Snowflakes over North Yorkshire

It is soooo exciting, the snow is back.

Meg, Lily and I have had our noses pressed up against the window all afternoon watching the snow flakes gently drift down here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B in Stape North Yorkshire.

The log burners are on and Meg reckons she would rather curl up in front of the fire but Lily and I are raring to get out into Cropton forest and play in the snow. Lily believes that she will at last stand a chance at winning our long running game of Hide and Seek as she is a snow coloured but she hasn't factored in my great hunting skills.

It is all looking very pretty but we will need a bit more before Phil gets the sledges out. I will keep you updated.

Enjoy Christmas Carols at Rievaulx Abbey.

On 13 December 2009 get into the festive spirit as the Bilsdale Silver Band serenade you with festive music and carols at Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire.
There is also an opportunity to purchase one or two unique festive gifts from the exclusive English Heritage range in the information centre shop.

The event is aimed at all the family and starts at 13.30 on Sunday 13 December.

For further details click here.

A Christmas Themed Star Watching Evening in Dalby Forest.

Join Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society for a tour of the night sky, clouds permitting and discover the many and varied constellations with a Christmas theme! ACCESS FOR ALL - This is a wheelchair friendly event.

How to get there: Star Watching & Stars with Santa starts at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre in Dalby Forest. Thornton-le-Dale is the nearest town or village.

On Friday 4 December 2009 from 20.00 – 22.00.

Wrap up warm. Bring a torch along. All ages welcome. Event cost is £4 per person.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Santa Specials.

From Saturday 5 December 2009 NYMR start their Santa Specials. The service will run from Pickering and from Grosmont.

The special service will run on the following dates in December 2009:
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th; Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th and from Saturday 19th to Tuesday 22nd 2009.

Pickering departures: 0945 1130 1345 1530
Grosmont departures: 0940 1115 1320 1450

Tickets are £12.50 per person and this includes travel, plus a visit to see Santa in his Grotto and a present for the children, and refreshments and a mince pie for adults.

Pre-booking is vital.

For further details click here.

All is shining brightly here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B ready for Christmas.

Hello, Katie here. We were very excited yesterday to welcome guests back to our extra shiny B&B at Flamborough Rigg Cottage in Stape, North Yorkshire

When Caroline and Phil said a few weeks ago that they were closing the B&B until December Lily, Meg, Payne and I were immediately at the door all togged up with leads, buckets, spades and frisbees thinking we were off on our holidays but sadly they had other ideas. What they had in mind was sand paper, varnish, paint, polish and steam cleaning. To be fair buckets were involved but only with mops in them!

All the hard work can’t be missed as everywhere is looking extra gorgeous ready for the busy Christmas and New Year season. The tree is on order, the wreaths are about to be hung on doors and they are about to start dressing the house………….we are getting very excited.

Oh, and don’t worry about us girls. We didn’t miss out too much as between all the hard word Phil and Caroline found time to take us on trips to Sandsend beach and long moor and forest walks.

We all look forward to seeing you at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B and the Hayloft in the coming weeks. Phil has even created a special seasonal welcome cocktail.

I wonder if we can dress Lily up as a white reindeer!

Learn to make Christmas Wreaths.

Join the experts at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre near Thornton-le-Dale to learn how to make an individual wreath using natural woodland materials.

The event takes place on 3 December 2009 from 13.00 – 15.00.
All ages are welcome but children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Go dressed in casual clothing as the process may involve getting a little messy.

For further details about the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre click here.