬😉😂👍

[@wencireone]

I'm guessing you have a large collection of stained glass windows on video by now, I bet you could do a short of stained glass windows 🤓👍 ( or even a full video )

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I hadn’t thought about that! I do have an awesome collection of drone photography over flower fields. That is a video coming up that’s going to be amazing! Honestly, I just need an extra 20 hours in every day to do editing! LOL

[@wencireone]

@@MagentaOtterTravels keep you going till Christmas at least 👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I think I have enough content to last until next May when I head back to Britain!

[@MadameMinima]

Crossed legs mean he probably took part in a crusade to the Holy Land.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Very interesting the symbolism in graves and monuments! Thanks!

[@ians3586]

I had no idea. Thanks for that insight.

[@jfergs.3302]

@@MagentaOtterTravels So much beauty in this video. Re the statues, indeed, the crossed legs did indicate crusaders. Crossed at the ankles, they'd been on one. at the knee two, and above the knee three crusades. Re the dogs. Dogs with women, and sometimes children, were to display loyalty to the crown and kingdom. At knights feet, ditto re the loyalty, but also to go with, and protect them in the afterlife.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@jfergs.3302 thanks John! Fascinating all the meaning behind the decoration on the tombs! Brits do love their dogs... even posthumously.

[@jfergs.3302]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Cheers. I read a book on burial rites, and grave markings some years ago. Fascinating stuff, and not as morbid as you may think. Though it sounds like something you'd only see on The Addams Family's bookshelf. That though makes it particularly apt as the older I get, the more I bear a striking resemblance to Uncle Fester :)

[@robertmackinnon4414]

Was that ford at ulgham

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I’m sorry I don’t know… did you recognise it?

[@StephenandAndie]

dignity is overrated. shoulda gone for the alternate Butts pose! 😂

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Next visit to Warkworth I will go with someone else who has no shame! hahaha

[@StephenandAndie]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏼‍♂️ we’ll do it with ya!

[@PertainingtoRose]

Is a bunting a flag?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, it’s the long string of little flags that are used to decorate for parties or on the front of houses

[@PertainingtoRose]

@@MagentaOtterTravels i learned something new today

[@AmbientDawn]

Lovely travel vlog. You have researched things very well and I wish I could do drone shots like you. If you love English countryside, check out our relaxing videos.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

My husband gets all the credit for the drone photography! Thank you.

[@chrismchale543]

Didthey have photography 200 years ago

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Mid 1800s... I might have been rounding up quite a bit! Good question! I'm rubbish at history, and have a problem with being too trusting and believing what people tell me! haha

[@chrismchale543]

@@MagentaOtterTravels 1826 I've done a little research....I suspect the photograph is a little later though.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@chrismchale543 true. It was probably mid to late 1800's. So... my video will be CORRECT in 50 years! hahaha

[@keithweelands5822]

The river is pronounced Crow kay

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you! I usually ask locals, because I NEVER know how to say things. I thought our AirBnB host in Rothbury (which is on the Coquet) pronounced it Cocket. But I might have misheard! Certainly the lawn game is pronounced Crow kay.... on both sides of the pond, if you can imagine! Actually, next week's video is about words we do NOT pronounce the same ;-) Cheers, Keith!

[@bonvoyage5377]

i think its pronounced co-ket (I was born and raised not far from it)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@bonvoyage5377 the host in Rothbury pronounced it Cocket... but other people have said it is a long O like Coh - ket... accent on first syllable. I'm hopelessly confused. I just know I said it wrong ;-)

[@malcomflibbleghast8140]

its river coke-it, accents petal.....

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I do try! But sometimes I forget to ask and just make a guess. Thanks so much for the coaching ;-) I hope you also check out my Northumberland castle video and Rothbury and Cragside. Cheers! Dara