Blue Reef Aquarium (Tynemouth)

Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth has established itself as one of the most well loved coastal attractions in recent years, with a collection of sea life ranging from tropical fish, sharks, reptiles and monkeys - yes monkeys (but more about them later). I popped down to the Aquarium and instantly felt myself drawn to all of the colourful fish and animals on display. Looking around at the visitors I could see many parents, grandparents and children happily talking about and interacting with the displays and creatures.

I like the fact that when adults visit the Aquarium they exude a childlike happiness that makes me smile. Being surrounded by the bright tropical fish and the sleek sharks and rays is a very exciting experience.

One of the more unusual but amazingly entertaining displays features the Amazonian miniature monkeys. These tiny adorable little animals are hugely entertaining, one minute they are lazing in the shade eating and the next thing they are scampering up ropes and vines. I was amazed at how curious they were to view us watching them. The children watching the monkeys were laughing and excited every time one of the monkeys came right up to the glass.

Another one of the popular displays is the sea lions which are fantastic huge yet graceful creatures. There is a daily show for the public where the sea lions, amongst other things, kiss each other and the animal carers (there is some teeth brushing involved first ha ha) I don't want to say too much about the show because its much better to just pop down to the Aquarium and see it for yourself.



I just wanted to pop this little fellow (below) in the blog because I thought he was great. Every time I put my camera down he looked at me and then away when I tried to take his photo. Sometimes the little things can be fun and interesting and make you smile.

Check out the Blue Reef Aquarium website below for details about displays, events and much more:

http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth.htm

Oh - and you might find a Nemo or Dory in the gift shop.

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Country House Tearooms

I made arrangments to meet up with one of my longest suffering friends Maria yesterday and do a bit of a tour around Tynemouth to get some more blog photos and information. Somewhere I have wanted to feature for a while is County House Tearooms.

So on the finest of Tynemouth mornings we made our way there. I said hello and introduced us to everyone and was made to feel very welcome. I have been before with my girlfriend and we both love the place but I was interested to see what my friend Maria thought. She loved it, explaining that she could happily sit there all day. We both loved the antique decoration, the fabric, chandeliers and heavily guilt framed paintings and mirrors. I recently recommended Country House to my parents and they loved it comparing it to one of their favourite Whitby locations. There is a fantastic and varied selection of home cooked food on offer and a yummy  choice of scones and cakes to die for. The food like the surroundings is scrumptous, comforting and wonderfully presented. There is a great atmosphere inside and you will be made to feel very welcome as we were.

Photos by Anthony Dorman

Country House Tearooms is a great place to have a cozy romantic coffee and cake with a loved one as well as a perfect meeting venue for friends. Its the kind of place I would happily sit with a book and relax with lovely food and friendly service. Country House Tearooms has two floors with different decor as you can see from the photos above and is approximately 350 yards from Tynemouth seafront on Percy Park Road. They are open Tue-Fri 10-4PM and Sat-Sun 10-5PM

There is a new facebook page for the tearooms here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Country-house-tearooms/215431135148462?ref=ts&sk=wall

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