How different can the North East be?

I have lived in a lot of places. I was born near Manchester before trekking the country in tow of my father's job to Northumberland, just outside of Bristol and Essex before setting off on travels of my own. University took me to Lancaster and Morecambe before post-university took me to the United States for a few months. There I called Sandusky, Ohio my home. I met the wide in Chelmsford and we spent some time there and in other parts of Essex before moving to the North East. We had always laid plans to live here one day and a series of events lead us to ask the question, "why not now?" And we moved.

The reason I tell you all of this is because I have experienced different attitudes in different parts of the country. Now, I'm not referring to 'attitude' as the negative embodiment of the way someone acts. I simply mean the outlook on life displayed by the different people of the country. If you have never been to the North East, then you may not have come across an attitude like it.

There isn't a single adjective that I can find to describe the way that the people of the North and particularly North East act and view themselves. I think I would throw in -

• Humorous
• Neighbourly
• Ruthless
• Pragmatic
• Down to earth

And I'm sure there will be more before this article is out. This can be a stark contrast to people from other parts of the country, or other parts of the world, that visit here for the first time.

Prepare yourself for this part of the world

The people here will treat you like one of their own, from the moment they meet you. This is just the way that they are. There are no outsiders, and all are welcome. A new visitor or resident is a sign to the people of the North East that they are living in a place that people want to visit or live in. Unlike some parts of the world where an outsider might be viewed with suspicion, you won't be here.

This means that they will ask you about your life. You will receive questions that might not rub anywhere else in the country, especially in London for instance. You can offer as much or as little information as you like, but be warned that you will get to know people in the North East. They will tell you their life - often in the finest detail. It's all part of the sharing community we have up here. Think about how much information you would like to know, multiply it by ten and you probably still won't come close to how much you will be given.

How different can it be?

This was a question I asked myself when I first moved up here. It is still part of the country that I have spent the vast majority of my life in, so how could it possibly be different? It is different in so many ways. The people are different, the scenery is different and the way of life is different. If you read back through my blog then you can see how the folk up here -

Drive differently

Dress differently

Talk differently

Eat at different times

It all adds up to a new experience. I am one of these people who believes that life should be a series of experiences. I think that doing the same thing day after day, week after week from one month to the next will send you around the bend. I think that doing different things, seeing different cultures and trying to expand your horizons is a necessary part of life. It is something that I am trying to instil in my children. The North East is an experience all of its own. If you are from another part of the country and have never experienced this part of the world then get yourself here. Don't expect the best weather or sights on the same scale as London. But do expect to be dazzled by the people and the place.

Be sure to visit Harrogate when in the North East

I have just been back to Harrogate for the second time this year and I can highly recommend it for anyone who wants to visit somewhere a little different. It is a quaint old place with the world famous Betty's Tea Rooms to spend an hour or so with a great cup of tea (no coffee for me, thanks) and the food of your choice. I recommend you get there early, as the later in the day it gets, the longer the queues. The cakes are great and the breakfasts are pretty special too. It is probably the jewel in the crown of Harrogate but by no means the only part of the town that you will want to spend time in when you visit Harrogate.

Harrogate shopping is relaxed and exclusive

The town is filled with some very nice shops, both national chains and local specialists. It makes for a good mix and is certainly a big difference to many town centres that are filled with low-end chain shops and little variety. There are some exclusive names such as Rigby & Peller and Kurt Geiger and this only adds to the feeling that you are shopping somewhere that has a bit of class. Be sure to bring plenty of cash with you to visit Harrogate and get the most from Harrogate shopping. One of the best things about Harrogate shopping is that there is a nice, relaxed atmosphere in the centre. There is plenty of parking, if you know where to look, and on a sunny day you can browse without the feeling that you have to rush off to get out.

Other places to eat in Harrogate

There are also a huge number of other places to eat in Harrogate besides Betty's Tea Rooms. Whether you want a quick bite, a longer lunch or a quality evening meal, Harrogate has all the options for you. There are several chain restaurants that all provide great quality food. Jamie's Italian is the one that featured on a prank on Saturday Night Takeaway with ant and Dec - but don't let that put you off.

You can choose from different cuisines at differing prices. There are so many places to eat that I recommend at least taking a look online before you go, so you get an idea of what you want. I personally am a fan of supporting local restaurants over the big chains, and Trip Advisor will give you the best. If, like us, you fill up on Betty's, then you might want to think about a picnic in one of the lovely green spaces of the city rather than a large lunch.

Things to do in Harrogate

If you are all shopped out and want something else to do, then you have plenty of choice in the town as well. The list of things to do in Harrogate is better explained on other sites, that have the space and time to list them all. We went to the Royal Pump Room Museum and learned about how the town grew up on the back of the quality of water it offered to people seeking health benefits. It was a spa town where people spent a holiday and drank plenty of the water drawn from deep within the earth. It was meant to help people feel better and gained a massive appeal in Victorian times.

The park near the Royal Pump Room Museum is another pleasant place to send time, or to even have a picnic. You can take a walk in the sunshine and feel as though you are a million miles away from a  town centre for a few minutes.

The town of Harrogate is a great place to visit and sample life at a slower pace. The best features are those that appeal to everyone - we went as a family of two adults and two kids and all enjoyed the day out. I recommend it if you are in and around the North East.