DISCOVER YORKSHIRE

This four night break will offer an opportunity to explore and discover the history and beauty of this area, sample good food and drink, enjoy the company of the other guests in the comfort of the Lodge and savour an evening of culture or entertainment. You will be hosted by Henry and Penny, who have themselves enjoyed experiencing and putting together the different elements of this itinerary. 

Sunday

Arrive at Eastfield Lodge in the afternoon for tea and biscuits in the lounge. Settle in, maybe wander up into the lovely Market Town of Leyburn and join us all in the evening for Prosecco and Canapes to meet the other guests and eagerly discuss the days ahead. The three course dinner in the Lodge includes wine and local Yorkshire dishes.

Monday

Yorkshire’s Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park and Jervaulx Abbey       

A leisurely breakfast allows time to relax, take coffee in the lounge, wander into the town or simply natter to the other guests until we head off to Grewelthorpe to indulge in the wonder of Yorkshire’s own Himalayan Gardens. This privately owned estate covers 45 acres of woodlands, gardens and an arboretum, enhanced by 3 lakes and over 80 subtly hidden sculptures. It nestles at the head of the valley increasing the sense of peace and tranquillity. Refreshments can be enjoyed at the tea rooms – when Henry and I last visited a hare ran right up to us as we drank our tea!

After a short drive, lunch can be enjoyed in the Brymor Ice Cream Parlour before views of the ruins of the atmospheric and charming Cistercian Abbey of Jervaulx, dating back to 1152 appear. Close to the road, an easy walk allows us to wander through what remains of this monastery and its history absorbing the serene tranquillity of this special place. This, the largest privately owned abbey in England, was destroyed during the dissolution. It is set in an estate wrapped in hills which provides a haven from the weather and creates an atmosphere quite unique and spiritual. It is possible to have a guided tour from the current owner to learn more about the history and the running and restoration of this valuable heritage.

From the Abbey, we return to the lodge to freshen up before dinner at one of the superb local restaurants.  (Guests may like to eat independently of the group for one evening and we can sort taxis if necessary – this however will need to be arranged in advance and Penny will be in contact to discuss this and the options prior to your stay.)   

Tuesday

Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle

A hearty Yorkshire breakfast sets us up for some exploration further west along the River Ure, the 208kms (129 miles) river which changes its name in York to the Ouse.  Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves was filmed here at Aysgarth Falls which attracts visitors to its three forces, Upper, Middle and Lower Force which tumble over the limestone in dramatic style. The tearooms and visitor centre will both be open. The walk to the falls is gentle and short through woodlands and onto the flat rocks for the more adventurous.

The pub, which was chosen as James Herriot’s honeymoon venue, is in the small village of Carperby featured in the Doomsday Book and is ideal for a lunch stop before heading to Bolton Castle to feed the wild boar, wander through the small but interesting gardens and enjoy an informative guided tour of the Castle itself. The fortress was built in 1399 and imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots during 1568. The gardens include a maze, vineyard, rose garden, bee house, dye garden and a display of birds of prey. It will be a joy to while away the afternoon here at this imposing castle with one of the best views of Wensleydale and which once boasted the first en-suite bathrooms of any house in Europe!

Transport back to the lodge can be arranged from here or alternatively a gentle downhill walk across the fields takes us to Redmire to jump aboard the Wensleydale Railway for a ride back to Leyburn through the countryside.  Having indulged in cake and tea at the lodge and freshening up, an early light dinner will allow time to go to either a show at the Richmond Georgian Theatre (programme not yet released) or to an intimate cinema experience at Richmond Old Station with transport provided.

Wednesday

After breakfast a delightful drive through the Dales finds us in Hawes, home to the Wensleydale Creamery where we can watch the cheese making process and perhaps help out too! This very informative and entertaining talk looks back at the early origins of the famous cheese and how it has changed over the years. The tasting room encourages gluttony on a whole new level and to purchase a souvenir cheese or two before heading into the pretty Dales town to visit shops, the Ropemakers or the Dales Countryside Museum.  After a light lunch at Simonstone Hall, we return to Leyburn for a relaxing afternoon before leaving to wander down to Tennants for a pre-talk dinner in the Garden Rooms. The Talk, Presentation, Murder Mystery or other event is still to be finalised due to the pandemic but previously the programme had included an evening with Max Hastings, among Britain’s foremost writers and commentators about conflict and we hope that the evening will be comparable with this. 

The walk back to the Lodge is very short but a lift can be arranged if preferable after the Talk.

Thursday

Breakfast can be enjoyed at your leisure before taking a stroll along the Leyburn Shawl, visiting the town to pick up some Wensleydale Cheese or simply departing for home feeling relaxed and refreshed.