On Thursday afternoon Simon collected Jason, Amy and Charlotte Folks from their hotel in London and all drove back up to sunny Yorkshire for a fantastic weekend of fun in the North.

We started by spending a day in Leeds and York, sightseeing with the Royal Armouries and the wonders that York has to offer.

We covered almost 6 miles on foot, much to the displeasure of Oliver and Elliot 🙁

Then on Saturday morning we set out early for Lake Windermere where we immediately head over to Hill Top to visit Beatrix Potter’s home and gardens – a true delight and slightly disappointing that over the last 25 years of heading to the lakes, we had never been there before….

Back to Bowness for lunch and the required trip to Helen’s chocolates before heading up to Grasmere for park time, gingerbread (of course) and a visit round to the Wordsworth graves.

Next was Waterhead where we enjoyed a hot chocolate dipped ice-cream before boarding a boat on a short trip round to Wray Castle, Brockholes before going straight back to Waterhead – all in all 50 minute ride (we didn’t get off until our return to Waterhead).

Finally, we got back in the car and head to the hotel – Appleby Castle. That’s right we stayed in a 12th century castle overnight – the Folks stayed in the State room and the Rust’s in the cottage that has just been renovated (used to be the brewery accordingly). We enjoyed a private dining experience and while the food was average, the company and experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Sunday morning consisted of a two hour breakfast (VERY short staffed) and an external tour of the castle grounds before being shown around the internals of the castle by the estate manager (Peter) – he showed us the tower, the dungeon, the bedrooms and even gave a story about the paranormal activity (not much of it in honesty but very interesting nonetheless.

We travelled back to Ossett for a BBQ at Grandma and Grandad’s where the kids enjoyed larking around with iPad’s etc and a good mess around in the pool after dinner.

Simon and Elliot dropped Jason, Amy and Charlotte off at Wakefield Westgate railway station for the 9:58 train to London Kings Cross station this morning for a teary farewell.

We look forward to meeting up again in the (hopefully) not too distant future.

Safe travels Folks – thanks for the memories

xx