Muddy Stilettos


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1365" height="1365" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160425532_284014889755142_3164016813019579296_n-e1726754579103.jpg" alt="Author Ann Cleeves" class="wp-image-98037" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160425532_284014889755142_3164016813019579296_n-e1726754579103.jpg 1365w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160425532_284014889755142_3164016813019579296_n-e1726754579103-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160425532_284014889755142_3164016813019579296_n-e1726754579103-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160425532_284014889755142_3164016813019579296_n-e1726754579103-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160425532_284014889755142_3164016813019579296_n-e1726754579103-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/160425532_284014889755142_3164016813019579296_n-e1726754579103-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1365px) 100vw, 1365px" /></figure>



<p>Ann Cleeves is the creative brain behind the<em>&nbsp;Vera</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Shetland&nbsp;</em>series – those bingeworthy crime novels that make you want to double-check the locks on your doors. Selling over six million books, her knack for crafting dark, twisty mysteries set against the wild landscapes of Britain has earned her legions of fans, and a reputation as one of the best in the crime writing business.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2017, Ann faced one of life’s hardest challenges: losing her husband, Tim. After he died of a heart condition, ever resilient, Ann continued to write the stories we all love. Living on the North East coast, where the landscapes are as dramatic as her plot twists.&nbsp;Here Ann shares her favourite places, from the local café that nails the art of decaf (a rare skill, trust us) to wind-swept beaches</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-writer-s-haven-the-cottage-in-bellingham">A writer&#8217;s haven: the cottage in Bellingham</h2>



<p>My favourite place to write is my quiet cottage nestled in the hills near Bellingham. I bought it after Tim passed away because I needed a place that didn’t hold too many memories. It’s my sanctuary, a peaceful retreat with stunning views over the open countryside. I love writing at the kitchen table while gazing out at the rolling hills. Up here, it’s mostly sheep that I hear, and that tranquillity helps me concentrate on my work. I sit here in my rocking chair and it’s just magical.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reading-nooks-anywhere-with-a-book">Reading nooks: anywhere with a book</h2>



<p>I can lose myself in a good book just about anywhere. Whether I’m curled up in a rocking chair in my kitchen, catching up on a crime novel by Icelandic writer Arnaldur Indriðason, or squeezing in a few pages on a train, my love for reading knows no bounds. Crime in translation is my favourite genre because it offers a voyeuristic glimpse into other cultures through reading the story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaside-serenity-cullercoats-beach">Seaside serenity: Cullercoats Beach</h2>



<p>When it comes to beaches, I’m spoiled for choice as I live in the NE – famous for its wide, empty beautiful beaches, but Cullercoats Beach is particularly special to me. It’s just a short walk from my home, and I often go there, especially in the winter when the crowds thin out, and the gales are blowing. I’m not much of a wild swimmer, but my daughters love to dive into the freezing North Sea on this beach because it’s got a really safe harbour. I’m happy to hold their coats while they do!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-amp-cake-rustic-cup-whitley-bay">Coffee &amp; Cake:&nbsp;<a href="https://rusticcup.co.uk/">Rustic Cup, Whitley Bay</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/457749455_1066465338822369_1751470024827155852_n.jpg" alt="Rustic Cup Whitley Bay" class="wp-image-98038"/></figure>



<p>If you’re looking for me in Whitley Bay, you’ll probably find me at&nbsp;<a href="https://rusticcup.co.uk/">Rustic Cup</a>, a charming café that serves the best decaf coffee—something that’s surprisingly hard to find. Whether I’m indulging in a slice of cake or enjoying a hearty brunch, this local cafe is my favourite spot to meet up with friends or simply enjoy a quiet coffee.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dining-out-nbsp-pranzo-whitley-bay">Dining Out:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pranzopizzeria.com/">Pranzo, Whitley Bay</a></h2>



<p>For a delightful dinner, I love going to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pranzopizzeria.com/">Pranzo</a>, an authentic Italian restaurant near the metro station in Whitley Bay. It’s a family-run place with a cosy atmosphere, and they serve delicious Italian food that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. I’m also quite fond of their deli and sandwich shop, which offers a taste of Italy right in my neighbourhood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-strolls-the-south-bank"><a href="https://southbank.london/">London Strolls: The South Bank</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/matthew-waring-v5ouCZkAcwc-unsplash-scaled.jpg" alt="Aerial view of Tate Modern and London South Bank" class="wp-image-98039" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/matthew-waring-v5ouCZkAcwc-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/matthew-waring-v5ouCZkAcwc-unsplash-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/matthew-waring-v5ouCZkAcwc-unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/matthew-waring-v5ouCZkAcwc-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/matthew-waring-v5ouCZkAcwc-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>When I’m in London, I love nothing more than a stroll along the&nbsp;<a href="https://southbanklondon.com/">South Bank</a>. From Westminster to the Tate Modern, this iconic stretch of the Thames offers a lively contrast to the coast and countryside of the northeast where I live. I love the buzz of the city and the river Thames. It’s a walk that fuels my creativity and gives me a unique perspective on the capital.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-village-with-everything-nbsp-bellingham-north-tyne">A Village with Everything:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/places-to-visit/north-tyne-redesdale/bellingham/">Bellingham, North Tyne</a></h2>



<p>I have a deep affection for Bellingham, a village in the North Tyne Valley that feels like a proper working village. It has everything you need—a library, butcher, baker, and even a well-stocked hardware shop—without the touristy crowds. I love taking peaceful walks along the North Tyne River, and my daughters enjoy climbing up to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/places-to-visit/north-tyne-redesdale/hareshaw-linn/">Hareshaw Linn</a>&nbsp;waterfall and wild swimming in its pool.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holiday-escapes-north-devon-and-tanzania">Holiday escapes: North Devon and Tanzania</h2>



<p>When it’s time for a holiday, I often return to my roots in North Devon, where I grew up surrounded by magnificent beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde. I just go and stay with my childhood friends there. I have fond memories of the schoolhouse in Croyde where my father was head teacher, with its stunning views of Lundy Island. Another place that holds a special place in my heart is Tanzania. My daughter did a school exchange there, and I had the chance to visit. The experience of traveling through Sub-Saharan Africa, from local buses to posh lodges, was unforgettable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-love-for-shetland-an-island-escape">A love for Shetland: an island escape</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1009" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pamela-hallam-5X0vm7xfFSA-unsplash-scaled-e1726756831841.jpg" alt="Shetland Scotland" class="wp-image-98040"/></figure>



<p>No list of my favourite places would be complete without mentioning <a href="https://www.shetland.org/">Shetland</a>. I visit three or four times a year and am captivated by the islands&#8217; bleak beauty and strong sense of community. I highly recommend staying at the historic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bustahouse.com/">Busta House Hotel</a>, near Brae, (supposedly haunted). It has beautiful gardens &#8211; a perfect blend of history and charm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stargazing-and-solitude-the-dark-skies-of-northumberland">Stargazing and Solitude: The Dark Skies of Northumberland</h2>



<p>Back near my cottage in Bellingham, I love stargazing under the dark skies of Northumberland. With minimal light pollution, the skies here offer a breath-taking view of the cosmos. It’s a great place to look at the stars, and the nearby&nbsp;<a href="https://kielderobservatory.org/">Kielder Observatory</a>&nbsp;is a must-visit for anyone interested in the night sky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-pub-with-stories-the-hollybush-inn-greenhaugh">A Pub with stories: The Hollybush Inn, Greenhaugh</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/holly-bush-inn.jpg" alt="The Holly Bush Inn Northumberland" class="wp-image-98041" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/holly-bush-inn.jpg 1920w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/holly-bush-inn-600x338.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/holly-bush-inn-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/holly-bush-inn-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>For a cosy pub experience, I often head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hollybushinn.net/">The Hollybush Inn</a>&nbsp;in Greenhaugh. With just two tables and a roaring log fire, this old-fashioned pub is the perfect place to hear the locals spin tales that are as rich and warm as the setting itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-fair-isle-bird-observatory">Looking ahead: Fair Isle Bird Observatory</h2>



<p>I’m eagerly anticipating the reopening of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/">Fair Isle Bird Observatory</a>, a place close to my heart in Shetland. After a tragic fire, efforts are underway to rebuild, and I can’t wait to return to this remote island known for its unique birdlife and famous knitting traditions.</p>



<p><strong><em>The Dark Wives</em> – the latest Vera Stanhope Mystery (Macmillan, £22) by Ann Cleeves is out now.&nbsp;</strong></p>


My favourite places: Vera author Ann Cleeves

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