Wednesday 25 April 2012

Horse Racing Fixtures in North Yorkshire, May 2012

Here is a list of horse racing meetings taking place in North Yorkshire in May that you may not want to miss!


Thirsk Racecourse
Saturday May 5th
Saturday May 12th, Evening Meeting
Saturday May 19th


Ripon Racecourse
Friday May 11th
Sunday May 20th
Tuesday May 29th


York Racecourse
Wednesday 16th - Friday 18th May
Saturday 26th May


As you can see there are lots of racing events taking place in North Yorkshire throughout the month of May, so why not treat yourself to a break and visit some of these events and places listed above.

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Things to do in May


Theres plenty going on this May.  Here is a list of a few events you might be interested in visiting if you are in North Yorkshire this May.


Nostalgia Weekend 5 - 7th May at Beningbrough Hall & Gardens

Travel and entertainment through the ages, from vintage vehicles to morris dancing, plus traditional games around the garden

Pickering Game & Country Fair 12 & 13th May at Pickering Showground
Enjoy a traditional country show with many displays and activities such as archery, sheep-shearing, rural crafts, hounds, horses and ferrets.

Ryedale Folk Weekend 25 - 27th May at The New Inn, Cropton (Near Pickering)
The Ryedale Folk Weekend is usually held at the Ryedale Folk Museum but due to building works they are now taking over the New Inn and the Cropton Village Hall.  It's a great setting with the added attraction of delicious food and famous Ales.  Visit over the weekend to enjoy concerts, song competitions, workshops, ceilidh and great food & drink.

Yorkshire Game Fair 26 & 27th May at Stockeld Park

The Yorkshire Game Fair is in its 5th year and is home to several competitions like casting, dog shows, racing, day shooting, scurries and the Yorkshire Super Dog Competition. There is somethings for everyone at the show with a popular specialist shopping area offering a range of gifts, crafts, clothing and homewards. There will be also be a food pavilion full of delicious local produce.


Theres always plenty to see and do throughout the year in Yorkshire.  Visit our 'Things to See & Do' page on our website to find out more about the local attractions near us.

Monday 23 April 2012

Last Minute Availability - Breaks from 27th April Discounted

This is the last chance to book and enjoy an April break this year.  We have 20% off the last remaining cottages from 27th April.

Couch Cottage, 27th April 7 nights, was £311 now £249
Form Cottage, 27th April 3 nights, was £187 now £150
Drey Cottage, 27th April 7 nights, was £499 now £400

Old bland offer a friendly and informal atmosphere situated in the beautiful surroundings of North Yorkshire.  Views from the six cottages are stunning and far reaching over the grazing sheep across the Moors. There's always plenty to do in North Yorkshire or if you just fancy a break away from it all the farm is the ideal spot to relax and unwind.

To find out more about the cottages and Valley View Farm please visit www.valleyviewfarm.com

Thursday 19 April 2012

Beningbrough Hall - Nostalgia Weekend

From 5 - 7th May, Beningbrough Hall is celebrating travel and entertainment through the ages in a themed weekend event.

From vintage vehicles and morris dancing, to Georgian card players and traditional garden games there will be lots to see.  If you are thinking of visiting Beningbrough then this is a perfect weekend to enjoy.

Beningbrough Hall offers a lot to explore from walking through pear arches and hidden gateways to its Great Hall and National Portrait Gallery paintings.

On any visit don't miss:
- Acres of beautiful gardens and wildness play area
- Working walled garden supplying the Walled Garden Restaurant
- Beningbrough Home Farm Shop

Just a 45 minute drive away from Valley View Farm, our cottage stays are the perfect base for exploring North Yorkshire and including the magnificent Beningbrough Hall.  To find our more visit www.valleyviewfarm.com



Wednesday 18 April 2012

Fountains Abbey - Free Concert this weekend

There is a free concert to be held at Fountains Abbey this weekend on Saturday 21st between 2 & 3pm.

The Fisher Singers is a community choir based in Harrogate. Throughout the year the choir performs concerts in a wide range of styles ranging from popular songs from shows to more challenging classical pieces. 

This weekend the choir is taking part in a choral exchange visit with The Pacificaires Chorus based in San Diego, California, USA.  This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the joint choirs performance at a free concert, and makes it the ideal time to visit Fountains Abbey.

Fountains Abbey is a World Heritage Site and one of the largest abbey ruins in the country.  The Georgian water gardens are absolutely beautiful and make it a lovely place to escape to and enjoy a day out.  With over 800 acres of natural countryside and history spanning 800 years Fountains Abbey is truly spectacular.

Just a 45 minute drive away from Old Byland we always recommend Fountains Abbey to our visitors.  If you would like to plan a visit then telephone 01439 798221 or visit our website to find out more about our cottages and to check the latest availability.

Tuesday 17 April 2012

The Ryedale Show - July 2012

The Ryedale Show is held in Welburn Park, Kirbymoorside and draws in excess of 15,000 visitors. This show on 31st July will be their 146th agricultural show.

Established in 1855, the traditional Ryedale Show has become renowned for it's high standard of livestock and trade stands.

Theres plenty to do for everyone with around 200 trade stands and eight rings running throughout the day. There will be cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, fur, feature, dogs and sheep dogs.

If you're looking for a summer break away at one of our country cottages then The Ryedale Show must not be missed!  For more information visit www.ryedaleshow.org.uk


Theres plenty of things to see and do in North Yorkshire and there's always fun events throughout the year. Our cottages offer a lovely base for exploration and the perfect spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle.

Visit www.valleyviewfarm.com to find out more about our cottages and to check availability online. Alternatively you can telephone 01439 798221.










Monday 16 April 2012

April last minute discounts available!


We have discounted our remaining availability for the rest of April so that you can grab a last minute getaway.

We have the following availability from 20th April now discounted by 20%
Couch Cottage, 20th April 3 nights, was £187 now £150
Formicary Cottage, 20th April 3 nights, £187 now £150
Holt Cottage, 20th April 7 nights, was £561 now £449

There is still availability the 27th April now discounted by 10%
Couch Cottage, 27th April 7 nights, was £311 now £280
Form Cottage, 27th April 3 nights, was £187 now £280
Drey Cottage, 27th April 7 nights, was £499 now £450 

To find our more about the cottages visit our website or telephone 01439 798221

Sunday 15 April 2012

Pickering Game & Country Fair, May 2012

The dates for the Pickering Game & Country Fair have been held provisionally for 12 & 13th May this year.

Set in acres of parkland close to the North Yorkshire Moors, Pickering Showground provides an ideal venue for a Game & Country Fair. The event, ever increasing in size and stature, has welcomed the leading names within the country sport fraternity.

This excellent location provides the ideal opportunity to experience all the countryside has to offer – from all the country sports with loads of have-a-go opportunities, to fine foods and animals – all this and lots more for not just the country sports enthusiast but all of the family to enjoy throughout the weekend.

With such broad coverage of all aspects of the countryside this event attracts hundreds of exhibitors, prestigious championships & competitions and visitors from throughout the United Kingdom. Whatever your age or experience this event offers the opportunity to discover and learn about country sports and pursuits, all under the guidance of leading experts within their particular field.

The Pickering show ground is only a 30 minute drive from Old Byland which makes Valley View Farm the perfect location to stay if you are planning on visiting the Pickering Game & Country Fair this year.  You could even extend the break and enjoy a weeks holiday as there is always plenty to see and do in North Yorkshire.  To find out more about our holiday cottages please visit www.valleyviewfarm.com

Saturday 14 April 2012

Fountains Abbey - Outdoor Theatre Shows 2012

Did you know that there are several productions each year at Fountains Abbey.  The ruins provide a stunning backdrop for a summer evening's entertainment.  Theatre-goers are invited to bring picnics, deck chairs and a chilled glass or two.  A unique experience and no better way of getting into a medieval mood.


You can book now for one of this years plays:


- The Importance of Being Earnest.  Saturday 16th June.
- King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. Saturday 7th July.
- Macbeth. Saturday 21st July.


For more information visit the Fountains Abbey website.  


Fountains Abbey is just a 45 minute drive from Old Byland which makes Valley View Farm cottages a lovely place to stay for your visit.  Why not enjoy a short weekend break and tie in a visit to the Fountains Abbey outdoor theatre.  There's always lots to see and do in North Yorkshire, visit our website to find our more about whats on around us.



Friday 13 April 2012

North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Spring Steam Gala 2012

The Spring Steam Gala will be held on 4 - 7th May & 11 - 13th May this year.

The Spring Steam Gala features three visiting engines running along the Esk Valley Line
on the Sundays.  This year the visiting locomotives are 4464 - Bittern (1930s with full streamlining), 70000 - Britannia, and 80072.

There will also be demonstration goods trains and Grostmont to Goathland local train.

This is an event not to be missed by fans of the railways.  It's also an ideal opportunity to appreciate the trains and the beautiful countryside backdrop.

To find out more information visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website.

If you need a place to stay for the weekend while you visit the Spring Steam Gala then please visit our website www.valleyviewfarm.com and consider a relaxing cottage break in the heart of the countryside.  We are just a 30 minute drive from the Pickering Station, 50 minutes from Levisham and 1 hours drive from the Goathland station.

Thursday 12 April 2012

York's Chocolate Museum Now Open

York's Sweet Story has now opened.

Visit to indulge in the journey though York's special chocolate and confectionery story from the chocolate's roots in the rain forests to the current affair with all things sweet.  Experience how ingredients are roasted, crushed, mixed and moulded in a virtual chocolate factory.

From KitKat to Smarties and Chocolate Oranges some of the world's most iconic chocolate brands began their lives in York so this Museum really is set in the right place.

Meet the chocolate founding families and discover real stories from the people who made, packed, labelled and shipped chocolate from York to corners of the globe.

You can find 'York's Sweet Story' on Kings Square in York, just a 50 minute drive from Valley View Farm.  To find out more visit www.yorkssweetstory.com


Tuesday 10 April 2012

New Offers on Last Minute Availability

We have some last minute deals this April so there is still chance to grab a deal on a spring break away now.


We have the following availability from 13th April now discounted by 20%

Form Cottage, 13th April 7 nights, was £311 now £249
Formicary Cottage, 13th April 7 nights, was £311 now £249
Granary Cottage, 13th April 3 nights, was £360 now £288


We have the following availability from 20th April now discounted by 10%

Couch Cottage, 20th April 3 nights, was £187 now £169
Formicary Cottage, 20th April 3 nights, £187 now £169
Holt Cottage, 20th April 7 nights, was £561 now £505

With flowers blooming and young lambs on the farm it's a lovely time to visit us at Valley View Farm.  Theres always plenty to do in North Yorkshire but we offer a relaxing hideaway if you just need a rest away from all the hustle and bustle.  Our cottages are family friendly and we accept all kind of pets just telephone 01439 798221 to find out more or visit www.valleyviewfarm.com.

Saturday 7 April 2012

Time for Bluebells - Visit a Bluebell wood now.


The Bluebell is Britain's favourite flower and now is the best time to spot them. Between April & May they usually bloom in the south first, spreading north towards Scotland as the spring progresses. 

Did you know that around half of the worlds Bluebell woods are here in the UK?  So get out looking now, they thrive in moist shady conditions and are an important part of our heritage making them well worth a visit.

Bluebell walks can be found at two sites near Valley View Farm.  Rievaulx Terrace a National Trust wood and Stables wood a Woodland Trust wood, both near Pickering.

To book a cottage break and enjoy exploring the beautiful wooded walks near us visit www.valleyviewfarm.com




Thursday 5 April 2012

Changing Weather Conditions & No Electricity

What a difference a day makes from snow showers and blizzards to sunshine. Here at Old Byland the weather conditions are affecting the lambing which has just started and this is the second morning we have had no electricity. We are being powered by the trusty generator!

  
We hope to be back with electricity very soon but the generator is providing us with the power we need to continue to work.

Well can you believe the weather, one minute we were all basking in the sunshine of March & April, next it's snowing and now the sun has reappeared! Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Hope everyone has a good Easter weekend, whatever the weather.

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Harrogate Flower Show April 2012

The Harrogate Flower Show falls on 26 - 29th April this year and is the biggest independant gardening event in the UK.

There will be beautiful show gardens and plant nurseries to inspire, a shopping opportunity of garden related products, unique gifts, crafts and specialist food. This April event hosts the largest floral art marquee in the country with over 160 individual staged works of art.

A Kitchen Garden team will be there to offer advice on growing fruit and vegetables at home and experts chef's will present ideas of turning the produce into delicious dishes. As usual the Garden Roadshow and Garden Advice Bureau will also be on hand.

To find out more about the show and for tickets visit www.flowershow.org.uk

The show ground is just a 50 minute drive from Old Byland, so why not book a cottage for the weekend, or even turn it into a weeks holiday and take a day trip to the famous Harrogate Flower Show.

Monday 2 April 2012

Extend the June Bank Holiday - Special Offer


We have just 2 cottages left available for a 7 night stay from 1st June.  To celebrate the Queen's Jubilee there is an extended bank holiday which means you only need to book 3 days off work to enjoy a full week away.

Form Cottage 7 nights from 1st June 2012, was £415 now £373
- Form Cottage is a delightful one bedroom ground floor cottage which sleeps 2.

Formicary Cottage 7 nights from 1st June 2012, was £415, now £373
- Formicary Cottage is a cosy one twin bedroomed ground floor cottage with a double sofa bed in the living room allowing it to sleep 2 - 4.

To find our more please visit www.valleyviewfarm.com or telephone 01439 798221.





Valley View Farm, Old Byland, Helmsley, York YO62 5LG
Tel. 01439 798221 or +441439 798221 mailto:sally@valleyviewfarm.com
View Valley View Farm Cottages location.