Scarbados

Something University taught me was that spontaneous plans are always the best ones, and when you combine that with exploring new places then they are even better. So, when we woke up to sunshine and scorching temperatures (I've learnt 20 degrees is considered that up North) a few weekends ago we made the impromptu decision to spend the day at Scarborough, the closest thing we could get to Barbados. 

Obviously my touch-and-go stomach decided that it would be a good day to flare up, but after a delayed start we were tooting along. As usual we had a bit of a mare when it came to finding somewhere to park after missing pretty much all of the turns to parking, but after what seemed like forever, we were eventually parked and on our way to the beach (beach, let's go get a wave).  

The last time I went to Scarborough was when I was about thirteen so I can't remember much other than a few penguins at the Sea Life centre, so it was all pretty much new territory to me. I, of course, got way too excited when I saw donkeys on the beach (they had little hats on), and rainbow-coloured beach huts. Once I'd gotten over my excited-ness we found a sunny spot and settled down with some fish 'n' chips- they always taste soooo much better when you're surrounded by the salty sea air. 

In true English style the sun didn't stay shiny for long, so we took a wander over the clifftop and in true Beth style my tummy didn't stay happy for long- this was our cue to leave. Unfortunately this meant we didn't get to relive our Barcelona rowing experience or waste countless 2p's in the arcades, but that just gives us a good reason to go back!

A day in Whitby

It's a Saturday morning. You wake up to blue skies and nippy temperatures so naturally that means a day at the seaside. Some people would think we're barmy heading to the coast in freezing conditions, but not I said Beth. So off we drove into the snowy mountains, literally, to get to Whitby. {Jason's little Peugeot did a grand job of trudging through the snowy roads and up and down the hills}

After taking a few wrong turns, I'm ignored when suggesting directions, we got ourselves parked, for free, and wrapped up head to toe. This was a new place for the both of us so we were keen to get exploring. The sea was super choppy which made for great pictures, and I took my hat off to the three chaps who were brave enough to surf the waves. We took a walk up the pier followed by a unsuccessful shell hunt on the beach, I wasn't wearing my wellies so I wasn't prepared to get wet feet for the search. 

As our tummies rumbled we stopped off at the amusements, a seaside must, lost lots of 2ps, then carried on to find us a spot of fish 'n' chips. Ideally we would have gone to a 'chippy' and sat on the beach fighting away the greedy seagulls, however our red noses indicated we needed some warmth so we settled for fish 'n' chips in a pub. It was delicious*.
*said in a french accent

Once we were suitably full and our noses had returned to their normal colour we made our way towards the town and harbour to explore the shops. Whitby offers such a variety including many sweet shops, meaning I had to pull myself away from leaving with an armful of fudge, the struggle was real. The next and final part to our adventure was clambering the 199 steps to the top off the cliff and Whitby Abbey. The views at the top are definitely worth the climb, even if you're legs are resembling jelly on a plate. 

We've already planned to return to Whitby in the warmer weather so we can play some crazy golf, it's closed out of season, and hop on a boat tour to see some whales. It may not ever be as warm as the coasts down South, but if you're ever up North I'd recommend a trip to visit this seaside town- even if it is to leave with an armful of fudge.