A Northumberland Snow Day – A Winter Wonderland Wonder
I think everyone has an inner child that gets that tingly, excited feeling when they look out the window and the world is covered in a shimmery white blanket of snow. Yes, there is the defrosting of the car to contend with, or the delay to your bus or train to plan around and yes, you will inevitably get cold at some point. Snow is not always convenient and can in all honesty be an absolute pain in the wrong circumstances. But I do still, wholeheartedly think that a snow day is one of the most exciting days of the year. Where the world is unrecognisable and sparkling white. The whole world seems unusually quiet, so peaceful and sleepy.
Over the last weekend, parts of Northumberland experienced their first propper snow day of 2024! I woke up and noticed the light looked different through the curtains, so I got up, ignorant to the fact I was about to re-create the moment James from Raymond Briggs, ‘The Snowman’ looks out his bedroom window and sees his garden curtained in thick snow. If I thought the Northumberland landscape was something to behold before, I can now attest to the fact, that when it looks as if someone has spilled iceing sugar all over the hills and fields, it is breath-taking.
After a quite jaunt into the winter wonderland, we settled into the cosiest setting with the fire burning and the windows white with frost. I settled into some artwork, which I shall make a separate post about, with some tea and toast and enjoyed the lovely company of Tom (my boyfriend), Katrina (Tom’s mum) and the dogs, Otto and Dottie as well as the cats, Ben and Rocky.
After a lovely bite to eat we decided to venture out into the snow and go on a short walk to get some air and let the dogs have a run around. If you are looking for a spectacular walk in Northumberland, no matter what the time of year Wallington Hall is always a favourite of mine.
Wallington has everything anyone could ever want to offer, it has multiple children’s play grounds, a walled garden, an estate house, bird hides, nature walks and so much more. In spring the crocuses and snowdrops are something to behold. But on this particular day, it was completely different. The Wallington Estate radiated Christmas and gave me the feeling of being inside the C. S Lewis novel, ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’.
It wasn’t just the beautiful views we had the pleasure of seeing, the dogs enjoyed their walk, Tom even more so as he attempted to make a snowman. We very much enjoyed throwing snowballs for Dottie dog to fetch, then watching her wonder where it had gone when it dispersed after hitting the ground. Otto had a wonderful time too, chasing Dottie around and chasing the snow he kicked up with his paws.
We enjoyed a leisurely stroll within the estate, particularly enjoying the views from the house and the river walk path. It is amazing to see all four seasons along the same path. I enjoy watching the change of the seasons from my bedroom window, particularly what are old cherry tree is doing and the wildlife that visits it. It’s grounding to watch nature take its course. Over the last year I can safely say I have seen Wallington in all seasons. The damp and dark January winter, the beautiful spring time where everything comes alive, the sweltering summer heat, the last flush of beauty in autumn and finally the snowy early winter. For someone who has struggled the last year with how my head works, it’s so grounding and peaceful to know that just like I do, the world around me changes and can look different from one season to the next. Wallington Hall will always have a place in my memories.
Lucy Strawberry
NOTICE: All animals were safe outside during the snow. We are responsible pet owners and would not take our animals out in conditions that would be harmful to their health. Thank you.
