Out & About
Leyburn lies at the centre of an area rich in beauty, natural wonders, wildlife, history and places of interest, and no matter what your tastes are you will find a vast choice of things to see and do during your visit.
Landscape:
Above all, it is the glorious Dales landscape that will delight, whether you choose to explore it by foot, cycle or car. Each dale has its own distinct beauty, and as you cross from one to the other over high fells and grouse moors you will be rewarded by stunning views. Long distance footpaths, Roman roads, and green tracks once used by drovers and lead miners provide wonderful walking, and local guide books and maps in the cottages will help you on your way. The area abounds in sparkling rivers and beautiful waterfalls such as those at Aysgarth and Hardraw, striking limestone features such as Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and the Buttertubs, exquisite lakes at Malham Tarn and Semer Water, and fascinating underground scenery such as can be seen in the caves at White Scar or Stump Cross.
The Seasons:
The Yorkshire Dales remain unspoilt and have been farmed in a traditional way over hundreds of years. The combination of the natural world and the farming cycle means that there are constantly changing pleasures and joys to be experienced at any time of year. Spring arrives to the sound of nesting curlews and lapwings on the hills and the sight of lambs gambolling in the fields. Early summer sees the meadows lush with grass and wildflowers, while the later summer sees the farmers busy with hay making and the annual round of village agricultural shows. As autumn approaches, the blossoming heather gives the high fell tops a purple bloom, and grouse and pheasant abound. In winter, snow on the hills gives the landscape a new and wonderful beauty.
History:
This lovely landscape has to a great extent been shaped by those who have lived in these dales throughout the centuries, and their history is everywhere to be seen. Iron Age man, Romans, Vikings, Normans, farmers, drovers, miners, mill owners and railway builders – all have left their mark.
• Castles – Middleham Castle, home of King Richard III, can be seen from the cottages. A short distance away lie Bolton Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned, and the imposing Norman castle at Richmond.
• Abbeys and Cathedrals - the beautiful ruins of both Jervaulx and Easby Abbeys are close by, while Bolton Priory in Wharfedale, and Fountains, Rievaulx and Byland Abbeys are all easily reached, as is the historic city of Ripon with its magnificent cathedral.
• Houses and Gardens – near to Leyburn are the gardens of Constable Burton Hall, the arboretum and falconry centre at Thorp Perrow, and the unusual Edwardian rock garden at Aysgarth. Other houses and gardens you can visit include Kiplin Hall near Richmond, Newby Hall near Ripon, Ripley Castle near Harrogate, and Studley Royal Gardens (a world heritage site).
• Industrial History and museums – the Yorkshire Dales was a centre of industry before the coming of steam power, and many of the old water mills still stand. At Gayle, near Hawes, the mill building has been restored and reopened as a working saw mill. During the 19th century lead mining was a major industry, and much evidence of this can still be seen up in the hills. This century was also a time of railway building, and the historic Settle and Carlisle railway runs through the Dales, its most famous feature being the awe inspiring Ribblehead viaduct. Throstlenest Cottages are just a short walk from Leyburn station on the Wensleydale railway, from where scenic rail trips can now be taken, sometimes by steam locomotive. There are local history museums throughout the area, including those at Hawes, Reeth, and Richmond.
Mr. & Mrs. R. StaffordshireThe fantastic view brought us back again. The cottage is so comfortable and Leyburn so handy for things to see and do.
Crafts and shopping:
The Yorkshire Dales have attracted an abundance of artists and craftsmen who have chosen to live and work in the area, and galleries and craft shops can be found in many of the lovely villages and towns. Paintings, sculptures, carvings, felt, rope, candles, glassware, furniture and hand knitting are just some products hand crafted in the area. Cheesemaking was introduced to Wensleydale by the monks of Jervaulx Abbey, and Wensleydale cheese is still produced today at the creamery in Hawes, where there is a visitor centre. Brewing is another traditional industry, and at Masham there is not just one brewery, but two, and both the Black Sheep and Theakstons breweries provide guided tours. At Brymor, near Jervaulx, top quality icecream is produced on the farm from milk provided by their Guernsey cows, and can be sampled in the ice cream parlour. A few minutes walk from Throstlenest Cottages brings you to the Teapottery, where eccentric and novelty teapots are hand made, and also to The Little Chocolate Shop, where you can watch the delicious chocolates being made.
And lots more!:
There are many other attractions to entertain you during your visit. Close to Leyburn is the Forbidden Corner, a unique four acre garden filled with follies, puzzles and surprises, fun for both adults and children. Lightwater Valley Amusement and Theme Park near Ripon provides roller coaster fun, plus a falconry centre and a shopping outlet. Children will love to get close to the animals at Big Sheep and Little Cow near Bedale, or at Hazel Brow farm in Swaledale. The fearless can take to the treetops on an adventure rope course at Aerial Extreme, also near Bedale. Facilities for fishing, golf and swimming can all be found in the area and there are cinemas in Leyburn and Richmond, which also boasts Britain’s most complete Georgian playhouse at the Theatre Royal. All that, plus a choice of excellent eating at public houses, restaurants, cafes, tearooms and take-aways far too numerous to mention.
Mr. & Mrs. T. LincolnshireAnother glorious week and the cottage was once again brilliant. Sat watching the sun setting over the green dale, sheep munching and birds singing – bliss! Thanks for a super holiday.
