An arboretum is simply a botanical collection which is made up of trees. Generally, it is intended to be a place for scientific study. Just as a zoo educates people about animals and preserves endangered species, arboretums are places where endangered trees and plants can be grown and protected in order to preserve them. I used to be a frequent traveller through the Castle Howard estate, I lived nearby. I must have passed this site…
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Treasurer’s House at the back of York Minster is a peaceful place compared to the busy Minster nearby. The gardens are quiet, very well maintained and arranged around a central lawned area. They also benefit from the stunning backdrop of York Minster on one side. It is the perfect spot to get away from the bustle in summer and find a quiet spot to enjoy your lunch. History The house was built on top of…
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Much of the layout and history of York originates from the Roman and Viking periods. One iconic feature of the city, however, is from the Norman period. The original mound that Clifford’s Tower stands on originally had a timber structure on the top. In 1068 William the Conqueror had this built as a statement of his power over the region. This original building stood for over a hundred years. This was destroyed in a fire…
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No visit to York would be complete with a trip to the Minster, it is a stunning place to visit. Obviously, it was originally built for religious worship, however, there are plenty of quiet corners for contemplation or just to sit and admire the building and absorb its unique atmosphere. York Minster is located in the centre of York and dominates the city. It is Northern Europe’s largest medieval cathedral and England’s largest gothic cathedral….
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Mount Grace Priory sits in an idyllic location surrounded by woodland. It can be found at the foot of the Cleveland Hills in the north-west of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. However, it is easily accessible by car as it is only a short distance from the A19, not far from Northallerton. It is well signposted with Brown Signs. The site is probably one of England’s best-preserved Carthusian monasteries. With fine weather, a visit…
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Robin Hood’s Bay sits on the Cleveland Way and is also the finish (or start) of the famous 192 mile Coast to Coast walk devised by Alfred Wainwright. The Cleveland Way from Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay is described elsewhere on this blog. This particular walk of about six and a half miles to Whitby is mostly along the clifftop and offers some amazing views of Robin Hood’s Bay and Saltwick Bay. The walk undulates…
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The quaint coastal hamlet of Staithes near Whitby has a small harbour and is full of character. Traditional fishing cobbles still work out of the harbour setting crab and lobster pots. The village is full of charm and seems lost in time. The harbour area is great to explore on foot and is a real jumble of white-washed cottages, arranged in no particular order. There are lots of alleyways and stepped ginnels to explore. There…
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This is a short (3 mile) cliff-top walk, from Runswick Bay, through Port Mulgrave and on to Staithes. Be prepared for some amazing views. The route follows the Cleveland Way for the whole length of the walk. Runswick Bay If you have walked into Runswick Bay from further down the coast, Whitby or Sandsend, then walk along the beach to the old lifeboat station. This sits above the rail-mounted winch and fishing cobles. From here…
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The extensive sandstone ruins of Fountains Abbey are located in the wooded valley of the River Skell. On the same 800 acre site is the Georgian water garden of Studley Royal complete with statues, follies and amazing views. The site is also home to the Elizabethan Fountains Hall and the Victorian St Mary’s Church. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the Abbey ruins and other buildings, not forgetting the Deer Park as well….
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Most people visit Ravenscar for the stunning views over Robin Hood’s Bay. These are spectacular all year round, but especially so in springtime when the gorse is in bloom and late summer when the heather is flowering. Robin Hood’s Bay refers to the Bay and also the picturesque old fishing village. Ravenscar – History The history of Ravenscar is strange, to say the least. After the Whitby to Scarborough railway line was built in 1885,…
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