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Archive for the ‘Homes Parks and Gardens’ Category

We decided to take a trip to a second  local National Trust property now that we are fully fledged members.  This time it was Beningbrough Hall near York and within thirty minutes of leaving home we were there.  Pulling into the car park we noticed quite a few people having picnics and given we are still trying to buy our own from John Lewis it made the wait all the more worse.

We spent the next two hours walking around the gardens, grounds and the house itself. (check the photograph gallery).  The grounds, even under a cloudy sky were wonderful to walk around and Paul seemed to fall ever more quiet as we walked through the gardens planted with many varieties of fruit and vegetables which they serve up in the Wall Garden Restaurant which was to be our final stopping point (more of that later).  The house itself includes a good number of paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery and (while not our cup of tea) a good deal to keep the kids happy as well.   We did of course happen to play with the virtual portrait computer; the output of which you can see in the photograph gallery!

As mentioned our, final stop was the Wall Garden Restaurant which like many National Trust properties aims to serve up locally sourced and produced food.  We originally planned to stop for a quick cuppa, but when we saw the Roast Beef Sunday Lunch being served up to those people queueing up in front of us, our stomachs got the better of our minds and we had the full works instead.  Followed by home made Apple Pie and clotted cream (for me, not Paul!), it was a nice meal.  The bill came to just over £24, which could be a bit pricey for those with large families, but the quality was certainly there.  The beef was very good indeed.

All in all, well worth a visit.

Pryordurkin rating 3 stars.

Bank Holiday Monday promised clouds and rain according to the BBC forecast for York.  Not to be put off by what is now typical weather for British Bank Holiday we hit the road heading north.  With Durham City set as the destination we found ourselves leaving the A1 at the junction for Ripon and followed the signs for Fountains Abbey instead.

I must have been in my early teens the last time I was at Fountains Abbey, so as we arrived I immediately noticed a big change.  As we pulled into the free car park, we walked the short distance to the (new for me) visitor centre.  A modern stylish building that housed the reception area, a tourist shop, toilets and to our delight, a restaurant. It being lunchtime, we thought we would dine before entering the grounds.

The Meal

We queued up and were served quickly. Paul went for the steak pie with fresh vegetables; I went for the chicken casserole again with fresh vegetables.  A cream tea for two on the side the cost was about £23.  We took a seat at a table and waited for our food to arrive.

This National Trust restaurant is clearly a professional operation set up to cater for large numbers of visitors.  It was efficient, clean and well run.  The only minor complaint we would have is the two girls on the tea counter and the guy taking the hot food orders, could have smiled a bit more.  As it was they all looked miserable.

Our food arrived and we were both very pleased with how it looked and on eating, how it tasted.  The vegetables were cooked to perfection and I particularly liked the fresh locally sourced green cabbage.  A sign near the kitchen indicates National Trust try to source local seasonal produce and our meal proved that this was always a good idea.  Paul’s steak pie was very good (I had to try it) and my chicken casserole was on a par.

The cream teas to finish were equally impressive.  Organic wholemeal scones and clotted cream went down a treat.

The Visit.

We left about an hour after we arrived ready to walk off some calories around the 800 acres of the Abbey grounds, which you will see from the photograph gallery (see them here) were absolutely wonderful.

Extract from their website. http://www.fountainsabbey.org.uk/

“Yorkshire’s first World Heritage Site is a huge estate of beauty, contrasts and surprises including the largest abbey ruins in the country and one of England’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens.

The perfect place to escape from it all and enjoy a great, full day out, there’s so much to see and do at Fountains. Set your own pace to explore over 800 acres of naturally beautiful countryside, with ten historic buildings to discover spanning 800 years of history and acre after acre of open space.

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the valley of the river Skell, on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales, only 30 miles from the historic city of York and 9 miles from the A1.

Relax, play, learn, wander, watch or join in, whatever kind of day you choose it will be unforgettable.”

We explored the abbey itself, the old mill, the gardens, the mill, Anne Boleyn’s seat and the ‘surprise view’, which was well worth the climb up the hill..  The Abbey and its grounds were busy but so big that you could easily avoid people and walk in relative peace and tranquillity.  Every corner we turned offered up more fantastic views than the last and in the end we found ourselves repeating just how great this place is for a day out.

The Abbey was built circa 1100’s and the water gardens established some 600 years later.  Acquired by the National Trust in the 1990’s they have invested heavily in restoring the grounds.  Along with English Heritage who maintains the Abbey itself this place easily justifies itself as a World Heritage Site.

If you go, you must take in the walk up to the ‘surprise view’.  Start at the serpents tunnel and follow the path for some of the best views of the day.

We left around 4.30pm and the hour-long journey home was problem free.

In keeping with our aim of becoming two old dears, we should mention that while we were there, we also joined the National Trust and become fully-fledged members.  We even have the car badge to prove it.  Old age beckons, but if every trip to a National Trust site is as good, it will be worth it

All we need now for the car though is a RSPB, badge, Save the Whale badge and an Alpha Course sticker.  Along with the blanket we keep in the car, the flask we occasionally use and the picnic basket we are thinking of buying, we might just be able to take up Sam’s suggestion and start parking up in motorway lay-bys’, to sit on deck chairs and have a nice cup of tea!

Pryordurkin rating. 4.5 stars.

Since moving to York early in 2007 we have become regular customers of Dean’s Garden Centre on Stockton Lane in Stockton-on-the-Forest near York.  It is a family run business with a second branch in Scarborough and is celebrating it’s 42nd anniversary this year.  We have bought quite a few things from here over the three years since, including garden furniture, wood fencing, a large water fountain and of course lots of planting.  Having tried a number of other nurseries and garden centres around the area, including Homebase and BBQ, Paul always seems to think the plants from Deans are just that much better for quality.  Although they may be just a little more expensive, they in the end, prove to be better value by far.   Paul was particularly pleased to discover that in December 08, all Hardy plants are for sale with a straight 40% off the price and to celebrate their anniversary you also walk out with a free Ruby Rose.

The service over the time we have shopped here has always been friendly and professional.  When looking for advice or information they are happy to spend time talking to you.   The old guy who seems to work in the portacabin is an especially interesting character.  Worldly wise and canny with it.  A really nice man.

While Paul meanders around the outdoor planting area, I can usually be found trying to persuade him to join me in the on site ‘Brothy’ for tea and cake.  A cafe that serves up hot and cold snacks and good looking cream cakes, which are clearly popular with the old dears of York.   Although not the best Cafe I have attended at a Garden Centre, it is certainly not one of the worst either and is worth a visit.  Be aware though it gets very busy.  Today for example, we took the chance to have a spot of lunch.  I opted for the quiche with salad and chips, while Paul went for a Coronation chicken baked potato.  My chips were of the mass catering variety and tasteless.  The quiche itself wasn’t anything to write home about either.  They don’t appear to use very good ingredients judging by the taste.  I’m not sure Paul enjoyed his lunch any more than I did.  He seemed to leave most of it.

Anyway, the garden centre itself is worth a visit, but don’t go expecting the best afternoon tea and cakes.  They are to be found elsewhere in North Yorkshire.

Pryordurkin rating. 4 Stars.

Tel 01904 400 141
Fax 01904 400 157

Updated 16th May 2010

We fancied a real Christmas tree this year, so following recommendations from our neighbours, we made our way to Boretree Christmas Trees on Hull Road, in York.   Just up the road from us near Grimston House, this small family business has been around for many years.  So with a little excitement in our hearts and the child inside us building hope we entered their grounds.  The place was very busy despite the pouring rain and after parking up, we wandered along the lines of Christmas trees to chose the one we would take home.  Ranging in size from 4ft thru to 8ft in size they catered for everyone.  All their trees are grown in the UK, some cut, some still potted.  We opted for the Nordman Pine because not only did it look lush, it apparently holds onto its pines just that much better than other trees on the market.  We took the opportunity to also buy a new stand that would hold our little beauty erect for all to see.  In total the tree cost £35 and with the stand, this made £60 in total.  We had a little fun (read much losing of temper and swearing under breath) to get it into the car, but in reality we were soon home given we live two minutes away.  The service was courteous and quick and we would certainly go back next year. Pryordurkin rating 3 stars.   Telephone 01904 488437

A short drive from junction 27 on the M62 between Leeds and Manchester is the Dove Cottage Nursery and Garden on Shibden Hall Road, Halifax.  Specialising in hardy herbaceous perennials and grasses Dusty wanted to visit to pick up some particular plant that is only available here and in one other nursery in the UK.  They don’t sell candles, smelling paper or serve meals for the over 60′s.  They simply specialise in plants and seem to do it very well.  Run by Kim and Stephen Rogers they have a small family business on their hands which caters for the true gardener.  While I have no idea about plants, Dusty seemed very impressed with the variety and quality on offer and ended up spending a small fortune while I sat in the garden having a coffee from the automatic machine housed in the new wooden hut.  Not a doily in sight!

Rating: 4 Stars.  Worth a trip if you like decent plants sold at very reasonable prices with personal advice from the owner.    Telephone 01422 203553

Well I must say that the gate and fencing from Sandalwood Gates and Timber Products (Elvington, York) are fantastic. Well made, extremely good finish and the lads who fitted the gate and fencing were extremely professional. Highly recommended!!

Unfortunately the fencing that we provided for them to fit, from Forest, was not so good. Poor quality, missing parts and screws that are too short to actually make the arbour without it collapsing when you sit on it!! The lads from Elvington did do a good job of fitting what we provided though.

Score: 5 Stars  Aug 2008

Dusty had never quite managed to get past the tea room on previous visits to Harlow Carr.  She tells me it is because her Australian friend would never go beyond the gate.  However on Saturday Dusty eventually got t’other side of turnstile.  Even I have to admit (not being a gardener) that Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate are very nice indeed.  If you are looking to spend a day strolling around some beautiful planting then Harlow Carr Gardens are a must.  Just outside of Harrogate they are easy to find from the A1/A59 and if you are a member of the RHS, then you also get in free.  On site you will also find Betty’s tea shop selling great quality good.  If you’re like us, you will buy a few treats with a take away coffee and have an impromptu picnic in the gardens.

Rating. 3 Stars.

A strange place.  A cross between a scrapyard, an allotment and a true garden plant nursery run by people who seem passionate about what they do.  A good selection of plants covering quite a large area.  Don’t expect them to be laid out in any sensible order though.  Alphabetical or otherwise.  The fun appears to be in the chase.  Some of the plants look at bit tatty, but then again this is a non gardener writing, so what do I know.  Give them a go, it’s fun but don’t fall into the trap of thinking there will be a coffee shop on site to pass the time eating cake and sipping hot coffee while the other half wanders around looking at every single plant.  There isn’t one.

Rating: 2 Stars.

A day trip with the ‘in-laws’ had us visiting Yorkshire Lavender in Terrington, York. It is as described on the tin; a place dedicated to Lavender. The owners also have a good sense of humour and an eye for tasteful detail as I was impressed with the landscaping and information provided. Apparently you have to prune Lavender once a year on the 15th September between 10am and 11am only.

Spending far too much money in the shop it was a quick but pleasant visit. Note to others who fall for the sales material that says rubbing pure Essence of Lavender on the soles of your feet will help you sleep. I don’t remember my head hitting the pillow and 10 hours later I woke up as bright as a daisy!

Check it out and leave us a comment if it works for you.

Score: 3 Stars. Visited July 2007.

Telephone : 01653 648008

Although the website is a bit dodgy in places with some of the links not actually working, we decided to check out our local Theme Park. Exactly thirty minutes driving later, we arrived to find easy parking and quick entry into the site. The memories came flooding back for Mavis who last visited this place when she was in shorts and a member of the Girls Brigade. A great deal has changed since then, the park seemed much bigger than she remembered and there were certainly many more attractions to lose your breath on.

We started off gently by taking in a ride on Velocity. A motor bike affair which launches at speed. Great fun!!! Unlike me though, make sure you open your eyes as you go round. A more relaxed amble was then in order after lunch, (great fresh fish cafe) and we set off around the wildlife park which was well laid out, clean and interesting. A wide variety of animals and birds kept us interested for a good two hours as we walked around the landscaped grounds.

Arriving back at the area where most of the rides are we decided to try out the new Kumali ride. After about twenty minutes waiting we were off and it is certainly on a par with Nemesis at Alton Towers. We therefore give this park the thumbs up for a great day out at a price that will not break the bank. (When we checked, entrance to Flamingo Land was almost half that of the price for last minute entry into Alton Towers)

Score: 3 Stars. Visited May 2007