“I’m playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order…” – Eric Morecambe
One half of the iconic comedy duo Morecambe & Wise, Eric Morecambe, would have been turning 100 this year. To celebrate his legacy, the town which he chose as his namesake (as he was born here!), is hosting a series of exciting events and exhibitions over the course of May 2026 and beyond.
Eric Morecambe was born John Eric Bartholomew in Morecambe in 1926, and would go on to have an illustrious career on stage and screen. Eric is, without a doubt, Morecambe’s most famous son, and most recognisable talent. He was a talented comic, actor, songwriter, performer, and multi-instrument musician. After meeting Ernie at a young age in the 1930s, the two started working and writing together, which would eventually lead to the creation of one of the most iconic comedic duo’s of all time; Morecambe & Wise.
Despite airing decades before I was born, I always like to watch the reruns of the Morecambe & Wise Christmas Show on the BBC each year, and have seen clips here and there of other shows of theirs, finding them joyful, funny, and very silly (all good things in this life!). If you want to see clips of the iconic duo, there are plenty to be found on Youtube and iPlayer (I dare not share any here in case I get clobbered by copyright!).
If you want to get involved with the sunshine legacy of Eric Morecambe, there are loads of opportunities to do so throughout 2026, including shows at the stunningly restored Morecambe Winter Gardens (browse and find tickets here). Alongside shows and tributes, there will also be exhibitions and tours at various venues across Morecambe, showcasing collections from private collectors and those in the public record. The tours will be walking tours of key locations from Eric’s early life.
Bring Me Sunshine! Posing with Eric Morecambe’s statue on Morecambe front. (Please excuse my mum’s shadow in the photo, she had her back directly to the sun!!)
The thing about Morecambe and Wise that is so enduring is that they were about joy and laughter and silliness, things that I think we can always do with more of. It’s very easy to get philosophical here, but I think we often forget to laugh (especially at ourselves) and play as adults, and it’s so important that we do do it from time to time. In fact, Eric was so dedicated to delivering laughs and joy that even after he received a devasting heart condition diagnosis, he continued to perform. He died during a performance from a heart attack. I believe his most enduring legacy is remembering to not take ourselves too seriously, and that you’ve only got one life, so you might as well use it well, with an extra bit of silliness added in for good measure.
If you’re one of the millions of people (40m+ at the time of writing) who has watched Bridgerton Season Four in the last few weeks, and fallen for deeply for the whole whimsy (and not altogether accurate) Regency vibe of the show, you might be looking for places to visit that match that vibe, and where you can imagine yourself as a star of the show. Here’s just a selection of places around the North that you can visit and pretend that you’re Violet about take tea (*wink*); that you’re Eloise with her nose in a book and scorning suitors; or that you’re one of the new season debutantes, looking to fall head-over-heels in love with an eligible suitor… just make sure you stay with your chaperone and don’t become the subject of this season’s scandal!
Castle Howard, Yorkshire
Castle Howard
Castle Howard doesn’t just match Bridgerton vibes, it is Bridgerton vibes, as the location was used in Season One as a stand in for “Clyveden House” – the country residence of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dyvenor. The temple of the four winds in the grounds was used for a notably spicy scene in the pouring rain, whilst the library, the archbishop’s bedroom (pictured below), Turquoise Room, and Long Gallery were used for other scenes as the Duke and Duchess settle into married life.
In one interview I’ve seen with Regé he makes a joke about how – when filming spicier scenes – there is what is known as a “closed set,” where those only essential for the scene to be filmed are allowed to be present. Essential cast and crew… and Fiona. Fiona being the luckless (or lucky?) house warden who had been assigned to make sure that the furniture was properly cared for, and things didn’t get out of hand. In the interview Regé laughs as he recalls how this poor embarrassed woman is stood there, looking out for this incredible eighteenth century bed, whilst he was romping about in his birthday suit! That would have been a rather strange day at the office!
The house itself is a Baroque architectural masterpiece that took nearly a hundred years to complete. One can immediately imagine themselves as a Duke or Duchess, sweeping through the magnificently conserved hallways and receiving rooms, whilst planning the next ball that is to take place; one that will also show off the best of the collection, and centre the most stunning pieces. The collection itself at Castle Howard is incredible, with artists such as Canaletto, Titian, Thomas Gainsborough, Pannini, and Reynolds represented (along with many others).
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Howick Hall, Northumberland
Rear aspect of Howick Hall
I visited Howick Hall and Gardens last year, and it’s an absolutely delightful location to sink into the Bridgerton mindset; reading books in the garden by the pond, and drinking cups of Earl Grey tea (the house was the former residence of Lord John Grey, for whom the blend was made specifically). I think Eloise would be extremely happy at Howick, away from the pressures of the Ton, and where she might be able to focus on her writing, or plotting how to avoid the marriage mart for yet another season. On the other hand, Hyacinth would feel that this was too far from the action!
Whilst Howick is undoubtedly smaller than some of the more sprawling Baroque and Georgian palaces on this list, it is also very imaginably as one of the character’s country retreats; a place where they could find some peace and quiet after the madness of the social season. If not Eloise, I could imagine Sophie and Benedict finding much happiness at a place like Howick and, knowing Benedict, he would probably refer to it as “his cottage.”
Address: Howick Hall & Gardens, Northumberland, NE66 3LB Ticket Information
LEvens Hall, Cumbria
Whilst Levens Hall is actually late Elizabethan, and therefore far predates the time of Bridgerton, you could very easily imagine this Hall, and it’s magnificent topiary gardens, as a country house of a very old family of the ton, where they invite select friends and acquaintances to admire the beauty of the setting.
The topiary gardens would be the centrepiece of a ball, with lights illuminating the pathways, and music leading guests to different aspects and viewpoints within the gardens – whilst always being wary of a unchaperoned debutante accidentally finding herself alone with a gentleman – how scandalous that would be!
Photo Credit – Olivia Brabbs and the Harewood House Trust
Harewood House is one of the most gorgeous 18th Century houses in the country, and we’re lucky enough to have it here in the North. We can wander with wonder around the incredible halls, view the paintings by British and International masters, and imagine what it would be like to actually be in an episode of Bridgerton.
Photo Credit – Tom Archer and the Harewood House Trust
This is the gallery at Harewood House. Couldn’t you just imagine what it would be like to host a ball in this magnificent room? This room was one of the last to be finished in the 1790s (coincidentally closest to the Regency period of all the rooms at Harewood House). The room was furnished by Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Chippendale Junior, the much sought after furniture masters of eighteenth century England.
“The room’s magnificent ceiling is today considered one of Robert Adam’s masterpieces, and is decorated with 16 paintings by the Italian interior painter Biagio Rebecca. They depict a pantheon of Roman gods and the four seasons.” – Harewood House Trust
Perhaps the most famous literary export from Northumberland, L.J. Ross currently lives and writes out of the market town of Hexham, and the DCI Ryan Series (beginning with Holy Island) is her most well known series. There are twenty-two currently in the series and more are planned for later in 2026. All the novels have titles of local places or historical sites; Sycamore Gap, Penshaw, Cragside etc.
I notice there is also a book entitled Reivers, and it just says “coming soon” – I wonder whether that’s going to be about Border Reivers/Jacobites etc. If it is, that’s right up my street! I love historical fiction and would devour that in an instant.
2. Guns In The North, P. F. Chisholm (ROBERT CAREY MYSTERIES)
Okay, so this one is a bit of a cheat. This book is set in Northumberland and Cumbria. When Robert Carey, grandson of Mary Boleyn and therefore a cousin to Queen Elizabeth I, embarrasses himself at court, he is sent to the edge of England to work in a job no-one really wants, and regain the favour of his cousin and Queen. Stationed in Carlisle, in what he assumes are the culture-less and lawless border regions (only one of those is partially true!) Carey soon becomes embroiled in a murder mystery that quickly blossoms into a plot around clan and family loyalties, and even treason against the crown itself.
Guns In the North is the name of the first compendium that was released, containing the first three novels; A Famine of Horses, A Season of Knives, and A Surfeit of Guns.
It’s honestly one of my favourite trilogies I’ve read, and I devoured this first compendium in the space of less than a week. As it stands, there are currently nine or ten books in the series, and it is unfinished… hopefully we’ll get the ending soon!
3. The Crow Trap, Ann Cleeves (VERA STANHOPE SERIES)
Played by the indomitable Brenda Blethyn in the ITV Adaptation of the well known novels, the Vera series puts the rough-edged detective up against the wilds of Northumberland as she seeks to solve crimes. There are eleven novels in the Vera series, with other short stories and novellas available as well. Ann has said the latest novel will be the last in the Vera series, with Brenda Blethyn also retiring from playing the titular character on television. Despite updates to the series coming to a close, the legacy of Vera will live on for many new readers to explore and enjoy for years to come!
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4. Vindolanda, Adrian Goldsworthy
Set in AD 98, twenty years before Hadrian begins to build his wall, and Vindolanda is on the edge of the empire, in a constant struggle to maintain control against the native tribes of Britain. It falls to Flavius Ferox, a Briton and Roman centurion, to attempt to keep the peace.
Adrian Goldsworthy is a Roman historian, working at various universities after graduating from the University of Oxford, before turning to writing and publishing full time. He has written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, about Roman Britain.
Vindolanda from above
5. The Secrets of the Rose, Nicola Cornick
Another historical fiction novel (of sorts), this one is set in the Coastal town of Bamburgh, where a present day author is writing the story of Grace Darling, but instead finds herself drawn to the story of another local woman, Dorothy Forster, who’s story emerges at the time of the first Jacobite Rebellion in 1715. Dorothy is caught up in the drama of the rebellion when she learns her two brothers are involved, and her family might be the holders of a talisman the Rose, which both sides believe could be the key to winning the conflict.
Whisper it quietly, but it’s nearly 2026. I know! Where did 2025 go to?! How does it feel like it’s gone so quickly? Anyway, with the new year nearly upon us, it’s often a time when people are thinking about new and exciting things they might like to do. Well… allow me to suggest a few hobbies or volunteering options you might like to take a look at as 2026 rolls in.
Volunteer for the National Trust or English Heritage
Two of our largest UK charitable institutions rely extensively on the help of their volunteers in order to keep their historic houses, beautiful gardens, and expansive wild spaces across the North open to the public. If you’re able to, volunteering for one of these institutions can be incredibly rewarding – my dad used to volunteer as a warden at UNESCO World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey (jointly run/owned by the National Trust and English Heritage), and spent hours up there, walking around (with our Labrador!) and helping guests. If looking after heritage (and potentially spending more time outside, if that’s a resolution you’re thinking about!) and being a part of telling the story of a place and its people, is something you’d be interested in, there are hundreds of properties and locations across the North at which to potentially volunteer. Check out the National Trust or English Heritage volunteering websites for more information.
There’s also many many many other amazingly charitable institutions that would love your help, if giving up a few hours of your time is something you think you might be able to achieve in the New Year. From the RSPB to the RNLI, these charities rely on their incredible volunteers to keep them going – so check out whichever cause you’re passionate about, and get involved!
Get involved with a local theatre company
Ever dreamed about treading the boards? Well, maybe 2026 is there year to try it! There are theatre companies in many towns and villages, and they’re always looking for new people to help stage shows – either to be in them, or to make them happen backstage. Just in my local area and the immediate vicinity there’s Lancaster Footlights (based at The Grand), MAODS (Morecambe Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society), LADOS (Lancaster Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society), Morecambe Warblers… the list goes on! If you’re interested in theatre, singing, dance, or getting involved backstage, then I guarantee there will be a company, charity, or organisation near you that will welcome you to their throng. And remember, if actually being on stage isn’t your thing, there are so many roles available backstage – from costume, to props, to chaperoning, to producing, to set building and painting – your skills are needed and very welcomed!
Get fitter with Parkrun or a community running/walking group
If it’s your resolution to try and do a bit more exercise in the new year, why not have a go at joining something like Parkrun (found in nearly every town and city across the UK these days, with 1381 locations!) where you can be part of a community to help support those goals? Even if you go along by yourself, you can feel as if there’s plenty of other people there with the same goal as you – to get outside and to do a bit of exercise. If Parkrun doesn’t sound like your thing, then how about looking for a community walking or hiking club? With a little bit of digging around Facebook, or dodging adverts on Google, you could find a group of likeminded people who will help you get out and about in your local area and further afield, making your goals more interesting, and more attainable in 2026.
Explore The North!
How about making your New Year’s Resolution this year all about exploring your local area, and finding the hidden gems, amazing places, and great local businesses that can be found there? I know that this is definitely going to be mine in 2026 – I want to find even more places across this beautiful area of the country and shout about it. We’ve got so much on our doorstep, whether you live in Morecambe or Malton, Ambleside or Alnwick, so go and explore what your local area has to offer. Perhaps make it a challenge? Try and find fifty places within fifty miles that you can visit, either by yourself or with family and friends, to really discover how beautiful and varied your local area can be!
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It’s often said that we don’t explore what is on our doorstep; that we go on trips and days out, often travelling miles, but we don’t really go out and see the things we could actually walk to.
So, that being said, here are some things you can do in Lancaster if you’ve lived here for years, that I bet most of you haven’t done yet!
Go To Lancaster Museum
Go on, be honest, have you ever actually been inside Lancaster Museum (next to the Library/near TK Maxx)? If the answer to that question is no, you absolutely should. The history of our city is much bigger than its somewhat diminutive size would suggest. From a Roman settlement, to being wrapped up in witch trials, to the less-than-storied participation in the Atlantic Slave Trade (did you know Lancaster was the third biggest port in the eighteenth century after Liverpool and Bristol? It was only because the Lune silted up that the trade drifted elsewhere). Lancaster Museum is spread out over two floors and is full of interesting information about the history of our city, very worth a visit!
Tour Lancaster Castle
If you’ve never been on a guided tour of Lancaster Castle, then it is well worth it. It only took me about eight years of living in the city before I actually got around to it!
Tours are usually done in groups of ten or less, so you get an excellent experience of being able to hear the guide/ask questions as the group moves around the open areas of the castle. The castle has over eight hundred years of history, from the high medieval gate house, Elizabethan additions (built for defensive reasons during the scare of the Spanish Armada), the history of the witch trials, the Georgian jail cells (try going in one – it’s scary and dark!), the Lancaster regiments participation in the wars of the twentieth century, before the castle was given over for use as HM Prison.
There’s also the courtroom to have a look around, as long as it isn’t in session. It’s the oldest working courtroom in Europe, and as someone who has been on a jury in there – it’s quite an interesting place to be! Not the most comfortable ever, but still…
The tour itself takes a couple of hours, and is well worth it to learn a little bit more about one of the most incredible buildings in our city.
Visit the Butterfly House
This is definitely one for the late spring/summer when the butterflies have had a chance to emerge from their chrysalises and put on a colourful display. The butterfly house can be found in Williamson Park, which is a wonderful place to have a wander around – whatever the weather/season!
Head to a Festival
Lancaster has any number of street/city festivals throughout the year – from Dino Fest, to Chinese New Year, Light Up Lancaster, Christmas in Lancaster, Italian Festival, the Jazz Festival, and (when it happens – hopefully in 2026!) Lancaster Music Festival. There’s a lot going on throughout the year in Lancaster, and often there’s something to check out in the city on the weekends. Often these events have lots of free aspects to them, whether it’s watching a live band, or a light show, so if you’re looking for activities that are kinder on your wallet, check when the festivals are scheduled and head along!
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As Christmas comes ever close and the Theatre becomes a hive of activity once again with not one, not two, but THREE pantomimes (Footlights, Schools’, and Adult), I thought I’d take a look at the historic venue that they will be taking place in. Having “trod the boards” in this historic theatre, I can say that it is a wonderful place to perform, and I can’t wait to get the chance to do so again.
Lancaster Grand Theatre is a Grade II listed building built in 1782, and has been a mainstay of Lancaster’s cultural scene since then. Originally just called “The Theatre” and part of the Northern Circuit of theatres, where touring groups and players would make the rounds with their shows. The Grand is now the only surviving venue in it’s original state. The Grand Theatre is the third oldest working theatre in Britain, and it has been in near continuous use since it was built, apart from the odd year here and there when it has been dark. Pretty good going for a theatre approaching it’s venerable 250th birthday!
In the first summer it opened, the theatre put on Hamlet, with Lady Macbeth being played by Sarah Siddons, a relation of one of the men who opened the theatre. Other performers included Ira Aldridge, who was the first Black British actor to appear on a UK stage.
There is a pervasive theatre myth that the ghost of Sarah Siddons haunts the venue. I mean, what would a theatre be without a good ghost story and a residential spirit? As someone who has spent quite a bit of time there, I have yet to meet her, although if I do, I do hope she’s friendly. After all, this was a place she loved to be! Hopefully she would appreciate everything the volunteers and players do to keep The Grand going and vibrant.
Ira Aldridge (1807?-1867) in the character of Othello
Theatre performances at the theatre declined through the 1830s and 1840s, but it was reopened in 1849 as a music hall with a focus on classical music, as well as having a space for a museum for the Natural History Society, and was increasingly used for lectures. Charles Dickens appeared twice in 1860s, reading from A Christmas Carol and The Pickwick Papers.
In 1897 the theatre was modified, including a new stage, by architect Frank Matcham, but the work of this architect was lost in 1908 when the building was badly damaged by fire. It reopened the same year, after significant restoration, as The Grand Theatre. In it’s currently form it seats 457 over two levels and is owned by Lancaster Footlights, an amateur dramatic group, who have been performing since the 1920s, but bought the theatre in 1951 for £7,000 to save it from demolition in the remodelling of the Canal Quarter in the city. This “remodelling” involved mass demolition of streets of old housing, in order to rebuild for “healthier,” more spaced out, housing.
Tours of the theatre that explore it’s history, both older and more recent, are available throughout the year, hosted by extremely knowledgeable volunteer tour guides. Check out Lancaster Grand’s website for more information of when you can visit and take a tour.
There is also very exciting things planned for the theatre’s future, and a major fundraising operation is ongoing to raise money for an extension to make a new foyer, and to make the building more accessible for all.
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It’s spooky season! So, without further ado, I thought I’d do a round up of four haunted places that you can visit and experience the paranormal this Halloween!
Muncaster Castle, Cumbria
Do you want to spend a night in a haunted castle? At Muncaster they offer overnight ghost sits, where a small group can spend the night in the Tapestry Room, listening for the sounds of ghosts. The Tapestry Room is where visitors report disturbed nights, hearing footsteps in the corridor outside, and hearing a child crying from an adjoining room before being comforted by a lady singing. The story linked to this is that of Margaret Pennington, who died in the castle during her childhood from a bout of illness.
Golden Fleece Pub, York
The Golden Fleece Pub stands just over the road from York’s most iconic and historic street – The Shambles. Built before 1503 (this is when it first appears in the city records), and initially owned by the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, functioning as a coaching house. From 1656 it began operating as an inn, but it was not officially licenses until 1668.
The beer garden is named after the most famous ghost of the Fleece; the Lady Alice Peckett, wife of the Lord Mayor of York at the beginning of the eighteenth century; she has been seen walking the hallways and stairways of the pub at night by many guests. Another ghost is reportedly that of a North American airman from World War II, who was staying at the Inn whilst on leave. He leaned out of one of the top floor windows and fell to his death, and there have since been sightings of a ghost wearing Canadian 1940s uniform.
Many of the ghost tours of York feature the Fleece.
Chillingham Castle, Northumberland
The aptly named Chillingham Castle occupied a very strategic position during the bloody border wars between England and Scotland throughout the High and Late Middle Ages, meaning the castle often came under attack, or was raided by invading forces. During his campaign agains the Scots, Edward I stayed at Chillingham in 1298 before continuing on to the battle of Falkirk where the Scottish Leader William Wallace was captured.
Other royals, namely Charles I and Edward VIII, have also stayed at Chillingham.
‘All houses in which men have lived and died are haunted houses. Through the open doors the harmless phantoms on their errands glide, with feet that make no sounds upon the floors.’ – Longfellow, poet, describing Chillingham Castle.
Chillingham offers an array of Ghost Tours and Ghosts Hunts around the castle in the evenings and even overnight. You can see the offers here (although many are already sold out for 2025 – at least you’ll know where to look for next Halloween if it’s your thing!). Will you be (un)fortunate enough to see the pantry ghosts, or hear the spooky voices in the chapel?
The spookiest/grimmest part of Chillingham has got to be the Torture Chamber. A display of medieval implements of punishment and persuasion are on display here, providing brave visitors with information about their grisly purpose and opportunity to thank their lucky stars that such practices are not in use today!
Samlesbury Hall, Lancashire
Samlesbury Hall, located just outside of Blackburn, was built in 1325 by Gilbert de Southworth, and was the primary residence of the Southworth family until the early 17th century. Due to it’s seven hundred year history it’s had plenty of time to collect a few ghosts and spooky stories along the way!
Samlesbury claims that they have thirteen unique ghosts haunting the hall and the grounds. There have been hundreds of spooky reportings from guests, former residents, and staff, across the centuries. The first published account of ghosts at Samlesbury Hall was a book published in 1873, giving the site a long legacy of the paranormal and reporting on it.
The Ghost Room at Samlesbury Hall is located in the attic of the house and was opened in Autumn 2023. This was the first time the room has been open to the public and in use in nearly seven hundred years. Here you can read testimonies, audio stories, and visual media relating to the ghosts that haunt the Hall.
The most famous ghost to haunt the Hall is Lady Dorothea Southworth, often referred to as the ‘Lady In White.’ She has been seen/reported numerous times since Elizabethan times.
Have you ever experienced spooky happenings? Where was it? What was it like? Let me know in the comments below!
Start off the morning by having breakfast in one of our many independent cafes, which you can read more about in my ‘Cafe Culture in Lancaster‘ series.
Follow up the lovely breakfast by going for a tour of Lancaster Castle. This will need to be prebooked as the tour is guided, in small groups, by a knowledgeable tour guide. The castle has a history dating from the high medieval period right through to the present day (it ceased to be a HM Prison in 2011). Following that you can have a look around the Priory that is adjacent to the castle or have a wander down the hill towards the river to look at the ruins of the Roman Baths. There’s not a huge amount left of the ancient monument there, but it’s interesting to see evidence of just how long humans have been settled and building on the banks of the River Lune.
Front Gate of Lancaster Castle
If you need (or want) lunch after all of that, there are many pubs and eateries to choose from in Lancaster. I will be doing an article in the coming weeks about some of the pubs that can be found in the city, so keep your eyes peeled for that. Off the top of my head, I would suggest The Sun, the Three Mariners, Merchants 1666, or the Water Witch, which all do excellent pub food.
Afternoon in Lancaster
In the afternoon, depending on where your interests lie there are several different options. If you want to continue in the history theme of things, I suggest having a wander around Lancaster Museum, found in the middle of the market square. This fascinating museum takes you through the history of the region and the city from the earliest human occupation to the present day, including the links to the Wars of the Roses, the Witch Trials (the first convictions for witchcraft in the seventeenth century occurred in Lancaster), and the oft-glossed over involvement of the city in the English Slave Trade. For more information on the latter, a visit to the Lancaster Maritime Museum is also on the cards.
Ashton Memorial
If, however, you’ve been historied out by the visit to the castle in the morning, I suggest a visit to Williamson Park, the lovely open space to be found at the top of the city, with the in-situ Ashton Memorial looking out over the city and surrounding countryside in all direction. In the park you can also find a wildlife park and butterfly house, with lots of interesting critters and creatures to take a look at. If fauna isn’t necessarily your thing, then a wander around the park and surrounding woodland is a relaxing way to pass the time on a nice day, although it is worth being aware that the park and surrounding area is fairly hilly, and whilst it is accessible to wheelchairs and motorised scooters, those with ambulatory difficulties without aid might struggle a little, depending on conditions. If you’re up at the park as the sun begins to go down, you’re in for a treat, watching the sunset over Morecambe Bay with the Lake District Hills in the distance, a beautiful location to the end the day.
Lancaster itself sits on the main West Coast trainline, so as your day comes to an end there are plenty of trains to take you either North or South, depending on where you want to go next. The city is also adjacent to junction 34 of the M6 motorway, so is easily accessible by car.
It’s official; you can smell it in the air, and feel it in the coolness we’ve had this past week, the blackberries have been ripe for a while (we got five freeze-able boxes last week!), and the trees are just beginning to show their golden glow…
I love this time of the year… the heat of the summer is coming to a close (and this year we have had eight official heatwaves… which is a whole ‘nother issue that I really don’t want to think about it!), although we do sometimes get an Indian summer in September, and that feels like the last burst of summer before autumn officially draws in. Side story, a couple of years ago I was in York for my 30th birthday, and the whole weekend it was 28-31 degrees in the second week of September… that was warm. It made for a wonderful weekend, but it was a little bit weird for it to be that temperature in northern England in September!
But with the start of Autumn, people start looking to the cooler months, Halloween (if you like to celebrate spooky season), cosy jumpers, and homemade hearty soups. I’m definitely looking forward to stews and casseroles cooked in the slow cooker again, which have just felt too hot and heavy to eat throughout the summer. And, with the end of summer, it’s not like we going to run out of stuff to do – the calendar is absolutely packed for September, with plenty more to look forward to in the month’s following. I’ll be doing calendars for October, November, and December as well, pulling out the best of what’s happening in the local area for the rest of the year. If you’d like to keep up with what’s happening, sign-up for free to receive a weekly newsletter.
This time of the year has always been important throughout history. In the Northern Hemisphere it’s the time of the harvest and preparation, and the time to give thanks (whatever that means for different cultures) for food and sustenance before the winter comes in. In Celtic culture deities such as Danu and Lugh were honoured at the time of the harvest, with even more celebrations towards the traditional festival of Samhain, which has a heavy focus on the cyclical nature of life and death, and the transitions between worlds in different religions and cultures. For the Romans, the beginning of Autumn and the harvest brought holidays and festivals honouring the goddess Ceres (Goddess of the harvest), and Pomona (Goddess of fruit trees), amongst others. At the end of the season, the Romans celebrated the festival of Saturnalia, honouring Saturn, the God of time and renewal.
As for me, I’m looking forward to cooler days spent by the sea in Arnside, Silverdale, or Grange-Over-Sands, breathing in the crisp Autumn air. I love getting my jackets back out of the wardrobe, to not worry about overheating in my jeans or my leather trousers, and being able to wear my boots again. Autumn hits different to winter in this respect, because I’m not a huge fan of having to bundle up every time I step outside, but we haven’t reached that point yet.
And yes, sure, it rains more in autumn than it does in the summer, especially in the North-West. It comes with the territory… there’s a saying in Manchester that “if you can’t see the Pennines, it’s raining; and if you can, it’s going to rain,” which definitely has more than a grain of truth to it! Aside from anything else, after the spring and summer we’ve just had, we need the rain – our reservoirs are seriously low, and farmers have been saying that they’re on track to lose about 30% of their vegetable crop due to lack of water. So, in that vein I’d like to invite people to enjoy the rain. Of course, too much rain can be catastrophic, that’s not what I’m saying or trying to invite, I’m just talking about your typical rainy day. Find a way to enjoy it. Remember what it was like when you were a child and you’d splash in puddles and catch raindrops on your tongue, find things to do that don’t require going outside (there’s plenty of them!), and if it’s really not your thing, think about how much cosier the inside of your house or room is when it’s raining outside… take that nap with zero guilt because you can’t go out anyway. Win, win as far as I’m concerned!
Photo by Brigette Tohm
What are you looking forward to the most as the cooler months roll in? Let me know, or come say hi on Instagram or TikTok (@thenorthishlass)! I’d love to hear from you…
Hello, I’m Bryony, and I’m the Northish Lass! I’ve been travelling around the North for years, and have lived in the region since I was two-and-a-half (yes, disclaimer, I was actually born in the Midlands, but moved up here before I had any actual memories in the area). I started off in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and then moved to North Yorkshire when I was eleven, before moving over to Lancashire for University at the age of nineteen, and here I’ve been ever since.
I wanted to start writing about the North because I truly love this region; the countryside, the people, and just the general vibe. There are so many beautiful places and incredible experiences around here, and I wanted to spend my time highlighting them, and the people that make them what they are.
I’ve been writing since I was old enough to string sentences together, and have been journalling/keeping a diary consistently since I was 13. Yeah, I have a whole box of journals upstairs covering the last 19 years of my life… nobody will ever read them, but hey, there they are! I’ve also written stories, poems, articles, and a full length YA book (unpublished as yet). Basically, I love to write, and have been doing it for decades.
My other big love is history. I adore history. To me, it’s one big story that actually happened. Anybody who says history is boring just hasn’t been told the tale by a good enough storyteller. It is so so interesting, whatever genre is your favourite. Crime? History is full of it. Romance? Epic-romances abound. Fantasy? Plenty of witchcraft and weird happenings to go around…
So, that’s just a brief overview of who I am, and why I want to do what I do. I want to tell Northern stories, explore what the North has to offer, and showcase the best of this region. I hope you’ll join me on that journey!
