Up Hill and down Dale

We did a day trip into York, once again taking advantage of the park and ride system to avoid the hassle of driving and parking problems. It was a wet drizzly day, and all I can recall some weeks later was just how good the take home ready prepared curry meal pack from Sainsburies was, and cheap at £7 for 3 dishes, rice and naan bread. I'm not sure what that says about York!

On July 14th we left Thorner and headed over to  the coast and had booked into another airb&b at Arnside. This place was a bit more of a risk, as the site didnt include any pictures of room or house, but had many outstanding reviews, and as it was in our budget we thought we would take a punt. It was also to be the first stop where you lived in the home with the host, rather than our earlier stays where we had our own space or apartment. 

So we took the opportunity to make the most of the drive, and went via a small detour through the Yorshire Dales. Of course it was a slow trip, as the lanes are narrow and winding, but we were well rewarded with gorgeous scenery. 

We arrived at Arnside in the late afternoon, and after a few hiccups locating the house, arrived at Vivean and Toms place. First impressions were a bit shaky, but our room seemed fine, and it turned out to be a great stay. Vivean obviously enjoys hosting, and Tom, while perhaps less sociable was very helpful in making recommendations for our sight seeing ideas, and was in charge of cooking the spectacular breakfasts that were served quite formally in the dining room each morning. 

Arnside is located on a huge inlet, and despite several attempts, we didn't get far enough to actually connect with the beach. 

From here we visited the most amazing gardens at Levens Hall. Unfortunately we arrived to late in the day to view the house, and while we were initially a little scathing at the idea of a topiary garden, it was just one of the most amazing gardens I have seen, and certainly a highlight of the trip.