Tuesday 31 March 2009

Country Shows Of North Yorkshire

As a farmer's wife I love to go to a country show when time allows. We are lucky here in North Yorkshire as we have a whole host of country shows during the Summer months.

May
  • 25th May - Duncombe Park Country Fair.
June
  • 14th June - North Yorkshire Country Show.
July
  • 18th July - Sneaton and Hawsker Agricultural Show.
  • 18th July - Picton Show.
  • 19th July - Malton Show.
  • 26th July - Huby and Sutton Show.
  • 28th July - Ryedale Agricultrual Show.
  • 29th July - Borrowby Show.
August
  • 1st August - Osmotherley Show.
  • 5th August - Thornton-le-Dale Show.
  • 12th August - Danby Agricultural Show.
  • 15th August - Rosedale and District Annual Show.
  • 26th August - Egton Horse & Agricultural Show.
  • 29th August - Bilsdale Show.
  • 31st August - Farndale Show.
  • 31st August - Burniston Agricultural Show.
September
  • 19th September - Stokesley Show.
If you are not from this area, why not combine a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages with one of the North Yorkshire Country Show dates.

Monday 30 March 2009

Thirsk Furniture Trail

If you have a love of beautiful handmade furniture then the Thirsk Furniture Trail is for you.

The Thirsk Furniture Trail includes eleven furniture makers in the North Yorkshire area, so why not take to the trail and view some exceptional furniture and wonderful local scenery as you travel around North Yorkshire.

The trail includes:
  1. Beaver Furniture - by Colin Almack at Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe.
  2. Carthouse furniture at Carlton Miniott.
  3. Coxwold Cabinet Makers at Coxwold.
  4. Design In Wood at Thirsk.
  5. Graham Duncalf Furniture Maker at Bagby.
  6. English Hardwood Furniture at Topcliffe.
  7. Malcolm Pipes - Fox Furniture at Husthwaite.
  8. Old Mill Furniture at Thirsk.
  9. Squirrel Woodcarvers at Husthwaite.
  10. Treske Furniture at Thirsk.
  11. Bob Hunter - Wren Cabinet Makers at Thirlby.
So if you would like to see the traditional craft of furniture making in North Yorkshire then why not book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages by booking online by clicking on the link or alternatively you can book over the telephone on 01439 798221 and spend a day along the Thirsk Furniture Trail.

Sunday 29 March 2009

Clocks Change And A Lovely Day

Well did the clocks catch you out this morning or did you remember that there would be one less hour in bed! It's nice that even with a little less sleep we were able to open our eyes, well in Yorkshire at least, to a lovely sunny Spring day. Hope you are all enjoying the day. Let us know what you've been up to on this sunny Sunday.

Saturday 28 March 2009

National Student Drama Festival

For all you thesbians and theatre lovers, why not head along to Scarborough Spa to check out the National Student Drama Festival. A week long celebration of theatre and live performance with visiting artists and workshops run by professionals.

The week begins 28th March until 3rd April 2009.

If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221 .

Friday 27 March 2009

Easter Holidays In North Yorkshire

The Easter holidays are not too far away and if you fancy a break away from the stresses and strains of everyday life and want a peaceful, relaxing holiday with friends and family or just the two of you, then Valley View Farm Cottages in North Yorkshire is the place to come. You may see some of our lambs and ewes running in the fields, giving the farm a real Easter feel.

With 6 pretty cottages lovingly restored, with one, two or three bedrooms to choose from, there is something to suit all group sizes.

For a couple wishing to have a romantic Easter break away from it all then we have three lovely holiday cottages to choose from.

Couch Cottage is a delightful one bedroom cottage (sleeps 2) which opens onto a courtyard with an amazing view. It has a zip and link bed (twins / kingsize) and is all on the ground floor. The kitchen and living room are open plan. The en-suite bathroom is a wet-room and suitable for disabled access.

Form Cottage is a lovely one bedroom ground floor cottage (sleeps 2) with a kingsize bed and a modern bathroom with bath and shower.



Formicary Cottage is a quaint one bedroom ground floor cottage with twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. There is a breakfast bar area and the living room also has a double sofa bed. Sleeps 2-4.


If you are a family or group looking for holiday cottages that sleep 4 to 10 then we have a number of cottages to choose from.

Drey Cottage is a two bedroom cottage (sleep 4) with one double and one twin bedroom. Both rooms have en-suite facilities. The double bedroom has a shower and the twin room has a bath. This cottage can connect to Holt Cottage to make a 10-person family cottage.

Holt Cottage is a three bedroom cottage (sleeps 6) with sitting room, dining area and kitchen upstairs. One twin room with en suite bathroom is upstairs and one downstairs along with a bathroom (with bath and shower) ­and a double bedroom with a shower room.

Granary Cottage is a spacious three bedroom cottage which can sleep 6. The kitchen/dining room and living room are downstairs, as is a twin room with en-suite wet room and a separate WC. Upstairs are two bedrooms, one a twin with en-suite bath and shower and the other a kingsize bedroom with bath and shower.

We have been busy compiling a list of attractions with places to visit and things to do which may help you to plan your Easter break. So click on this link - Places Of Interest In North Yorkshire.

If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221.

Thursday 26 March 2009

Places To Visit And Things To Do In North Yorkshire

We have been busy compiling a new list of North Yorkshire attractions with lots of ideas for places to visit and things to do whilst you stay at Valley View Farm Cottages.

The list includes:
  • Abbeys to visit.
  • Activities which are mainly outdoor activities.
  • Attractions in the area from museums to theme parks.
  • Castles, halls and Stately homes to visit.
  • Cities to enjoy.
  • Coastal Towns to explore.
  • Cycling routes and trails in the area.
  • Educational places to visit.
  • Farms to explore.
  • Market Towns to wander around.
  • The Races to cheer on the horses.
  • Tearooms to seek refreshments.
  • Trains and Railways to view.
  • Parks and Gardens to meander around.
  • Villages to visit.
  • Walking trails and routes to try out.
So if all these ideas have wet your appetite then why not book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages by booking online by clicking on the link or alternatively you can book over the telephone on 01439 798221.

Wednesday 25 March 2009

Tips To Help Beat The Credit Crunch

I was reading The Daily Telegraph's article, Credit crunch: 50 money-saving ways to beat the squeeze...

As a farmer's wife I really liked the following tips:
  • Buy in season food.
  • Plan your weeks meals listing ingredients needed and then shop for those ingredients.
  • Take a packed lunch to work or for the children to take to school.
  • Use up left overs - boil the carcass of the chicken to make stock for gravy and soups and use left over veg for homemade soups which are very tasty.
  • Make a little extra of your favourite meals such as lasagne, casseroles/stews, and shepherds pie and then freeze the extra portions.
  • Cook your own food.
  • Buy in bulk - potatoes.
  • Grow your own fruit and veg.
  • Make your own compost by recycling certain food scraps and compostable materials.
Here are a few of my own tips:
  • Buy from the farm gate as you get fresh produce at good prices and you know exactly where the food has come from - egg, potatoes, fruit and veg.
  • Trade in take aways for home cooked meals - Pizzas, chicken nuggets and curries can be easily made from scratch and taste delicious.
  • Start baking - bake your own bread (you could use a bread maker) cakes and biscuits.
  • Make your own pastry so you can make pasties, sausage rolls and jam tarts.
  • Make your own preserves and chutneys.
  • For those who enjoy a tipple why not make your own wine, beer or cider, I can't guarantee the results but I'm sure you'll have fun making it.
Do you have any good tips to help beat the credit crunch, if so please leave a comment as I'd love to hear them.

Tuesday 24 March 2009

Parks And Gardens To Visit In North Yorkshire

If you enjoy a visit to a park or gardens, then North Yorkshire is a great destination and so why not stay at one of my Valley View Farm Cottages and then spend a day at one of the lovely parks or gardens North Yorkshire has to offer.

Helmsley Walled Garden
– Visit the beautiful five acre walled garden with it’s vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruits and a wide range of plants, including many rare species, picnic in the garden or dine at the Vinehouse CafĂ©.

Peasholm Park – Spend a relaxing day at this Scarborough park wandering around the Japanese gardens, take a stroll along the tree trails or feed the ducks at the lake. During the Summer you can see a local band, a simulated naval warfare battle or water ski-ing displays.

RHS Harlow Carr - Enjoy a stroll in the stunning gardens, have a look in the shop or plant centre and then have the ‘Betty’s’ experience. On a nice day you can sit out on the veranda and view the gardens.

Scampston Hall Gardens – Visit the beautifully restored walled garden, rock garden, woodland garden and take a tour of the house which is open for just one month of the year and stroll along the one mile woodland walk.

Why not make Valley View Farm Cottages your base and then spend a day at a North Yorkshire park or garden.

Monday 23 March 2009

Mother's Day


Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day and have enjoyed the sunshine this weekend in the UK, especially as the weather is now turning in Yorkshire and the clouds are forming and rain is threatening. I certainly enjoyed the lovely sunshine of Saturday and a day spent with family on Sunday.

Sunday 22 March 2009

Family Holiday's

Valley View Farm Cottages is a great place to bring the family. Set in beautiful, rural North Yorkshire on a farm with sheep, lambs and cattle, it is an ideal setting to bring the family and the dog, cat or even your pet rabbit! We have a number of cottages that would suit families, so if you are a family looking for holiday cottages that sleep 4 to 10 then look no further.....

Drey Cottage is a two bedroom cottage (sleep 4) with one double and one twin bedroom. Both rooms have en-suite facilities. The double bedroom has a shower and the twin room has a bath. This cottage can connect to Holt Cottage to make a 10-person family cottage.

Holt Cottage is a three bedroom cottage (sleeps 6) with sitting room, dining area and kitchen upstairs. One twin room with en suite bathroom is upstairs and one downstairs along with a bathroom (with bath and shower) ­and a double bedroom with a shower room.

Granary Cottage is a spacious three bedroom cottage which can sleep 6. The kitchen/dining room and living room are downstairs, as is a twin room with en-suite wet room and a separate WC. Upstairs are two bedrooms, one a twin with en-suite bath and shower and the other a kingsize bedroom with bath and shower.

If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221.

Saturday 21 March 2009

Educational Fun

Valley View Farm Cottages is a great place to bring the family and there are plenty of attractions and things to do in the area for the whole family. If you are looking for some educational fun for the family then here are some of the places in this area where you can learn whilst having a great day out.

Beck Isle Museum Of Rural Life – Step back in time and view an assortment of items from the last 200 years as well as the 27 display areas, each with a specific theme and filled with items showing the changes in social, domestic and working life from the eighteenth century, with special emphasis on Victorian period.

Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum -Transport yourselves back in time to wartime Britain and experience the sights, sounds and smells of World War II.

Monk Park Farm - Situated near Thirsk this farm has both outdoor and indoor feeding areas where you can see and learn about the many farm animals and other more unusual animals.

National Railway Museum, York - Explore 300 years of railway history and marvel at the Mallard and Stephenson's Rocket, watch the engineering in the workshop, the trains moving on the turntable or enjoy a thrilling ride in the simulator.

Royal Armouries, Leeds - View the UK’s national collection of arms, armour and artillery. During the year you can see live horse shows, jousting, falconry displays and live combat by knights in shining armour.

Sealife Centre, Scarborough - Explore freshwater rivers and streams, the rugged UK coastline, the shallows and the dark depths of the North Sea and the crystal clear waters of the Barrier Reef to watch and learn about the amazing creatures found in these watery habitats.

If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221.

Thursday 19 March 2009

Market Towns

Valley View Farm Cottages are ideally situated for a trip to one of the many interesting market towns we have in the North Yorkshire area.

Hawes – Visit this thriving market town, famous for it’s Wensleydale cheese and the Dales Countryside Museum. Browse the craft workshops, antique and speciality shops and seek refreshments in one of the many pubs, cafes or restaurants the town has to offer before taking advantage of one of the many pretty walks and trails in the area.

Helmsley – Explore the market place shops, watch the comings and goings of the motorbikes, take the children to the play area or see what’s playing at the Helmsley Arts Centre.

Kirbymoorside – Explore the history of this market town with the history trail, taking in the Toll Booth and War Memorial Hall. Or just browse the shops and take time out for refreshments in one of the local pubs or cafes.

Leyburn - Located at the heart of Wensleydale, in the Yorkshire Dales, offering craft workshops, galleries, a fine arts & antiques auction house and a busy Friday market as well as walks across the Dales.

Pickering – Meander around the shops, watch the steam trains or stop and feed the ducks.

Thirsk – The gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors, home to racing, at the heart of the James Herriot stories and a thriving market town.

So make Valley View Farm Cottages your base and if you want to book a stay then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 79822 or +441439 798221 .

Wednesday 18 March 2009

Sutton Bank


This is the view from the top of Sutton Bank taken at 8.30 this morning, it has been a misty start to the day here at the farm, but travelling out to the top of the Bank the mist lifted as you will see and thought I would share this lovely view with you - its a great start to the day, and you will also see the race horses out on the gallops at this time of the day too which is an added bonus.

Tuesday 17 March 2009

Coastal Towns In Yorkshire

As the weather brightens up and the Spring sunshine fills the air, thoughts turn to holidays and trips to the seaside.

With a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages why not take a trip to the coast for the day.

Filey – A traditional fishing town with it’s magnificent 5 mile stretch of beach. A great place to visit for all the family as it offers surfing, fishing, walking, yachting, golf, bird watching, amusements, historical interests and lovely gardens.

Scarborough – The perfect seaside location divided into two bays. The North Bay contains fun parks, with attractions like Peasholm Park, Miniature North Bay Railway and the Scarborough Sea Life Centre. The South Bay is where the harbour with the fishing boats are located as well as lots of cafes, restaurants, amusement arcades and shops.

Whitby – Climb the 199 steps that lead up to the magnificent ruins of Whitby Abbey and St. Mary’s church, whose churchyard gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write Dracula. Explore the maze of alleyways that run down to the busy quayside, learn about Captain Cook, the Scoresby whaling family and hunt for Whitby jet.

So make Valley View Farm Cottages your base and if you want to book a stay then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 79822 or +441439 798221 .

Monday 16 March 2009

Farms To Visit

If a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages on our family run farm with sheep and cattle inspires you, then why not take a trip to one of the farms in the area that has different activities to offer you andyour family.

Beadlam Grange Farm – This award winning farmshop has a butcher where all beef, lamb and pork is home produced, a deli counter, fresh baked pies and frozen ready meals that are all home made with local produce.

Big Sheep and Little Cow - All weather farm attraction at Bedale offering guided tours, an opportunity to bottle feed lambs and piglets, enjoy pony rides or quad bikes for the over ‘6’s and an indoor play area.

Monk Park Farm - Situated near Thirsk this farm has both outdoor and indoor feeding areas where you can see a range of farm animals as well as more unusual animals. There is a large teashop and grounds to enjoy.

So make Valley View Farm Cottages your base and if you want to book a stay then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 79822 or +441439 798221 .

Sunday 15 March 2009

Mother's Day - A Stay In A Cottage In North Yorkshire

Why not treat your Mum to a weekend away , or even a week away at one of our Valley View Farm Cottages, in the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire.

We can also make your mum's stay just that bit extra special with our special arrangements for Mother's Day. Don't forget it's only a week away, but there is still tim to make that extra special booking.

We can arrange for such treats as;
Bouquet of flowers in the cottage.
Bottle of Champagne/wine/chocolates in the cottage.
A hamper of Yorkshire fare in the cottage.
Dinner reservations at any of our local excellent restaurants.
Book a pampering treatment at the local beautician.
Advise and recommend on a fun filled day with the whole family.

So don't delay book your mum a very special treat with a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages.

Saturday 14 March 2009

Trains And Railways To Visit In Yorkshire

Yorkshire has a lot to offer the train and railway enthusiast with railways, a National Museum and train rides throughout the region. Why not enjoy a family day out, taking in the Yorkshire scenery on one of the many train journeys available on the North Yorkshire railway lines or spend a day at the National Railway museum and learn about 300 years of railway history.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
– Journey through picturesque Yorkshire countryside, visit the shops at the stations and enjoy a picnic nearby before strolling to Bolton Abbey.
Goathland – Take the steam train ride from Goathland to Grosmont and enjoy a cup of tea in the 1920's style tea-room.
Grosmont – Grosmont station is a 1950's style station and home to the restoration engine sheds.
National Railway Museum, York – Explore 300 years of railway history and marvel at the Mallard and Stephenson's Rocket, watch the engineering in the workshop, the trains moving on the turntable or enjoy a thrilling ride in the simulator.
Wensleydale Railway at Leyburn - Ride on a heritage train from the 1960's or why not spend a day on a Driver Experience full day course.

So why not make your base one of the Valley View Farm Cottages so that you can explore the Yorkshire region's trains and railways.

Friday 13 March 2009

Hole Of Horcum

The Hole Of Horcum is like a natural amphitheatre which is close to the A169 between Pickering and Goathland. Legend says that the hole was created when a giant, named Wade, scooped up a large ball of earth and threw it at his wife in an angry rage, missing her and creating the hill called Blakey Topping. The Hole of Horcum is approximately 400ft deep, 1 mile long and a quarter of a mile long. In reality the Hole of Horcum was probably created by glacial ice flow.

Why not do one of the many Hole of Horcum walks?

Make your base one of the Valley View Farm Cottages so that you can explore the North Yorkshire Moors and the Hole of Horcum.

Thursday 12 March 2009

Red Kites

I spotted a Red Kite this morning, a stunningly beautiful bird, which nearly became extinct as a result of some bad press, several years ago. Red Kites are neither particularly strong nor aggressive despite being large birds.Primarily a scavenger and an opportunist; it profits from sheep carrion but is not capable of opening up sheep or lamb carcasses by itself and has to wait until more powerful birds such as ravens or buzzards have made the first inroads before it will attempt to feed.
Harewood House introduced a breeding programme for Red Kites and were released on the Harewood Estate in 1999 as part of a UK conservation initiative. The RSPB joins Harewood House on Saturdays/Sundays throughout the season to talk about and look out for these incredibly striking birds. You will need to call to check on the day that the RSPB team will be on site if you are travelling especially for the Kite Viewing, another lovely day out as part of your holiday here at Valley View Farm.

Britains Best Drives - North Yorkshire Moors

If you missed the Britains Best Drives episode featuring the North Yorkshire Moors and you have 30 minutes to spare then check it out on BBC iPlayer here - Britains Best Drives - North Yorkshire Moors.

Grab a cup of tea and join Richard Wilson in a Morris Minor 1000 for a 1950's style motoring tour taking in the traditional seaside resorts and atmospheric moorlands of North Yorkshire. The route starts at Scarborough, on through Dalby Forst, to the Hole of Horcrum, with a stop at Goathland then over the moors before reaching Whitby.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this programme and it has inspired John and I to revisit some of these wonderful Yorkshire destinations and maybe even follow in Richard's footsteps or should I say Morris Minor wheels!

If you would like to take this motoring trip as Richard Wilson describes as "Hugely enjoyable and undoubtedly one of Britains best drives", then why not make your base one of the Valley View Farm Cottages.

Wednesday 11 March 2009

Yorkshire Moors And Coasts Friendliest Faces And Their Favourite Places

The Yorkshire Moors and Coast have launched a ‘Friendliest Faces and their Favourite Places' campaign to recognise the important contribution of the individuals who help give the area its reputation for being such a welcoming place and guess who you will see there? Yes that's right me... and my favourite place is "The road between Old Byland and Rievaulx Abbey as the view takes some beating."

With a stay at one of my six Valley View Farm Cottages you can expect friendly, affordable accommodation and I will welcome you with tea, homemade cakes and the local paper (please bring your own slippers).

Quantitative easing

So the quantitative easing exercise gets underway today a first for the British economy, I am sure that our economists know best, and can only hope that this black cloud that we are under at the moment will lift soon.
On a more cheerful note the first day of Spring is only 10 days away now, and the daylight hours are getting longer and longer, there is an air of 'busyness' all around I hope this rubs off on the economy - quantitative easing or not!

Tuesday 10 March 2009

Signs Of Spring

I love to see signs that Spring is here;

Snowdrops and crocus flowers blooming.
Birds singing in the early morning and pairing off.
New buds on the trees and plants.
The lambs being born on our farm.

New growth and new life give a sense of optimism for the rest of the year ahead of us...

Monday 9 March 2009

Photographs Of Cottages In A Slideshow

Take a virtual tour of the cottages via the slideshow. Here you will see all 6 of the beautiful stonebuilt cottages at Valley View Farm.



Hope you enjoyed the tour of Valley View Farm Cottages and if you would like to stay at Couch, Drey, Form, Formicary, Granary or Holt Cottage then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 79822 or +441439 798221 .

Sunday 8 March 2009

Birds In The Garden


I like this time of year when you start to see more birds visiting the garden and you can wake to the sound of birdsong.

In my garden I have spotted;
  • blackbirds
  • bluetits
  • great tits
  • song thrushes
  • bullfinches
What birds have you spotted in your garden lately? Please leave a comment as I would love to know.

Saturday 7 March 2009

Middleham Stables Annual Open Day Event


This year the Middleham Stables Annual Open Day event is on Good Friday (10th April 2009). This event is for all you horse and horse racing lovers out there and those with an eye for a horse racing winning!

The opening ceremony will take place in the Market Place at 9.15am.

Over 500 horses will be on show at leading national hunt and flat racing stables in the local area.

The participating racing stables will be open from 9.30am to 1.00pm.

There are free buses running between various venues and stables.

Afternoon events on Low Moor will include:

• Display of 2-year olds
• Schooling Demonstration
• Lunging
• Display of rehabilitated racecourses
• Auction of 2-year olds
• Street Theatre

There will be hot and cold refreshments and a beer tent to help quench your thirst for the day!

Admission is £7.00 on the gate and £6.00 in advance. Children under 12 go free.

Souvenir programmes can be purchased for £4.

Car parking is available at various locations.

For advance tickets, programmes and further information telephone Middleham Key Centre on 01969 624411.

Friday 6 March 2009

TV And Film Locations In North Yorkshire

Many locations in North Yorkshire have been featured in famous television series and films over the years, so why not book a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages and visit the famous TV and film locations in this area.

Thirsk was the location for the 1980's television series All Creatures Great And Small adapted from the novels by James Herriot.
Castle Howard was the location for the television drama Brideshead Revisited and the recently released film adaptation.
Goathland, known as Aidensfield in the long running television series, Heartbeat and also known as Hogsmeade Railway Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Newby Hall and Gardens near Ripon, appeared as Mansfield Park in the 2007 TV adaptation.
Allerton Park near Knareborough was featured in episodes of the television series of Sherlock Holmes.
Brimham Rocks has featured in many films and television programmes, including Jane Eyre, and the Sherlock Holmes TV production, The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Whitby and Whitby Abbey featured in the films, Dracula and Count Dracula.
Aysgarth Falls and their stepping stones were used as the location for the fight between Kevin Costner's Robin Hood and his friend Little John in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
York Minster had a central role in the film Elizabeth.

If you are a TV addict or film buff and want to spend time visiting your favouite TV and film locations in North Yorkshire then why not book a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages.

Thursday 5 March 2009

Sudden Oak Death

I had not heard about Sudden Oak Death until this week I thought it was some play on Sod's Law until I realised how very sinister this fungus is that is putting at risk one of the countrys' oldest and treasured trees. Not only is the Oak at risk but also Rhododendrons which are so beautiful in Spring, we still have some accommodation available for April and May so come and see the Oaks in their splendour in Dalby Forest, there are a network of forest roads including the 9 mile Forest Drive, you may also spot Crossbills, Nightjars and Roe Deer. For something a bit more active 'Go Ape' is an activity where you will have a bird's eye view of the trees, which is based in the forest.
The Rhododendrons can be seen in all their glory in the many gardens we have close to Old Byland, Newby Hall, Fountains Abbey and Harlow Carr just to mention a few.

Wednesday 4 March 2009

Castles, Halls And Stately Homes To Visit In North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire has an abundance of castles, halls and stately homes to visit. Here are just a few of my favourites, which you could spend a day visiting when staying at Valley View Farm Cottages.

Castle Howard – In Winter you can take woodland walks and view the stunning gardens or visit the Stable Courtyard shops and cafĂ© and the children can enjoy the adventure playground and adventure trails in the school holidays. Between March and October enjoy a free outdoor guided tour. The house is open from mid March and exciting events take place throughout the year.
Duncombe Park – Visit the home of Lord and Lady Feversham and explore the 18th century house, breathe in the scented 'secret garden' around the old conservatory and explore the 400 acres of parkland.
Helmsley Castle – Soak in the history of Helmsley as you wander round the medieval ruins.
Nunnington Hall - A picturesque Yorkshire manor house set on the bank of the River Rye, with organic garden and an exciting programme of art and photographic exhibitions.

If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 79822 or +441439 798221 .

Tuesday 3 March 2009

Ecclesiastical History - North Yorkshire Abbey's

North Yorkshire is rich in ecclesiastical history, so why not spend a day at one of the beautiful abbey's in the region whilst you stay at Valley View Farm Cottages.

Bolton Abbey – Explore the ruins of the Priory and discover a landscape full of history as you wander the vast acres of beautiful countryside.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – Visit Yorkshire’s first World Heritage Site for a full day out with the largest abbey ruins in the UK, over 800 acres of beautiful countryside, ten historic buildings and the Georgian Water Gardens.
Jervaulx Abbey - A ruined Cistercian Abbey, set in 110 acres of parkland noted for its lovely wallflowers and shrubs.
Rievaulx Abbey – An impressive monastic ruin dating back to 1132 with an interactive indoor museum to help transport you back in time.
Rosedale Abbey – Set in the heart of the rolling hills of Rosedale all that remains of Rosedale Abbey is a stair case, sundial and single stone pillar.
Whitby Abbey – Feeling energetic, then climb the 199stone steps to this magnificent abbey that stands tall over the seaside town of Whitby.

If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 .

Monday 2 March 2009

Lovely weather for a days walking

Today is bright and sunny and a fabulous day for getting those walking boots on and heading off for a day in this Spring weather.
To make the most of the Dales, and if you are new to walking, it is often a good idea to have a guide. You will be pleased to know that there are some free guided walks available to you which will be lead by a National Park Ranger. The next walk is on Tuesday 24th March and is at Cotterdale and Great Shunner Fell this is a 10 mile strenous guided walk with National park Ranger Matt Neale, crossing rough moorland with steep ascents and descents. Find out about Open Access rights, national trails and land management within the National Park. Plenty of chances to catch your breath at stopping points. Booking advisable, no dogs allowed. Contact Hawes National Park Centre on 01969 666210 or email hawes@yorkshiredales.org.uk

Sunday 1 March 2009

New Photographs Of Valley View Farm Cottages

I am currently updating the photographs of the Valley View Farm Cottages.

Here are some of the recent photographs of the cottages. if you would like to know more about the cottages then click on the name of the cottage or the photograph to go to the specific cottage page.

Formicary Cottage











Holt Cottage

Holt CottageHolt & Couch Cottages

Drey Cottage

Drey Cottage

Granary Cottage

Granary Cottage

Form Cottage

Form Cottage

Couch Cottage

Couch Cottage

Couch Cottage


If you would like to book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online by clicking on the link or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 .
Valley View Farm, Old Byland, Helmsley, York YO62 5LG
Tel. 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 mailto:sally@valleyviewfarm.com
View Valley View Farm Cottages location.