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Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 by RichFox
Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

As spring takes hold, thoughts turn to gardens; what to dig up, what to plant, and how to arrange it all. So a trip to the local nursery may well be in order. But not all nurseries are the same and some are worth travelling a long way to see. Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens has the endorsement of the Royal Horticultural Society that it is indeed one of those worth going the extra mile for.

It’s one of the best gardens and nurseries in North Yorkshire (and probably a lot further afield), which not only has a wide range of herbaceous plants for sale, but also has a number of different styles of gardens so that visitors can see plants in a range of settings. The flower beds are densely packed for a wealth of colour and ease of maintenance, and there’s a variety of texture and fragrance. So not only is it a pleasurable experience wandering through the gardens and enjoying their many delights, but it can also be regarded as practical help in deciding which plants go with what.

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens is set in the grounds of a farmhouse which was built over 300 years ago, and it’s a haven of peace and tranquillity. It has a woodland walk which leads to a natural pond with reeds and lilies. If you’re lucky you may spot a dragonfly catching smaller insects or a frog hopping from lily pad to lily pad. A little further on there’s a wildflower meadow which attracts birds, butterflies, ladybirds and grasshoppers. And the circuit back to the house is completed with a walk through extensive and beautiful herbaceous borders.

The Lodge Gardens have a café which tries, as far as possible, to source local produce, so you can enjoy home-made cakes, jams, and chutneys and locally made ice creams. The café also sells greetings cards, locally-made baskets, paintings and Plant World seeds.

The Gardens have their own beehives (not open to the public), and a vegetable plot too, so there’s plenty to see and do.

And I haven’t mentioned the poultry! Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens has geese and several varieties of rare poultry – allowed to roam free, they serve the excellent purpose of devouring unwanted slugs.

The Gardens were started in 1975 when Vanessa Cook and her husband bought the farmhouse and its four acres of land. After much hard work, Vanessa opened the nursery in 1983 and it’s gone from strength to strength since then.

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens run morning courses on a variety of subjects including: Keeping Poultry, Willow Weaving, Watercolour Painting, Patchwork, Beekeeping. But the main course topics are related to gardening and horticulture. Vanessa also personally offers guided tours around the gardens – each tour lasts around two hours. Further details (including costs) can be found here.

The Lodge Gardens have featured in many publications including:

  • The Daily Telegraph Gardeners’ Guide to Britain (by Patrick Taylor)
  • Gardeners’ Favourite Nurseries (by Leslie Geddes-Brown)
  • Gardens Illustrated 2009 (“one of the best cottage gardens”)
  • The Good Gardens Guide (edited by Peter King)

As well as:

  • The English Garden
  • The Independent (one of the top ten June gardens)
  • The Garden
  • Yorkshire Life

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens was also included in the BBC 2 TV programme Castle in the Country.

The gardens are open this year from 2 April until 28 September (open every Wednesday & Friday and the first and third Saturday & Sunday of each month from 1pm – 5pm).

Garden Entry fee: £4.00 or 50p for children aged 5-16. The garden is free to RHS members on Wednesdays.

Directions: 8 miles south of York, just off the B1222, almost at the midpoint between Selby and Tadcaster. The number 42 bus (which runs between York & Selby) stops at Stillingfleet village by St Helen’s parish church, 5 minutes’ walk from the Nursery.

Check the website for further details: Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens

And if you’re looking for North Yorkshire accommodation nearby, take a look at some of the York hotels or York bed and breakfasts on Hello Yorkshire.

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Posted in Yorkshire Ramblings | No Comments »

The Chocolate Factory in the North York Moors

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 by chrisjones
Chocolate Factory

Chocolate anyone?

When a pair of North Yorkshire brothers read that Britons top the world for eating chocolate in 2002, an acorn (or rather, a cocoa bean) of an idea was sown. That idea rapidly grew into reality when they opened a chocolate-making business in the kitchen of their parents’ home, using a standard bain-marie as found in many a kitchen to melt the chocolate. Although it was very much home-based, the brothers, Gareth and Chris East, decided to call their company the Chocolate Factory. It is now a thriving family business in the North York Moors.

Stars & Bars

Creating a successful business depends on many factors – having the right idea at the right time, having a product that sells, being prepared to work very hard, having a vision, having the necessary marketing skills, and having the skill to recognise when an opportunity has arisen and seizing the day. It needs a star or two, and Gareth and Chris had just the right blend of skills to make their dream a reality; their hand-made Belgian chocolate products have not just filled a niche waiting to be filled, but added to the demand for the highest quality chocolates and chocolate bars. In fact, demand has been so great that they have moved on from their humble beginnings to owning two shops – one in Thornton Le Dale and one in Hutton Le Hole where they also have their factory.

The Finest Ingredients

Belgian chocolate is prized the world over and the Chocolate Factory imports around 8 tonnes of the finest each year, moulds it and adds the necessary ingredients for a range of delicious fresh chocolates and flavoured chocolate bars – in milk, white and dark. The Chocolate Factory also produces a range of hand-made chocolate figurines, and produces one-off designs for occasions such as when Royal Ascot was held at York Racecourse.

All the highly acclaimed chocolate products from the Chocolate Factory are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians. Only fresh ingredients are used, and there are no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives – it’s no wonder they taste so scrummy.

The Chocolate Factory believe that just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy a treat from time to time, and their range of diabetic chocolates (made with Sorbitol and no sugar) is highly tempting – milk, plain or white chocolate praline, strawberry truffle or coffee cream – both in dark chocolate, white chocolate vanilla cream, and Amaretto or Cointreau liqueur truffles. Mmm!

Visiting the Chocolate Factory

Visitors are welcome to see for themselves how the Chocolate Factory’s delicious products are made at the Hutton Le Hole factory, but please bear in mind that production schedules vary so chocolates won’t necessarily be in the process of being made when you visit.

You can find out about opening times and much more if you visit Gareth and Chris’s website: the Chocolate Factory.

And if you’re after accommodation in the North York Moors including North York Moors holiday cottages and North York Moors bed and breakfasts, take a look at the properties on Hello Yorkshire.

Other articles on food you may like:

Best fish and chip shop in the UK – award winning chippy in Bridlington

Yorkshire forced rhubarb – Yorkshire’s rhubarb triangle is legendary

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Posted in Visitor Reviews, Yorkshire Ramblings | 2 Comments »

11-13 March: Spooksfest York 2011

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 by chrisjones
York - the most haunted city in the world? Photograph courtesy of Richard Fox

York - the most haunted city in the world? Photograph courtesy of Richard Fox

York is reputedly the most haunted city in Europe, if not the world, and it makes the ideal venue for a festival entirely devoted to the more ethereal and mystical areas of life (or perhaps that should be the afterlife). Spooksfest takes place in March this year and offers a variety of frighteningly tempting activities and events for families, friends and serious ghost hunters in search of something completely different. It’s scary, it’s spooky, but it’s also fun and immensely interesting, and it provides an ideal opportunity to discover some of the usually hidden aspects of the historic city of York and its many treasures.

You may quiver and quake, you may shake and tremble, but you’re sure to enjoy the many goings-on. Whether down the narrow ginnels and snickelways, or in the ancient buildings, or on the city walls where the history seems to seep from the very stones that were tramped and trodden by Roman legionnaires more than 1,600 years ago, there’s something for everyone – alive or dead – at the Spooksfest.

Visit York and In the Company of Ghosts have got together (with the help of their sponsor York Printing.com) to put on this weird and wonderful weekend with workshops and walks, as well as a welter of other-worldly activities.

Here’s a summary of what to expect:

Friday 11 March

City Screen showing Hell’s Ground with Special Guests

Fairfax House Ghost Stories by Candlelight

Family Spooky Treasure Hunt

Lunchtime and Evening Haunted Pub Walk

Mansion House Candlelit Tours and Spooky Stories

Spooksfest Recommended Ghost Walks

Treasurer’s House Haunted Cellar Tour

Saturday 12 March

The Dean Court Hotel’s Ghostly Supper Evening

An Evening with Ciaran O’Keeffe in the Treasurers House

Fairfax House Ghost Stories by Candlelight

Family Spooky Treasure Hunt

Ghost Hunting Workshop

Horrible History Family Walk

Lunchtime and Evening Haunted Pub Walk

Mansion House Candlelit Tours and Spooky Stories

Psychic and Medium Trail

Talks on the Supernatural and Paranormal

Treasurer’s House Haunted Cellar Tour

Spooksfest Recommended Ghost Walks

Sunday 13 March

Family Spooky Treasure Hunt

Ghost Stories Around the Fire at the Red Lion Pub

Horrible History Family Walk

Lunchtime and Early Evening Haunted Pub Walk

Psychic and Medium Trail

Spooksfest Recommended Ghost Walks

For more info go to: www.spooksfest.co.uk

And if you’re thinking of heading to York for this ghoulish weekend, take a look on Hello Yorkshire for York hotels, York bed and breakfast and other accommodation in York.

Other haunting articles you may enjoy:

The Ghost Hunt of York

The Ghost Trail of York

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Posted in North Yorkshire Events, York Events, Yorkshire Events | 2 Comments »

The Ghost Hunt of York

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011 by chrisjones
Haunted York?`

Haunted York?`

Recipe for ghost hunters:

• Take one very old city that goes back way beyond the Victorians, beyond the Normans, the Vikings, the Angles and Saxons, and even beyond the Romans

• Add narrow winding streets with strange names like Skeldergate, Goodramgate, The Shambles, Gillygate and, best of all, Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

• Mix in stories of intrigue, violent death, and one of the richest histories of any town or city in the UK or, possibly, the world

• Add a pinch about criminals being tortured and executed

• Add a large dash of humour and a few practical jokes

• Stir well and brew for 60-75 minutes under the direction of a “Victorian” tour guide as he leads you through the ginnels, lanes and snickelways of York with spine-chilling tales of treachery and lust

• Be prepared to have your hair raised!

• Serves between 1 and 650 people at a session

The Ghost Hunt of York has been giving visitors a taste of York’s supernatural history very successfully for over ten years and in that time it has led over thousands and thousands of ghost hunters in search of the ghouls, spectres, vampires, wraiths and phantoms. It’s been estimated that there are at least 140 of them in what is said to be the most haunted city in the world.

Whilst it might sound sombre and scary, the Ghost Hunt of York adds a touch of humour, and the 75-minute tour is eminently suitable for kids accompanied by an adult (think of it as “PG” rated). The tour has also been selected to be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. So it’s ideal for a great family outing.

It’s “dead” easy to join the Ghost Hunt of York, just turn up at 7.30pm in the Shambles – the Ghost Hunt runs every night of the year except Christmas Day come rain, come shine, and there’s no need to book in advance. Costs are: Adult £5, Under 16s £3, but you can save £1 per person by clicking here and printing out the page, cutting out the voucher and bringing it with you.

The Ghost Hunt of York is also available for private parties and group bookings (save cash – organise a party!). It’s also a marvellous way of entertaining business clients – give them a very unusual experience and something to really stick in their memory.

You can find out more details here: www.ghosthunt.co.uk
Or you can ring: 01904 608700
Or email: adextrous@mac.com

It’s no wonder that the Ghost Hunt of York is the only walk to win the coveted “City Tour of the Year” award from the York Tourism Bureau.

Glossary:

The entrance gates to the city are called “Bars” as in Bootham Bar, Monkgate Bar, etc.

Confusingly the word “Gate” in York’s street names means street, deriving from an old Norse word.

Gilleygate – a Georgian street – takes its name from the Church of St Giles.

More York tourist information.

If you’re after York accommodation, find York hotels and York bed and breakfast on Hello Yorkshire.

Other haunting articles you may enjoy:

Spooksfest York 2011

The Ghost Trail of York

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Posted in Yorkshire Ramblings | 1 Comment »

Yorkshire Xtreme Adventures

Friday, January 21st, 2011 by chrisjones
Yorkshire Xtreme Adventures UK

Yorkshire Xtreme Adventures UK

Not everyone wants a sedate and peaceful holiday – well not all the time anyway. And for those who like to combine thrills, skills, fun and huge excitement then Xtreme Adventures based in Felixkirk near Thirsk has to be one of the best places to come to in the country.

Whether it’s 4×4 Off Road Driving or Quad Biking or Clay Pigeon Shooting or riding a Segway, the activities at Xtreme Adventures are also great for kids’ birthday parties, family days out, stag and hen parties, or just individuals who want to try something different or hone their skills.

And it’s an exceptional way for companies to encourage corporate bonding or for providing entertainment for clients or rewards for staff. They’ll love you for it!

4 x 4 off roading

4 x 4 off roading

Xtreme Off Road Driving

Two great types of vehicle – the American Hummer H3 and the Land Rover Defender 110. All the power you need and superb handling. The Hummer can take a maximum of four participants and the Land Rover a maximum of six.

You get personal attention, dedicated vehicles for your party (so no sharing), and bespoke packages can be arranged just for you.

And there’s a range of courses to suit all levels of ability and experience – from one hour to four hours.

Quad Biking

Quad Biking

Xtreme Quad Biking

Can-Am 400 quad bikes – stable, safe, solidly built, powerful and comfortable.

Full instruction (no more than four riders for each instructor) and training, and a spell in the open countryside.  1-hour and 2-hour treks available.

Junior quad biking – great for birthday parties. 50cc or 90cc Polaris Outlaw Quad Bikes.

VIP trekking – a dedicated instructor just for your group, with extra time and free refreshments.

Segway

Segway

Xtreme Segway

Great fun with this American import – you may be used to riding two wheels when it’s one in front of the other, but these two wheels are either side of the platform you stand on and you’ve only got a vertical pole with handles to hang on to. So it’s not exactly as easy as riding a bike – well not at first. But Xtreme’s instructors are on hand to get you started and once you’ve mastered it, Xtreme have got a course designed to challenge you.

Xtreme Clay Pigeon Shooting

30 years of experience in shooting.

Comprehensive instruction by fully qualified and certificated coaches (AMICSI).

Sporting, skeet and simulated game traps.

Participants can shoot light or heavy guns, with hard or soft cartridges. And there’s a wide variety of targets for all ages and abilities.

Hospitality facilities with snacks, drinks, and live action footage of what’s happening around the venue.

With all that on offer, you might, at the end of your visit, feel tired and as if you’ve really stretched yourself, but by golly you’ll have enjoyed your day and you’ll have a string of memories to take away with you.

Check out their website: outdoor adventure activities

Telephone: +44 (0) 1845 537766 or

email: sales@xtremeadventuresuk.com

Xtreme Adventures, Felixkirk, Thirsk YO7 2DP

And if you’re after somewhere to stay nearby, check out the Thirsk accommodation on Hello Yorkshire including Thirsk B&B and Thirsk hotels.

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Pocklington Arts Centre

Friday, January 14th, 2011 by chrisjones

The Pocklington Arts Centre is right in the middle of the town, and is also a centre of excellence when it comes to entertainment and community arts.  The Arts Centre was opened in 2000 in Oak House, a Grade 2 listed building dating back to around 1690 which previously housed the Ritz Cinema. But the Arts Centre is bang up-to-date – with excellent facilities for entertainment and corporate use as a conference venue.

The Arts Centre has a 200-seat theatre, which doubles as a concert hall and cinema and a studio which is also used for exhibitions (it’s currently housing a photographic exhibition till 29 January 2011 for local photographer Elaine Gladstone).

The concert venue has featured a wide range of performers, including comedian Barry Cryer, and musicians Steve Harley, Midge Ure, Ralph McTell, Kiki Dee and Fairport Convention – all of whom have said very complementary things about the venue.

The aim of the Pocklington Arts Centre is to provide an accessible venue for a wide range of performing and visual arts to the local area and it has quickly come to be treasured by locals and visitors alike.  But then, with a varied programme of Dance, Drama, Exhibitions, Film, Lectures, Music and Workshops it does provide something for everyone.

Cinema programmes feature the latest releases and the Centre’s live events feature local drama groups and visiting professional repertory companies, as well as children’s theatre and dance troupes, classical, jazz, folk, blues, rock and popular music, along with comedy acts and poetry readings.

The attractive market town of Pocklington is on the A1079 just a dozen miles from the centre of York on the road to Hull, and is easily accessible from both cities.

Here’s a taste of what’s on for early 2011.

Coming up at the cinema:

Fri 14 Jan – Thu 20 Jan: Little Fockers

Fri 21 Jan – Thu 27 Jan: Luftslottet Som Sprangdes – Stieg Larssons The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest

Fri 28 Jan – Thu 3 Feb: Megamind + Made In Dagenham

Fri 4 Feb – Thu 10 Feb: The Tourist

Fri 11 Feb – Thu 17 Feb: Gulliver’s Travels

Fri 18 Feb – Thu 24 Feb: The King’s Speech

Fri 25 Feb – Thu 3 Mar: 127 Hours

And here’s a taste of what else is on:

Fri 14 Jan: An Audience with Baroness Shirley Williams

Sun 23 Jan: An Intimate Audience with Justin Currie (SOLD OUT)

Thu 27 Jan: Mirth Control Comedy Club featuring Stephen Grant

Sun 30 Jan: Studio Night

Fri 4 Feb: Sean Taylor

Fri 11 Feb: The Realistics – Motown sounds

Fri 18 Feb: Mike Harding (SOLD OUT)

Thu 24 Feb: Russell Kane

Sat 26 Feb: Tom Courtenay – Pretending to be me (Philip Larkin biography)

Sun 6 Mar: Studio Night

Fri 11 Mar: The Coal Porters

Wed 16 Mar: Lecture – Infections and Cancer – Dr Rob Newton, Hull-York Medical School

Thu 17 Mar: Star Quality – Northumberland Theatre Company

Mon 21 Mar: Spring Fashion Show

Wed 30 Mar: Miriam Roycroft and Anne-Marie Hastings play Schumann, Chopin & Barber

Thu 31 Mar: Mirth Control Comedy Club

You can find all the details about the above performances (and more) from the website www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk

Pocklington Arts Centre
Market Place
Pocklington
York
YO42 2AR

Box Office: 01759 301 547

Box Office opening times:

  • Tuesday: 10am – 5pm
  • Thursday: 10am – 1pm
  • Friday: 10am – 4pm
  • Saturday: 9.30am – 1pm

Also open during performance times.

E: info@pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk

If you’re coming to Pocklington and need a place to stay, find accommodation near Pocklington and York accommodation on Hello Yorkshire.

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Posted in Gigs, Concerts & Festivals | 2 Comments »

26 March: An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan

Friday, January 14th, 2011 by RichFox

Easingwold District Lion’s Club presents:

An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera

Performed and sung by the Harrogate Gilbert & Sullivan Society at The Galtres Centre, Easingwold on Saturday, 26 March 2011 at 7.30pm.

Admission £7, tickets available from the Galtres Centre Office – 01347 822472.

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12 Nov onwards: Christmas Markets and Christmas Fayres in Yorkshire

Monday, November 8th, 2010 by chrisjones

 

Christmas Markets are extremely popular in Yorkshire

Christmas Markets are extremely popular in Yorkshire

 

For Christmas 2011 listings, please click the red links below for North, East, South or West Yorkshire Christmas Markets:

North Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2011
for Christmas Fayres and Markets across North Yorkshire including Castle Howard, York, Harrogate, Skipton, Bedale, Grassington and more

East Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2011
for Christmas Fayres and Markets across East Yorkshire including Beverley, Hull, Driffield and more

South Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2011
for Christmas Fayres and Markets across South Yorkshire including Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and more

West Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2011
for Christmas Fayres and Markets across West Yorkshire, including Bradford, Leeds, Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Otley, Heckmondwike, Marsden and more

 

The details below are for 2010 markets – use the links above to find Christmas Markets in 2011/12 broken down by area of Yorkshire.


2010 Christmas Markets (see above for 2011/12 Christmas Markets)

Christmas, and the lead up to Christmas, is extra special in Yorkshire and you’ll find an array of varied Christmas markets and festivals throughout the area. We’ve detailed some below, in alphabetical order by town or city.

BARNSLEY

Barnsley Christkindmarkt Christmas Market

Barnsley Town Centre

26-28 November 2010

Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm

This German style market provides a festive treat for all the family – there’s traditional German Christmas fare – Glühwein (spicy mulled wine) and bratwurst (German sausage) and lots of other fabulous foods and drinks (try the stollen  – German fruit cake – if you’ve not had it before. Mm, delicious).

The stalls also have plenty of gifts and decorations to buy in good time for Christmas. Handmade toys, jewellery, speciality foods and lots more.

And the atmosphere is completed by the lights and decorations. Great for all the family – and an exciting treat for the kids.

BRADFORD

Bradford Christmas Market

2-5 December

Darley Street, Kirkgate, Bank Street and Tyrell Street, Bradford

Over 30 stalls with loads of Christmas treats for everyone in the family. And there’s also some great festive food on offer.

CASTLE HOWARD

Craft & Produce Market

More than 20 stalls selling handcrafted gifts and the best of Yorkshire produce. The market is located in the Stable Courtyard at Castle Howard.

Tue 7, Wed 8 Dec 2010 10:00 to 16:00

Tue 14 Dec 2010 10:00 to 16:00

For accommodation in the area, check out York Hotels, Yorkshire Bed and Breakfast and Leeds Hotels on Hello Yorkshire.

EASINGWOLD

Parish Church Christmas Bazaar

Parish Rooms, Tanpit Lane, Easingwold, York

20 November from 10.00 am

Cakes, Christmas stall, mystery parcels,  raffle for a Christmas hamper, refreshments, stocking fillers, tombola

GREEN HAMMERTON

21 November: Christmas Fair in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice

HARROGATE

Harrogate Christmas Lights Switch-On at Victoria Shopping Centre

Thursday 18 Nov 2010 at 4 pm

Victoria Shopping Centre, Harrogate

Free entry

The celebrations start at 4 pm in the Piazza outside the shopping centre. The “Big Switch-On” with Father Christmas is at 6pm, and this will be followed by a carol service at St Peter’s Church, Cambridge Street at 7pm.

HAWORTH

Haworth Christmas Market

20 & 21 November

Main Street, Haworth

20-25 stalls, with seasonal gifts – something for everyone

HOLMFIRTH

Holmfirth Christmas Market and Lights Switch On

Holmfirth Town Centre

27 November 2010 – 5.00pm

The fun starts with a Christmas Market from 10.00 am, Santa arrives with in his Sleigh at 2.00 pm, then there’s the Brass Band in the Central Car Park with carols and the big Switch On is at 5.30 pm. Fun for all the family.

HUDDERSFIELD

Huddersfield Christmas Lights Switch On

Thursday 18 November 2010 – 4.00pm – 6.30pm

Nelson Mandela Square, Victoria Lane, Huddersfield

Great fun to be had in the Nelson Mandela Corner (at the rear of the library) with the Pulse road and lots of local talent.. The Huddersfield Town players will be there to get the crowd going and Santa, along with some young assistants from the public, will turn the lights on at 6.30 pm.

Huddersfield French Market

New Street, Huddersfield

25 – 28 November 2010 9.30 – 5.30pm

A marvellous mixture of bustle, colour, vibrancy and Ooh la la! in the town centre. The French market provides a great opportunity to buy some of the finest produce from France and other European countries.

KNARESBOROUGH

Knaresborough Christmas Fayre

Saturday & Sunday, 4 & 5 December

Market Square, Knaresborough

The Knaresborough Christmas Market is held every year on the first weekend in December, in the historic market town’s Market Square which becomes transformed into a Christmas dreamscape from years gone by.

Street entertainers roam through the crowds, the shop windows are cheerfully decorated and at the centre, a beautiful Christmas tree with lights glowing provides a heartwarming focal point. Smell the delicious aromas of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts and hot mince pies.

And there’s a vast array of local foods and some of our finest regional specialities. Cheeses from Wensleydale and Swaledale, local meat and game, and pork pies made in Knaresborough. Ah, and there’s sumptuous Christmas cakes and puds. And sweets, toffees and locally-made fudge which will remind you of your childhood (and maybe your parents of theirs).

LEEDS

Christkindelmarkt, Millennium Square, Leeds

A little piece of Germany in the heart of Leeds City Centre

Friday  12 November – Sunday 19 December

Christkindelmarkt, Leeds – a long-established and one of the biggest German Christmas Markets in the country, with carousel rides, traditional wooden stalls, colourful lights and festive greenery to create a very special Christmas setting – a touch of Germany comes to the heart of Leeds.

Over 40 wooden chalet stalls manned by traders from Germany provide a range of gifts and decorations, delicacies and drinks. Plus there are dodgems, and children’s rides and attractions.

And, to complete the picture, there’s Frankfurter-Scheune – an authentic German bier-keller, with a German Show Band and plenty of the best German beer on tap. Great for a Christmas party with a difference.

The maket is open daily from:

10.30am to 9pm* Monday – Saturday and 10.30am to 8pm on Sundays.

* Frankfurter-Scheune and selected stalls open until 11pm

Leeds Lights Switch On

Victoria Gardens (outside Leeds Art Gallery), The Headrow

Thursday 18 November 2010 – entertainment starts from 7pm

One of the largest city centre displays in the UK – with stage-based variety entertainment for all the family with special guest celebrities, chart-topping stars, well-known children’s characters and sporting heroes from the locality.

LIGHTWATER VALLEY

Lightwater Shopping Village Dickensian Festival

Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT

Wednesday 1st – Sunday 5th December 2010

10:00am – 5:00pm every day

Free entry & free parking

Ranked by the Daily Telegraph as one of the top 10 Christmas Markets in the UK, this five-day event has over 75 stalls offering one of the widest ranges of Christmas fare, decorations and gifts and has a delightful and enchanting ambience. Ideal for stocking-fillers, hand-made jewellery, Yorkshire crafts, bespoke art, millinery, and fine glassware.

Yorkshire is rightly famed for some of the finest food in the country and this festival has lots of stalls with some of the best North Yorkshire produce – beers and wines, cheeses and meats.

And there’s some great entertainment laid on too:

  • Barrel Organs
  • Birds of Prey flying demonstrations
  • Festive Carol Singers
  • Handbell Ringers
  • Jazz Bands
  • Punch & Judy shows
  • Santa’s Grotto
  • Stilt Walkers & Fire Eaters
  • Superb Local Choirs
  • Victorian Flea Circus

And if you get a bit tired after all that, then you can relax and enjoy some delicious food in the Granary Restaurant – if you’ve not already had too full after mulled wine and the hog roast, the roast chestnuts and . . . . . well there’s so much to tell you about, you’d better come along to find out for yourself!

NEWTON-ON-OUSE

Christmas Fayre

Parish Hall, Back Lane, Newton-on-Ouse, York YO300 2DF

20 & 21 November 2010 – 10.30 am – 4.00 pm

Cards, Christmas produce, gifts, jewellery, plants and Santa’s Grotto

SALTAIRE

Saltaire Local Produce Market

18 December

Caroline Street car park, Victoria Rd, Saltaire

A great opportunity to buy locally sourced goods in time for Christmas. See what some of the region’s best local producers can provide to make your Christmas a really special one.

SHEFFIELD

Sheffield Christmas Market

The Peace Gardens, Sheffield

18 November to 23 December

The Sheffield Christmas market combines the best of the British traditional Christmas with a flavour of Germany and France – you can sample Glühwein (a German mulled wine), German beer, bratwurst sausage or a delicious crêpe. But there are also old favourites from the UK such as gingerbread hearts, a hog roast and Aberdeen Angus burgers, all accompanied by carols and other Christmas songs.

More than 70 festive stalls, with gifts, decorations and food, an outdoor ice-rink and Santa’s grotto help make the centre of Sheffield a magical place.

SHIPLEY

Shipley Christmas Market

10 & 11h December

Shipley Market Square

Right next to Shipley Open Market, with an additional 20-25 stalls with some terrific seasonal treats – something for all the family to enjoy.

SKIPTON

Skipton’s Yuletide Festival & Christmas Market 2010

5th & 12th December

High Street, Skipton

Skipton – “Gateway to the Dales” – is holding Yuletide Festivals and Markets on the first two Sundays of December down the full length of its remarkable High Street (named as Britain’s Best Street in the UK in 2009).

And it won’t just be stalls and the rightly renowned range of independent shops that makes these two of the premier events in Yorkshire – it will also be the excellent entertainment from the likes of the Tap Dancing Turkeys, Bjorn the Polar Bear, Winter Rose – the old lady puppet, Musical Ruth and her piano, Break Dancing Santas, and Mr Scratchit and Mr Scrooge. And music will be provided by the Skipton Brass Band, the Accrington Pipe Band and the Barnoldswick Brass Band.

Shopping in Skipton is a marvellous experience at any time of year, but at Christmas it’s really special. There are many famous brand names and two department stores, and plenty of cafés and restaurants to rest weary legs when it’s time for a break.

As well as the Market in the High Street, there’ll be plenty of other Christmas entertainment in other locations throughout the town, and on both days of the Festival, the celebrations will finish with a procession from the High Street to Holy Trinity Church at 4 pm for a traditional service of carols in the grounds.

Together with the market there will be a full range of entertainment in the Town Centre throughout the day, both in the main High Street Arena and at locations across the Town. The whole of Skipton truly has a real Christmassy feel…

Each day of the Festival rounds off with a procession up the High Street to Holy Trinity Church (starting at 4pm) where a traditional Christmas carol service takes place in the grounds,

YORK

Children’s Christmas Fayre

Parliament Street, York

Free entry

Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 November 2010

The perfect place to buy small gifts for children with sweets, wooden models, toys and a range of stocking-fillers with a real Christmassy atmosphere amongst the colourful stalls.

York International Christmas Fayre

Parliament Street, York

Free entry

Wed 1 Dec 2010 09:00 to 18:00

Thu 2 Dec 2010 09:00 to 20:00

Fri 3 – Wed 8 Dec 2010 09:00 to 18:00

Thu 9 Dec 2010 09:00 to 20:00

Fri 10 – Wed 15 Dec 2010 09:00 to 18:00

Thu 16 Dec 2010 09:00 to 20:00

Fri 17 – Sun 19 Dec 2010 09:00 to 18:00

Try foods from a host of different countries – each with its own exotic aromas and mouth-watering flavours. It’s a celebration of Christmas traditions from around the world in York’s own distinctive Christmas style, with festive decorations and lights.

Guildhall Christmas Fayre

The Guildhall, St Helens Square, York

Admission free

Thu 9 Dec 2010 10:00 to 14:00

Come Christmas shopping at the Guildhall in York, where you’ll find lots of different stalls. There’s an Annual Grand Raffle – with cash prizes! And there’ll be refreshments available.

Christmas at Monks Cross

Thu 9 – Sun 12 Dec 2010

Admission free

Not just the usual large stores but visiting traders too, offering their wares.

Made In Yorkshire Christmas Market

St Sampson’s Sq, York

Thu 2 Dec 2010

Free entry

This market specialises in crafts such as jewellery making, ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, pottery and painting – and all hand-crafted by local artists and craftspeople. It’s the ideal place for a unique and rather special Christmas gift.

Festival of Angels

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 December

Swinegate, Back Swinegate and Grape Lane, York

Free entry

This festival, in some of York’s quaintest and most interesting streets, is a unique mixture of stalls, ice sculptures, live ice carving, street entertainment, al fresco dining. Oh, and “snow” showers are guaranteed! This part of York is known for its mix of eclectic shops and boutiques, and some of the city’s finest bars and restaurants.

York Festive Farmers Market

Tue 21 Dec 2010, 09:00 to 16:00

Parliament Street, York YO1 8SE

Free entry

The Farmers Market in York is a regular monthly occurrence, but at Christmas, everyone pulls out all the stops to make it something really special. There’ll be ostrich, venison, organic lamb burgers, home-grown organic vegetables, local cheeses, and Yorkshire Punch (mm! Delicious). In fact, you’ll just about everything you need to turn Christmas dinner into a Yuletide feast!

St Nicholas Fayre

25 - 28 November 2010

Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square and Coppergate, York.

The Guildhall, St Helen’s Square, York

Barley Hall, off Stonegate, York

St William’s College, College St, York

Since it was established in 1992, thousands of people have come to York each year for the annual St Nicholas Fayre – one of the country’s most popular Christmas markets.

The outdoor markets (in Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square and Coppergate) feature a wide range of crafts, gifts and some fine local produce. In the Guildhall, one of York’s finest medieval buildings, you’ll find local artists and craftspeople – a “Made in Yorkshire” special display. The Barley Hall also dates back to the middle ages and this former town house will host a special medieval market with craftspeople and traders in appropriate costumes (look out for the mulled wine – as popular in days of yore as it is now). There’s also an arts and crafts market in St William’s College where you’ll find fine, hand-crafted products not found in shops.

To complete the festive atmosphere, carol singers and buskers will be present in abundance, and there’s something for everyone. (Hint, to avoid the crowds, visit on the Thursday or Friday.)

For other Christmas blogs, see below:

Grassington Dickensian Festival

Christmas theatre, ballets and pantomimes in Yorkshire

And you can find a list of some great Easter events here.


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21 November: Christmas Fair in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice

Sunday, November 7th, 2010 by chrisjones

There’s a Christmas Fair for a very worthwhile cause taking place in Green Hammerton later this month; full details below:

Date and time:

Sunday 21 November 2010

10 am – 5 pm

Where:

Main Furniture Company, The Green, Green Hammerton, North Yorkshire

Details:

30 stalls with butties, cheese, fresh produce, jewellery, gifts, pottery, sausage, wine and much more, and all in aid of an excellent cause. The venue is the ample showrooms of the Main Furniture Company.

Admission £1.00, free parking – all admission revenues go to St Leonard’s Hospice, so spread the word and bring a friend.

For a wide range of Christmas markets and fayres throughout Yorkshire, see:

Christmas markets and Christmas fayres in Yorkshire

And for other blogs on Christmas, check out the links below:

Christmas theatre, ballets and pantomimes in Yorkshire

Grassington Dickensian Festival


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1 December: New Village Shop Opening in Coxwold

Friday, October 29th, 2010 by RichFox

Opening hours: 9am – 6pm Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm on Sundays.

On 1 December Coxwold sees the return of a much needed village shop  and delicatessen as the Fauconberg Arms opens its doors to customers in their new shop.

The Fauconberg Arms has long held a reputation for producing quality food made from the best, locally-sourced ingredients and now (thanks to financial support from DEFRA) they are turning those same values into providing a superb selection of quality regional produce.

With an emphasis on local producers, and based in the hotel’s brand new reception area, the shop will sell a wide range of groceries, deli, fruit and vegetables, fresh fish (available to order and delivered daily), and of course the Fauconberg’s very own specialist “vice ice”, alcohol-infused ice creams.

Shoppers will be greeted by the aroma of a selection of breads and pastries baked on the premises.

The shop will also sell a variety of wines and spirits, Havana cigars, plus beers from around the world supplied by a specialist importer, which you will struggle to find anywhere else. Laceys of Richmond are creating a range of Fauconberg own label cheeses, including the Coxwold Classic and Fauconberg Blue, which will be complemented by a delightful selection of chutneys and jams.

Come and celebrate the grand opening:

The shop is being officially opened on Wednesday 1 December between 12:30 and 13:00 by Clare Morrow, Chairman of Welcome to Yorkshire. There will be nibbles and treats on offer from local food producers and plenty of bubbly – why not come down and sample some of our freshly baked breads or tempting vice ice.

For further information, please visit the Fauconberg Arms page on Hello Yorkshire or call Simon/Helen on 01347 868 214.

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