I used to occasionally ride up that way as a kid, although I do remember it being a bit touristy the odd time we took a family drive out. I love that stretch of coast from Boulmer up to the bird sanctuary at Low Newton and used to walk it quite a lot in my yoof.It's great that you came away with a positive impression of London!. I love the place, and lived and worked there for many years, all my kids were born there, one lives there now, and I love getting the occasional 'London-fix'. Always happy to return to the tranquility of Northumberland though
Talking of which: Holy Island/Lindisfarne: when not packed with tourists, it's just beautiful. Stay overnight if you can, take a walk out towards the casle and listen to the eerie sound of the seals.