Heading home

On our last day we had a delicious breakfast in our B&B and then headed toward Manchester. We drove through the Yorkshire dales which was very scenic. We stopped at an amazing National Trust house called Gawthorpe House. It had wonderful history from  Elizabethan times. We had a great talk from one of the volunteers. The National Trust does a wonderful job. One of the highlights was that one of the last owners of the house was a wonderful embroiderer and collector!

 She spent 10 years embroidering this bedspread, curtains and the valance at the top!

Closer to Manchester we visited the Quarry Bank Mill in Styal. This was such a great place as the mill had machines working on most of the floors and showed the cotton being carded and prepared for spinning. The guides also told us about the terrible conditions in the Industrial age.

We could have spent a whole day exploring this amazing place. Sadly we only had a couple of hours. We then returned the car and made our way to our hotel near the airport. It is always a relief to return the car and be heading home. Our first flight was delayed (we did know this) but we only just made it to our next one from Singapore. Still it was good to get home on Tuesday night. Our bags arrived on Thursday morning!

Around Thirsk

We then headed to Thirsk where we were meeting our friends, Lorna and Keith. I had a quick shop before our meeting and managed to find a wool shop! We then had a yummy lunch at the White Rose Book Shop. Keith then kindly drove us around which was lovely. First we went to see the beautiful woodwork by the Mouseman. He made furniture in the 1800's and the business is still going today. Each piece has a little mouse on it. We visited the church and most of the pews etc were all made originally by him or by the family members that continued after him.

 We then went to Byland Abbey. This is an amazing ruin which must have been a very vibrant community before it was dissolved by Henry VIII.

 We also went to see the Rievaulx Terrace. This was once a folly where the family and guests had wonderful meals! They then walked or rode on the grassy terrace to look down on the ruins of the abbey.

 Our last visit was to a gorgeous village called Helmsley.

We finished our day with a yummy pub meal at the Whitestone Inn.

Durham Cathedral

On Saturday, 17th August, we travelled to Thirsk and visited Durham Cathedral on the way. I must admit I was tired and actually felt a little touristed out!!! Still I was very glad we went as it was amazing. The centre of Durham was a delight too and to make it even better, the sun was shining. I especially liked to history of this cathedral and its two saints and also loved the many embroideries.