Boxing Day Hunt Meet - Meldon Park, Morpeth, Northumberland

A month has since passed since Christmas and whilst some New Year's resolutions are set  to be broken, others aren't. One being is my determination to blog countlessly this year.

Boxing day is a day where most sit around still digesting their christmas dinners, forcing themselves to eat that last Thornton's chocolate, or dare I say it, spend a day with a few family members they really despise. However spent, this year or should I say last year, I spent it our hunting with the Morpeth contingent. 

Boxing Day is a day of tradition and so be it that hundreds of supporters on foot and horseback turned out at Meldon Park, Morpeth to support the hunt. 

The established hunts set off across the region early in the day with riders using animal-scented trails for the hounds to track.

The law may have banned fox hunting but that failed to detract from the annual Boxing Day spectacle, or of locals’ enjoyment of it.

Supporters came in their dozens to the picturesque Meldon Park. Views over look the vast countryside for miles and miles. Meldon Park welcomed the Morpeth huntsmen, horses and hounds before they set off on a trail hunt, following a scent laid down by the hunt leaders.

A welcome liquid breakfast of whiskey and brandy was offered to supporters as a gesture of goodwill. A few swigs of homemade bullshot and Percy Specials and the hunt was ready to go.

I was spending the day on the back of a Quad bike following the hunt. We were 30 Quads strong and closely followed the 70 or so horses and huntsmen. 

For this particular day, I wore layers and layers of the warmest clothing topped off with my Joules Field coat. Sadly, I don't have any photo of what I was wearing but I think maybe that was a good thing!!

We set off around 11am following the hunt around the countryside. Due to the nature of the ground and the weather, I didn't take my camera but have some photos taken by iPhone. 

You may wonder, why is following a bunch of horses around endless fields a good way to spend boxing day? It was fun as I was experiencing a tradition not only prominent in the North East, but in England too. It was a great way to meet others, socialise and spend a great day in the countryside.

Spa break in the depths of Northumberland

Last week, a friend and I visited Fullerton Place Spa at Shortflatt Tower in Northumberland. The spa is situated in the countryside, 15 miles north of Newcastle Upon Tyne. The Spa itself is renovated from stable blocks and features high ceilings and low beams - perfect for creating atmosphere. Along with no mobile signal, I had no choice but to turn my phone off and relax!

Upon arrival we were greeted by Spa Manager, Grace who took our details and led us to our private dressing room. After handing us our robes and disposables we were led to an outside hot tub... In the middle of December this seemed like absolute madness but once we were disrobed and in the 40degree heat of the hot tub, the idea of being outside in the middle of winter vanished.

After almost an hour in the hot tub, a little wrinkly but fully relaxed we were led to the Hammam room. I'd never heard of an Hammam before but would try it again purely based on my experience at Fullerton spa. The Hammam is based upon the tradition of cleansing and rejuvenating the body and is important in Moroccan culture.


The treatment began by a gentle exfoliation of the body with a soap made from olives and oil. Then, this is followed by rinsing the body with warm water. Clay was then applied to treat and purify the skin and extract toxins. With a splash of warm water, the clay is removed and my skin felt softer and smoother.

We were then taken to a relaxation room to wait for our Elemis facials. I have very dry and sensitive skin so I am very cautious about what I put on it. I talked through my skin type with the therapist and was reassured that Elemis wouldn't react with my skin, but would soothe it. 45 minutes later, my skin felt refreshed and more hydrated - exactly what I needed!

I would highly recommend Fullerton Place Spa as a place of sheer relaxation.. I can't wait to go again!

aprilebowden@me.com