Guide to local beaches….North Yorkshire.

While we love our walks from Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B through Cropton Forest and on the North Yorkshire Moors there is nothing us girls like more than a visit to the seaside.

Katie loves to show off doggy surfing, Meg adores a roll in the golden sand and I just love to splash people. This is us all showing off at Sandsend.

We thought you might like to know more about our local beaches. Sadly us dogs are not allowed on all of them so make sure your owners have read up before setting off!

The Marine conservation society rate many beaches around the UK. This is what they have to say about ours.


Runswick Bay
Nearest town: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Description: A picturesque bay with a golden sand beach which traditionally provided safe anchorage for fishing boats but is now more popular with holidaymakers.
Water quality: MCS Recommended
Lifeguarded: No
Beach type: Sand/mud/cliffs
Dogs: No dog restrictions

Staithes
Nearest town: Staithes, North Yorkshire
Description:Sheltered behind one of the largest fishing ports on the north east 'dinosaur' coast. A small beach popular with families. Caution - bathing water quality samples taken on 25th May, 13th June and 7th July 2006 did not meet legal minimum standards. Bathing is not advised, and further information should be sought from Scarborough Borough Council.
Water quality: Fail (swimming not advised)
Lifeguarded: No
Beach type: Sand
Dogs: No dog restrictions

Sandsend
Nearest town: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Description: A small picturesque beach situated on Yorkshire's heritage coastline. It is a popular haunt with fossil collectors and fishing enthusiasts and the cliffs provide shelter for the casual beach goer.
Water quality: MCS Recommended
Lifeguarded: No
Beach type: Sand and Shingle
Dogs: Dogs are restricted to certain areas on this beach.

Whitby
Nearest town: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Description: A sandy and rocky beach backed by cliffs. Whitby was the home of Captain James Cook and has welcomed visitors to its sandy shore for hundreds of years. It is usually favoured by the younger generation.
Water quality: MCS Recommended
Lifeguarded: RNLI
Beach type: Sand
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the south end of the beach.

Robin Hoods Bay
Nearest town: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Description: A large pictuesque bay with some sandy areas and extensive rock reefs exposed at low tide. Robin Hood's Bay has a dock for small boats and some good local pubs and restaurants surrounding the bay
Water quality: Basic Pass
Lifeguarded: No
Beach type: Sand and Rock
Dogs: No dog restrictions

Scarborough North Bay
Nearest town: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Description: A quiet and sandy family beach backed by hills and cliffs. A castle dominates the skyline overlooking the beach.
Water quality: MCS Recommended
Lifeguarded: RNLI
Beach type: Sand
Dogs: There are dog bins on the beach (a poop scoop order is in force) and a dog walking area. Dogs are not allowed on the north half of the beach

Scarborough - South Bay
Nearest town: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Description: One of Britain's most famous seaside towns. Scarborough has excellent choice of amenities and entertainments. South sands is a large sandy bay with good facilities, child friendly amenities and is popular with families. A handy cliff lift provides easy access.
Water quality: MCS Recommended
Lifeguarded: RNLI
Beach type: Sand
Dogs: Dogs are banned from the beach

Experience Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, from your sofa!

Those clever people at the National Trust have joined forces with Google street view to come up with a way that you humans can go online and explore Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire from anywhere in the world. The system offers a 360 degree ground level tour.

Hopefully it will not make people too jealous that they don’t also live in North Yorkshire. Of course they can always come and visit; they could even come and stay with us here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B.
Eighteen other National Trust properties and landscapes, not in North Yorkshire, can also be explored online.

To see the tour for yourself click here.

National Garden Scheme openings close to Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B, North Yorkshire.

The dates have been published for the gardens opening as part of the excellent National Garden Scheme and once again we have lots of amazing gardens opening their gates to the public within an easy drive of Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B.

They offer a diverse range of planting and locations throughout the summer.

Riverside Farm, Sinnington, Yorkshire
Cottage garden surrounding C18 farmhouse with extensive lawns, island beds with mixed planting, old roses, pond, orchard and amenity woodland. Veteran oak tree in nearby field
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 5.19 miles
Open: Wed 9 June (1.30-5).

Friars Hill, Sinnington, Yorkshire
1¾-acre plantswoman's garden containing over 2500 varieties of perennials and bulbs, with yr-round colour. Early interest with hellebores, bulbs and woodland plants. Herbaceous beds. Hostas, delphiniums, old roses and stone troughs.
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 5.39 miles
Open: Sun 11 Apr (1-5). Visitors also welcome by appointment.

Sleightholmedale Lodge, Fadmoor, Yorkshire
Hillside garden, walled rose garden and herbaceous borders.
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 8.21 miles
Open: Sats 29 May; 5 June; Sat, Sun, 17, 18 July (2-6). Visitors also welcome by appointment.

Pennyholme, Fadmoor, Yorkshire
Enchanting 10-acre moorland garden. Built around the R Hodge Beck. Extensive collection of magnificent rhododendrons and azaleas, set in mature oakwood and river circular walk. House garden has traditional rose/mixed borders, water cascade, wildlife garden and separate, secret tree garden.
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 8.21 miles
Open: Sats. 29 May; 5 June (1-5).

Wytherstone Gardens, Pockley, nr Helmsley, York, Yorkshire
A true plantsman's garden set in 8 acres of rolling countryside on edge of the N York Moors. Divided by beech hedges, creating interlinked specialised 'feature' gardens, incl Mediterranean, spring (large unusual clematis collection) ericaceous, terraced, fern, paeonia, foliage and bamboo garden, small arboretum (incl a Wollemia nobilis planted outside). Plants not thought hardy in N England grow happily in the free draining soil.
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 10.26 miles
Open: Suns 30 May; 27 June; 1 Aug (10-5).

Rye Hill, Helmsley, Yorkshire
Plantswoman's garden designed, constructed and maintained by owners. Divided into interlinking compartments, each planted in different style: formal, woodland and cottage. Intense planting using unusual plants for yr-round colour and interest. Conservatory, well stocked with tender species, ponds and many architectural features. New projects each yr.
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 12.1 miles
Open: Visitors welcome by appointment , June & July only, individuals and groups. Coaches permitted.

Jacksons Wold, Sherburn, Yorkshire
2-acre garden with stunning views of the Vale of Pickering. Walled garden with mixed borders, numerous old shrub roses underplanted with unusual perennials. Woodland paths lead to further shrub and perennial borders. Lime avenue with wild flower meadow. Traditional vegetable garden with roses, flowers and box edging framed by Victorian greenhouse. Adjoining nursery.
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 13.84 miles
Open: Suns 16 May; 6 June; 4 July (1-5).

Terrington House, Terrington, Yorkshire
Formal garden set in 3 acres with exquisite shell house, herbaceous and mixed borders incl roses, peonies and hostas. Impressive trees, parterre and vegetable garden
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 15.56 miles
Open: Tue 22, Wed 23 June (10-5). Visitors also welcome by appointment.

Rewela Cottage, Skewsby, York, Yorkshire
¾-acre ornamental garden, designed by current owner, featuring a great number of unusual trees and shrubs, many architectural plants, softening features like the pond, pergola, natural stone sunken garden, breeze house, paths, decking, fruit cage, raised vegetable garden and plant raising area.
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 16.93 miles
Open: Sun 27 June (10-5). Visitors also welcome by appointment Evening visits between 7 June & 9 July, min 10+, £5 per head incl refreshments.

Tudor Croft, Guisborough, Yorkshire
A very beautiful 1930s Arts and Crafts garden with fernery, pergola, borders, stream, water gardens and newly restored rose gardens. This plantsman’s paradise covers a full five acres and is a haven of surprises. Featured on BBC Gardeners' World, in many magazines and must not be missed!
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 18.24 miles
Open: Sun 11 July (12-5).

Shandy Hall Gardens, Coxwold, Yorkshire
Home of C18 author Laurence Sterne. 2 walled gardens, 1 acre of unusual perennials interplanted with tulips and old roses in low walled beds. In old quarry, another acre of trees, shrubs, bulbs, climbers and wild flowers encouraging wildlife, incl over 140 recorded species of moths
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 18.61 miles
Open: Evening Openings Fridays 23 Apr; 18 June (6-9).

Fir Trees Cottage, Stokesley, Yorkshire
1 acre mixed shrubaceous borders, large rockeries, spring bulbs, species tulips, mature conifers, fritillaries, erythroniums and secluded ornamental pond. Hosta collection and garden sculpture. Tranquil garden surrounded by farmland with views to Cleveland Hills and Roseberry Topping. Designed and maintained by owners since 1992 with low maintenance in mind. Large private cacti collection
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 18.88 miles
Open: Sats, Suns 15, 16, 22, 23 May (1-5).

Cleaves House, Thirlby, Yorkshire
Informal 2-acre garden set against backdrop of a cliff with wonderful far reaching views. Bold interesting planting with emphasis on contrasting trees, shrubs, roses and plants chosen for autumn interest. Pond and bog areas. Newly developing shade garden
Distance from Flamborough Rigg Cottage: 18.92 miles
Open: Sats, Suns, 2, 3, 9, 10 Oct (11-5). Visitors also welcome by appointment.

Winter bird walk at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens.

On 24 January 2010 join the experts to discover the resident winter bird life on a two mile walk around this beautiful estate, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens

No pre-booking is needed but for further details contact the National Trust, Fountains Abbey, 01765 608888, fountainsenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk

The event takes place from 10.30 – 12.30 on Sunday 24 January 2010.

Scarborough Art Gallery displays East Coast Art.

This January Scarborough Art Gallery, North Yorkshire, will open up its first floor rooms to show a fabulous selection of art produced by amateur and professional artists working in and around the East Coast. The work on show will be selected by a panel consisting of local artists Andy Black and Sue Timmins, art lover Stephen Wood, contemporary curator Stuart Cameron and Scarborough Museums Trust’s Curator of Exhibitions Jan Bee Brown.

Four members of the selection panel will curate the show which will be themed to enable a complete cross section of work to be shown. Each gallery will have a different focus: Light, Colour, Form and Process. The team of artist-curators will also be selecting a picture from our own collection to introduce their chosen theme. The ‘Open’ art works on display are also for sale so if you spot a budding star this is the time to buy. It’s your gallery, showing your art, so please join in!

The show opens on 23 January 2010.

Beginners art at Beningbrough Hall North Yorkshire.

The National Trust are encouraging wannabe artists with their start classes at Beningbrough Hall and Gardens in North Yorkshire.

Have you always been itching to draw but never had the confidence? Join in with the two hour beginners' adult art sessions, led by tutors to help with your needs! First session looking at mark making, tones and shading and confidence building!

The sessions are scheduled to take place on 23 and 30 January 2010 from 1300 – 15.00.

Tickets are £6.

Pre-booking is essential. Contact Clare Fletcher, Learning and Community Officer, 01904 472002, Clare.Fletcher@nationaltrust.org.uk

Arboretum Trust Family history day.

On Saturday 23 January 2010 a Family History day is planned to take place at The Arboretum Trust, Kew at Castle Howard, North Yorkshire.

Several local family history groups and societies will be offering help. The event is for all levels, from novices to the advanced researcher.
Stalls will antiquarian books, new books, CDs and vintage postcards. Internet demonstrations will take place.

The host ""Yorkshire Ancestors of Studley House Farm"", Ebberston, offers a research library, open to visitors, containing a wealth of Yorkshire research resources, see samples from the library here.

10.00 to 15.00.
Admission Free
Refreshments will be available at the Arboretum Cafe throughout the day.

Whitby Ghost and Dracula walks.

Discover the fun and alternative side of Whitby by joining Harry Collett on one of his evening walks around Whitby. Choose one of the following themes.

Whitby Ghost Walks The MAN IN BLACK invites you to join him on a 75 minute tour to discover the strange and supernatural tales of murder, mystery and suspense.

In Search of DraculaWalk and talk where Dracula stalked. Dare YOU follow the trail and linger in the streets where vampires still abound?

Meet at the WHALE BONE ARCH, opposite The Royal Hotel, West Cliff, (YO21 3HA)Tour departs at 8pm

For early or late season telephone (01947) 821734 to reconfirm dates.
Adults £5, Children (under 14) £3

February
Sunday 14th Ghost Walk
Monday 15th In Search of Dracula
Wednesday 17th Ghost Walk
Thursday 18th In Search of Dracula
Friday 19th Ghost Walk
Saturday 20th In Search of Dracula
Saturday 27th In Search of Dracula

For dates for the rest of the year click here.

Neighbours on parade here in North Yorkshire.

We have very orderly neighbours here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B & B, North Yorkshire. Meg pointed out that Phil would never get us dogs to line up like that; we like to think of ourselves as more free thinking. This comment provoked giggles from the pesky cat. We do think!

As you can see our current neighbours, in Farmer Tim’s field, are some sort of elite military sheep regiment. Lily reckons they are here for some sort of special training and that they are practising their under cover surveillance techniques on us, silly puppy. I must admit they are certainly pretty hard core; no curling up in front of a fire or even a duvet to roll up in at night for them.

If is continues to snow at the current rate Tim will have to provide them all with snorkels and GPS!

A last chance to see Fur and Feather at the National Park Centre, Danby.

This weekend is the last chance you will have to see Andrew Hutchinson's art at the National Park Centre, Danby, North Yorkshire. His work is inspired by the nature and countryside of his native North Yorkshire. His limited edition prints cover subjects from wildlife to rare farm breeds.

The venue is open 10.30 – 15.30 daily and the exhibition closes on 12 January 2010.

For further details click here.

A Happy, Snowy, New Year at Flamborough Rigg Cottage, North Yorkshire.

Here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage, Stape, North Yorkshire, the snowflakes continue to fall. The snow levels in our beautiful garden are well over my feline head so I have to resort to watching the dogs cavorting about although in places even they disappear, but sadly not for long!

Our guests have loved tobogganing in the forest and walking through knee deep powder snow to the White Swan pub in Newton on Rawcliffe where they warmed up by the log fire and enjoyed well earned lunches. All we need now is a drag lift on a hill here in Cropton Forest to save their legs when climbing back up the slope to toboggan, I will put a word in with Phil.

I am off to curl up in front of the log burner while it is quiet as the crazy dogs are still outside pretending to be snowmen. Sadly they will be in a soon as they get a whiff of the steaming hot chocolate and marshmallows that Caroline is preparing.