Days out from Harrogate - North York Moors National Park

For Yorkshire Day, 1st August, we thought a trip to Helmsley and the surrounding area would be perfect. 
The weather forecast was not great- but we decided to go anyway.  We left Harrogate in warm sun with rain on the wind and headed east. We picked up the AI from the A59 and turned off at junction 49 for Thirsk continuing to Helmsley.  
 

We found parking in the picturesque square and headed for the castle, The remains of the keep form an impressive backdrop to the town centre.  There is a walk around the outside of the castle with great views across the surrounding countryside.  Inside the walls there is a small museum outlining the history and the connection with the Fairfax family who owned several other castles and estates including the beautifully restored Georgian House in York, and Gilling Castle.  The sun shone on us and it brought back many childhood memories of family picnics and school trips. 

From Helmsley after a tasty lunch in one of the many cafes  we headed towards Pickering following signs for the Ryedale Folk Museum (a left sign from Nawton) a couple of miles down a lane. It’s a must see museum for all ages.  
It comprises of a series of reconstructed Dales houses ranging from an Iron Age Round House to 13th -19th century farm houses and manor type houses. It includes rural industries of black smiths, tin smiths, cobblers, funeral directors, chemist, village shop and post office. it gives a real living experience of life in the Dales through the ages.  There are special activities for children during school holidays including a workshop making peg dolls.

I had some guests from Poland with me and they were entranced by the museum. its layout and the variety of exhibits- including rare breads of pigs, sheep and chickens. 
 

With the sun still shining we headed for Rievaulx Abbey arriving just before it closed and as the heavens opened!   We had a wonderful 30 minutes exploring the ruins and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. 
As it was getting late we headed for home stopping off at Byland Abbey.  A tranquil spot- and nearly always open.

We went back to Harrogate via Coxwold, Thirsk and A1 taking the Boroughbridge exit then via Minskip and Knaresborough to Harrogate- the picturesque route.  

We had left Harrogate around 10:30 am and got back at 6:30 pm having had a great time.

I asked my visitors what they enjoyed the most, one said Ryedale Folk Museum  because it was so well done and so interesting- the other preferred the castle and abbeys. Both said they would love to have had more time! But with so much to see and do….

How will you spend your days when staying in Artists’ Cottages?