Aysgarth Falls

When we decided to go on our holidays to Bainbridge, I was really excited to visit Aysgarth Falls. As a child, I loved the film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, and when my brother discovered that one of my favourite scenes was filmed there, I knew we had to go.

On arriving at the falls, you can hear the distant noise of the river and I found it increased the excitement hearing the water gushing as you walk along the path towards the falls. We visited after a spell of rain, so the water was travelling at a great velocity. There are three areas of the falls to visit from the car park - the upper, middle and lower falls. The falls are 5 minutes from the car park and then perhaps an additional 5 minutes between each of them.

There is plenty of space to enjoy a picnic at the Upper Falls, and what a scenic spot to do so. I imagine that children would love clambering about the area. You would need to be careful with them getting too close to the river when there has been heavy rain. I have seen pictures of people playing in the river, when it is shallower, however. It would be nice to revisit when there is less water, as it looked a lot different from photos I had seen.

My little boy was not overly impressed!

Visiting the falls is free, but there is a charge for parking of £2.50 for 2 hours. The falls are sort of wheelchair and pushchair accessible. We took our son in the pushchair, but to be honest we do have a sturdy pushchair. There is a path linking the falls, but to actually get right by the river in most areas you have to descend stairs or clamber over rocks, so we wished we had carried our son in his sling instead.

There is a visitor centre with refreshments and toilets adjacent to the car park. However, we visited the quaint little tea rooms by the bridge, in between the Upper and Middle Falls. The ice-cream was delicious.

One thing I have learned from my trip, is that although it is nice to wear billowy floaty dresses, when you are bending over trying to get that perfect shot, you wish you had worn jeans. I had a constant battle against the gusts of wind, and frequently I was defeated, much to the dismay of my embarrassed husband.

There was a rich man from Nottingham who tried to cross a river. What a dope he tripped on a rope! Now look at him shiver!

Rebecca - My Pretty Yorkshire Life

Brimham Rocks

On our Yorkshire holidays, we enjoyed a little jaunt to Brimham Rocks. I was incredibly excited to go, having visited as a child. There is always a danger in revisiting places from your youth. Would it live up to expectations? My imagination has been known to exaggerate the beauty of what is infront of me. My memories of Brimham Rocks are synonymous with a land where you could envision a Velociraptor creeping through the ferns. I hoped that they would still envoke such childlike wonder, and that my husband would share my enthusiasm for a bunch of rocks.

 We didn't get off to a great start. We had headed out to Ingleton bright and early, and as we left, with our son fast asleep, we decided to continue driving, so we wouldn't disturb his nap. My husband passed me the map (he would sorely regret this decision) to find somewhere to explore that afternoon. After two hours of what I am going to refer to as a breakdown in communication and navigational difficulties, we arrived. My husband was understandably grumpy, so I tried to use my son's smiles to break the tension. But alas to no avail, as my son was a little groggy having just woke up to a balmy 28 C and there were no smiles to be had. We strapped a wriggly little boy into his baby carrier and headed off into the wilderness.

The first set of rocks, we arrived at were interesting to look at with their natural caves and hidden nooks and crannies, but as my husband had our precious little bundle of joy attached to his chest, it was difficult to explore.  I feared that he would not enjoy our trip.

We walked a little further and was met by the most majestic sweeping panorama. I must admit as I stood up on the rocks surveying the beauty before us there was an deep intake of breath and a little giggle of glee. There was no doubt that this was worth the two hours sat in a stuffy car.

We meandered amongst the undergrowth, and clambered up on the rocks for over an hour before heading for refreshments. There did appear to normally be a large selection on offer, but arriving on a busy summer's day after the lunch rush, we had to settle for a cheese toastie, bag of crisps and a sausage roll. They proved to be quite delicious!

We loved our trip to Brimham Rocks. It really is a fantastic idea for a family trip. We spotted children of all ages having a wonderful time climbing like monkeys. There are plenty of picnic tables, but most were enjoying their picnics on the rocks.  It is wheelchair and pushchair accessible around the rocks. Entry to Brimham Rocks is free, and parking costs £4 for 3 hours (remember coins for pay and display). Opening hours to the rocks are 08:00 until dusk each day. The shop and visitor centre opening hours vary, so please check here before you visit, if you require these.

Our journey home may have involved some smug remarks of how Yorkshire truly is God's Own County to my Scouse husband's dismay.

Rebecca - My Pretty Yorkshire Life.

Happy Birthday to the National Media Museum

I fully understand that I must be beginning to sound like a stuck record when it comes to my constant babbling recently about the National Media Museum - but it is a really important time at the minute to talk about this place. Not only because of the current threat of closure, but because this weekend marks the 30th birthday of this wonderful institution!

As well as the bloggers event the museum put on a couple of weeks ago, I've spent the last couple of Saturdays down there. Last weeks visit was part of a semi-organised turn out to show support for the museum in wake of the recent revelations about what proposed budget cuts might mean for its future.




There was a grand turn out, but we didn't want our visit to be all doom and gloom so we had a run round the rest of the facilities to see what was on offer.
We had arrived just in time for one of the talks on the Cottingely Fairies photographs - if you don't know this story, in 1917 two young girls took photographs of fairies at the bottom of their garden. These photographs managed to convince many at the time, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, that fairies were real. The photographs are beautiful and have long since been one of my favourite things at the museum, but having them presented to us along with the story by the brilliant Museum Explainer really brought the story to life for the little ones who left the talk convinced of the existence of the fairies.

We had arrived just in time for one of the talks on the Cottingely Fairies photographs - if you don't know this story, in 1917 two young girls took photographs of fairies at the bottom of their garden. These photographs managed to convince many at the time, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, that fairies were real. The photographs are beautiful and have long since been one of my favourite things at the museum, but having them presented to us along with the story by the brilliant Museum Explainer really brought the story to life for the little ones who left the talk convinced of the existence of the fairies.




There was also an animation workship where the kids could have a go at making their own short film. They do these regularly and always go down a treat. As well as these extra activities, we spent a few hours with the museums more permanent attractions - mirror fun in the Magic Factory (I'd love one of those fun-house, make-you-tall-and-thin mirrors at home!), hanging out in a green-screen Moshi Monster land, reading the news - we didn't go the games lounge as we can never get Harry out of there!




We had a wonderful day, as we always do down there, and it just served as a great reminder of what we would be missing if the museum were to close.
But as I said, I've been the last couple of Saturdays, which meant I was once again down there yesterday. To celebrate being open 30 years, the museum were offering free cake - you know how those words are like music to my ears so of course I had to bob down again!

Before my free cake though, I bought some - yup, double cake! We'd decided to get down there early to catch a film (yet another reason why the museum shouldn't close) and I needed some 'breakfast' from the fine array of baked good available at the newly refurbished cafe.

But as I said, I've been the last couple of Saturdays, which meant I was once again down there yesterday. To celebrate being open 30 years, the museum were offering free cake - you know how those words are like music to my ears so of course I had to bob down again!
Before my free cake though, I bought some - yup, double cake! We'd decided to get down there early to catch a film (yet another reason why the museum shouldn't close) and I needed some 'breakfast' from the fine array of baked good available at the newly refurbished cafe.

Before my free cake though, I bought some - yup, double cake! We'd decided to get down there early to catch a film (yet another reason why the museum shouldn't close) and I needed some 'breakfast' from the fine array of baked good available at the newly refurbished cafe.



Seriously, if you are ever in the neighbourhood, even if you don't fancy any of the exhibits - you should definitely call in cake at least - they're brilliant!
After 'Much Ado About Nothing' we wandered back to the foyer to see the presentation of a birthday card, signed by supporters of the museum and were treated to a few more speeches about how necessary the place is to the community . . . and then more cake!

After 'Much Ado About Nothing' we wandered back to the foyer to see the presentation of a birthday card, signed by supporters of the museum and were treated to a few more speeches about how necessary the place is to the community . . . and then more cake!



I'm trying to not get too preachy on the importance of museums, or get too involved in the way the museum links to other important Bradford institutions and how it would affect them if it closed, and I'm trying really hard to not rant at the mythical North/South divide which means it's ok to axe one of our museums because we presumably don't deserve or understand 'culture' in the North and everything good in the country should be in London where it 'belongs'. I'm trying to do those things, but it appears I'm rambling instead so I shall wrap this up with the point I am trying to make:
The National Media Museum is important - it's important to me, to my children. It's important to Bradford, and to the North. If it closes I'll be devastated both on a personal level and for all the people that it will affect either directly (the dedicated staff who will lose their jobs, for instance) or indirectly (the children of Bradford who will not grow up with this place as their second home, like it was for me). All I can do is hope and ramble on about it - so, if you haven't already, it would mean the world to me if you could sign this petition in support of the museum - here.

If you are ever in Bradford the place is well worth a visit - you should have a look around now, while you can!
The National Media Museum is important - it's important to me, to my children. It's important to Bradford, and to the North. If it closes I'll be devastated both on a personal level and for all the people that it will affect either directly (the dedicated staff who will lose their jobs, for instance) or indirectly (the children of Bradford who will not grow up with this place as their second home, like it was for me). All I can do is hope and ramble on about it - so, if you haven't already, it would mean the world to me if you could sign this petition in support of the museum - here. 

If you are ever in Bradford the place is well worth a visit - you should have a look around now, while you can!

Kel - Kel Loves...

Worsbrough Mill and Country Park.

Over the bank holiday weekend, we went for a walk around Worsbrough Mill and Country Park. We regularly walk around Worsbrough Mill, as there are a few different gentle walks around there. It allows me to get a little fresh air and exercise, without it feeling like a chore.

When I was younger, we would come to the Mill with my school. I remember finding it really exciting hearing the huge chug and swish of the waterwheel, the grind of the massive millstones and seeing the bags of flour bursting through a trapdoor in the floor. The Mill is still fully operational, and you can watch them milling on bank holidays and the last Sunday of the month. You can also purchase the flour that is made in their shop.

Worsbrough Mill and Country Park is free, but parking costs £3 for the day. The Mill is on the Transpennine Trail, and is a nice place to stop for refreshments, as part of a longer journey. I would ride along the Transpennine Trail as a child, with my family and neighbours. There would be nine of us riding in a long snake along the paths. I was inevitably always lagging behind at the back. It really is great for young children and those of all different abilities, as the terrain is relatively smooth and flat.

If you like to spot wildlife, there is plenty to see. There are bird watching huts scattered around the reservoir and fishing facilities also.  I love seeing all the wildlife around the park. Unfortunately, I am often too busy chatting to grab my camera in time. On our last visit, there was a heron perfectly posing for me, but as I was nattering to my mum, I was not quite quick enough to capture it. Also, if you love animals you should visit the nearby Wigfield Farm, complete with cafe, farm shop, a variety of animals (including cute meerkats), golf and play area. Admission is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.

What I like most about having a stroll around the Mill is the friendly atmosphere as every person utters some sort of pleasantry when you pass them. There is a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Well there is most of the time, but as a child we would play with lazer guns and sensors, running and hiding behind the obliging trees and foliage. I'm sure we managed to disturb plenty of fishermen in our time!

Rebecca - My Pretty Yorkshire Life

Brodsworth Hall

We had a little trip to Brodsworth Hall as it was a nice clear day. I enjoy a wander round the grounds and house of Brodsworth Hall. I get free membership to English Heritage through my work, so this a place we frequent often.To be honest if I was paying I'm not sure we would go quite as much as the admission is £9.60.

Brodsworth Hall is believed to have been the inspiration for Charles Dicken's Bleak House. The house itself has been preserved well from when it was last inhabited. It is not as you would imagine a stately home to look, as it is not as grand and opulent as many of the stately homes we have visited. The interior is a little shabby and worn around the edges, but you are given a feel for how it has been inhabited throughout the years from the older bare servants quarters to the kitchen complete with 1960/70s cookbooks. Be warned the house itself does not open until 1, so you may want to plan your trip around this.

The gardens have an Italian feel to them and are maintained beautifully, with many events held throughout the year. During the summer there are lots of events at Brodsworth Hall such as the classic cars on Father's Day, Victorian Garden games on a Saturday and afternoon band concerts on a Sunday.  In the autumn, they have the magical 'Enchanted Garden' complete with fairy whisperings, lights, and refreshments of pie and peas, hot dogs and mulled wine. There is plenty of space for picnics in the surrounding grounds and you may wish to bring one as there is not a great deal of choice in the cafe. There is a nice wooden play area for children 7 and under.

Just outside the grounds is the beautiful church of St Michaels and All Angels, which is visible and accessible from Brodsworth Hall. It is well worth a little visit and I believe that tea, coffee and biscuits are available to visitors during the summer months.

I may be biased with regard to the beauty of the church, as this was the church that my husband and I were married at. In the week leading up to our wedding, however,  I was regretting the choice, as the road up to the church was impassable due to snow. It was clearly a union destined in the stars, as the morning of the wedding there was a great thaw.

Despite the literary ties, I think it is safe to say that Dickens was not referring to Brodsworth Hall when he wrote 'And I'm bored to death with it. Bored to death with this place, bored to death with my life, bored to death with myself.' (Charles Dickens, Bleak House, 1853)

Visit Brodsworth Hall website for more details.

Rebecca - My Pretty Yorkshire Life

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

When the sun is shining across the sweeping lake at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, it is definitely one of those days where I feel extremely blessed to live with this gem on my doorstep. My husband does not always agree that living in Yorkshire is a pleasant experience, but he has definitely been won over by Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The park is so vast, spanning 500 acres, that every time we visit, we spot something new. I often wonder how I have managed to miss things the first time. 

It is the perfect place to visit in the Spring when the Daffodils are blooming and lambs are roaming. Admission to the park is free, but you have to pay for parking. With pieces from artists such as Anthony Gormley, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore , there are works in both indoor galleries and outdoor spaces. Modern art is not to everyone's taste, but I find it thought provoking and we usually get into quite a debate about each piece's merits. 

The park has a variety of different spaces with lakeside paths, vast grassy areas, woodland walks and plenty of picnic areas.William has already enjoyed several walks in the park. Our pram has come out of some of the off-road  treks around the park relatively unscathed. His Mummy is already quite used to cleaning sheep poo off the wheels. (Ah the joys of the countryside!) We've recently enjoyed picnics, bathed in mottled sunlight, under the shade of the huge trees. I'm hoping for more nice weather as I've asked for a pretty picnic basket for my birthday, and I'm already planning recipes!

Visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park website for further details.

Rebecca - My Pretty Yorkshire Life.