Corbridge - the best things come in small packages.

Half term arrived and it was time for my yearly R&R trip to Corbridge, the small town with the big heart. 

For the past few years my family and I have made the short trip to Corbridge to the cottage we now see as our second home. Dilston Garden Rooms is owned by the most welcoming lady and from the moment I arrived I felt right at home. 

    I was thrilled to catch up once again with Alan and his six hens. They happily followed us around the beautiful gardens and visited our cottage early morning to let us know the eggs were ready to collect. My children and I padded bleary eyed, dressed in our PJ's to gather eggs for breakfast, a perfect morning ritual.

At the end of the garden was what I can only describe as a hobbit House. Dressed in glowing fairy lights and with a cosy open fire pit and goat skin throws, we spent many an evening slowly toasting marshmallows while planning the  following day's adventures. 

  Each morning after breakfast we would make the 15 minute walk in to Corbridge to meander around the shops and enjoy a coffee at one of the many tea shops. 

I have to say my most favourite shop is the brand new children's book emporium on Watling Street  - Forum Books kids! 

This is a must visit if you have children, grandchildren or simply a love of books. Owned by Helen Stanton, it is sister to - forum books which is, in my opinion, the best book shop in the North East. Helen is so knowledgeable and has a wealth of experience in this field. Forum Kids is a place for children to really love books,  there are so many fantastic books that you won't find in other mainstream stores and children are actively encouraged to pick up and read the books. During half term there was a wonderful variety of craft activities and story times. 

Helen has some  fantastic plans for the shop including revamping the magical garden, I can't wait to see it! I highly recommend a visit, you won't be disappointed - just make sure you clear your bookshelves before you visit as you will certainly not return home empty handed. 

   I had heard very good reports about " Il Piccolo" and decided to visit for lunch on my daughters ninth         

   Birthday.

  Il Piccolo is an authentic, friendly Italian restaurant run by Sicilian born chef Manuele Orto and his wife Pam. From the moment we arrived I felt very well looked after and very much at home. The decor is warm and inviting and the choice of food was exceptional. I must add that while we were there my childhood hero happened to stop by for lunch. Yes, non other than Steve Cram!! I was so tempted to ask for a photo but was well aware that he was out to relax and so I managed to contain myself - I guess I could, at a push say I've had lunch with Steve Cram. 

Pizza all round was the chosen dish and it was delicious, thin and crispy with just the right amount of topping, following this a visit to the in house ice cream parlour was a must. After the children had chosen their three scoops,  the sundaes arrived and Madeline was even treated to a birthday candle. The pear sorbet has to be the most delicious thing I've tasted. 

  

    After a little visit to the deli to pick up a few Italian delights we left well fed and having thoroughly enjoyed the whole Italy meets England experience. 

If a take home lunch is what you need there are more than enough choices, all of which are delicious. 

Grants Artisan Bakery is mouth watering, everything is displayed beautifully and I have never been dissappointed with any of the food I have sampled. 

I think they make the largest meringues I have ever seen! A couple of doors up is JA Stobo & Son, greengrocer and fruit shop. This is the place for the freshest, largest fruit in town. All the usual fruit and vegetables can be found alongside some more unusual items! 

 

    For more unusual food the Corbridge larder, a delicatessen and coffee shop is a Corbridge favourite. Stocking both local and continental foods it certainly has that something special. 

  And of course to keep the children happy we had the obligatory visit to Skrumshus, the sweetshop in the heart of the town. It really is every child's dream. 

    

    For a little adventure, a short drive away is the Roman Wall. One sunny afternoon we headed off to find Sycamore Gap and the famous tree used in Kevin Costner's Robin Hood.

It was a beautiful walk in the late afternoon sun, we quite literally stumbled upon the tree as we climbed up and over a hill. It is, after all just a tree, but for some reason it is quite breathtaking. 

   The tree stood completely alone, not a particularly big tree but it was magical. My camera worked really hard that half an hour, my boy took a little time out while he waited. This is a must see in my opinion and I will definitely return in the summer. 

No trip to Corbridge would be complete without a visit to RE the renound store stocking all manner of REcycled, REscued and REstored items for the home. 

  

   Think back to being a child in the best sweet shop you've ever been to and you will have some idea how It feels when  entering the store. It is a feast for the senses and you will never leave without something and will always need to come back for more. 

RE opened in November 2003 and has gone from strength to strength gaining a strong following. For those who can't make the trip, there is an online store with lots of goodies to be had.

There are so many other fantastic independent sellers in Corbridge, from jeweller Kirsty Taylor who has made a few beautiful pieces of jewellery for me over the years to Aganthus, a gorgeous giftware, jewellery and soft furnishing store to name but a few. There are also some beautiful walks along the river bank at anytime of the year.

Corbridge is really a hidden gem in the heart of the North East but once you've visited you'll get the bug and will certainly want to  return. 

Hope to see you there soon. XOX