I wasn’t really ready to be on my way home, so I was a little bit sad to be booking out…

But ever one for an opportunity despite the forecast for rain, I detoured to visit Hardwick Hall on the journey home.  This property came highly recommended by my brother when we discussing National Trust properties a few weeks ago.  There are two halls; an old ruin and a fully maintained and furnished hall.  The former is managed by English Heritage and the latter by the National Trust.

On arrival it was misty which created a rather ethereal atmosphere ideal for visiting the Old Hall first, especially because it wasn’t raining and the hall is open to the elements.  The hall was fascinating and there are some spectacular views from the higher levels.  It would have been lovely to see it fully intact in it’s heyday but it was equally as interesting to see it in it’s current state.

After the visit it was time for a quick bite to eat in the National Trust cafe which was waitress service and you had to wait to be seated.  Despite the rather large sign stating this it was quite amazing how many people just sat down in the nearest place and wondered why they hadn’t been served!!  Hmm… let me see… that  would be because the staff didn’t know you had arrived!  Anyway, the service was quick and the food was delicious :-)

After lunch the sun had come out to treat us which meant the garden was the first port of call before visiting the new hall.  Once I was inside the hall the heavens opened and there was a torrential downpour, which miraculously stopped as soon as I stepped outside again to go to the car.

So that was the end of a lovely weekend away, except I had sneakily booked a couple of extra days leave to chill out at home ;-)

I hope you enjoyed the virtual journey and still to come is a bit of history on some of the places I visited.

Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Old Hall

A View of the New from the Old

4 Comments CherryPie on Jun 16th 2010

4 Responses to “York – Day Five”

  1. Denise says:

    Oh yes, weekend away! So wonderful! I have just strted re-tellingn our recent break to IOM! Wonderful to share time away with the hubby don’t you think?

  2. I tried to comment the other day, but it would not let me…

    I’s a shame seeing such a fine old house going to ruin.

    Next time you are in the Yorkshire area, pop into see me.

    • CherryPie says:

      I saw from my stats that people had tried to comment and when I checked the post I realised there was something wrong with the permalink (Wordpress does some odd things sometimes) and fixed it.

      I always find it a shame that fine buildings end up as ruins, but there is also something fascinating about them.

      I thought about you and D who has commented above when I was half way there, thinking we could have met up. I will remember before I visit Yorkshire next time and let you know I will be in the area.