Monday 31st December
Brimham Rocks was the perfect place for an afternoon walk and to view the last sunset of 2018.



Sunday 30th December

We were fortunate to find a parking place at Golden Acre Park today. Someone from The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust was at the entrance to the Adel Dam nature reserve next to the park. It was clear that a lot of clearing and maintenance has been completed recently.

https://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/adel-dam-nature-reserve

 

 

There is a Greater Spotted Woodpecker on the second feeder. He stayed for quite a while.

Nuts and seeds on the window ledge attracted this fellow to come very close.

A couple of blue tits as well as this chaffinch were brave enough to come close for a minute or two.

At the second hide we enjoyed watching this  kingfisher perched on his fishing post. He flew across the water to the reeds and back several times. Vivid colour and lovely to see.

Robins and various tits enjoyed these feeders but retreated into the trees when spooked by voices or movement.

We saw a couple of nuthatches for a long time but they always seemed to be hidden by the feeder when the photos were taken.

Back in the park the gardens have been cleared and dug over for winter but the hanging baskets still provide colour.

 

Saturday 29th December
The Christmas displays at Harlow Carr Gardens still look fresh. The Winter Border is at its best. A good choice for a winter walk.

Saturday 22nd December

The animals at Temple Newsam are all indoors for the winter.

 

 The dove cote is amazing. It is so well designed and enormous.

 

The house is dressed for the season and had live music, dancing, activities and a special visitor.

 

 

 

Friday 21st December
The toys on display at York Castle Museum made us all exclaim, 'I had one of those' at some point. The Victorian streets make you feel as though you have been transported in a time machine. We enjoyed our visit to a cocoa house and listening to Scrooge tell his story. The gingerbread biscuit demonstration inspired us to try making our own.

Thursday 20th December
Lotherton Hall has lots to offer at Christmas. The Christmas trees in the house are many and varied. Dressing up was fun. The Twelve Days of Christmas walk is very well thought out. Snow and exploring the fairy dell added to the magic of a wonderful afternoon.

Sunday 9th December
This afternoon we travelled to Fountains Abbey for their Carols by Candlelight service.
Before we got settled in the undercroft, we walked round the grounds for half an hour. The holly berries were plentiful her.

As we looked back, the outline of the abbey showed up well against the afternoon sky.

 

Further along we passed the Water Gardens where a recent episode of "Landscape Artist of the Year" was filmed.

When we returned, the undercroft was beautifully lit ready for the service.

Part way through the service the handheld candles were lit and it looked magical.

Afterwards we wandered round the grounds that were now lit up in the darkness of early evening.



Thursday 25th October
The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park at Grewelthorpe are only open for a few weeks in the year. Open countryside suddenly leads to a steep sided hidden valley. The atmosphere is peaceful and there are many paths to choose to explore the garden. Sculptures add to the planting and provide focus and fun. The toadstool is real.
www.himalayangarden.com