Girls in Helmsley, part 2

Next day, Sunday, we woke up to think fog, so we had a hearty cooked breakfast, read the papers, and eventually ventured out.  There were very heavily dewed spiders webs everywhere, but it was still very pleasant.

We had a potter round the town, went to the castle, which we could barely see,

and bought loads of things for Christmas from the little shops.  We paid a visit to one of my favourite shops – a dolls house heaven, where an elderly couple have a treasure trove of everything in minature for a dolls house.

Evening meal in The Feathers was very pleasant, and the next morning we had a walk to see the Highland cows, as one of them had a two day old calf.  Ahhh, cute.

Then the bus back to York, and an enormous couple of platters in The Stonegate Yard – a bar recommended to us by twitter.

A great weekend as usual.

Girls weekend in Helmsley

Can’t believe it’s year since the last girls weekend away, and another has come around. This time we off to Helmsley, one of my favourite little towns in North Yorkshire. Set off on Friday, and this time our public transport was a bit of an adventure. Train from Sheffield to York, and then a walk into town and a coffee in view of the Minster.   Then it was time to catch the bus, for an hours drive, passing Byland Abbey (a ruin),  and Ampleforth Abbey (not a ruin).


The bus dropped us off outside The Feathers, so in for lunch it was, then a quick trip round the market buying fresh veg and meat.  Then to the cottage which was beautiful – fantastically equipped, and very comfy. Another wander round the town, and back to light the log fire, and a warming whisky mac.  Dinner was sausage and mash, a mixture of locally made ones, lovely.  Then out for a quick pub crawl round the market square.

Up to a lovely sunny Saturday morning, and we set off to walk to Harome.  On the way we passed some Highland cows being fed, and the farmer introduced them to us by name. The one looking at the camera is Harriet.

After some ace map reading by Beka, we reached the Star Inn at lunchtime.

A great lunch followed, and a visit to the corner shop to buy some locally made chutneys for Christmas.

  Back to Helmsley, after a decent 6 mile walk.

Then it was back to the cottage where we discovered a new cocktail -  sloe gin, elderflower cordial and sparkling wine. Apparently its called a hedgerow.

Then it was our famous Christmas dinner (after Strictly Come Dancing had finished obviously). Roast chicken and pheasant and all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding flamed in brandy. We even had crackers and candles.

After the food had gone down and the dishwasher was loaded, some of it went out again – to discover a fun fair had been set up in the market square. Well, we just had to go on the dodgems didn’t we? All driving a separate one, and one of us hadn’t been in a  dodgem car for 50 years…..….It was great fun – bordering on the hysterical.