Category: Vacations

  • Leeds to Devon

    Not a problem journey-wise, and stopped off on Thursday night at a splendid B&B in the A45 near Rugby called Home Farm (http://www.homefarma45.co.uk). It is run by a very friendly couple, Diane and Harry and their prize-winning dogs! A very comfortable night, and superb freshly cooked full English breakfast helped us to continue with the…

  • Harrogate

    Wedding Anniversary day!! Decided to spend today chilling out around Harrogate where we are staying in the Old Swan, which was the hotel Agatha Christie was discovered after her 10 day disappearance. The hotel has recently been refurbished but is still in the character and style of a previous age; a wooden revolving door, caged…

  • Beningbrough Hall

    Anniversary weekend so spending a weekend in Harrogate. On the way we went to the National Trust Property at Beningbrough Hall (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-beningbroughhallandgardens/) Location of Beningbrough Hall Even with it being so close to us (west of York), we’d never visited before. This is probably as it’s always been a bit too far from either the…

  • Birdwatching Break

    On Sunday afternoon, the plan was to go to RSPB Blacktoft Sands, then up to Pickering where we were staying at The White Swan in the Market Place. Unfortunately the RSPB reserve wasn’t in the car’s satnav so we decided to put in Blacktoft – can’t be far away, surely. Well, it wasn’t, but at…

  • Lincoln

    Busy day in Lincoln today. Had a nice breakfast in the hotel restaurant, then started off with the castle (most of pictures below) which is just around the corner from the hotel. The castle has extensive walls, the old Georgian prison and the crown court house which is still in use. The prison building contains…

  • Anniversary Tour part 2

    The taster menu at The Black Swan was superb. Excellent food with a great choice of wine with each course. Didn’t go to Duncombe Park as it is shut on Fridays and Saturdays so after a leisurely breakfast, we went to Nunnington Hall which is a National Trust property not far from Helmsley. Very interesting place…

  • Anniversary Mystery Tour

    After weeks of secrecy, the magical mystery tour Anne had planned went as follows: – Up to Rievaulx Abbey near Helmsley – can’t remember going here but thought I had done at some point. New visitors centre and lovely scenery. The abbey is really big and peaceful, with loads of swallows and house martins diving…

  • Thursday

    Went to Jersey motor museum. Lots of old engines and beautifully looked after old cars and historical machinery. We also got a ride on a steam train they have which was a bonus! Going to the Michelin starred Bohemia restaurant in St Helier this evening. The chef us Shaun Rankin (winner of Great British Menu)…

  • Wednesday

    Went to Jersey Lavender farm this morning which was interesting and very pleasant. The tea shop also sold the most gorgeous lavender shortbread. In the afternoon, we had a cruise along the south coast of the island. Lovely weather, and not too choppy. Had a splendid time!! — Post From My iPhone

  • Tuesday

    Had a cracking walk around the north west of Jersey. See here: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=572533 — Post From My iPhone