Robert Parkin Exhibition Scampston Hall

A brand new exhibition of prints by wildlife artist and conservationist, Robert Parkin, has just opened in the Restaurant at Scampston Hall.

Robert will also be on site, sketching and talking to visitors from 11am on Wednesday 18th September and Sunday 6th October, and will be very happy to discuss his techniques, sources of inspiration and thoughts on wildlife on both days.

Why not treat yourself to a few days away, here at Valley View Farm Cottages, as we are just 27 miles away from Scampston Hall.

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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11 - 13th May, Fear & Fascination - National Railway Museum Exhibition

This month the National Railway Museum in York is holding a new exhibition on Fear & fascination surrounding the birth of the early railways.

Held in the art gallery, there will be a display of some of the earliest unseen pieces of work. The paintings capture the sense of awe and anxiety people felt when they first saw the enormous constructions.  In contrast the Railway companies commissioned images showing railway lines in harmony with the landscape in an attempt to calm the concerned public.

The exhibition if free and a must for any historian railway fan.   The National Railway Museum is always a fun day out and can also be tied in with a walk around the beautiful city of York.

Delve into 300 years of history at the Castle Howard new exhibition

From 24th March Castle Howard will be presenting it's history through a new exhibition of paintings, photographs and decorative arts.  The exhibition includes the famous 18th-century architectural engravings that first publicised Vanbrugh's magnificent building into the world.

Castle Howard is just 18 miles from Old Byland and less than a 40 minute drive, so why not treat yourself to stay at one of the Valley View Farm Cottages and combine it with a visit to Castle Howard.

Family Art On Saturdays York Art Gallery

I just wanted to let you know about the Family Saturdays that they have at York Art Gallery where you get to work with a real artist in the fun, family drop-in workshops on the first Saturday of every month.

These sessions are for accompanied children, with a £1 charge per child to cover the cost of materials. Sponsored by the Friends of York Art Gallery.

Dates for the diary include:

5 November, 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Join artist Linda Tomlinson

3 December, 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Join artist Lesley Seeger

Why not have a few days away and take a short break here at Valley View Farm cottages and visit York and the York art gallery.

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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Robert Fuller's Winter Art Exhibition Starts 29th October 2011

For all you art lovers I just wanted to let you know that the Robert E Fuller Winter Art Exhibition of original paintings, bronze sculptures and prints depicting wildlife from home and abroad will start on Saturday 29th October 2011 and run until Sunday 13th November 2011. Open daily from 11am til 4.30pm at The Robert fuller Gallery, Thixendale.

Valley View Farm cottages are just an hours drive from Thixendale, so why not book a stay here in the North York Moors and take a scenic drive to The Robert Fuller exhibition!

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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October Half Term Activities York Art Gallery

I just wanted to let all you art enthusiasts know about the Half Term activities at York Art Gallery from 25th, 26th and 27th October, at 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.

Here are some of the activities listed below.

Detail from Cricket Cat by Louis Wain - Come and play at York Art Gallery where we'll be looking at traditional games in activities inspired by our new exhibition Games People Play.

Design a playing card or draw your own Happy Family. Make a snake or a ladder for our giant game board or just have a go at playing one of our traditional games.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

£1 each, to cover materials, no need to book, just call in.


Illuminating York - 28 and 29 October, open until 8pm

The gallery is opening late as part of this city-wide Illuminating York festival - visit the festival website for more details.

Our sister attractions the Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum will be running torch-lit tours during the festival.

The Controversy of Art - a conversation - 29 October, half-hour sessions at 5.30pm and 6.30pm

A tour of the William Etty: Art and Controversy exhibition in the company of two actors taking the role of art critics from William Etty's day.

Free, no booking required.

Adult Learning Evening - 28 October, 6 - 8pm

A celebration of Adult Learning at the art gallery with a carousel of talks by curators and partner organisations (City of York Council, York Open Studios, Open College of the Arts, Friends of York Art Gallery, SAASY, U3A, University of York)

Free, no need to book.

Doodle Manifesto: The Big Draw - 29 October, 6 - 8pm

Drop in and doodle with Doodle Manifesto in an 'after-hours' collaborative drawing session. Everyone welcome.

Free, no need to book.

Why not have a few days away and take a short break here at Valley View Farm cottages and a break away with a visit to York and an art session for the children.

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

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Yorkshire Museum October Half Term Activities

One of the activities taking place at the Yorkshire Museum this half term is Alphabet Twister
on the 25th, 26th and 28th October, 10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4pm

Join the drop-in sessions during the half-term holiday. Add colour and play with the "Alphabet Twister" game. Then design a medieval tile featuring your own initials.

Valley View Farm cottages are just an hours drive from York, so why not book a stay here in the North York Moors and visit York!

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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Ceramic Plate Decorating 15th October 2011 Castle Museum

I just wanted to let you know about the Ceramic Plate Decorating event taking place at the York Castle Museum on 15th October 2011, 10am - noon.

Come and be inspired by the ceramic collection at the museum. Be guided in the process of surface pattern and design by tutor, artist Kirstie Briggs-Bateman and decorate your own plate to take away.

£10 per person. To book, telephone 01904 650333.

Valley View Farm cottages are just an hours drive from York, so why not book a stay here in the North York Moors and spend a day in York!

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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Jane Pinkney Exhibition Nunnington Hall

I just wanted to let you know that there is an interesting exhibition on at Nunnington Hall displaying work by Jane Pinkney, the book illustrator.

This exhibition is on from Wednesday 24th August until Sunday 18th September 2011.

Nunnington Hall is 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.

Nunnington Hall is about a 20-30 minute drive from Valley View Farm Cottages, so why not have a break away and visit the beautiful Halls and find out about life as a gardener at the Hall.

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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George Howard Art Exhibition At Castle Howard

For all you art lovers out there I just wanted to let you know about the George Howard Exhibition taking place at Castle Howard from Saturday 26th March to Sunday 30th October
Artist & Aristocrat: George Howard, 9th Earl of Carlisle (1843-1911) A Centenary Exhibition.

Castle Howard is holding a major exhibition of the paintings and drawings of George Howard, 9th Earl of Carlisle, to commemorate the centenary of his death.

Admission to this exhibition is included in the admission for the house and grounds.

Castle Howard is just 18 miles from Old Byland and less than a 40 minute drive, so why not treat yourself to stay at one of the Valley View Farm Cottages and combine it with a visit to Castle Howard.

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.

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North Yorkshire Open Studios 2011

During the weekend of 18th and 19th June 2011 artists across North Yorkshire invite you into their studios to see their artwork. The work on show will range from stained glass, furniture, jewellery and photography to sculpture, paintings and ceramics.

This will be a great opportunity to see rich and diverse creative talent in and across the beautiful North Yorkshire landscape.

Events include exhibitions, talks and seminars as well as workshops so there really is something for everyone.

So why not make your base one of the Valley View Farm Cottages. 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.

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Grassington Festival 17th June til 2nd July 2011

I just wanted to let you know about the Grassington Festival, a music and arts festival which will take place from 17th June to 2nd July 2011.

The 2011 Festival offers a wide variety of over 100 events - from Jazz, folk, gospel, classical to rock and pop and includes 'Audiences with' celebrities, exhibitions, workshops, walks and film.

There will be lots going on and venues include a 900 seater marquee with views across the Dales for the Headline performances plus gigs in pubs, churches and of course the street, where there are free family events in the market square.

For full details of the 2011 programme and to book tickets please visit www.grassington-festival.org.uk or call 01756 752691 to order a brochure

So if you fancy a a day at the Grassington Festival and a chance to explore North Yorkshire then why not consider a few days away. Here at Valley View Farm holiday cottages you can relax and unwind in the peace and tranquility of the North York Moors after a busy day at Grassington Festival!

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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Art Exhibition 12th- 24th May Danby

I just wanted to let you know that there will be a Shapes in the Landscape art exhibition from Thursday 12th May - Tuesday 24th May 2011 at The Moors National Park Centre, Inspired by Gallery, Danby from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

The Guisborough Artists Group will exhibit original works of art, wood, ceramic and paintings which depict the special nature of the local moorland and coast.

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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Easter Activities York Art Gallery

There are lots of fun drop-in art workshops for all the family at York Art Gallery this Easter 2011. Just £1 per child to cover the cost of materials. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied.

Workshops include:

People - 12 - 15 April, 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm - Discover the people in the art works on display in the Burton Gallery and create your own window painting, inspired by William Peckitt's stained glass portraits.

Places - 19 - 22 April, 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm - Travel across Europe through the paintings on display in the Burton Gallery and create your own picture postcard of your favourite place.


The Art Gallery also runs family Saturdays where you can work with a real artist in a workshop on the first Saturday of the month. Everyone welcome. These sessions are for accompanied children, with a £1 charge per child to cover the cost of materials. Sponsored by the Friends of York Art Gallery.

New Burton Gallery - 2 April, 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm This is a drop-in workshop based around our new People and Places displays in the newly-refurbished Burton Gallery.

Workshops and courses

Easter Icons - 9 and 10 April, 10am - 4pm - Become an apprentice painter in a Medieval artist's studio. Discover how to grind your own pigments, mix egg tempera, and create your own gilded icon based on artworks in the collections of the gallery and the Yorkshire Museum.
£40 per person for two days. Materials will cost approx £7 per student, but a list of materials will be provided so that participants can bring their own if they choose. To book a place, phone 01904 650333.

Poetry Day - 16 April, 1pm - 3.30pm - A workshop with poet Pat Borthwick inspired by paintings and objects in the gallery. £5 per person. To book a place, phone 01904 650333.

Poetry Reading - 23 April, 1pm - 3pm - Hosted by Pat Borthwick and featuring other local poets.
Free, no need to book.

Curators' Lunchtime Talks - All these talks are free and run from 12.30pm - 1pm. No booking required.

David Hockney's Bigger Trees near Warter
7 April, 28 April, 26 May - Join curator of art Laura Turner for an insight into Hockney's biggest-ever work, painted here in Yorkshire, and on display in the main gallery until June.

William Peckitt's self portrait - 8 April - A talk about the conservation of William Peckitt's stained glass self portrait.

Honest Pots - 21 April Helen Walsh, assistant curator of decorative arts will talk about the latest exhibition in our Gallery of Pots.

As you can see there are lots of activities taking place at York Art Gallery over the Easter period.

Why not make your base one of the Valley View Farm Cottages, which 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 York Art Gallery!

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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ArtisOn Art & Craft Workshops Masham

I have been sent an email about ArtisOn in Masham, a new art and craft learning centre running one and two day workshops and creative experience days.

The workshops include:

• painting
  
• stained glass
• blacksmithing
• knitting
• ceramics
• jewellery-making

"Arty or not, they have something for everyone - from basic and fun to serious and technical. It’s a wonderful and fulfilling way for visitors to spend a day - a great focus for a weekend away with friends - catching up, creating and enjoying a wonderful homemade lunch, great tea, coffee and cakes. "

Why not make your base one of the Valley View Farm Cottages and treat yourself or a loved one to a creative art and crafts workshop at Masham.

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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David Hockney's Bigger Trees Near Water At York

For all you art lovers out there, there is a unique chance to see David Hockney's largest painting in York in the coming months. 'Bigger Trees Near Warter' is on loan to York Art Gallery from the Tate.

It comprises of 50 individual canvas panels and takes inspiration from a site at Warter in the Yorkshire Wolds.

The exhibition runs from 12th February to 12th June.

You could even make a break of it as the Valley View Farm cottages are just an hours drive from York!

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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Yorkshire Museum Workshops 2011

Here are some of the workshops taking place at the Yorkshire Museum this year:

Encourage kids in science - 23 February, 2pm - 4pm
£5 per person. To book a place, telephone 01904 650333.

Lino Cutting and Printing - 5 and 12 March, 10am - 4pm
£50 for two-day course (includes all materials). To book a place, telephone 01904 650333.

The Geology behind York's buildings - 16 March, 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 4pm
£5 per person. To book a place, telephone 01904 650333.

Modern to Medieval - Tracing your Ancestors - 19 March, 10am - 4pm
£20 per person. To book a place, telephone 01904 650333.

Fun with Fur 'n' Feather - 26 March, 10am - 3pm
£25 per person + £5 for materials on the day. To book a place, telephone 01904 554277 or email adult.education@york.gov.uk

Sketch & Stitch - Intermediate - 7 and 8 May, 10am - 4pm
£45 per person (all materials included). To book a place, telephone 01904 650333.

An Introduction to the Yorkshire Herbarium - 10 May, 2pm - 3.30pm
£5 per person. To book a place, telephone 01904 650333.

Moths in York - 11 May, 2pm - 3.30pm
£5 per person. To book a place, telephone 01904 650333.

Clear Colour and Non Colour - a Watercolourists's Conflict - 14 May, 10am - 3pm
£25 per person. Students will need to bring their own brushes. Paints and paper will be provided. £3 for extra materials on the day. To book a place, telephone 01904 554277 or email adult.education@york.gov.uk

Watercolour Landscapes - 4 June, 10am - 3pm
£25 per person. Students will need to bring their own brushes. Paints and paper will be provided. £3 for extra materials on the day. To book a place, telephone 01904 554277.

As you can see the Yorkshire Museum has lots of great activities taking place between February and June 2011.

You could even make a break of it as the Valley View Farm cottages are just an hours drive from York!

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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Hat Exhibition York Art Gallery January 2011

There is a hats themed exhibition at York Art Gallery this January. Works featuring hats by Bernini, Jacques-Émile Blanche and Spencer Gore will be displayed along side real 19th and 20th century head garments from the York Castle Museum Collection.

The exhibition, which runs until 23 January 2011.

Why not have a few days away and take a short break here at Valley View Farm cottages and visit York and the York art gallery.

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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Christmas Exhibition Helmsley December 2010

I just wanted to let you know that there is a Christmas exhibition at the Saltbox Gallery, 2 Castlegate, Helmsley which has been running from 12th November and will be open til the 31st December. The exhibition includes work by Richard Pottas.

Why not book a stay at one of the Valley View Farm Holiday Cottages and enjoy the a visit to Helmsley and the Christmas Exhibition as Helmlsey is just 5 miles from Valley View Farm.

If you would like to book a short 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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Children's Story Illustrations York October Half Term

Do your children enjoy storys and story telling or do they like drawing, if so then they may well enjoy the children's story illustration session called Once Upon a Time...at the York Art Gallery from 28 - 30 October, 11am - 1pm and 2 - 4pm

Inspired by the illustrations in the Little Gallery exhibition, children will draw the pictures for a story or create a collage of a new story involving your favourite characters. For more information visit the York Art Gallery website.

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!

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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