Around Fotherdale Farm

ACKLAM

Pretty village with great scenery & great for walking.

4* 4-bed self catering cottage or B&B is available at Beckside Cottage, Trout Pond Barn. Acklam YO17 9RG Tel 01653 698468 www.troutpondbarn.co.uk Provides friendly accommodation with wonderful views over the vale of York in a peaceful setting.

Half Moon Inn Acklam : Tel: 01653 658323- Excellent food and good value for money.

BURYTHORPE

The Bay Horse, Burythorpe. 01653 658302. A local pub/restaurant that has been recently refurbished to a very high standard with a good modern English menu. But equally as nice is to just to pop in for a drink. www.bayhorseburythorpe.co.uk

Stay at 4* The Granary self catering cottage in an idylic setting surrounded by rolling countryside. The cottage sleeps between 8-12 people and has its own private garden and tennis court. The Granary, The Hermitage, Burythorpe YO17 9LF day www.granaryholidays.co.uk

CASTLE HOWARD

Castle Howard is one of Britain 's finest stately homes, located in the beautiful Howardian Hills, fifteen miles northeast of the famous city of York . Built in 1699, Castle Howard is, today, still the private home of the Howard family. As a major tourist attraction the house receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from all over the world, who come to enjoy a variety of delights. New for 2005 is a farm shop courtyard selling wonderful food & drink as well as a great little gift shop. www.castlehoward.co.uk

COXWOLD

The Fauconbery Arms is a beautiful 17th century country inn is full of charm and character - set in the picturesque village of Coxwold amidst the rolling green countryside of the North Yorkshire Moors. Open for meals and guest accommodation. Tel: 01347 868214 http://www.fauconbergarms.com/

FANGFOSS

The Carpenters Arms Fangfoss Tel: 01759 368888 The Carpenters Arms is a true picture postcard pub with rustic charm and a warm, cosy ambience. There is a superb beer garden and children's play area. It serves delicious home-made fare and highly regarded real ale. Please phone for more details.

Fangfoss is also a great place to walk and camp with many interesting places to visit, including a world renowned rocking horse museum and work shop, pottery and hand made furniture store.

FOX HOLES

A Place to stay! Situated in the northern part of the Yorkshire Wolds, Manor Farmhouse is the ideal base from which to explore the region. Renovated to a high standard in 2005, we have two double rooms and one twin room with their own private bathrooms. Walkers, cyclists and bikers catered for, and accommodation for pets is available in the stable block. Susan & Richard Fulcher, Manor Farmhouse, Foxholes, North Yorkshire YO25 3QH, Tel: 01262 470 555, www.manorfarmfoxholes.co.uk

GATE HELMSLEY

The Balloon Tree Farm Shop & Cafe was opened in 2004 with tremendous success. Now this really is a top class kind of place - fresh produce from their own farm & from local suppliers is attractively displayed. Great deli counter & lovely cafe. Also extensive pick your own areas, with strawberries, raspberries and asparagus presently in season- you really can't beat this place. A new chef is joining the team and expanding the already superb menu, resulting in yet more awards for the balloon tree which is currently competing for Best Tearooms in Yorkshire Tel: 01759 373023 . www.theballoontree.co.uk

GOODMANHAM:
A peaceful village on the top of the Yorkshire Wolds close to the market town of Market Weighton.

Stay at 4* Blacksmiths cottage B&B & self catering in a delightful 18th century cottage set between the two well known walks the Wolds Way & the Hudson Way Tel: 01430 872456 www.theholidaycottages.co.uk

HELMSLEY

A bustling market town, with a wealth of shops & cafes and gateway to North York Moors.

Stay in Carlton Lodge B&B 4* silver award which operates under a sustainable visitor charter in an area of unparalleled beauty. Bondgate, Helmsley 01439 770623 www.carlton-lodge.com

HAROME

A quaint village a stones throw from Helmsley & the North York Moors - don't miss the heather & red grouse in August!

The Pheasant Hotel, Harome, Helmsley YO6 5JG Tel 01439 771241 - A nice country hotel & restaurant. The hotel, established from what was one time the village blacksmiths, two cottages & a shop, has been renovated to make a very comfortable country hotel with 12 bedrooms. Some rooms over look the village pond and mill stream, others over the courtyard and walled garden. There is a small oak beamed bar with log fire, a large drawing from and dining room which opens onto the terrace overlooking the mill stream. A large garden and paddock provide fresh eggs, vegetables and fruit to the hotel kitchen. http://www.thepheasanthotel.com

The Star Inn, Harome, Helmsley YO62 5JE Tel 01439 770397 14th Century Thatched Inn using local regional produce. Average price per head: £35+. Also deluxe accommodation in Cross House Loge & Black Eagle Cottage The Star Inn Corner Shop - a gastronomes take on a village shop! selling fresh food & drinks as well as cakes etc from the restaurant. http://www.thestaratharome.co.uk/

HAWNBY

Stay at Easterside Farm, Hawnby in a 4* farmhouse B&B set admist unspoilt countryside. Easterside farmhouse is a 8th Century grade 2 listed farmhouse run by Sarah and Alan Wood. Tel 01439 798277 . www.eastersidefarm.co.uk

HOVINGHAM

A lovely picturesque estate village which is part of the Hovingham Estate. Hovingham Hall has been the home to the Worsley family for over 400 years. The Palladian house was built between 1750 and 1770 by Thomas Worsley to his own design. Also intriguing is The Riding School through which you enter the house. www.hovingham.co.uk/pages/home.html

The Worsley Arms Tel: 01653 628234
http://www.worsleyarms.co.uk

The Malt Shovel . Tel: 01653 628264 is a great place for lunch and an evening meal http://www.woldsinn.co.uk/

HUTTON LE HOLE

Visitors flock to this pretty village which is surrounded by winding roads and paths through the North Yorkshire Moors.

Stay at The Barn Hotel, 3* in the centre of the picturesque village. The hotel has gained an enviable reputation for excellent tearooms and accommodation Tel: 01751 417311. . www.thebarnhotel.info

KILHAM

The Old Star Inn, Church Street , Kilham Tel 01262 420619 - Good home-cooked dishes open fires & fine cask ales. Made it into the Good Beer Guide 2005

Stay at 3* Blacksmiths Cottge B&B in a 300 yr old cottage and converted stables grouped around a paved courtyard. Tel: 01262 420624

KIRKHAM ABBEY

As well as nice walks & the beautiful ruins of Kirkham abbey -
There's also a very nice pub/restaurant the Stone Trough Inn. Full of Yorkshire charm.. The Stone Trough, Kirkham Abbey, Whitwell on the Hill, York YO60 7JS Tel 01653 618713 www.stonetroughinn.co.uk

P.S. Keep your eye open for Kingfishers along the river bank! Otters have also been spied along here.

LEAVENING

A pretty little village perched on the Wolds - with a good pub serving food. The Jolly Farmers Inn, Main Street Leavening Malton YO17 9SA Tel: 01653 658276. Average price per head: £10-£15.

MALTON

Bustling Market Town, with good shops & plenty of places to eat & drink. There's a good farmer's market too on a Saturday.

3* 3 bedroomed Self catering farm cottage on a working farm set on the Yorkshire Wolds with long scenic views over the Yorkshire Wolds at Whin Moor Farm Cottages, West Heslerton Malton YO17 8RX Tel 01944 738632 www.whinmoorfarmcottage.co.uk

MILLINGTON

Another good centre for walking, as the Wolds Way runs through it. Also Millington Wood which is very nice for picnicking!

The pub at Millington is called The Gait Tel:01759 302045 and is always full of charm & robust meals.

There is also a good cafe/tearoom called the Ramblers Rest Tel: 01759 305220 It does nice home-cooked sandwiches & cakes as well as that all important cup of Yorkshire tea http://www.ramblersrestmillington.co.uk/

MINSTER WAY

A walking route between the two ministers of Beverley and York that crosses the chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds before descending on to the flat land of the Vale of York.

NORTH DALTON

A pretty village part of Dalton Estate, with a pond in the middle. The Star at North Dalton Tel:01377 217688.

A nice place to stay is 3* 2 bed self catering Old Cobblers Cottage, situated overlooking the picturesque mere in this quiet rural village. Ideally located for Yorkshire Coast, York, walking and visiting the country houses. For details ring 01377 217754 www.waterfrontcottages.co.uk

NORTH NEWBALD

Has two pubs, The Gnu Inn Tel 01430 827473 and The Tiger Inn Tel : 01430 827759, both on the green. A tiny village at the foot of the Wolds way. Both open for lunches.

NUNNINGTON

Nunnington Hall - this formidable Manor House built in the 17th century is well worth a visit as is the walled garden on the bank of the River Rye, with its delightful mixed borders, orchards of traditional fruit varieties and spring-flowering meadows.

The Royal Oak Inn Tel : 01439 748271- lovely food is served at this pub/restaurant.

Nunnington Studios - set round a courtyard Nunnington Studios is a collection of shops & crafts people selling allsorts from Candles to garden ornaments.

PICKERING

Bustling market town with nice shops, pubs and restaurants and gateway to the North York Moors.

Stay in 5* Gold luxury at Number 17 Burgate in a boutique B&B. . www.17burgate.co.uk

POCKLINGTON

Bustling market town, with plenty of shops, delis & places to eat. For more info see www.pocklington.gov.uk/

Burnby Hall Gardens houses the national collection of water lilies. The gardens are a joy to walk round in summer & children can enjoy feeding the fish! www.burnbyhallgardens.co.uk

Pocklington Arts Centre www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk
East Riding's premier Arts venue brings you cinema and live music ranging from folk, rock and jazz to popular and classical. In addition, there is regular theatre, comedy, children's shows plus a monthly art exhibition - something for everyone!

In the nearby village of Allerthorpe is Allerthorpe Lakeland Park with a range of outdoor activities, from fishing to canoeing as well as a gift shop & coffee shop & restaurant. There is also 4* self catering accomodation. Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, Allerthorpe, Nr Pocklington Tel: 01759 301444. http://www.allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk/

Stay in nearby Barmby Moor at Northwood Coach House in a self-contained 3 bedroom space in the Old Vicarage Coach House overlooking open countryside on the edge of the wolds.
Northwood Coach House, St Helens Square, Barmby Moor, YO42 4HF Tel: 01759 302305 www.northwoodcoachhouse.co.uk

SLEDMERE

Sledmere House is well worth visiting, home of Sir Tatton Sykes, 8th Baronet, there is also a cafe serving light snacks.
The Triton pub and resaurant Tel:01377 236078

Stay at Life Hill Farm in 4* gold B&B or self catering accommodation and enjoy stunning views over the Yorkshire Wolds from the family farm managed with particular regard to the environment. Life Hill Farm, Sledmere YO25 3EY Tel: 01377 236224 www.lifehillfarm.co.uk

TERRINGTON

Yorkshire Lavender lies on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Terrington, set in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

THIXENDALE

The Robert Fuller Gallery sits just outside this pretty village. In the village itself, there's a post office, a shop, pub - The Cross Keys - as well as a lovely church.

The Cross Keys Tel: 01377 288272. Open for meals every lunchtime 12.00-2.00pm and in the evenings Monday to Thursday evening 6.30-9.00pm , Friday to Sunday evenings 7.00-9.00pm .

Thixendale is a great place for walking in the steep dry chalk valleys. Plenty of wildlife about & lots of lovely wild flowers in the summer months. Even better you'll rarely see a soul! The villages own website can tell you much more... www.thixendale.org.uk

SCAMPSTON

Scampston Hall & The Walled Garden of Scampston - very worthwhile visiting. A new garden has been created in 2004 by top garden designer Piet Ordoulf. It's still early days but is already breathtaking. Also brilliant cafe 'The Star at Scampston'. Also a small nursery selling plants from the garden so you can create your own wow factor at home. www.scampston.co.uk

WHARRAM PERCY

A deserted medieval village abandoned between the eleventh and eighteenth centuries due to the Plague. The foundations of around 30 medieval peasant houses are visible at this site as well as the ruins of a church. Excavation in the 60s revealed evidence of Stone Age occupation, and of a settlement dating back to the Bronze Age, with Roman farms and an Anglo-Saxon estate. You can either walk here from Thixendale or drive to the Wharram Percy car park & walk the 1/4 mile or so to the deserted village.

WOLDS WAY

A stunning walking route starting on the Humber up via Market Weighton up on to the Yorkshire Wolds through Thixendale & beyond through Scarborough to the North Sea. Many like to do the route in one go, stopping off at village B&Bs on the way but you can pick & choose bits of it for a more leisurely day's circuit. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/yorkshire-wolds-way

YORK

The city of York is 1/2 hr drive from the gallery at Fotherdale Farm. Here you will find shops, restaurants & museums galore. Take a look on www.thisisyork.co.ukfor all kinds of information on the city.

Don't miss the Merchant Adventurers Hall www.theyorkcompany.co.uk

WHERE TO WATCH WILDLIFE AROUND THE ROBERT FULLER GALLERY, THIXENDALE

All round the Wolds there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, watch out for hares, grey & French partridges, pheasants, buzzards, peregrines, kestrels, sparrow hawks & little owls.
There are two good places for little owls near us - one is on the same road as the gallery in the tree near to the fallen down sycamore & also on the road that takes you out of the village towards Aldro Farm. I have also seen short eared owls along here. There are always Kestrels about especially on the Thixendale/Malton road off the A166 & on the top of Garrowby Hill.
There is always a pair of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers around Fotherdale - watch out for their undulating flight ahead. They always bring their young to feed on our bird table each year.
There are plenty of goldfinches around Fotherdale. During the summer we get up to 400 per day drinking in the pond.
We also have up to 150 tree sparrows based at Fotherdale at a time. Although in serious decline - they seem to thrive here!
Buzzards abound soaring over the wood down from Fotherdale & also over Raisthorpe.
Kingfishers abound in Howsham if you walk along the river bank towards Kirkham Abbey & also at Stamford Bridge & along Pocklington Canal .
Bullfinches are plentiful around Great Givendale at the moment & there is always the odd grey heron skulking by the ponds.
Bempton is great for puffins especially in June. It is also breathtaking for Gannets.
For Red Grouse take a trip up to the North York Moors in August when the males are particularly visible as they mark their territories. The heather is in full bloom giving a beautiful pink haze to the scenery.
The best place to see Badgers is at Cropton forest. They have a hide here that you can watch them come & feed within metres of you! Contact Cropton Forest Lodge for details on 01751 471540
At night, you can often see badgers & foxes cruising along the roads. Barn Owls are often seen hovering along field margins or perched on fence posts & tawny owls perched in trees by the roadside.
See my blog for details of all the latest wildlife sightings around The Robert Fuller Gallery click here