If you've been visiting with me for any length of time, you will no doubt be very familiar with my love of the sea and all things coastal. I grew up on the south west coast of Dorset and ever since I left home in my late teenage years and moved to the north of the country, I've really missed being by the sea. I think this feeling has actually intensified as I've gotten older, and at times the call of the coast positively bellows at full volume.
North Yorkshire has some fantastic coastline which I'd say is roughly 90 miles away from where I live, making it just a weeny bit too far for a quick day trip. So of course I frequently attempt to engineer short breaks by the sea whenever I think I can make it work for us as a family - we made it to the coast for the new year, and again in February - and sometimes I'm lucky enough to go away with friends. I also try and visit Dorset to stay with my Dad when I can, but I've never ventured to the coast to holiday completely by myself. That is until last month - oh yes indeedy!!
I can't tell you how strongly I felt the need to get myself to the sea, it was like the most insane itch that I absolutely had to give a good scratchin'! I think it was fuelled by a strong desire for breathing space, for peace, and for something of a personal reset of sorts, a need to simply spend some long hours quietly by myself with my own thoughts. I had a chat with J about how I was feeling, and he told me to just book something and take myself off for a few days - honestly, you should have seen how fast I acted on that, I had something nailed down and paid for within the hour haha! It was all very spontaneous I guess, I booked it on the Sunday and set off two days later, staying Tuesday to Thursday in early July.
As is usual for me I travelled by train, and it felt really exciting to be setting off on a little mini solo adventure with just a few things packed into a rucksack.
And this is where I ended up after three hours of gentle jigging along the tracks - one of my all time favourite seaside destinations : Saltburn-by-the-Sea. I wish I'd taken a photo of the little train station in Saltburn to show you, it's ever so cute. There are only two platforms at the end of a short branch line and it's right in the middle of the small town centre. You literally step off the platform, out onto the street and a short walk later you're gazing at a sea view.
↑↑ This was where I called home for two nights, a small but perfectly formed little house that has been very beautifully renovated and decorated. I'll show you a bit more of the house in a while and show you the stunning views, it really is one of the loveliest holiday rentals I've ever stayed in. I found it online at the start of the year and could not get it out of my mind, it was love at first sight.
It was quite the experience arriving all by myself and settling in, and the first thing I did was make a trip to the local supermarket to buy some essential groceries for my short stay. I took a photo of my shopping because I was chatting with J about it at the time, and I thought you might like to see......
....there you go! Halloumi (which I sliced and pan fried), ham, cherry tomatoes and salty snacks for my dinner, with yoghurt, grapes and bananas to snack on. Dark chocolate and slices of cake to take care of any sweet cravings, with coffee and a mini bottle of prosecco to drink. This kept me going (more or less) for two days, although I did buy a few extra items on my second day. I ate breakfast out at a café on my first morning but other than that I had all my meals at the house, sitting on the little outside terrace at the front with a glorious sea view.
When I arrived in Saltburn it was around 3pm on a bright and breezy afternoon, and once the grocery shopping was taken care of I couldn't wait to get down to the beach.
The house where I stayed had easy access down the cliffs to sea level via various stepped pathways (see here to get an idea). Of course it's easy-peasy going down and you arrive on the sands with a spring in your step....
....and the wide open beach spread out to explore.
The hike back up again isn't quite so springy and leaves your legs feeling a weeny bit on the wobbly side. During the few days when I was staying in Saltburn, the amazing water powered lift wasn't in action but when it's running it provides a really amazing alternative to the hard slog of the steps.
The views from the top promenade are stunning though, and there are loads of benches to gently slump on while you recover your breathing and regain use of your legs.
This elevated promenade is beautifully designed and well kept, and in July the beds were absolutely bursting with flowers. I remember being utterly charmed by this part of the town when we visited for the first time back in 2010. We were staying nearby in our caravan and I really fell in love with Saltburn back then and have been drawn to it ever since.
I mean, any town with giant ammonites set into the pavement is going to get my vote.
The sea views and fresh air are quite intoxicating (in a good way, a very good way) and I found myself breathing deeply and really taking in the scent of the place. At this time of year it smells of sundried grasses, sweet scented flowers and the salty tang of seaweed and is a little bit heavenly if you ask me.
It's six o'clock now, and I'm back at the house having a bite to eat and a few glasses of chilled fizz. The front garden is decked out with built in seating, providing an amazing place to relax and enjoy a drink with a sea view. Cheers!
It's a bit later now and I've made myself a milky coffee and crossed over the road to sit on the bench there. It's a great spot for people watching and taking in the sun as it descends down towards the horizon. I'm feeling beautifully relaxed and a little weary after the excitements of the day, but I decide that I'll find the energy to walk down to the beach a bit later to watch the sun set....
....I mean, how could I let this ↑↑ slip by?? It's around 9:20pm in the above photo and there are only a few souls on the beach at that time.
Isn't it glorious? I experienced a moment on the beach there of absolute profound gratitude for this life of mine, and for the fact that I was standing there all alone with such an insanely beautiful view to enjoy. How very, very lucky I am.
9.45pm now and the sun has slipped quietly beyond the horizon. Time to face the steps again and climb back up to the house to fall into bed. What a day.
Good morning! I'm sat in bed drinking a hot cup of tea and looking out at the grey of a sky which tells me rain might be on its way. Can you imagine how ridiculously happy I was with this view from my bed in the morning? Isn't it fabulous? Here, let me show you the bed (as it looked when I first arrived), so you can fully appreciate the luxury I was enjoying.....
.....oooooooo, isn't it something?? And to think I had that whoooooole big bed ALL TO MYSELF!!!!! How incredibly indulgent to have all. That. SpAcE.
I took my time getting up and getting ready for the day, because after all there was only me and myself to please. I had no plans at all, preferring to see how I felt from hour to hour and deciding on the spur of the moment how to fill the day. First up, the shoreline was calling, so down to the beach I went.....
....to walk along the sands and breathe in that gorgeous salty morning air. The tide was high at this time of day so I crunched over the pebbles up by the sea wall, admiring the colourful beach huts.
Time to climb back up those steps and go for a wander around the town....
....oh, look!! Just look at those flowers!
This old church was completely surrounded on all sides by the most glorious, exuberant planting of Hollyhocks. So, so pretty!
I later learnt that the church isn't in fact a church any more, but home to a community centre and small theatre. Well whatever goes on within those old brick walls, the flowers really did have the wow factor, they were an absolute delight.
I ended up in a small deli in the town for a late breakfast of buttered toast, bacon and eggs, sat at a little wooden table in the window watching the locals coming and going. It's a unique experience being away from home by yourself, choosing where to go, what to eat, and how long to take over each thing you decide to do. I found my pace was deliciously slow and I really enjoyed just sitting in various places (Saltburn has a great many benches, and I absolutely LoVe a bit of bench sitting), or slowly pottering around observing all the little details of the town.
Saltburn is a great place to take in the wide skies too, and you can really see the weather playing out along the coastline as you walk.
I have to be honest with you and tell you that my breakfast and coffee was only just about OK, and not somewhere I would especially recommend. So once I'd finished up I found my feet taking me back down to the beach where I knew for a fact that good coffee could be found. I walked slowly down through the Valley Gardens (I forgot to take photos, but you can see a bit of what it's like here) - it's an interesting mixture of woodland, formal gardens, riverside, playground and park all leading down to the sea. Camfields is down at the very bottom of the gardens where the river flows out to the sea, and is the place to go for great takeout coffee. I really enjoyed sipping as I strolled along the beach....
...parking my butt down on the pebbles with my back leaning against the sea wall. As you can see, the rain did indeed arrive but it was only a very light summer shower, a few minutes of drip-drops landing and then it was gone as quickly as it came.
Eventually I arrived back at the house and it was just after midday. Hmmm....what do I feel like doing with my afternoon? Yes, of course I had packed my crochet, because in early July I was properly falling madly in love with this blanket after being very unsure of it for a few months.
I took the above photo so you can see a little more of the house - it's small but oh-so-lovely and completely open plan downstairs with a beautiful clear light streaming in. What you can't see is to the right of the picture out of view there are huge bi-fold doors leading onto the front decking, so I could sit and crochet with the doors open and the sea breeze wafting in.
I spent the afternoon listening to music and crocheting - I landed on a Spotify soundtrack called "Easy 70's" or something like that and it was absolutely perfect for the occasion. Kind of mellow and nostalgic and summertime-ish. I did manage to get a lot of crochet completed and only stopped when I realised my hands were feeling a bit stiff and achey. I was stunned to discover it was almost 5 o'clock, my goodness, how speedy the time passes when you are living your best life!
I noticed that as the afternoon had passed the grey skies had given way to blues, so on the spur of the moment I decided to take a quick walk down on the beach, my third visit of the day.
Bloomin' heck, it was sooooooo windy!! The tide was at its lowest point so there was a huge expanse of beach exposed and the wind was whipping it up into a sand storm! It was absolutely mesmerising to watch but not at all pleasant to be in, I felt like any exposed skin was being exfoliated and my trainers were literally filling up with sand as I walked.
So I quite quickly came up off the beach and walked back to the house via a wooded lane where I picked a few wild flowers from the verges.
It's six o'clock now and I'm suddenly very hungry so I made myself a simple meal to enjoy - pan fried halloumi, chorizo slices, tomatoes and grapes, with some smoky paprika crisps and a gorgeous chilled drink of Sauvignon Blanc. I have a soft spot for those dinky little miniature bottles of wine you can buy in the supermarket, they feel like a treat and are just right for enjoying a solo drink with dinner.
Here I am look, back to my hooky as the evening rolls in, loving the hell out of my yarny squares and the sea views right outside the door. Happy, happy me.
It's 8.30pm now, but the sky is too cloudy for a good sunset which is a shame. Shall I go for a walk anyways? Oh, go on then, it would be a shame to be inside when there are such beautiful coastal views to be had.
I decided not to head down to the beach this time, but instead stayed up on the top promenade, strolling and bench sitting, breathing in those glorious sea views.
I'm tucked up in bed by 9.45 with a mug of tea and a slice of cake (who knew eating cake in bed would feel so naughty, but SO good?!), and look it's still light outside. What a wonderful, wonderful day I've had.
I slept for a solid nine hours that night (I'd actually done a lot of walking during the full day I spent in Saltburn, over 25,000 steps) and woke up feeling happy, refreshed and energised. I decided to get busy packing up my things and tidying up the house so that I could head out for one last walk and a coffee before needing to leave and catch my train home.
One final stroll along the top promenade to drink in those views.
The famous water powered lift was getting ready to open later that morning and I was sorry that I wouldn't be there to take a ride. One last walk down the steps......
.....down to Camfields to get my morning coffee. I can highly recommend the Illy coffee, it really hits the spot first thing in the morning.
With my coffee in hand I took a slow stroll along the whole length of the pier....
....stopping to sit on a bench to drink my coffee and watch the waves roll in under my feet. I'm pretty certain that bench-sitting is now my new best thing, in fact I think I could train to become a professional bencher because I do seem to have a talent for it.
I wonder how many benches there are in Saltburn? Can you see them all on the pier in the above photo? I can tell you there are loooooads of benches in Saltburn, benches with a plethora of differing views and vantage points.
Sigh....how I adore this place.
I've got a little bit of time before my train leaves so I can stroll on the beach for a while....
....and pop a pebble in my pocket to remind me of a very memorable trip.
It's hard to find the words to describe just how good this trip was for my soul, but hopefully through my photos you can get an impression of it. I think I've mentioned before how important it is for my wellbeing to carve out regular alone time to recalibrate and process my thoughts. Usually I am attempting to do this in small snatches of time during the course of a busy day spent at home with the family - short walks to the meadow, a solo takeout coffee by the canal perhaps. It never occurred to me that I could give myself permission to have an extended break away, and with J's blessing it was absolutely the greatest gift and a real privilege.
Time, breathing space, quiet, stillness. But also flying sparks of energy, inspiration and creativity, a huge recharge that I didn't know I needed quite so much. This solo trip gave me way more than I could have hoped, and I am so, so grateful for the whole experience.
There's just one niggling little problem now though........when do I get to do it all over again?!
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ps I would love to know in the comments whether you've ever taken a trip away all by yourself somewhere? If not, would you like to? Do tell me your thoughts! x
Oh, Lucy, your photos are so lovely and so calming - I honestly feel as if I've been on vacation just looking at them. So glad you were able to get time away to rest, rewind and recharge. It's my dream to visit the English coast someday.
Posted by: Julia | August 12, 2022 at 12:44 AM
Glad you enjoyed my local coast :)
Posted by: Alison | August 11, 2022 at 11:57 PM
Your post reminded me of Sunday School summer trips to Saltburn organised by my father. Just a short train journey from Darlington,but felt like miles to a young child. Lots of fun, gritty sandwiches and sand everywhere - in socks,shoes, hair and knickers! Happy memories of 70 odd years ago.
Posted by: Chris Swales | August 11, 2022 at 11:34 PM
Your caravan!!! I do remember!!! Your experience brings back memories: my first solo trip was just last year…. And I’m 53 years old! It felt strange but liberating. I felt like I was breaking up a “non written rule” about traveling alone. . And I just let the feelings be: a first experience todo that challenged me and changed me.
Thanks for writing your blog: I just love it!
Posted by: Laura | August 11, 2022 at 11:31 PM
Just got home today from my first ever solo mini break to west wales. Truly an awesome coastline down through Snowdonia.
I lost my husband 8 weeks ago and I had an overwhelming desire to get away to the beach in my own. It has totally reinvigorated me with a newfound determination to look after me and live life. Thankyou for sharing and confirming to me that it’s ok to spend time on our own and not feel guilty about wanting to do just that!! Take care lovely Lucy x
Posted by: Tracy Martin | August 11, 2022 at 09:17 PM
Ahhhh! My blood pressure lowered a few points just perusing this post!! What a treat you had! When I was in my 20s, I took a summer trip up the California coast to the little town of Cambria where I took a wonderful watercolor painting workshop. I stayed in a tiny room in a cute inn and painted my heart out, both "en plein aire" (outside) and in my room (until midnight!) I remember one warm night walking into the little town at dusk for a snack as a storm rolled in over the ocean. The lightning over the sea was mesmerizing! What a special trip that was -- 40 years later, I still hope to repeat it with my hubby in tow! P.S. Can't wait for your new blanket design!!
Posted by: AnnieChermak | August 11, 2022 at 07:24 PM
Your trip looks wonderful. So pleased you enjoyed it. I went to Scotland on my own back in January. I made the big decision to take early retirement from nursing last Christmas, and just felt a real need to empty my head and have some ‘me-time’. It was wonderful. It was cold, everything was shut, but I just took my dog, my crotchet and my paints. Bliss with Seaview s and big skies on the West coast south of Oban - Easedale. Can highly recommend it. X
Posted by: Katy | August 11, 2022 at 06:58 PM
I'm a long time reader who has never commented before, for which I apologize! I think it's because I feel I would write way too much... so I will try not to! I live a rural part of Pennsylvania in the USA, but 11 generations ago my family came from Chaigley near Clitheroe (I wonder if you know it?) I love your blog - your photography, writing, and creativity. How I would LOVE to visit my ancestral home area AND also beautiful Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Your photos are SO lovely of it... the flowers, the sea, everything! Yes, I have traveled on my own. I once went to Papua New Guinea solo. But as I've gotten older I am not as adventurous. Thank you for allowing me to be a virtual traveler thru your eyes!
Posted by: Nancy | August 11, 2022 at 06:18 PM
Oh, what a glorious trip that was! I'm so glad you went, and then shared your experience with us. I very much miss the ocean (grew up near the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and am now quite landlocked where I live), and have not been able to see it in person for quite some time. Your photos and descriptions filled the bucket for a wee bit, and for that, I'm grateful.
Posted by: Kate | August 11, 2022 at 05:59 PM
The sea calls my name too. I grew up beside it -- the roar of the waves as they roll into shore, the sand, the tidepools, the cliffs (and caves!), the comforting call of the foghorn and, most of all, the smell of the ocean. It lives in my soul. But beauty can be found almost anywhere, if you allow yourself to open up to it. Now I live in a valley, bordered by mountains. I have traded the vast expanse of the sea for the vast expanse of the sky, and the ever-changing clouds that play in it. Sometimes it just takes my breath away! I guess I've decided to bloom where I am planted. Yet, even so, every so often I steal away to visit my old friend, the sea.
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 11, 2022 at 04:20 PM
I took a solo trip to New York City in 2018. I grew up just an hour from there and spent a lot of time in the city over the years, so I know it well. But now I live far away, and I realized that I hadn't been there in some time. My husband hates NYC, so he suggested I just go there myself. We don't have kids but I have a very busy, high-stress career. Except for going to a show and meeting a friend for lunch, I had no set agenda. It was wonderful! I visited old favorite places and checked out some new things. Even better, I realized that I do quite like my own company - while I love traveling with my husband, being on my own was nice in its own way. It's already been four years, and I'm thinking of going back sometime next year.
Posted by: Lisa | August 11, 2022 at 04:11 PM
Hello Lucy, this was an absolutely lovely post!! I have just done something very similar.... Travelled to Sweden (I live in The Netherlands) to visit my brother who I had not seen for years.... but first taking some days to my very self. Sitting peacefully at the edge of a big quiet lake, with my feet dangeling in the water.... It was not all that easy to get out of my comfort zone and to do a thing like this, but it was worth every minute!!!!
Posted by: Lily Veenendaal | August 11, 2022 at 04:06 PM
I've traveled for business in the US, to a few quilting retreats and to Los Angeles for medical treatment. There is definitely a feeling of freedom when you are only considering yourself for a few days. I highly recommend it.
Your trip looks lovely and I'm glad you were able to go.
Posted by: Ann | August 11, 2022 at 03:19 PM
What a lovely blog!
I am fortunate enough to live in Whitby, and I know exactly what you mean about the sea. I try and go down every day if I can. I also have a beach hut and I love to sit and crochet there, sipping a G&T, and watching the sea.
But I also have a campervan, and I love to go away on my own in it, stopping wherever I want, doing whatever I want when I want.
So looking forward to the latest blanket coming available.....
Posted by: Susan Beck | August 11, 2022 at 02:49 PM
Beautiful photos, we love summer blooms around the old church! We hope you're enjoying your summer and keeping safe in the heat! The BloomLocal Team xx
Posted by: Olivia | August 11, 2022 at 02:45 PM
I was 40 when I first travelled by myself - I took 4 months to go round the world and it was so liberating. (My kids aged 12, 14 and 17) stayed with their Dad. Since then I travel on my own a lot and absolutely LOVE it. My favourite was a month in a treehouse in Pembrokeshire on the coast, over Christmas and New Year - utter bliss! Nothing between me and the sea!.
Posted by: Sandra | August 11, 2022 at 02:39 PM
I have never gone away on my own but I do like the idea😁
I am lucky my chicks have flown and my other half works si I have plenty of time to myself and my own car too.
But I do like the idea of bench sitting, I might have to try taking a bag of crochet with me.
Beautiful blog thankyou omg that accomodationlooks gorgeous.
Posted by: Jacqui | August 11, 2022 at 01:47 PM
Oh Lucy, it looks like an amazing couple of days to yourself! I'd love to do something like that - maybe one day.
Posted by: Jools Morgan-Jones | August 11, 2022 at 01:42 PM
Oh, good for you! I did a similar solo trip in May (but to Wales) as I was in desperate need of breathing and thinking space. Deliberately stayed away from WiFi and just let myself be present there. It was splendid. Everyone should take a solo trip!
Posted by: Tonia | August 11, 2022 at 01:25 PM
Lucy your trip away sounds idyllic, just reading it made me feel like I was there too! Salt burn looks absolutely wonderful. We are spoilt living on the Wirral as we get the most wonderful sunsets. Closest I’ve had to a solo trip was a day to London to see a Peanuts exhibition! Hope not too long till you can enjoy another trip away xx
Posted by: Amanda | August 11, 2022 at 01:16 PM
A marvelous treat for yourself and us to live through vicariously.
Posted by: Nancy Gill | August 11, 2022 at 11:51 AM
This all looks idyllic!
Posted by: Mrs Molly A Worsfold | August 11, 2022 at 09:25 AM
This is an absolutely delightful post, Lucy. I feel as if I have had a lovely break at Saltburn too. Thanks for sharing your "retreat" with us.
Posted by: Sheila | August 11, 2022 at 09:17 AM
How wonderful for you. I won’t be alone but going down sth for a couple of days in Oct with like minded ladies who love to knit and crochet. We all bring our own breakfast, lunch out and around 5pm we have cheese platters etc. Then our leader organises our supper, normally soups. I’ve been once, so this will be my second time. We stay in our leaders family owned holiday home not far from the ocean. I’m planning of having early morning walks along the beach like I did last time. The holiday home is in a place called Eagle Bay, Western Australia. You should google it, it’s to die for and far too expensive for us to buy a home. On the way down my friend and I visit a yarnie shop in Busselton called The Blue Box, a favourite of mine.
Oh and we have booked our flights to the UK March next year. Can not wait to have some walks along the UK coast line.
Posted by: Jackie Farrow | August 11, 2022 at 09:14 AM
I love all that coast and Saltburn is very special. My Mum grew up at Marske by the Sea, just up the coast, and was at secondary school in Saltburn through the war.
Posted by: Janet | August 11, 2022 at 09:05 AM