Where Can I Go Exploring the UK and Abroad (3)
D'Oyly's Tea Room, Bolton Percy
May 2nd, 2011
D'Oyly's Tea Room is a little gem of a tea room in the village of Bolton Percy which is definitely worth a visit for the experience and the delicious homemade cakes. I have visited several times whilst out cycling from York to Acaster Malbis to Bolton Percy and back to York which makes for a lovely circular ride, or you could easily drive there as it's just 20 minutes' drive from York.
This pretty nineteenth century family farmhouse is run as a bed and breakfast as well as a tearoom. You can choose to sit inside in the tea room itself or, on a sunny day, in the lovely front garden. The tea is served in traditional flowery china cups with saucers and there is an excellent choice of homemade cakes. On our recent visit we enjoyed a pot of tea accompanied by lemon cake and a cream tea comprising of scones with jam and cream. Our bill came to £7.90 which was a fair price for the lovey afternoon tea we enjoyed! [...]
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The Ship Inn, Acaster Malbis
May 2nd, 2011
The Ship Inn at Acaster Malbis is a very popular spot with locals and visitors as it's in a picturesque location on the banks of the River Ouse to the south of York. The best way to arrive, if you enjoy cycling, is by bike, as you can take Sustrans cycle route 65 from York towards Selby and take a short detour off the cycle track to call in at the Ship Inn. If you prefer you can arrive by boat (trips from the centre of York) or by car.
The Ship Inn is a traditional pub serving decent food and the grassy beer garden out the front makes it a delightful place to sit and enjoy a drink in the sunshine on a summer's day or evening. There is also a small area with children's playground equipment in the garden which is a good distraction for younger visitors. [...]
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Totnes, South Hams, Devon
July 17th, 2010
The market town of Totnes has a unique 'hippy' feel to it and a relaxed atmosphere away from the bustle of nearby Torbay. Situated on the river Dart, it is an attractive, historic town with a Norman castle and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Norman, Medieval and Tudor buildings can be found in Totnes and more about the history of the town can be learnt in the museums. A narrow street uphill through the centre of the town passes below an arch/clock tower, unfortunately the original one was burnt down a few years ago, and is lined with small shops selling second-hand books, crafts, gifts, clothes and Conkers handmade shoes. My favourite shop is Roley's handmade fudge towards the bottom of the high street - don't miss it! There are outdoor markets all year round on Fridays and Saturdays, with an Elizabethan market on Tuesday mornings in the summer.
Totnes is a great starting point for walks along the river Dart in either direction. Starting from the bridge in the centre you can head to Dartington one way or or towards Dartmouth in the opposite direction. Boat trips take visitors to Dartmouth or to other places along the river. Totnes is a great base for exploring the South Hams, Dartmoor and Torbay. It has a mainline train station so is easily accessible.
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Dartington Cider Press, Dartington, South Devon
July 17th, 2010
Dartington Cider Press has been in existence for many years yet is still as popular with ever. Locals return for a day out, a bite to eat, or when looking for a special gift, and visitors make it a port of call when staying in South Devon. Selling a wide range of Dartington glass, crafts, stationery, toiletries, toys, quality kitchenware and various kinds of gifts, it has something for everyone and looking around the shops is an enjoyable exerience. Cranks cafe is always busy and serves delicious homemade lunches and snacks which can be eaten outside in the garden on a sunny day. A recent update has meant that the delicatessen has moved to a separate building to make way for a second cafe.
Open all year round, Dartington Cider Press has plenty of car parking, however an excellent way to arrive there and make it an afternoon out is by walking or cycling the 2.5 miles from nearby Totnes using the traffic-free cycle track / footpath which runs parallel to the river and adjacent to woodland and fields. It is a popular route with families and dog-walkers. [...]
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Porthleven, the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
July 17th, 2010
It is easy to overlook the thriving port of Porthleven, but it is really worth a visit. The most southerly port in Britain, it has managed to retain its shipbuilding and fishing industries in addition to tourism. It is a lively place and bustling with locals and visitors alike. Apparently prone to bearing the brunt of bad weather on a stormy day, it was a beautiful sunny day when we visited and looked idyllic with coloured fishing boats in the inner harbour. Porthleven seems to be an up-and-coming place with seafood restaurants, art galleries, cafes and shops lining the harbour side. The Ship Inn, an old fisherman's pub, is recommended for a drink or food and offers lovely views over the port and town.
From Porthleven it is a short walk around the coast to Loe Bar, a long sandy beach separating the sea from the freshwater lake behind, although it is not suitable for swimming there. Loe Bar is owned by the National Trust and part of the Penrose Estate. [...]
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Where Can I Go Exploring the UK and Abroad