We had a cottage booked in Helmsley but the trustees decided not to let it however we now have a new booking for one week in a cottage in Ampleforth.

I have some great ideas to fill our days from Morgana but would like some recommendations for a some nice pub lunches.

We will spend one day around Whitby and I believe the Magpie's Cafe is a good so that's one taken care off.

Many thanks
Maudie

So many lovely places in the area.
If you go to Pickering then the White Swan in the Market Place is very good and serves lots of local produce.
www.white-swan.co.uk
Other good places -
Fauconberg Arms
www.fauconbergarms.com
Fox and Houses, Sinnington
www.thefoxandhoundsinn.co.uk
Feathers, Helmsley
www.feathershotelhelmsley.co.uk
Hare Inn, Scawton
www.thehareinn.co.uk
Black Swan, Oldstead
blackswanoldstead.co.uk
A while back I would have recommended the Star at Harome which we used to love but my last two visits there have been very disappointing. We felt the food had gone downhill, the prices very high, plus we were so close to the next table (either side) that it was embarrassing.
If you go to Castle Howard their Courtyard cafe is lovely for lunch.
There's also a nice cafe at Scampston Walled Garden.
www.scampston.co.uk
For afternoon tea Yorkshire Lavender has great tearooms and lavender scones!
www.yorkshirelavender.com
A little further afield is the superb Pipe and Glass Inn, where I had some terrific food last year, and am looking forward to returning in the Spring.
www.pipeandglass.co.uk
I realise I've given you far too many options but it really is an area rich in great food.

Morgana, thanks so much. There are some lovely ideas here and also more places to visit to add to my ever increasing list.

Yes plenty of options but its nice to have an idea in case we happen to be in the right place at the right time.

I really appreciate your help and we are really looking forward to our stay in your part of the world.

In terms of food, sights, sites and attractions I am adamant that North Yorkshire takes the Cotswolds to the proverbial cleaners.

Unfortunately, North Yorkshire isn't a short bus ride from Heathrow. Thankfully, it isn't full of other who have taken the same short bus ride from Heathrow.

Morgana, shame to here about the Star Inn. It was on our list for this year. Went 5 years ago, and was very good which leads to my last comment : never make a suggestion unless you have eaten their in the past month or so.

Well, I haven't eaten in all those places in the last month!! However, I have a big network of family and friends in the area that keep me posted with what places are doing well, and which ones are struggling/closing/getting poor feedback etc. And we do eat out a lot too, I'm happy to say.
I think the food up here in North Yorkshire is terrific, although Lancashire is also another excellent food hot-spot especially with the Ribble Valley Inns chain (one of which is in Yorkshire fortunately).
The Star Inn is just our opinion and we've chosen not to return - although reports on Tripadvisor are very uneven too. I like to go out for a meal with my husband for some privacy and time to ourselves to talk, not be so close to the neighbouring tables either side that I could have reached out and used their salt!

"Well, I haven't eaten in all those places in the last month!! "

Sorry Morgana, no offense intended!

I have lost track of the number of times that shooting stars of the food business frazzle into obscurity following a lack of management control or a change of hands.

Well we have a nearly a week in Bisley also, it will be interesting to compare the two areas. Now we are wrestling with the Lakes/Wales bit in between. Four days in Keswick and three in Betws-y-Coed or the other way around? At the moment we are leaning towards 3 Lakes & 4 Wales. Such a dilemma!

Further to my comments above, I have just read that The Star at Harome has lost its Michelin star.
http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Venu...-Michelin-star
The nearby Black Swan at Oldstead which I also mentioned above, is a Michelin' one to watch.
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/busi...n_guide_status

http://www.beckhole.info/bhi.htm

Maudie

I'm topping your thread, hoping to get your attention.

I wanted to let you know that your discovery of the Lookout in Keswick is appreciated. I have booked for a week before you.

In fact, we will be sort of plowing ahead of you. We are staying near Helmsley before we go to Keswick.

We only have 13 days, which we will spend in York (2), Kirbymoorside near Helmsley (5), Keswick (4) and last nights in Liverpool with friends.

Your thread on the attraction passes also helped me a great deal. Your research has been making my own a lot easier.

Thanks!

Ah me, I meant to top one of your other threads, but maybe this will do...

Hi tuscan

Oh I am so glad you were able to get into the Lookout, we couldn't get the room we wanted. I was so disappointed! I put off booking thinking it was too early but in hindsight I should have just got on with it. Not to worry, these things happen. I love the look of the place - we're not really into chintz and nic knacks! What a shame we won't be able to share an evening drink on the balcony.

So glad we can share all this great information, its a good feeling knowing we can go on holiday and be informed and feel comfortable about our decisions.

I will look forward to reading your trip report. I just wish we could meet up to say "Hi".

Thanks for the kind words too.

Maudie