Ripon, North Yorkshire

As pub stops going, last night's was a good one. Margery was parked in an excellent spot with views across open countryside. In the adjacent field sad looking sheep stood staring.

We wondered what they were thinking some with crows perched on their backs. Probably, how can we escape. Today we had a full day planned. First stop Ripon. The cathedral dominated the city and we were keen to see inside. And we weren't disappointed. Entry was free. We were welcomed by a very nice lady who told us lots of interesting facts before we were left to roam around this amazing building dating back to the 7th century. 

The intricate wooden carvings on some of the bench stalls are said to have inspired Lewis Carroll, who originated from Ripon, when writing Alice in Wonderland.

We enjoyed our time in the tiny city of Ripon, and stayed longer than planned. So it was mid afternoon before we arrived at our next stop, Fountains Abbey, the largest and best presented Cistercian monastery in England. The price to enter the Abbey and grounds was an eye watering £23.00. The abbey is a National Trust property, so after some thought we decided to join knowing we'd probably visit more National Trust properties whilst in Yorkshire, and definitely in Scotland next year.

As with the cathedral, we also very much enjoyed our time at the abbey. Today has flown by, and we've not visited everywhere on our list. It has become apparent that we need to rethink our itinerary. Tonight's stop in the parking area next to Ripon cathedral finds Margery settled between a local Yorkshire man and a couple from the north east. We'll be up early in the morning as we once again have many places to visit. Who knew Yorkshire had so much to see?

Late in the evening we walked up to Ripon town square to see the Wakeman setting the watch at 9pm by standing at each of the four corners of the obelisk and blowing his horn. Once finished he gathered us up, and explained about the ceremony, which he told us was started by Alfred the Great, and continued from that date without a break, though now involving WhatsApp, and during the Covid epidemic broadcasting live over Facebook.

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

This morning the weather played ball. Dry and sunny once again. Perfect for our journey to North Yorkshire. This is the last weekend of the school summer holidays so the traffic was busy, but moving, and we'd made good time. A lunch stop at a little service area next to 'Pulse and Cocktails', an establishment for those who like their experiences enhanced! 4.9 on trip advisor! As we've saved around six hundred pounds on not paying for a ferry and travel insurance for France we are able on this holiday to treat ourselves.

So Angela found a nice little pub stopover a few minutes from Knaresborough for tonight. First though, a walk around the town.

Knaresborough is a spa town set on cliffs above the River Nydd. We immediately liked it. We walked to the castle taking in the 'view you must see and photograph', the words of the man in the heritage centre.

A concert band played in the grounds, and despite a chill wind many people sat and listened.We explored cobbled pathways, stopped at the only remaining thatched cottage in the town, visited the quaint railway station, walked alongside the river that ran through the gorge, explored alleyways and marveled at the 75ft high railway viaduct.

To end our day, a meal at the Kestrel pub, made even more enjoyable when Angela discovered she had a voucher given to her on her birthday that could be used at a vintage inn. Which The Kestrel was. Win, win. Reduced price meal, and decent safe stop for the night. Tomorrow, we will begin our Yorkshire road trip. We're excited, and Angela is a little anxious as some of the driving may be challenging.

But we live for experiences. And she's the one who says, 'feel the fear but do it anyway'! Talking of fear. You may notice photographs of Angela show her normal beautiful smile is somewhat lacking. She walked into a closed sliding patio door. Yes really. Her biggest fear is yet to come. The remains of her tooth will be extracted on September 22nd, the last day of our holiday. Something for her to look forward to, not.