Newcastle to Alnwick

Duration: 45mins
Main Route: A19, A1

This is quite a nice drive if you go the scenic route or some motorway if you don't. Alnwick is a lovely part of Northumberland with a vibrant town, a treehouse and a huge second hand bookstore - Barter Books. Depending on your approach and route you may find the 50mph single carriageway a bit dull but it is reasonably scenic.

Bear in mind that this route can lead to Berwick/Scotland so it can get a bit busy. Heading on motorway watch the very sharp left in to Alnwick town centre - it can take some by surprise. When in Alnwick, make sure to stay in one of the fantastic b&b's as well as enjoying some local real ales. Top destination!

Roundabouts with Weird Junctions and Lights

I had the misfortune to hit a few roundabouts on the way home from seeing 300 (very good by the way) and they were in a bloody awful state. One of them had lights changing AT THE WRONG TIME. Not very good at all. Another one had multiple exit points for various lanes which then converged rather worryingly. Whoever thinks these things up needs to be driven around them a few times to see how badly wrong their designs can go.