Tim Barber's

Whilst on a short break on the Yorkshire Coast, my wife and I decided to take an afternoon hike and spotted a walk in the latest copy of the North York Moors Association newsletter which sounded interesting as it included a visit to St.Gregory’s Minster and was close to Kirkdale Cave.

Walking near Kirkdale, just outside Kirkby Moorside recently, I had to go and find the famous Kirkdale Cave from which bones found back in the early 1800’s led to huge advancements in understanding Britain’s geological past.

Littondale is a lovely little Dale which can be accessed from Wharfedale near Kilnsey Crag or from the high road over Malham Moor. The start point of the walk was the small village of Arncliffe with the quirkly little pub The Falcon Inn sitting on the village green. I often make a stop here on my All Creatures Great & Small Tours as Arncliffe actually plays part of Darrowby in the new TV series and the back of Skeldale House.

Goldsborough Hall – the first family home of HRH Princess Mary and the perfect place for a stately stay (now with its own pub – The Tiger Inn)

The now Grade 1 listed Leeds Kirkgate Market has an interesting history, there has been an outdoor market on the Kirkgate site since 1826 after the original market in Briggate was no longer big enough to hold all the stall holders for the growing city.

Fish and Forest restaurant in York has received the prestigious Michelin plate award for the last 4 years and has also been acknowledged in the Michelin guide for their sustainable gastronomy.

Hull’s Beverley Gate’s - the history behind the site is fascinating, because the location played a crucial part in how the English Civil War in the 1600’s unfolded.

The Bingley Arms in Bardsey claims to be the oldest surviving pub in England, on their website they state - “The Bingley Arms is no ordinary pub. It’s the original English pub – officially the oldest in Britain – dating back over 1000 years to a time when Vikings were conquering parts of the country and before England had its first King.” They also claim the pub was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086.

The gardens are inspired by the Himalayan regions which includes part of China, Vietnam and Northern India. As well as the huge array of plants, the garden includes three small lakes in the valley bottom and various bridges and even a pagoda to really give it the Himalayan theme.