We're heading up to the Lake District and then over to York and vicinity for about a week and a half. Are there are any hidden secrets out there anyone would like to disclose?

What kind of places do you like? There are many wonderful places in Yorkshire to visit, but we could help you more if you let us know what you're interested in. Castles? Hiking? Scenery?

I guess I was thinking of places to stay, eat, and beautiful places to see. We love history and beautiful scenery. Thanks for helping.

Near York there are several castles/stately homes - Castle howard, Temple Newsam, Harewood House, and you're also very near the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors (national parks). If you like the Brontes then there's Hawarth, and you're also not too far away from Whitby - harbour town famed for fish & chips and Dracula... There are probably millions of other interesting things to do in the area as well...

Don't miss Fountains Abbey!

Wendi, <BR>A truly hidden secret since it's rarely mentioned on this forum is Durham Cathedral in Durham, just south of Newcastle. The cathedral, in an ideal setting, is probably the finest example of Norman architecture in all of Britain. Begun in the 11th century, its a stunning piece of work even today.

Wendi, I topped another thread called "We still have 1 or 2..." which had some good suggestions on these lines.

Its not really a secret but do try and visit Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin, when you are in the Lake District. There is a cafe there and you can look out over Lake Coniston while you eat your cream tea or delicious home cooked lunch. If you need to walk off your meal there is a lovely walk thorough the grounds, (leaflet available from the house). Levens Hall in the south of the Lake District is also worth a visit, it must have some of the best topiary in its gardens of anywhere in the UK.

John, I'm having a hard time finding your thread. I've done a search for the exact phrase and am finding nadah. When did you post it?