Turning Engineering into Play at Druridge Bay
There is something truly magical about returning to a place that shaped your childhood. For television presenter Robson Green and his brother David, that place is Druridge Bay. This stunning, sprawling beach with massive depth was the backdrop for countless family weekends when they were kids.
Recently, Jamie had the absolute pleasure of heading down to the sand to help the brothers recreate those childhood memories for an upcoming television project. The mission? Building a gigantic, structurally engineered sandcastle complete with turrets.
The Ultimate Family Affair
When we arrived at Druridge Bay, it wasn’t just Robson and David waiting for us. This was a full-blown family event. Robson’s wife and son were there, alongside a fantastic crew from the production company who weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and help us shovel.
Meeting Robson was a brilliant moment for Jamie. Together with his brother David, the two of them felt like big kids the moment their feet hit the sand, which is a joy Jamie loves to see and why he does what he does.
David works as a roofer, meaning he is no stranger to hard, practical grafting. He was absolutely in his element with a shovel in hand! Meanwhile, Robson and Jamie formed an instant bond while discussing their shared love of the outdoors and long-distance walking.
From Sand Piles to Engineering Marvels
Building a giant sandcastle isn’t just about packing a bucket; it’s a bit of a science. We started by timing the tide perfectly so we had plenty of water nearby. With the help of the crew, we hauled water and began shoveling a massive volcano-shaped pile of sand.
Jamie then showed the brothers how a few simple engineering tricks—such as vibrations, tapping, and precisely adding water—could completely transform what sand can do. They built up several towers, more than happy to get their hands wet and sandy.
Once the main base structure was formed, Jamie worked with the brothers to carve out intricate staircases, battlements, and crenellations. They even pushed the limits by building a sand archway that, in true dramatic fashion, eventually came tumbling down!
Throughout the whole build, it was incredibly heartwarming for Jamie to see the brothers acting exactly how they would have done as children, complete with plenty of nostalgic banter and brotherly bickering.
Sand, Sea, and Mental Health
Aside from the fun of building a massive castle, the day served as a beautiful reminder of how important these moments are.
In a world where everyone is glued to screens, getting outside to do something intensely physical in nature, surrounded by friends and family, ticks every single box for mental health and well-being. It was a rejuvenating experience for everyone involved.
As the sun began to set, we packed up our tools and left our giant creation right where it belonged, ready for the incoming tide to wash it away and return it to the sea.
A huge thank you to Robson, David, and the entire crew for a spectacular day on the coast.
Missed the episode? You can catch up and watch the whole build on BBC iPlayer as part of the Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes series!
Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes – Series 4: 5. David Green – BBC iPlayer
