Sunday 28 February 2010

Cinnamon Twist Bakery, Helmsley

Just thought I would mention the Cinnamon Twist Bakery and Patisserie in Helmsley as it was recommended to me on twitter.

The shop sells homemade breads, sandwiches, cakes, buns and pastries.

We are only 5 miles from Helmsley so it is great to have such a lovely shop selling wonderful homemade, freshly baked produce.

Next time you visit us here at Valley View Farm Cottages, be sure to call in at the Cinnamon Twist and let us know your thoughts.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Saturday 27 February 2010

Rievaulx & Old Byland Walk

The Rievaulx & Old Byland Walk is a walk that can be done at a gentle strolling pace. The walk is approximately 6 miles and will take about 3 hours.

Starting from the village of Rievaulx, with views of the ruin and the temples to admire, the walk will take you along footpaths, the outlines of an old canal, over a beck, along field edges, across a river, woodland, farmland and country lanes. With beautiful scenery and wildlife to see along the way this is a great way to see the local area.

Rievaulx is only a 6 minute drive from our farm in Old Byland. If you don't want to drive to Rievaulx first you can start the walk on foot from our farm here in Old Byland.

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 26 February 2010

Mother's Day

Next week sees us into March and although the weather may not be tempting you outside at the moment now is a great time to be planning what to do when the weather does improve!

At Valley View Farm we are very close to plenty of English Heritage sites and here is a small taster of what is happening, and it may give you some ideas of what you can plan for Mother's Day too:-

The Easter weekend sees the beginning of the brand new events season at English Heritage, with trails for the adventurous children, re-enactments for the history buffs, and special tours for those who want to find out the gory details of how people used to live – there is something to keep everyone entertained.

Kicking off the events season are Whitby Abbey, Richmond Castle and Clifford’s Tower in York, just a few of the sites in Yorkshire that will be joining in with the East Family Fun Trails over Easter weekend at the beginning of April. Children will need to crack the clues to complete the trail and collect their yummy Easter prize. English Heritage has stocked up on thousands of chocolate Easter Bunnies to give away as prizes over Easter so make sure you don’t miss out!


The Golden Age of Rievaulx!

Come along and help us celebrate the Golden Age of Rievaulx Abbey this year. 2010 is the 900th birthday of St Aelred, an abbot at Rievaulx Abbey which made the site an international centre for Christianity, way back in the 1100’s.

The celebrations are starting at Easter with tasty treats in the tea room, carrying on right through the year with Medieval Falconry, a pilgrimage in May, a labyrinth walk at the abbey in May and June, Medieval Arts and Crafts in July, plus much more.


South Yorkshire:Triumph at Sea Exhibition Launch

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens launch a brand new, family-friendly, interactive exhibition this April, inspired by the work of Backhuysen one of the greatest Dutch artists of the 17th century.

One of the most fascinating paintings in Brodsworth’s collection is brought to life with readings from Samuel Pepys diary.

Step into the painting and discover one of the most shameful periods in
English Maritime history - which you will never learn about at school.

The Easter weekend sees the beginning of the brand new events season at English Heritage, with trails for the adventurous children, re-enactments for the history buffs, and special tours for those who want to find out the gory details of how people used to live – there is something to keep everyone entertained.

Kicking off the new events season are Conisbrough Castle and Brodsworth Hall and Gardens are home to the Easter Family Fun Trails at the beginning of April. Children will need to crack the clues to complete the trail and collect their yummy Easter prize. English Heritage has stocked up on thousands of chocolate Easter Bunnies to give away as prizes over Easter so make sure you don’t miss out!

Late Availability From 5th March 2010

Here is the late availability and discounted rates for the holiday cottages for the week commencing 5th March 2010:

Form Cottage (Sleeps 2) 7 nights from 5th March 2010 £208.
Formicary Cottage (Sleeps 2+2) 7 nights from 5th March 2010 £208.
Drey Cottage (Sleeps 4) 7 nights from 5th March 2010 £342.
Holt Cottage (Sleeps 6) 7 nights from 5th March 2010 £389.
Granary Cottage (Sleeps 6) 7 nights from 5th March 2010 £417.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

Click here to Book online or call 01439 798221 or +441439 798221.


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Thursday 25 February 2010

Calendar Girls, Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House

The Calendar Girls will be at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House from Monday 8th - Saturday 13th March. Monday - Saturday evenings 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 - £28.50.

I love this story and if you do too then why not treat yourself, you could even combine it with a short break or week away.

We are just over an hours drive from Leeds, so why not stay in one of our holiday cottages in the stunning surroundings of the North York Moors.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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English Lavender Festival At Yorkshire Lavender

Join the team at Yorkshire Lavender for the English Lavender Festival: Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th July 2010.

The English Lavender Festival will be a celebration of lavender and herbs.

You will learn about:
  • cooking with lavender and herbs,
  • the magic of lavender essential oil and
  • lavender for health and beauty.
There will be talks from herbalists and aromatherapists.

Hundreds of different varieties of lavender and herbs together with perennials, annuals, grasses, alpines, wildflowers will be for sale with expert advice available.

In the gift shop you can buy a whole range of lavender gifts
  • food,
  • conserves,
  • condiments,
  • lavender ice cream,
  • lavender honey beer.
You can also taste lavender food in the tearooms and restaurant.

Yorkshire Lavender is just a 30 minute drive from our holiday cottages at Old Byland

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Wednesday 24 February 2010

Mint Weekend, Yorkshire Lavender

Join the team at Yorkshire Lavender on Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th June 2010 for their Mint Weekend, designed to encourage people to grow their own and pick up useful tips.

So what can you learn about mint?
Learn about;
  • its history,
  • its medicinal uses and
  • its culinary uses.
Get expert advice and help about growing and using mint.

Lots of varieties of mint will be on sale in the specialist Plant Nursery.

Mint is a versatile herb that can be used for a variety of dishes and drinks and you can even try some new and exciting 'mint' recipes in the Yorkshire Lavender Tea Room/Restaurant.

Yorkshire Lavender is just a 30 minute drive from our holiday cottages at Old Byland

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Tuesday 23 February 2010

National Dairy Week 22nd-28th February

Did you know that this week is National Dairy Week (22 to 28 February) run by The Dairy Council who will be celebrating their 90th birthday on Wednesday 24 February?

So what is National Dairy Week all about?

It is about raising awareness of the goodness of dairy products, letting everyone, including supermarkets and MPs, know how popular dairy products are, as well as campaigning for the rights of dairies and dairy farmers to a profitable dairy sector.

The week was launched by the Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury who posed as 'the Dairy Fairy', see http://www.smilefordairy.com/ where you can also find instructions for posting your own 'smile for dairy' pictures!

On a more serious note, Dairy UK have been lobbying MPs with key messages about dairy products and how supermarkets sell more dairy products than any other variety of food at the supermarket – more than £8bn per year in fact.

"Dairy UK will be handing MPs a blueprint to securing a profitable dairy sector so that whichever party is returned to power at the next election, they will have the information they need to make the right decisions for farmers and dairies.

Farmers will be receiving special National Dairy Week stickers for their cars and tractors. And Dairy UK is also planning to spread the good news about dairy through radio DJs and journalists.

Finally, dairy companies are joining in by telling their members all about National Dairy Week. Some are even inviting children from local schools to visit a dairy or creamery and learn about how their favourite dairy foods get from farm to supermarket shelf.

There are so many reasons to be Proud of Dairy during this week’s National Dairy Week. What’s yours?"

Source: The Dairy Council

Let me know what you will be doing to lend your support to National Dairy Week.


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Late Deals From 26th February 2010

Here is the late availability and discounted rates for the holiday cottages for the week commencing 26th February 2010:

Form Cottage (Sleeps 2) 3 nights from 26th February 2010 £156.
Formicary Cottage (Sleeps 2+2) 7 nights from 26 February 2010 £208.
Drey Cottage (Sleeps 4) 7 nights from 26th February 2010 £342.
Holt Cottage (Sleeps 6) 7 nights from 26th February 2010 £389.
Granary Cottage (Sleeps 6) 7 nights from 26th February 2010 £417.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

Click here to Book online or call 01439 798221 or +441439 798221.


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Monday 22 February 2010

Julia Bradbury Launches Smile For Dairy Campaign

Do you love dairy products, milk, cream, cheese, butter? If so then why not take part in the Smile for Dairy Campaign, launched yesterday by TV presenter Julia Bradbury.

Led by Julia, people across Britain are being urged to submit pictures of themselves smiling to smile@smilefordairy.com to demonstrate their love of dairy products.

Julia Bradbury said: “Everyone knows I’m a country girl at heart and I am delighted to wave my magic wand in National Dairy Week and become the Dairy Fairy. Just about every household in Britain uses milk, cheese, yogurt and we should be proud that we produce such natural and nutritious foods. It’s something many of us perhaps take for granted.”

The 2009 consumer survey conducted by The Dairy Council shows:

- 97% of UK households consumed dairy products.

- Fresh milk and cheese were the most consumed dairy products.

- Of the 97% of respondents who consumed dairy products 86% consumed them every day.

- Over two thirds of people think that dairy products are healthy especially as part of children’s diets.

The Smile for Dairy Campaign has been launched by The Dairy Council - which promotes the nutritional benefits of dairy products. This year The Dairy Council will be celebrating its 90th birthday during National Dairy Week.

Don't forget to take a photograph of yourself smiling with a dairy product and send it to the Smile for Dairy campaign. Visit the Smile for dairy Website to see Julia Bradbury and many more smiles at www.smilefordairy.com

Mother's Day Availability At Cottages, North Yorkshire

We only have 3 cottages available for Mother's Day weekend (Sunday 14th March 2010), so if you are thinking of treating your mum then book a cottage today. we can make your stay extra special for your mother as we can make some special arrangements for you.

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.
The three cottages we still currently have available are:

Form - a delightful ground floor cottage for 2 people.
Holt - a lovely 3 double bedroomed cottage for up to 6 people.
Drey - a bright and sunny two double bedroomed cottage for up to 4 people.

If you would like to treat your Mother on Mother's Day then why not book a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages and we can help make the weekend extra special with our special arrangements. To book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221 .

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Sunday 21 February 2010

Snowdrop Walk, Burton Agnes Hall

February in the UK sees the arrival of the snowdrop to our gardens, parks, woodland margins and quiet country lanes.

Join a Snowdrop Walk in the Woodland Gardens at Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield, East Yorkshire (daily 11am-4pm; adults £3.50, seniors £3.00, children £2) from 6th February - 28th February 2010. As well as the blanket of snowdrops in the wood there are snowdrops and other home grown plants for sale. There is plenty to see and do at Burton Agnes Hall. An award-winning walled garden contains a maze, giant games and a jungle garden. There is also a children's playground, warming meals in the cafe, gift shop and the Home and Garden shop with more than 4,000 plant species.

Burton Agnes Hall is just an hour and 20 minutes drive from Valley View Farm cottages and worth a visit, especially when the snowdrops are out.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Saturday 20 February 2010

Mother's Day, Mothering Sunday 14th March 2010

Mothering Sunday / Mother's Day will be Sunday 14th March 2010 in the UK. It is always the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Why not treat your Mother to a break away, here at Valley View Farm Cottages in the North Yorkshire Moors we can offer you and your mother a special weekend break. Valley View Farm Cottages can offer special arrangements for your Mother on Mother's Day.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.
If you would like to treat your Mother on Mother's Day then why not book a stay at Valley View Farm Cottages and we can help make the weekend extra special with our special arrangements. To book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm holiday cottages then you can book online or alternatively book over the telephone on 01439 798221 .

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Friday 19 February 2010

Short Breaks Available From 22nd February 2010

Why not treat yourself to a short break this week?
Here is the short breaks availability for the holiday cottages from 22nd and 26th February 2010:

Drey Cottage (Sleeps 4) 4 nights from 22nd February 2010 £257 or 3 nights from 26th February 2010 £257.
Holt Cottage (Sleeps 6) 4 nights from 22nd February 2010 £292 or 3 nights from 26th February 2010 £292.

Granary Cottage (Sleeps 6) 4 nights from 22nd February 2010 £313 or 3 nights from 26th February 2010 £313.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

Click here to Book online or call 01439 798221 or +441439 798221.


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Thursday 18 February 2010

York Castle Museum, February Half Term

This half term why not visit the York Castle Museum and head back in time.

At the museum you can find out:
  • what it was like to dine with King James the First.
  • how babies were cared for in the past by looking at traditional methods of swaddling and feeding and get up close to fantastic original objects such as the 'murder bottle' and teething ring.
  • experience some of the day-to-day hardships of a Napoleonic soldier's life.
  • more about Victorian life along the world-famous Victorian street, Kirkgate.
Why not have a few days away this half term and take a short break here at Valley View Farm cottages.

Give us a call on 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 to check availability for this week.

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Wednesday 17 February 2010

Rotunda Museum, Scarborough, Artistry In Rocks Event

Why not drop into the Rotunda Museum in Scarborough today between 11am - 4.00pm. Today they are running the first of a series of family fun days and todays event will look at the mineral crystals on display and help you to understand the artistry in rock. Then you can create your own artwork in response to these fascinating objects.

A great creative way to spend the day as a family.

Why not have a few days away this half term and take a short break here at Valley View Farm cottages. Give us a call on 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 to check availability for this week.

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Tuesday 16 February 2010

Customer Comments

We have just said goodbye to some of our regular guests at the cottages and they reminded me of how important it is, to so many of you who have dogs, to be able to bring them along too, so thought I would share their feedback with you:-
' Warm inviting as comfortable as usual, lovely welcome and friendly help, always beautifully clean and tidy. Big plus being able to bring dogs with no fuss - usual response to cottages is 'one small dog only' - useless to us'
We have had more exotic pets to stay so please do not feel restricted to just bringing your dog - we had a pet parrot last week - please phone to confirm beforehand and we will do all we can to accommodate your pet.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

York Art Gallery, February Half Term

Wondering what to do with the children this half term? At York Art Gallery you can join one of their drop in workshops and have a go at drawing birds, copied from real specimens from the Yorkshire Museum's stores. Take inspiration from their ceramics exhibition, Bird in the Hand. An artist will be on hand to help you and there will be a variety of drawing and collage materials to work with.

Starts today - 16th February 2010 and will also be available on the 17th and 18th February 2010. Workshops are available from 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. A small charge will be made for materials.

A great way to spend some of the half term entertaining the children and getting creative at the same time.

Why not have a few days away and take a short break here at Valley View Farm cottages.

Give us a call on 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 to check availability for this week.

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Monday 15 February 2010

Arty Party, Scarborough Art Gallery February 2010

There will be an Arty Party on Thursday 18 February at Scarborough Art Gallery.

From 11am til 4pm families can drop into the art gallery, be inspired by the Pindar East Coast Open exhibition and then take part in a felt jewellery making workshop that draws its inspiration from the popular Pindar East Coast Open.

A great way to spend some of the half term entertaining the children and getting creative at the same time.

Why not have a few days away and take a short break here at Valley View Farm cottages.

Give us a call on 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 to check availability for this week.

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Sunday 14 February 2010

Late Deals From 19th February 2010

Here is an update of the late deals for the holiday cottages for the week commencing 19th February 2010:

Form Cottage (Sleeps 2) 7 nights from 19th February 2010 was £260 now £208.
Formicary Cottage (Sleeps 2+2) 7 nights from 19th February 2010 was £260 now £208.


We also have short deals available in Holt, Drey and Granary cottages from either Monday 22nd February 2010 for 4 nights or 3 nights from Friday 26th February 2010.

Click here to Book online or call 01439 798221 or +441439 798221.

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Saturday 13 February 2010

Half Term Craft Events, Moors National Park Centre Danby

Why not take a break and visit the Moors National Park Centre at Danby for the half term craft events.

Children visiting The Moors National Park Centre in Danby this half-term can get involved in some hands-on activities planting summer bulbs and making a bee hotel, bird boxes and feeders. On 15th February children will be able to decorate plant pots using paint and natural material. The focus turns to bees on 17th February with a session making a bee hotel and on 19th February there is a chance for children to make a wooden bird box, willow feeder and fat ball for their garden. For further details please see www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

Why not take a break with the children during February half term and make the most of the exciting activities for the family in North Yorkshire.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Friday 12 February 2010

Late Availability From 19th February 2010

Here is the late availability for the holiday cottages for the week commencing 19th February 2010:

Form Cottage (Sleeps 2) 7 nights from 19th February 2010 £260.
Formicary Cottage (Sleeps 2+2) 7 nights from 19th February 2010 £260.
Drey Cottage (Sleeps 4) 7 nights from 19th February 2010 £428.
Holt Cottage (Sleeps 6) 7 nights from 19th February 2010 £486.
Granary Cottage (Sleeps 6) 4 nights from 22nd February 2010 £313.


Click here to Book online or call 01439 798221 or +441439 798221.

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Thursday 11 February 2010

February Half Term In North Yorkshire

Thinking of what to do this half term? Do not despair there are plenty of activities close to Valley View Farm Cottages and some of the attractions are putting on special events to interest and educate the children – and the parents will enjoy it too!

Go Wild at RHS Harlow Carr Garden

Wildlife and gardening go hand in hand at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate every day from 13th to 21st February when visitors can Go Wild and get involved in a whole host of wonderful activities, displays and workshops. Activities taking place include a self guided nature trail, guided walks, bird spotting and workshops for children where they can make bird feeders, bumble bee hotels or mini beast mansions. There will also be the chance to join the British Trust of Ornithology to net, catch, ring and record birds in the garden. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

Crafts Events At The Moors National Park Centre Danby

Children visiting The Moors National Park Centre in Danby this half-term can get involved in some hands-on activities planting summer bulbs and making a bee hotel, bird boxes and feeders. On 15th February children will be able to decorate plant pots using paint and natural material. The focus turns to bees on 17th February with a session making a bee hotel and on 19th February there is a chance for children to make a wooden bird box, willow feeder and fat ball for their garden. For further details please see www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

The Early Years At York's National Railway Museum

There's plenty to see and do at York's National Railway Museum this February half term. From Saturday February 13, 2010 to Sunday February 21, 2010 there will be a fun packed week of activities where you and the family can explore the historical ‘Early Years’ of the railways and see the return of Stephenson’s famous locomotive Rocket (replica) to the Museum. Enjoy an exciting steam ride in South Yard, get hands on with creative activities and watch lively theatre performances, themed around Rocket in the Great Hall.10:00 - 18:00 Free Admission, although a small charge applies for steam rides and fun fair rides. The Kids’ Café is open 10:00 - 16:00 in the Walker Suite, with a selection of hot dishes, sandwiches, healthy snacks and kids treats.

Fountains Abbey - Bird Box Making

Bring the family to take part in a bird box making event at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire on 13 February from 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Make a bird box for your garden and discover the many ways you can attract birds to your garden. Children must be accompanied by adults. Normal admission charges apply plus £5.00 per box. Booking is essential for this event, please call 01765 643166

Why not take a break with the children during February half term and make the most of the exciting activities for the family in North Yorkshire.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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25th Jorvik Viking Festival

Come and celebrate York's Viking heritage at the 25th Annual Jorvik Viking Festival from the 13th to the 21st February 2010.

Events will include;
  • lectures,
  • arts & crafts,
  • encampments,
  • river events,
  • saga-telling,
  • re-enactments of battle drills and training routines,
  • and full-scale battle re-enactments.
If you have an interest in history or just enjoy visiting York, then the Jorvik Viking Festival is for you and your family.

Old Byland is just 30 miles from York, so why not make your base here at one of the Valley View Farm Cottages, in the beautiful North York Moors.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Wednesday 10 February 2010

Landscape Photography Exhibition Sutton Bank

Are you interested in photography and particularly landscape photography? If so then the ‘Masters of Light’ Photography Exhibition by landscape photographers Mike Kipling, John Devlin and Brian Jobson, may be of interest to you. The exhibition will be on show from the 12th-22nd February at Sutton Bank National Park Centre with free admission.

We are fortunate that our holiday cottages are located in Old Byland, a beautiful village in the North York Moors, less than 10 minutes from Sutton Bank. This is an ideal location for taking wonderful landscape photographs, so why not combine a break at Valley View Farm with a photography break and a visit to the Masters of Light Exhibition.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Tuesday 9 February 2010

Go Wild At Harlow Carr

Are you interested in wildlife or encouraging more wildlife into your garden? If so then the RHS Harlow Carr Go Wild event at Harrogate from the 13th-21st February 2010 is just for you.

The event will include:
  • how to build bird feeders for your garden,
  • how to build bumble bee hotels for your garden,
  • walks,
  • displays,
  • bird advice and
  • birds of prey demonstrations.
RHS Harlow Carr is just an hours drive from Valley View Farm at Old Byland, so if you are a wildlife enthusiast or would like to encourage more birds and wildlife to your garden then why not combine a visit to the Go wild event with a break away from it all in the beautiful North York Moors.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Monday 8 February 2010

Short Breaks Available From 8th and 12th February 2010

Why not treat yourself to a short break this week?
Here is the short breaks availability for the holiday cottages from 8th and 12th February 2010:

Form Cottage (Sleeps 2) 4 nights from Monday 8th February 2010 £156.
Formicary Cottage (Sleeps 2+2) 4 nights from Monday 8th February 2010 £156.
Drey Cottage (Sleeps 4) 4 nights from Monday 8th February 2010 £257.
Holt Cottage (Sleeps 6) 4 nights from Monday 8th February 2010 £292.

Form Cottage (Sleeps 2) 3 nights from Friday 12th February 2010 £226.
Formicary Cottage (Sleeps 2+2) 3 nights from Friday 22nd February 2010 £226.
Drey Cottage (Sleeps 4) 3 nights from Friday 12th February 2010 £326.
Holt Cottage (Sleeps 6) 3 nights from Friday 12th February 2010 £361.

Click here to Book online or call 01439 798221 or +441439 798221

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Sunday 7 February 2010

February Half Term York's National Railway Museum

There's plenty to see and do at York's National Railway Museum this February half term. From Saturday February 13, 2010 to Sunday February 21, 2010 there will be a fun packed week of activities where you and the family can explore the historical ‘Early Years’ of the railways and see the return of Stephenson’s famous locomotive Rocket (replica) to the Museum. Enjoy an exciting steam ride in South Yard, get hands on with creative activities and watch lively theatre performances, themed around Rocket in the Great Hall.

10:00 - 18:00 Free Admission, although a small charge applies for steam rides and funfair rides.

The Kids’ Café is open 10:00 - 16:00 in the Walker Suite, with a selection of hot dishes, sandwiches, healthy snacks and kids treats.

Valley View Farm cottages are just an hours drive from York, so why not book a stay here in the North York Moors and then spend a day in York and make a visit to the National Railway Museum part of your day out in York.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Saturday 6 February 2010

Bird Box Making Fountains Abbey February Half Term

Bring the family to take part in a bird box making event at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire on 13 February from 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

Make a bird box for your garden and discover the many ways you can attract birds to your garden.

* Children must be accompanied by adults
* Normal admission charges apply plus £5.00 per box
* Booking is essential for this event, please call 01765 643166

Why not take a break with the children during February half term and make the most of the exciting activities for the family in North Yorkshire.

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If you would like to book a break 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.

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Friday 5 February 2010

Valentine's Day On North Yorkshire Moors Railway

I do like to support the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and they have just sent through a press release that I am sure you will be interested in, some of our regular guests to Valley View Farm are keen followers of the Railway and the scenery really is outstanding on any of the trips that they take. I have mentioned in the past, trying something different for Valentines Day so how about the following...

Steam railways have always been considered to hold a certain charm and attraction, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is no exception.

Hopes are high that budding Valentines will want to share their loving moments on board a stream train adventure through the scenic North York Moors.

The Moors Railway will be running heritage train services every day from Saturday 13 February through to Sunday 21 February, making it an ideal consideration for the February half term, for families, children and those who wish to add a touch of romance on 14th February.

Trains will run between Pickering, Levisham and Goathland, as well as between Whitby and Grosmont. On Sunday 14th and 21st, services will extend from Grosmont to Battersby, along the Esk Valley railway line.

For the first time, tickets can be booked online using the Railway’s own website, www.nymr.co.uk and this will help to save queuing.

Getting into the Valentines spirit are Paul Taylor, 32 and Laura Grant 27. Paul lives in Pickering and is the son of a local green grocer. He runs his own business offering clients a variety of web-based services including website design, hosting, domain names and e-commerce solutions. After working in London and then Middlesbrough for several years, he returned to Ryedale to set up and develop his business interests.

He is a volunteer with the Railway, helping out with signal and telecommunications work. He also acts as the Railway’s IT Manager and has been instrumental in redesigning the Railway’s website.

Laura is from Calgary, Canada. She has family in the UK, as her mum was born and raised in Oldham. Laura wants to become a tutoring professor working with students for whom English is a second language. She is following a course at York University and said that the course she wanted to pursue was not available in Canada, and so chose to come to York due to its reputation as being one of Britain’s most attractive and best loved cities as well as a centre of excellence for education.

The two met on a blind date in York in November 2008. A year later, Paul proposed to her whilst they were having a meal on board the North Yorkshire Moor’s Railway’s Pullman dining train. Asked about his proposal, Laura says “We had talked about it, but it was still a surprise and quite unexpected. I did say “yes” though!”

She has not yet been persuaded to get her hands dirty as a Railway volunteer, but has attended several special events and helped her husband- to –be with various data inputting jobs!

Paul and Laura plan to get married later in the year and it seems as if they won’t be able to shake off the romance of the Railway. The Moors Railway has applied for a wedding licence in the hope that Paul and Laura might be the first couple to marry on the Moors line.

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Late Availability From 12th February 2010

Here is the late availability for the holiday cottages for the week commencing 12th February 2010:

Form Cottage (Sleeps 2) 3 nights from 12th February 2010 £226.
Formicary Cottage (Sleeps 2+2) 3 nights from 12th February 2010 £226.
Drey Cottage (Sleeps 4) 7 nights from 12th February 2010 £435.
Holt Cottage (Sleeps 6) 7 nights from 12th February 2010 £482.

Click here to Book online or call 01439 798221 or +441439 798221.

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Thursday 4 February 2010

Hole In The Wall Song For Marie Curie Cancer Care

The dusting of snow this morning made me think how nice it would be to be back in sunny Tenerife where John and I have just spent a relaxing week! Although our time away was just last week, we have hit the ground running what with lambing to get ready for, the cottages filling up and the amplebosom yearly catalogue to put together.

Whilst there we ‘happened’ upon a bar or two and one that we particularly enjoyed was the ‘ Hole In The Wall’ Fergal who is the owner, is trying to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care which is a great cause and one I like to support, so here is letter to explain all:
Hi Folks,

I hope this finds you all well. I have been approached with a great idea from a friend of ours at the “Hole in the wall” Tenerife with the intention of raising money for Charity. We at the “Hole in the wall” have raised thousands of Euros over the years for various charities in conjunction with our great friends Chris Kamara (sky sports) and Bob Brolly MBE (BBC DJ). With the release of my new album “Pass it on” and the reaction it’s getting from around the world we have decided to release track 7 “Home at the Hole in the wall” as a single. I wrote the song about the “Hole in the wall”. Our aim is to get the song in the UK & Ireland’s top 40 for the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day the 17th of March. We hope to get up to 10’000 downloads of the song from iTunes between the 7th and the 12th of March. Every penny made will go to Chris Kamara’s charity “Marie Currie Cancer Care”. We are using Facebook and the Internet to create awareness for this great cause.

Chris was in Tenerife over the Christmas and New Year period and approached me with the idea and said if “Rage against the machine can do it against the X Factor we can do it”. So with your support and generosity you can help us raise as much money and awareness for “Marie Currie Cancer Care” as we possibly can. Every one of us directly or indirectly, has been affected by Cancer and knows this is a very worthy cause.

We are currently organizing a video shoot for the song in the “Hole in the wall” sometime in next 2 weeks and will inform you as soon as we know a date. If you happen to be in Tenerife around that time why not pop in and be part of the video and hopefully be part of making history with us.

When the video is done it will be uploaded on our new “Home at the hole in the wall” facebook page and we would appreciate it if you can send it to all your contacts for them to pass it on to all their contacts and so on. We have a lot of Celebrity friends including Daniel O’Donnell, Bob Brolly(bbc), Chris Moyles(bbc), Chris Evans(bbc), and some of Chris Kamara’s colleges from Sky Sports given us their full support.

Please suggest to your friends to join our FACEBOOK group "Fergal Flaherty Home at the hole in the wall” and for them to suggest to their friends and lets all make as much money as we can for “Marie Currie Cancer Care”.

Don’t forget; Download the song “Home at the hole in the wall” from iTunes between the 7th and the 12th of March as we are aiming for the charts for St. Patrick’s Day. Check out our Facebook page” Fergal Flaherty Home at the Hole in the wall”, become a fan and we will keep you updated.

If you don’t know how to download songs from iTunes ask you son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter or someone you know who knows how to do it and they will do it for you.

Your support is greatly appreciate,

Many Thanks,

Fergal Flaherty
I will definately be giving my support and will download the song in March.

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Wednesday 3 February 2010

Most Popular Posts On Valley View Farm Blog For January 2010

Catch up on the most popular posts on the Valley View Farm blog for January 2010, grab a cup of tea and if you're sitting comfortably then select the posts you've missed.

1) Pickering War Weekend 16th-18th October 2009
2) Events 2010 North Yorkshire Moors Railway
3) Bra Fittings In February down On The Farm
4) Spend Valentine's Day In North Yorkshire
5) Pickering Walking Festival 16th-18th April 2010
6) Valentine's Day In North Yorkshire
7) Mountain Bike World Cup Dalby Forest 2010
8) Masham Sheep Fair September 2009
9) Valley View Farm Cottages In North Yorkshire
10) The Great Yorkshire Show July 2010

So if you missed any of these posts, now's your chance to catch up and find out a bit about what's been going on down on the farm, in Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.Popular events such as Pickering War Weekend and The Great Yorkshire Show are always great events to visit and as you can see love is definately in the air with Valentine's day not too many days away, so if you've not got any plans then why not whisk your loved one away on a short break to Valley View Farm cottages in the North York Moors.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Tuesday 2 February 2010

Demonstration Day At Gayle Mill

The sights and sounds of Victorian woodworking machinery will fill Gayle Mill, near Hawes, on a special demonstration day which is being staged for visitors.

On Sunday 7th February, visitors will be given a unique insight into life in a woodworking mill that served the local community for over a century with the chance to see and hear the original 1879 water-powered Victorian woodworking machinery being used. The two special guided tours start at 11am and 2.30pm.

Hawes is approximately 50 miles away from Valley View Farm so why not book a stay here at one of our 4 star holiday cottages in the beautiful village of Old Byland and take a leisurely drive to Hawes and spend the day visiting Gayle Mill's demonstration day, meandering in and out of the pretty shops in Hawes and taking in the beautiful Yorkshire landscape on one of the many walks in and around Hawes.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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Monday 1 February 2010

North Sea Ferry Exhibition at NRM York

From the 10th Febraury 2010 until the 6th September 2010, the National Railway Museum in York is showing an exhibition entitled, Once Upon a Tide – North Sea Ferry Tales.

This new exhibition, in partnership with the National Railway Museum in the Netherlands, will use the Museum’s rich poster collections to explore the past, present and future of the Harwich-Hook ferry route. Don’t miss the chance to walk onto the deck of a ‘roll-on roll-off ferry’ as you see the turntable as you have never experienced it before! Admission free.

Valley View Farm cottages are just an hours drive from York, so why not book a stay here in the North York Moors and then spend a day in York and make a visit to the National Railway Museum part of your day out in York.

Click here to book Valley View Farm Cottages

If you would like to book a break 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.

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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.