Connievan Jolly Holiday

Hello, so lovely to be back! Been pootling through my photographs over the past couple of days putting together the visuals for the latest installment of Tales From The Connievan. I surely hope you're not going to get fed up with hearing about all things caravan related cos I have a feeling that this'll be a long-winded, enduring, obsessive love affair and I can't see it letting up anytime soon. I just can't get over how happy being a Caravan Owner is making me :: I am love love love love love loving it! So much!!!

We had such a fabulous Jolly Holiday last week, it was pretty much perfect. We went across to the north east coast, to a magical little place that we've never visited before called Saltburn by the Sea. So it was a double whammy for me really, as not only did we get to spend 5 whole days jollying with Connievan, but we were beside the sea too, woooohhoooooo!!!

We booked onto a very small campsite called Bunnyland (I kid you not) which was a combined small campsite/boarding kennels/cattery/rabbit breeding/bed and breakfast type farm. It was in the midst of beautiful moorland countryside, with the sea sparkling in the distance and a green and golden buttercup field given over to a very informal campsite. We rolled up with Connievan on Monday afternoon and were given a fabulous pitch in the corner of the field with uninterrupted views all around. There was a swing under a small clump of trees for the Little People, and yes there were rabbits. Lots and lots and lots of rabbits, plus a few cats, chickens and a stunning peacock too. The Little People were so happy with this setup, they spent their whole time bicycling up and down the track between Connievan and the rabbits, with frequent detours to the swings.

I didn't take that many pictures inside Connievan as she isn't particularly photogenic just yet. I did want to show you our bed though, oh how wonderful our caravan bed is! So cosy and comfy and lovely, although I do apologise for it's unmade state, I certainly didn't bother to style this picture for you did I? 

Waking up early each morning was such a pleasure...drawing back the curtains and opening the window to take in the glorious weather and the green and golden scenery was bliss. The above view was mine-all-mine as I sat in bed with my tin mug of tea each morning, I couldn't have been happier.

Saltburn by the Sea is a very charming old Victorian seaside town. The beach is huge and expansive, the sea comes in across the sands in big, rolling waves making it perfect for surfing. And considering the weather (FABulous, glorious sunshine), it was very, very quiet too.

You can see my Little Man there look, sitting in the sea just chilling by himself....

....and this is Little Lady, putting the decorative touches to her sandcastle.

Little B, wiggling his toes in the sunshine....

....and this is me look....sitting in our newly purchased (and quite brilliant) beach tent, hooking myself into a delirious granny striped frenzy complete with sea views.

 

Hooky, hooky, stripy, stripy, glance up to the see the sea, squeeeeeeeeeal with happiness, then back to the hooky. It was blissful.

Saltburn has a rather splendid pier look, it's been beautifully preserved over the years and is blessedly free of Entertainments.

You basically stroll along it and view the view. Breathe in the air and admire the rolling waves. Think salty thoughts then stroll back again. Wonderful.

Saltburn also has this :: an amazing way to get from the seafront up to the top of the cliff where the town lies. There are steps of course, but why toil up the steps when you can ride up in fantastical Victorian Style??

It was a wonderful feeling, rising gently up and up above the beach and pier below....

....sitting cosily inside these cute little painted carriages with the most beautiful stained glass windows.

The view from the top of the cliff was breathtaking.

I think Saltburn was at one time a little run down and neglected, but has enjoyed a revival in recent years. It was all beautifully designed and well kept....

....and a real pleasure to stroll about in the afternoon sunshine taking it all in.

The town itself is small and quaint and wonderful. Very ornate and pretty. Lovely swirly whirly bits. I really liked it a lot.

After a stroll about town where we picked up some provisions from the local bakery and superb deli, we made our way back down the cliff, via the steps this time. Ahhhh coastal views, you can't beat 'em, they make my heart soar.

After a day at the seaside, it was so good to return "home" to our little corner of buttercup field. The days were hot last week, and it meant that we were able to happily sit outside enjoying the sunshine well into the evenings.

Connie's table lived almost permanently outside and we ate breakfast out here as well as evening meals.

Outdoor eating was kept simple :: crusty bread, chevre goats cheese, ripe tomatoes, crisp apples...

...and chilled white wine. Connievan has a super oven and gas hob which we very successfully cooked on, but I do love the ease of picnic style food eaten outdoors on a warm evening.

After the food was cleared away, we continued to sit outdoors and indulge in a little relaxing hobby-time. Colouring, building domino runs, reading and hooking were all carried out around the table as the sun descended in the sky. It was absolutely blissful.

 

Such a wonderful week, we were all sad to see it end. Little Lady cried when it was time to leave, it was quite heart breaking. Connievan is surely helping us some build some wonderful family memories. I'm cherishing them, holding them close, full of gratitude for such happy times.

Tomorrow I'll show you another little place that we visited, so do drop by for more sea breezes....see you then xxxxxxx

Comments

[Alice @ Crochet with Raymond]

What a lovely post and such beautiful memories for the future! Your photos were stunning, especially the ones from the top of the cliff... it has been pouring with rain here in NZ, and just coming into winter so extremely cold, but as I read your post it felt like summer! Beautiful!

[Jody]

What a great little holiday Lucy, it will build the best family memories. I have to say I'm a little jealous as I sit by the window on a wet day! You can't beat the English seaside for a great time! Hope you share many more with us.

[Jennyff]

Your post had me all excited and wishing we had a van too. I know the north east coast well, I'm glad Saltburn has had a revival, it looks splendid, and so pleased you had such fun. Look forward to seeing the places you discovered.

[little pink room]

Looks blissful!

[TheMadHouse]

I live in Saltburn and I alove it very, very much, We relocated back from berkshire to the NE when the MiniMadds were born. You will see lots of pictures of the beach etc in my blog all time time. we spent a couple of days on the beach and at Whitby last week. The weather was exceptional

[Gill]

It's great to see you had a wonderful time by the coast. You can't beat the British seaside (especially when the sun shines. Your children will remember these days forever.
But, oh it does make me miss our caravan! But I'm so glad that you've discovered the delights.
Can't grumble really as I live permanently by the sea...and it's raining. Oh well welcome back! xx

[Linda]

Thankyou beautiful post and the photos are wonderful. I look forward to your next post.

[Carole]

Hi Lucy,
Saltburn is a lovely place. It is a place i know sooooo well, from my childhood too. I used to stay with an Auntie near Middlesbrough. I once went for a walk along the pier ( don`t think its there now !) with my Dad on a windy day. The pier swayed with the wind and i ran back to the beach with my Dad laughing behind me! Memories!!
Love Carole from Rossendale xxxx

[RoMashKa]

oh it's beautiful!!!!

[Louise]

Saltburn reminds me of childhood holidays and daytrips. Ifyou like it there you should try Robinhoods bay or staithes reall smugglers coves and pretty views. Really enjoying granny striping with you.

[Carole]

Oh Lucy
What a muppet i am just seen the pier again on your photos lol! Well don`t go on it if it`s windy lol!
Love Carole from Rossendale xxxxx

[Puppet Lady]

Saltburn looks like a charming place to visit. I hope their tourist office is rewarding you for doing such a good promotion of the resort! Glad you had such a lovely holiday.

Janet

[Kirsty]

thanks so much for sharing these lovely photo's and your much loved (by us) conversation.

x

[Karin]

Aahhhhhhh, I wish I was there too!
Everything you tell and show us is sooooo breathtaking wonderful!
Thanks!

[Sue]

I just love that pic of the buttercups in the jam jar. Fabulous!

Oh, you do make me hanker after a caravan. My husband wouldn't hear of it though. He's a tent man and thinks caravans are for wimps. Does your Connievan have all the necessary facilities? I do like plumbing :o)

Sue xx

[Robbie]

Thank you Lucy, What a wonderful array of photos....I will feel I've been there by the end. Which is wonderful cos I don't think I will ever get to that marvelous piece of heaven!! Great times are happening for your family and you still crochet, that's truly awesome. My Best to you all, Robbie

[Aubrey]

Lucy, this sounds a magical holiday and you have made it all seem as though we are with you too. Thankyou too for sharing, your pictures are gorgeous! Aubrey

[vanessa]

I get the teeny tiny impression from your post that you had a great time! he he! Well, thankyou for the beautiful photos, as it allowed us to be there and have a little break away too! There is nothing lovelier than a bit of countryside, a bit of beach and sea and a bit of alfresco dining! Ooooh I am going into a dream state now...nothing will get done in my house for a few hours at least today! ha ha! Have a lovely rest of a day! xxx

[Carina]

Your holiday looks fantastic, relaxed and the pictures will definitely cherish this golden family memories. Thanks for sharing a bit of the countryside with us. It looks superb. We hope to do some camping this summer, so hopefully the weather will improve! Have a lovely week. Cx

[Ailish]

Thank you so much!! I feel like I've been on holidays myself after reading that post :)

[Goosey]

What a lovely time you have had, looks like a very good place to stay.

[Martha]

Oh, My!! I find myself longing for a Connievan, too! What an amazing vacation. Thanks for sharing!
♥

[Jackie]

Lucy ~ what a very lovely post! It's looks and sounds like you all had a wonderful time ~ lots of lovely memories too! :O) xx

[Kelly]

Thanks for sharing! So happy for you and your children will have those memories to take with them forever. Camping throughout my childhood are the happiest memories I have as an adult and so thankful my parents took the time to take us!

[Nina - Tabiboo]

Living al fresco...now that's my kind of living.

I've heard of Saltburn on Sea in Freya North's last book. A bit of a chic flick - my brain can't cope with much else at the moment! - but the way she describes it is absolutely captivating and from your pictures I can see why.

Alas though we have never made it that far North.....yet.

This family memory making is wonderful 'breath it in' verrrry good stuff.

take care,

Nina xxxxxx