Friday 31 July 2009

A Beer Festival in Egton Bridge this weekend!

The Horseshoe Hotel in Egton Bridge is holding a beer festival this weekend – 31 July – 02 August 2009.
They promise between 15 and 20 ales. Tonight there will be live music from The Committee, a hog roast on Saturday and entertainment by Keith Swales on Sunday Evening. All proceeds from the event go to the RNLI.

Star Gazing over Stape and Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire.


We have had some lovely clear nights here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage as of late. When those dizzy dogs have gone to sleep I often enjoy a quiet few hours in the garden looking up at the night sky. Sadly I don’t know the names of any of the stars but I may have found some local experts that can be of help.

The Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society meet in Dalby Forest several times a year to share their knowledge about the nights sky with us interested beginners. All are welcome, except dogs, they didn’t mention cats so I reckon I am ok.

Dates tentatively planned for the remainder of this year are:
Friday 15 August 2009
Friday 4 September 2009
Friday 2 October 2009
Friday 6 November 2009.
Friday 4 December 2009.

You humans will have to wrap up warm and bring a torch; I will be wearing my lovely black fur coat and using my perfect night vision. If it is cloudy they offer an indoor presentation.

For the real enthusiasts should also attend the 9th Summer Star Festival held in Adderstone Field, Dalby Forest, in the North York Moors National Park from 21 – 24 August 2009.
You are invited to join the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society for three nights observing in an elevated dark site within the stunning Dalby Forest on the foothills of the North York Moors.

There is a large and well-drained field for camping, (tents and caravans) with portable toilets. There is a limit to the number of guests we can accommodate, so book early and avoid disappointment!
The entrance fee includes a forest pass to enable you to take advantage of the forest facilities, as well as a 'wine and nibbles' get-together on the Friday evening to welcome you to Dalby Forest. Please book ahead so that you can receive your pass - otherwise you may be asked to pay the toll as you enter the forest.

Again they will hold team 'Astromind' competitions in the communal marquee and speakers will be organised for various times during the event. A number of trade stands will be on site during Starfest.

For further details about the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society click here.

Thursday 30 July 2009

Celebrating Yorkshire Day – 1st August


Saturday 1st of August is Yorkshire Day and throughout the country there are events taking place to celebrate everything this beautiful county has to offer.

Phil, Caroline, Meg and I are all so proud of our Yorkshire roots, we will be celebrating in style on Saturday. We might take Lily along just to show here how great Yorkshire is, especially as she is from Lancashire! Payne, our Essex girl, is not having anything to do with what she claims is just silliness!

In Pickering there will be guided town walks, a duck derby on the beck, dancers, swordsmen, drumming and banner workshops and music from the Yorkshire Relish Jazz Group and Stape Silver Band. Children can win prizes in a Fancy Dress Competition and parade, watch a magician and street performers Lord and Lady Fetlock.

On the North Yorkshire Moors Railway they are planning a number of events:

Yorkshire Tea. They have teamed up with Taylors of Harrogate to offer visitors to their tearooms a selection of biscuits and tea loaf alongside a good cuppa, with donations towards our Bridge & Wheels Appeal.

Goathland Plough Stots: One of the oldest dance sword teams in North Yorkshire, The Plough Stots will perform first at Goathland Station, at around 12:30, before heading by train to Pickering. There, at approximately 14:00, they will once again dance both on the station and in the town.

Family Weekend – 1st & 2nd August: There will be selections of games available up and down the line to for all the family to play. Travel by train from any of the NYMR stations and see what each station has to offer!

Katie, a Yorkshire Lass!

Scarborough to Whitby Vintage Lifeboat Row

On Saturday 1st August make your way to Scarborough Harbour to cheer on the rowers of the Scarborough to Whitby vintage lifeboat row.

They plan to depart at 1.30pm on a 17 miles row to Whitby. Weather permitting they should arrive in Whitby 5 hours later, approx. 6.30 pm where crowds will be waiting to greet them after their backbreaking toil!

The 100 year old lifeboat - ""William Riley of Birmingham and Leamington"" - arrived in Scarborough Harbour last night from Whitby at around 20.00.

Tuesday 28 July 2009

Medieval Courtly Combat at Whitby Abbey on 1 & 2 August 2009.


Experience the thrilling clash of sword and shield as knights from The Plantagenet's' perform a medieval 'Tournament of Foote'. Enjoy this living history spectacular and marvel at the weapons and martial skills on display. Plus, there's also chance to get hands-on with history and try the noble art of archery (small extra charge applies) and take part in fun children's activities in the Myths and Legends Time Travellers Big Top.

The events take place between 11.00 – 17.00 in Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire.

Some of North Yorkshires finest gardens.


I know Caroline and Philip are quite proud of our garden here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage, they call it their work in progress but it has lots of lovely established plants. I try and do my best by helping out with the digging, although they never seem very grateful for my efforts!

For some reason us dogs are not made very welcome in some of the fine gardens in Yorkshire so we have to stay at home and snooze while the humans go off and explore. Below is a list of some of North Yorkshires finest gardens that are on Caroline and Phil’s done or to do list. I have noted the mileage from Flamborough Rigg Cottage so I can figure out what time you will return with treats for me………

Click on garden name for link (where available) to garden website

Garden Name Location Distance


Sleightholmdale Lodge Fadmoor, Kirbymoorside 15 miles *

Wytherstone Gardens Pockley, Helmsley. 16 miles *

Helmsley Walled Garden, Helmsley. 17 miles


Dunscombe Park, Helmsley. 18 miles

Scampston Hall Walled Garden, Malton 21 miles +

Castle Howard, North of York. 24 miles

Sutton Park, Sutton on the Forest, York. 33 miles

Middlethorpe Hall, York. 38 miles

Mount Grace priory (NT) Osmotherley, Northallerton 41 miles

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens (NT) Beningrough, York 42 miles

Stillingfleet Lodge Garden/Nursery, Stillingfleet, York. 43 miles +

Newby Hall, Ripon. 45 miles +

Norton Conyers, Ripon. 45 miles

Studley Royal Water Gardens (NT) Near Ripon. 46 miles

Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale. 49 miles +

Valley Gardens Harrogate. 54 miles

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Beckwithshaw , nr Harrogate 55 miles +

Ripley Castle Gardens, Ripley near Harrogate 55 miles +

Mill Gate House, Richmond. 58 miles +


* National Garden Scheme, only open on limited dates.
+ Free access to gardens for RHS members, times may be restricted. Please check the RHS website. http://www.rhs.org.uk/.

Monday 27 July 2009

Cool canine visitors to Flamborough Rigg Cottage


We have recently had some really cool canine visitor here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B.
One of them even had a job! That was the very sweet Flora, a black Lab who is a guide dog.
Obviously Meg, Katie and I work very hard at being cute but we all agreed that this isn’t quite as important as what Flora does.

Other visitors who chatted to us over the fence during their stay include the strangely named Mr Pickles, another Labrador and the boxer called George, even though she is a girl!

We told them the best places to go for snacks, the best walks through our forest, well it is actually Cropton Forest but we think of it as ours. I shared tips on chasing rabbits and Katie explained how to doggie surf, just in case they were heading to the beach.

Most of them had popped into the White Swan in Newton upon Rawcliffe to visit the landlord Simon while their humans had a meal.

They all seemed to be having a lovely time in North Yorkshire going on adventures to Pickering, Helmsley, Whitby, Scarborough and of course walks across the North Yorkshire Moors.

Discover Minibeasts at Bridestones in North Yorkshire

The National Trust has promised to help you find a wide array of minibeasts in the grassy valleys at Bridestones. Get those wellies on and meet them on Wednesday 29 July at 13.00 in the Dalby Forest Car Park at the west end of Staindale Lake just off Dalby Forest Drive.

Bridestones in part of a National Trust moorland nature reserve which boasts amazing and unusual rock formations.

Friday 24 July 2009

Dry Stone Walling in Danby, North Yorkshire.

This is yet another excellent event to celebrate National Parks week. Join North Yorkshire National Park Ranger, Carl Cockerill, on a full day workshop learning the skills involved in dry stone walling. Try your hand at dry stone walling using local sandstone, one of the two types of walling stone used in the National Park. Gloves are provided.

As the event runs from 10.30 – 16.00 they suggest bringing along a packed lunch or visit Tea rooms in National Park Centre.

To book call 01439 772738.

Our Groovy Cinemas.


We are lucky enough here at Flamborough Rigg cottage B & B, Stape, to have two wonderful and quirky cinemas that we love to visit.

The first is the Palace Cinema in Malton, about a 30 minute drive from us. This old cinema has loads of character. Best of all it has a couple of rows of ultra comfy seats almost like arm chairs in which to lounge and watch the latest films. The cinema has a bar and guests can take drinks wit them into the film.

For further details and listings click here.

The second cinema can be found in the Swell Café in the very pretty fisherman’s village of Robin Hoods Bay. Within the café the Concert Hall incorporating the original 1820’s balconied box pews forms a unique theatre which has been adapted for use as a cinema. Perhaps not as comfortable as your multiplex, but Swell Cinema is far more atmospheric (we recommend that you take along an extra cushion!).
The Swell cinema holds frequent special film nights, especial during school holidays. On some evenings they also offer Supper / Cinema events where you combine a meal and a film. We recommend pre-booking for one of these events as they are very popular.

For further details and listings click here.

Thursday 23 July 2009

Sutton Bank Slithery Snake Trail


From 25 – 31 July 2009 visit the Sutton Bank National Park centre in North Yorkshire to set off along a fun and interesting self-guided trail.

Along the snake trail you can unearth the secrets of an adder’s life. Find out where they live, what they eat and where they disappear to in winter.
This family trail is recommended to children age 4 and above.

The trail is open from 10.00 – 17.00.

Canoeing trip down the River Esk, North Yorkshire


As part of the National Parks week the Parks authority have arranged a canoe trip on the River Esk from Ruswarp to Whitby through the National Park on 30 July 2009. Meet the expert instructors in the long stay car park near Whitby Marina at 09.30.


Pre-booking is essential. The days activities finish at 16.30. Suitable for children age 5+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

For further details click here.

Climbing in North Yorkshire National Park

Meet the experts from the National Park at Hutton le Hole car park to try your hand at climbing on 28 July 2009. Learn more about the rocks as you climb them. There are two sessions planned; 09.00-12.30 & 13.30-17.00.

Children must be over 8 years old and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
All equipment is provided. Pre booking essential.

For booking details click here.

Whitby... Children discover Myths & Legends


English Heritage at Whitby Abbey are inviting children to step inside the Time Travellers Big Top and take a journey back in time to the magical medieval age of myths and legends of King Arthur, Robin Hood, Maid Marion and Saint George. Be transformed with the hand-on Squire training and dressing-up games, listen to mythical tales, and get creative with arts and crafts activities.

The events take place from 11.00-17.00 on Monday 27 July – Friday 31 July 2009.

For further details click here.

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Flamborough Rigg Cottage, the home of champions….we hope!


We are all exhausted here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B after rehearsing non-stop for the local shows.

At the Danby Agricultural show on 12 August and the Egton Show on 26 August Lily, Katie and I intend to win as many of the dog prizes as possible.

They have an amazing range of events with each show having classes for animals, machinery, husbandry, produce, handicrafts and artistic items.

We think we pretty much have the novelty dog categories sown up.

. Lily for Cutest Puppy.

. Katie and I are fighting over who will be Prettiest Bitch.

. I have upset Phil as I have chosen Caroline to accompany me to enter and win the Best Six legs (Dog and Handler) category. Nothing personal Phil but Caroline has much nicer legs than you.

. I think Katie is a sure thing to win Dog with the Waggiest Tail. It never stops!

. I am also certain that little Lily will win the Dog with the Nicest Eyes category.

We are encouraging Caroline to enter her lovely jams and for Phil take some produce along from our kitchen garden. I am no expert but those onions, cucumber and beetroot must be worth a certificate.

For further details about the Danby show click here and for the Egton show click here.

Experience life in Medieval times – Clifford’s Tower in York


From 25-31 July 2009 English Heritage are running one of their excellent Time Traveller events for children at Clifford’s Tower in York.

Visitors will be encouraged to journey back in time. With the help of the dressing up box they will be transformed into a noble lord, regal lady or poor peasant. Once they are dressed the part the children will be taught how to meet and greet medieval style - perfect your bow or curtsey.

Drop in and join the activities at anytime from 11.00 – 17.00 on Saturday 25 July through to Friday 31 July 2009.

For further details click here.

Hilarious History – Scarborough Castle

On 25 and 26 July 2009 join a cast of mischievous and marvelous entertainers at Scarborough Castle in North Yorkshire. They will be taking a humorous look at the hysterical side of history. They promise fantastic family entertainment from the stilt walking medieval knight, Sir Lupin, to the medieval maniacs and their shows of escapology and circus skills. Plus, there's the comedy Viking duo of Inner State Theatre with comic tales of Viking raids and sheep stealing!

Activities take place throughout the weekend from 11.00 – 17.00.

For further details about Scarborough Castle click here.

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Guided Walks in North Yorkshire – July & August 2009.


There is nothing better than exploring the finer points of North Yorkshire with an expert. Various organisations throughout North Yorkshire offer short guided walks during the summer to look at wildlife, rock formations or the stunning countryside. As we don’t want our guests to Flamborough Rigg Cottage to miss out on these opportunities we have compiled a list so you can pick out those that appeal to you.


Tuesday, 21 July 10.00-14.00 NT
From Malham Tarn Estate, North Yorkshire
A guided walk to discover the archaeology of Malhamdale

Wednesday, 22 July 10.30 NT
From the Visitors Centre Fountains Abbey & Studley Water Garden.
A guided walk around this World Heritage Site.

Thursday, 23 July 10.30-12.30 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Friday, 24 July 10.30-12.30 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Sunday, 26 July 13.30-14.30 NT
From Staithes Top Car Park.
Join the Coastal officer for a 3 mile walk from Staithes towards Port Mulgrave
In search of fossils. Return along the coastal path.

Sunday, 26 July 12.00-14.00 NEYGT
From Sandsend Car Park
Visit Mulgrave Woods and trace the development of Raithwaite Ironstone Mine.

Tuesday, 28 July 14.00-16.00 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Tuesday, 28 July 10.00-15.00 NT
From Kettlewell Car Park
Discover the archaeology of Upper Wharfdale.

Wednesday, 29 July 14.30-16.30 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Sunday, 2 Aug 12.00-16.00 NEYGT
From Levisham Railway Station.
A walk around the rim of Newtondale, returning through the
at the base of the valley.

Sunday, 2 Aug 10.00-12.00 NT
From Hovingham Village Hall.
A guided circular walk from Hovingham in the Howardian Hills and
learn all about the ancient and vast Lake Pickering.

Sunday, 2 Aug 17.30-21.00 NYMNP
From Saltersgate Car Park
Join the Ranger for a walk around the high moor of Levisham
Estate taking in the Spectacular heather moorland as the sun sets.

Sunday, 2 Aug 12.00-15.00 NYMNP
From Appleton-le-Moors Village Hall
Join the Ranger for a 5 mile walk taking in the villages of Appleton-le-Moor
and Spaunton. Discover a mediaeval planned village.
The walk ends with tea and a short presentation.

Tuesday, 4 Aug 20.00-22.00 NT
From Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Yorkshire
A guided bat walk.

Wednesday, 5 Aug 10.30-12.30 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Wednesday, 5 Aug 11.00-12.00 & 14.00-16.00 NYMNP
From Raincliffe Gate Car Park
Join the Ranger for a leisurely stroll through the trees taking in the
scents, sights and sounds.
Upon returning try a free Chakra Balancing (A calming holistic therapy) session.

Thursday, 6 Aug 10.30-12.30 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Thursday, 6 Aug 10.30 NT
From the Visitors Centre Fountains Abbey & Studley Water Garden.
A guided walk around this World Heritage Site.

Sunday, 9 Aug 14.00 NT
From the Visitors Centre Fountains Abbey & Studley Water Garden.
A deer walk to view some of the 500 wild deer in this medieval park.

Tuesday, 11 Aug 20.00-22.00 NT
From Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Yorkshire
A guided bat walk.

Thursday, 13 Aug 14.00-15.30 NT
From Car Park at Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire
A guided walk and talk taking through the last 320 million years as
seen in the Rocks and surrounding moorland.

Wednesday, 12 Aug 14.00-16.00 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Thursday, 13 Aug 14.00-16.00 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Sunday, 16 Aug 12.00-12.00 NEYGT
From Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton Le Hole
Visit Douthwaite Dale and Gillamoor before returning via the trout farm

Monday, 17 Aug 18.30-20.30 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Tuesday, 18 Aug 20.00-22.00 NT
From Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Yorkshire
A guided bat walk.

Sunday, 23 Aug 09.35-15.30 NYMNP
From Saltersgate Car Park
Join the Ranger for a walk challenging 12 mile moorland walk
taking in Malo and Lilla Cross. The return leg is along the top of
the escarpment overlooking North Dale and the NYM railway.

Sunday, 23 Aug 12.00-16.00 NEYGT
From the car park Ravenscar
During the walk trace the workings of the Alum workings. Return along the disused railway.

Tuesday, 25 Aug 14.00-16.00 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Wednesday, 26 Aug 14.00-16.00 NEYGT
From the Slipway (NZ953 048) Robin Hood’s Bay.
A fossil walk to discover hundreds of Jurassic sea creatures.

Thursday, 27 Aug 10.30 NT
From the Visitors Centre Fountains Abbey & Studley Water Garden.
A guided walk around this World Heritage Site.

Sunday, 30 Aug 12.00-16.00 NEYGT
From Blakey Ridge Car Park..
Along Farndale North and the line of the old mineral railway.

NT = National Trust. For further details click here.

NEYGT = North East Yorkshire Geology Trust. For further details click here.

NYMNP = North Yorkshire Moors National Park. For further details click here.

I am off to Danby on a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on 23 July 2009.

Caroline is going to put together a bag of my favorite dog biscuits and Phil has said I can borrow his teddy, as long as I promise not to bite the head off it! I am all prepared for my first teddy bears picnic, I am so excited.

The other pets here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B are very jealous as they are too young or too old to attend. Well, one or two of the chickens may qualify, but I am not having them cramping my style!

We are to meet the nice people form the National Park Authority at the Moors Centre in Danby. We will set off on woodland adventures and finish with juice and biscuits (oh goodie, double rations) in the story telling area.
For full details click here.

Hope to see you there, I am the one with the very waggy tail.

Train to be a junior Ray Mears in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

As part of their summer activity programme the Forestry Commission are running Bushcraft day camps for 7 to 12 year olds. The camps take place in the beautiful Dalby forest close to Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale.

The children will be taught how to make a camp using what every if on hand in the forest and how to survive in the wild.

Prebooking is essential. Camps take place on Tuesday 28 July 2009 to Thursday 30 July 2009 Tuesday 18 August 2009 to Thursday 20 August 2009 from 10am – 3pm.

To make reservations call 01751 472771.

North Yorkshire Ryedale Rumble 9 August 2009.


Last summer while out walking we watched cyclists whizz by, well peddle as quickly as they could, on what was a very hot day, across North Yorkshire. This year the Ryedale Rumble is to take place on Sunday 9th August 2009.

The event will start and finish at St. Martin’s Ampleforth Preparatory School at Gilling Castle.


Cyclists can choose from one of 3 routes,
RUMBLE 1 180km
Only recommended for experienced riders as the route take in excess of 5 hours and includes several
challenging climbs including: Boltby Bank, Blakey Ridge and Rosedale Chimney

RUMBLE 2 130km

RUMBLE 3 92km

Once again the RUMBLE will be organised by the Yorkshire region of BRITISH CYCLING with valuable assistance from Ampleforth College. To offer flexibility and ensure minimum inconvenience to other road users the event will not have a massed start. Instead riders can start in their own time within the timescale provided.

For further details about the event click here.


Good luck to all the competitors, Katie x

Monday 20 July 2009

Dolphins spotted Whitby, North Yorkshire.


Here we all are at the beach on the look out for dolphins as Caroline told us that last month there was a rare sighting of a group of bottlenose dolphins just off the coast near Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Lily is very excited if a little confused. Her only experiences of animals that swim in the sea are the small fish we sometimes find in the rock pools when visiting Robin Hoods Bay. She has announced that we should invite the dolphins to live in our small pond in the chicken run at Flamborough Rigg cottage B&B. As it was a large group that was spotted, about 12 dolphins, it might be a tight squeeze in there!

Happy splashing, Meg x


National Parks Week 26 Jul – 02 Aug.

We are lucky enough here at Flamborough Rigg cottage B&B to live in one of Britains most amazing National Parks, the North Yorkshire Moors. As a well traveled and wise, dare I say old cat, (16 of your years) I can say with confidence that the North Yorkshire Moors National Park is the most beautiful place that I have been lucky enough to live.

To celebrate the work that the National Park Authorities do and to encourage even more visitors, from 26 July – 02 August is National Parks Week. The week is crammed full of exciting activities for all ages throughout the National Park. The pesky dogs and I will do our best to put details of the events on our bloggy.


A big meeow from Payne.

Scarborough Fayre 20 – 26 July 2009

The famous Scarborough Fayre takes place this year from 20-26 July. As well as stalls you can expect top class street entertainment for all the family with stilt walkers, jugglers, children's entertainers, face painting, street theatre and music.

Friday 17 July 2009

Scarborough Seafest 24-26 July 2009


Scarborough Seafest is celebrating its 10th Anniversary and can now claim to be Britains biggest annual maritime music festival.

Phil and Caroline have promised to take us out to explore the West Pier and North Wharf where the event is being held. Katie reckons Meg should put on her pirates outfit as she is an OLD sea dog. Meg was not amused.

The festival stage attracts the cream of the UK folk song , maritime and shanty world as well as acts from around the world. Previous years this includes groups from Senegal, Sicily, Canada, Eire, Luxembourg, Germany, Holland, Britanny and the USA.
The sound of shanties and folk music can also be heard in the unique atmosphere of Scarboroughs Ale Houses. In 2009 they include The Anchorage Club, Lancaster Inn, Leeds Arms,The Merchant, Sea Cadets Hall,S ub Aqua Diving Club and The Yacht Club.

The number one venue that Katie, Meg and I will be aiming for is the well known ‘Sea Fish Cookery’ marquee where visiting chefs demonstrate the art of sea - food preparation. We will be happy to demonstrate our refined skills in sea food devouring……..can’t wait.

For further details click here.

See you all there, Lily.

Thursday 16 July 2009

Contemporary Sculpture Park at Newby Hall & Gardens


Each year the owner / curator of Newby Hall, Lucinda Compton, selects up to 60 pieces of contemporary sculpture to display in the Halls beautiful woodland and gardens.

The Sculpture Park is open from 2nd June until Newby closes at the end of the season. It features a wide variety of styles from figurative to highly abstract, innovatively using contemporary metals, wire, glass, ceramics and plastics as well as the more traditional stone, wood and bronze.

The sculptors who exhibit are from all over the world. There is a mix of work from well known artists like Sir Anthony Caro and William Pye and work by young, up and coming artists.

Entrance is free with a gardens only ticket.

For further details about Newby Hall and the gardens click here.

Treasure Island in Beningbrough Hall Walled garden on 19 July.


OpenWide Theatre present Treasure Island in the walled garden in the National Trust property of Beningbrough Hall in North Yorkshire.

The event on 19 July 2009, to mark the start of the school holidays, is free to children. Bring picnics, chairs and rugs. Children are encourages to come dressed as pirates.

The play takes place from 2 – 4 pm.


For more information about Beningbrough Hall click here.

Harrogate - Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival


The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival held in Harrogate is now Europe’s biggest crime writing event. This years Festival will be held 23-26 July 2009 and brings together the very best in crime fiction in a series of events, interviews, and panel sessions.

Unlike other literary festivals, the Festival Programming Committee is made up of authors, agents and publishers. And presiding over this year’s murderous mayhem will be the esteemed crime author, Laura Wilson.
The Festival takes place at the historic Crown Hotel in the centre of the beautiful spa town. Rub shoulders at the event with famous crime writers such as George Pelecanos, Val McDermid, Laura Lippman, Simon Kernick, Mark Billingham and Lee Child: a roll call of cool.

The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year is also announced at the Festival, the only crime writing award in which the public are able to vote for their favourite long-listed contenders.

The 2009 short-list in full
Death Message – Mark Billingham
The Accident Man – Tom Cain
Bad Luck And Trouble – Lee Child
Gone To Ground – John Harvey
Ritual – Mo Hayder
The Garden of Evil – David Hewson
A Cure For All Diseases – Reginald Hill
The Colour Of Blood – Declan Hughes
Dead Man’s Footsteps – Peter James
Broken Skin – Stuart MacBride
Beneath The Bleeding – Val McDermid
Exit Music – Ian Rankin
Friend Of The Devil – Peter Robinson
Savage Moon – Chris Simms

For full event details click here.

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B Kitchen Garden


Here at the Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B, in Stape, North Yorkshire the kitchen garden is really in full bloom. It is groaning with produce.

Phil and Caroline have started to pick the fruit: gooseberries, red currants, black currants and this year will have their first crop of raspberries. Most of the fruit will be used in tasty desserts or to make jam that will be served with breakfast for bed and breakfast guests.

In the kitchen Phil is cooking up a storm with the home grown fresh broad beans, courgettes (green and yellow), chard, new potatoes and cucumbers. The tomatoes in the green houses will soon be ripening as will the beetroot, runner beans and sweet garden peas in the garden.

Throw it all together with our very own free range eggs or with local fish and meat and you have a veritable North Yorkshire banquet.

Click here to see just some of our menus.

Ampleforth Abbey opens Tea Rooms to welcome guests.


Visitors to the beautiful Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire can now enjoy refreshments in the new Tea Rooms and Cafe.

The tea rooms are run by lay members of the community but it is the monks that provide many of the excellent ingredients such as apples from the orchards and vegetables from the gardens. Highlights on the menu include Pear and Almond Tart, Fr Rainers Apple Cake and Ampleforth Vanilla & Fudge Cheesecake.

THE brotherhood of St Benedict, based here at Ampleforth, is now the largest monastic community in the country. It has always prided itself on its hospitality but until now there hasn’t been anywhere to offer guests to the Abbey or village refreshments. There are up to 6,000 visitors to Ampleforth each year.
The tearoom is furnished using pieces by Kilburn craftsman Robert "Mouseman" Thompson and the paintings of 87-year-old Fr Martin adorn the walls.


The tea room is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm, and on Sundays from noon- 5.30pm.


For further details about Ampleforth click here.

Yorkshire Comedy Festival, Thrisk North Yorkshire, 17-24 July 2009.



We are encouraging Payne to go to Thirsk in North Yorkshire to see if she can find her sense of humour! That cat is so snooty, she never laughs at our doggy jokes and crazy antics. She says we are just puppyish!

The first Yorkshire Comedy Festival is to be held in Thirsk North Yorkshire 17 – 24 July with events being held throughout the town. Acts include Alun Cochrane, Milton Jones, Improvisation and stand up slots.

To find out more and to book tickets click here.

Even more reasons to visit Castle Howard in North Yorkshire.

Visiting Castle Howard should always be on the to do list of anyone visiting North Yorkshire to take in the beautiful gardens and house.

On Tuesdays during the summer there further reasons to visit, Castle Howard will be hosting a Craft and Produce Market.

Date: Tuesday 14 July, 11 Aug, 8 Sep, 13 Oct

Entrance to the market is free of charge in the Stable courtyard from 10am to 4pm. Stallholders will be selling the best of regional produce including meats, cheeses, handmade jewellery and much more.
The Stable Courtyard is also home to Castle Howard’s farm shop, chocolate shop, gift shop, book shop and plant centre. The butcher’s counter at the Farm Shop will be selling estate-reared Aberdeen Angus beef and locally sourced meat, most of which comes from a 15 mile radius of the Farm Shop. The deli counter stocks fine regional cheeses, pâtés and cooked meats.

Click here for further details.

Great fun splashing in the rock pools on the North Yorkshire Coast.


As you know little Lily and I love going to the beach. When we are not doggie surfing we love to help Phil exploring the rock pools. Although Phil has implied that our over enthusiastic splashing is more of a hindrance than a help……………Lily did get close enough to that crab for it to give her nose a quick nip…heh heh!
You can join the experts from the National Trust for a Rock Pool Rumage at Boggle Hole on 24 July 2009. You will need to wrap up warm and take along your wellies.
Meet them at 11am at Boggle Hole Car Park.

For further details and how to book click here.

Do you think he has spotted a shark? Love from Katie.

Tuesday 14 July 2009

King Henry VIII to visit Scarborough 8 & 9 August 2009.

Scarborough Castle it to play host to King Henry VIII with his entourage and massive firepower! The King will be in residence to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his coronation in 1509. He will oversee the strength of his gunners and take part in displays of horsemanship and hunting. He will arrive with giant cannons, hauled by heavy horses, a huge cast of musicians, retainers and his lady.

To enjoy the activities visit Scarborough Castle in North Yorkshire coast between 11am and 5pm on 8 and 9 August 2009.

Click here to visit the English Heritage website for further details.

Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show, North Yorkshire


Here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage we are very proud of our soft fruits, well all fruit, in the garden. Since coming across a website recently for the Gooseberry Show in Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire, Phil’s now taking especially good care of the gooseberry bushes.

The event has been going for over 200 years and appears to be as popular as ever. Gardeners enter their biggest gooseberries into one of four classes: red gooseberries, yellow ones, greens and white ones.

I think Phil will have his work cut out, as they enter gooseberries as big as golf balls. If my memory serves me right our efforts last year were more like the size of………well gooseberries. It is sweet seeing him out there fussing over them!
We pets are under strict instructions to stay away from the bushes, which is fine by me as we don’t like them anyway.

He has a few weeks yet to fatten them up, I think a supersize diet may be called for. The event is held by the Egton Bridge Old Gooseberry Society in St Hedda's Schoolroom on 4 August 2009 at 2pm.

Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, wins the Mountain Bike World Cup!


The World cycling’s governing body – the UCI – has announced that the World Mountain Bike championships will come to Dalby, North Yorkshire in 2010.

The championships will take place over the weekend of April 24 and 25 and are expected to attract more than 10,000 spectators and 500 elite bikers from 24 nations. The base for the event will be the £2.3 million eco-friendly Dalby visitor centre. The bid to host the event in the 8,600-acre forest was presented by British Cycling, Yorkshire Forward, UK Sport and the Forestry Commission.

In May the Forestry Commission unveiled a new four mile `World Cup' trail in Dalby Forest costing £90,000, which lived up to its billing as a course fit for champions when it was used to stage its first competitive race. The new World Cup trail has big climbs, fast descents and technically demanding features, making it an ideal place for advanced mountain bikers to practise.