Some of the things we have listed elsewhere are recommended highly by friends or by guests and we might not have visited recently ourselves. We thought it might be helpful to see the shops, attractions, villages and eating places we go back to time and again. The list is not complete so apologies if anyone feels left out – just tell us nicely!
We particularly enjoy the quieter bits of the Coast and have spent many happy evenings flying kites and frying sausages on the beach at Sandsend or Runswick Bay
Sandsend is great for gold coloured fossils (watch the tide) for its art gallery The Turnstone Gallery and for the Bridge Cottage cafe.
Runswick bay has delightful twisting streets and an exciting drive down to the car parking. Unspoilt, it boasts but one shop/café/post office.
Whitby is a must with a visit to the cliff top church en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitby and to the famous family Fortune oak smoke housejust follow your nose!
Robin Hood’s Bay has a magic of it’s own, Tim has been visiting since a small person barely able to climb back up the Bank. Smugglers, seagulls, narrow streets, Georgian cottages squeezed onto the steep slopes, echoes of horses hooves and the memory of the sea-urchin man. If that wasn’t enough there are rock pools, fish and chips and a pub overlooking the beach.
When we go inland we usually head for York with the Minster and the great shopping for affordable antiques and jewellery try paleque or azandi. Occasionally I am allowed into Vickers for Hi-Fi. Tea shops are special with the famous Betty’s or the older more whimsical Little Betty’s in the lively pedestrian shopping street Stonegate
For a pleasant film experience the City Screen is excellent with a good bar. Other favourites include the one time brothel The Blue Bicycle or Ask for good affordable Italian with no frills but loads of Doric columns.
When we find time we like to walk in the vicinity. We have particularly enjoyed walking round Rosedale where, after two hours in the hot sun we were dreaming of a cup of trea. Like magic we came across the excellent, remote Farmhouse Fodder http://www.walkingenglishman.com/refreshments01.htm which had us rested, refuelled and eager for the climb up the valley side to the disused railway. Not to be missed! Here are some good links which include our favourite places. Frank’s Yorkshire walks looks suitably quirky (walk 14 and 15). Trailblazers for your boots, SatNav and emergency rations . Walks from Sutton Bank and from the Hole of Hocum carpark to Levisham and back are to be considered.
If we get the chance to visit a garden we head for Helmsley further afield to Thorpe Perrow Arboretum and when we buy plants then Rogers Nursery in Pickering have a huge selection and do mail order and internet as well.
When it comes to shopping we have numerous regular places to visit. Indigo near the Market Place in Malton excellent for affordable taste. Nip across the square to Leonies for an award winning coffee.
Pickering Antique Centre offers a wide choice with its numerous ‘in-shops’ and the second hand bookshop for those classics you may wish to re-read.
For presents we often visit Sophie Hamilton for her lively ceramics and it’s great to watch the glassblowing in Rosedale by the internationally famous Stephen Gillies.When it comes to food shopping we enjoy theCedar Barn farm shop, Taylors for fish, fruit and veg when not visiting The Organic Farm Shop. Chocolart requires no explanation – just encouragement! Next door is Cafe Cocoa which is delightful, small and indulgent.
Cedar Barn and Hann’s butchers in Pickering or Beadlam Grange farm shop near Helmsley are excellent for meat. Fresh fish and speciality hot smoked salmon at Taylors at the top of the Market Place in Pickering is a regular haunt.
For museums we go to Beck Isle in Pickering and The Ryedale Folk Museum in the pretty village of Hutton-le-Hole or visit the antiques collected from the good people of Pickering by a local doctor and now in the Castle Museum in York. Try Pickering Castle for history and excellent views over the town
Which leads us to eating places…..
We are spoiled with the quality and range of eateries. Spice 4 u in Pickering is excellent for Indian food, Fortune Inn for Cantonese while in Malton there is an excellent Thai restaurant - the Cross Keys. Stewart will look after you well and lift the burden of chosing dishes from you if you wish.
The Hare at Scorton is quirky but good. For a rare but memorable treat we visit The Star Inn at Harome. A recent discovery is the astonishingly good food at a tiny pub on the coast above Sandsend. Be sure to book for a guaranteed delight. www.foxandhoundsgoldsborough.co.uk
Finally, for those in pursuit of Daniel Craig (Bond 2006, 2008), he was last seen emerging from Carters country clothing shop in Helmsley with no less than four flat caps and heading for Hunters - delicatessen and local ice-cream – not the bombe surprise joke surely?
Cedar Barn - Diversified farmers have created an excellent stop on the road between Pickering and Thornton Dale. Ideal for coffee or lunch. A huge English breakfast is very popular and the shop has a wide range of locally produced goodies. For those with half an eye on their figure it is possible to buy half a delicious cake! We have a service whereby visitors give advance orders for a meal to await their arrival in the cottage. Excellent for those coming from afar and for those who might still feel peckish after the scones and cream.