It’s an early start at King’s Cross station…

'Going North, King's Cross Station', 1893 (NRM / Pictorial Collection / Science & Society)

…before I clamber aboard my fast train heading north on the east coast main line.

London & North Eastern Railway locomotive 'Mallard', 1938 (National Railway Museum / Science & Society)

With luck, I’ll arrive into the glorious Newcastle Central station three hours later…

'Interior of the Central Railway Station, Newcastle', 1850 (Science Museum / Science & Society)

…and onwards to South Shields, where I was born and brought up.

'South Shields' LNER poster (NRM / Pictorial Collection / Science & Society)

I’ll probably give the open air bathing pool a miss this year, but I’m sure I’ll find time to tread the golden sands during marine promenades (or maybe I’ll just curl up cosy with a book).

Do I have too romantic a vision for my Christmas excursion? I hope not. But one thing’s for sure: I’ll be far away from broadband and blogging software, so I’ve pre-recorded some festive posts and cued them up ready to be released (as if by digital magic) while I’m away. Do check back, if you feel like it, on Christmas Day, the following Monday and Wednesday, and on New Year’s Day. Normal service resumes on Monday the 4th.

Season’s greetings, dear readers!