Day in Hartlepool

I first heard about the Trincomalee last year when some of the OGA fleet went in to Hartlepool, and I decided that it was the one thing I really wanted to see on the way up to Scotland. Despite quite heavy rain the attraction did not disappoint. It was obviously geared up for school children, with “friendly guide” disembodied voices describing what was going on in the various static tableau in the period rooms around the quay side, but each period room had another informative room behind it.

The ship itself was simply excellent. No twee guide voices, and very full access inside. You could stand inside both powder rooms, walk inside one of the officers cabins (about the same size as Robinetta's), and go into the hold. There are no sails, but she is fully rigged, and it feels good to be able to stand there looking up and understand what all the ropes are for.

We had a bowl of soup in the Wingfield Castle, an ex Tees foot ferry paddle steamer. Sister ship to the Tattershall Castle which is now a pub moored up on the Thames. Not great, but it filled a hole. We decided to go for fish and chips for dinner, but when we got to the chippy at 1900 we found it had closed at 1800.... Went into the Kings Bar that claimed to serve fish and chips, and ordered it twice. After a half hour wait one portion arrived. The guy behind the bar had misheard me. The second one arrived with 15 min, and he did not charge, so they tried their best.