Here’s the first of several ‘Top 10 …’ lists I hope to publish over coming months, for the benefit of our guests.
The Top 10 things to do on a visit to Cundall Lodge Farm
1. The Ancient City of York. Visit the Minster, walk the city walls There’s also the Castle Museum, Yorvik Centre and Treasurers House, Fairfax House and much more. A great visit on a wet or a dry day. 20 minutes from Cundall Lodge to the Park and Ride. Please ask for my directions to the P and R
2. Newby Hall and Gardens, built by Sir Christopher Wren and later adapted by Robert Adam this beautiful privately owned house epitomises the ‘Georgian Age of Elegance’ set in 25 acres of fabulous award winning gardens.
3. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, a world heritage site owned by the National Trust. Wander through the breath-taking landscape, discover the Abbey ruins and tranquil water gardens. Very romantic place, David my husband proposed to me here!
4. Castle Howard, an 18th century house built by Sir John Vanbrugh .Explore the monumental parkland, temples, lakes and fountains. Not far from where I grew up, see my introductory video on the website.
5. The Dales. Ask for our Herriot Trail around Arkengarth Dale, Wensleydale and Coverdale Count the stone field barns behind the stone walls!
6. The Moors. Take The North Yorks steam train in Pickering (ask Caroline for a timetable) and explore the heather moorlands of “Heartbeat Country”. The heather is in flower in August so drive up to the moors and they smell of honey! The world of James Herriot the Country Vet is in Thirsk.
7. The City of Ripon (one of the smallest if not the smallest cities in the country) has a stunning Cathedral with link with “Alice in Wonderland” writer Lewis Carroll. There is a fascinating mix of social history museums the Prison and Police and the Workhouse and Courthouse museums which work together so you buy 1 ticket to visit them all of them! 9pm sharp go and see the “Hornblower” set the watch and hear all about this ancient ritual that has carried on for hundreds of years, even through the war!
8. RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate. A constantly evolving garden with all year round colour. Gather fresh ideas, large areas of woodland, stone and water gardens. Betty’s cafe on site too.
9. Whitby. With its distinctive headlands and bustling harbour. The ruins of Whitby Abbey dominates the landscape as it towers over the fishing port below. Good for a paddle in the sea at Sandsend, eat fresh fish and chips in” The Magpie cafe” if you are prepared to queue!
10. Go racing at Thirsk or Ripon Racecourses, both just 6 miles from Cundall Lodge. Meetings begin in April and run through to September at both of these flat courses. Ask Caroline for the dates of the race meetings, some in the daytime and some evening meetings too.
