Wednesday 17 February 2016

Dogs are welcome to bring their owners...


It's all hands on deck here at Flamborough Rigg finishing last minute jobs, ready to welcome all our lovely visitors arriving for their self catering holidays in The Hayloft. Although it has slowed down progress in the garden these last few days Labs Lily and Katie seem to have enjoyed the snow. The bantams and guinea fowl not surprisingly seem less impressed by it!
We're delighted to be included in the new edition of Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay - Dog Friendly Breaks in Britain - available from the beginning of February 2016. The girls, plus our dear old Meg have been included too - enjoying splashing around on the beach in the sunshine at nearby Sandsend. 
Look Inside!!! 


           


Friday 7 March 2014

And the winner is....

CONGRATULATIONS STANLEY!
We are delighted that Stanley, a lovely Lurcher, the winner of Alastair Sawday's 'Handsome Hound' Competition, will be bringing his owner to come and stay in The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg. They have won a 3 night self-catering break here. Phil and Caroline are kindly providing the fantastic accommodation in The Hayloft with all the creature comforts you could wish for and a delicious, locally sourced breakfast hamper.This is the First Prize, in addition to lots of goodies such as a Style Tails collar and lead, a personalised dog bowl provided by Emma Bridgewater and a comfy travel bed from Houndworthy,
We are all very much looking forward to welcoming you to The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg and to seeing Stanley on the cover of the second edition of the best selling Sawday's Special Places to Stay 'Dog-friendly Breaks in Britain' book, published in April 2014.




Best wishes

Lily and Katie of Flamborough Rigg x





Thursday 5 December 2013

Alastair Sawdays Handsome Hounds Competition

Here at The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg we are very much looking forward to welcoming the winner (and their owners!) of  Alastair Sawday's competition to find a handsome hound to grace the cover of their new 'Dog Friendly Breaks in Britain' book. The first prize is a 3 night self-catering break in The Hayloft. The lucky hound can bring a canine friend and up to 4 humans to enjoy their stay. They'll also find the following gifts waiting for them when they get here:
  • An Ultimate Tote Travel Bed - thanks to Houndworthy
  • A personalised dog bowl - thanks to Emma Bridgewater
  • A Hiro + Wolf geometric collar and lead - thanks to Style Tails
  • And we think, best of all - A welcome hamper of locally sourced breakfast goodies (for the humans) - thanks to Philip & Caroline here at Flamborough Rigg.
The 2nd edition of this best selling book will be available next spring. The competition is open until 31st December 2013- be sure to get your entry in by then. Competition details

Even if you aren't the lucky winner we hope you'll come along sometime, as up to 2 dogs are most welcome here in The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg.

Katie and Lily x 

Wednesday 23 October 2013

The Star Inn the City, York


Whilst enjoying a demonstration given by Andrew Pern in his kitchen at The Star Inn, Harome recently, Phil and Caroline were excited to hear about the progress of The Star Inn the City: This is Andrew's new restaurant on the river bank in the centre of York. From the photos they said it looks stunning, with plenty of outside tables to make the most of the location and the views too. Having checked that it is now open it sounds as though they are making plans for lunch this next week (perhaps an inside table in this weather though!) The only problem is that with Andrew (and The Star Inn the City's head chef Matt) the food will be so good that there will be no chance of any leftovers in a doggy-bag for us...but we live in hope!

Lily x




Tuesday 22 October 2013

Chills and Thrills Halloween Spectacular - Castle Howard


30 October 2013

Castle Howard will host its first ever Halloween event when the magnificent grounds of the historic house are transformed into a spooky wonderland for a family friendly ‘Chills and Thrills’ spectacular. Walk the flare lit path and catch glimpses of the house and statues rising out of the mist before encountering the headless horseman and his flame bearing guards amongst the trees. The fire damaged South East wing will be brought to life by our spine-chilling story tellers, whilst terror face painters and magic mirrors will transform you into a frightening sight this Halloween.
The ‘Horses of Halloween’ grand finale will see Yorkshire based Atkinson Action Horses, who have appeared in productions including War Horse, The King’s Speech and Wuthering Heights, perform death defying stunts and breathtaking displays with fire and explosions. Fire eaters and stilt walkers will appear from the darkness and owls, toads and creepy crawlies will take up residence in the eerie grounds of Castle Howard this Halloween,
There’ll be prizes for the most ghoulish costume and best carved pumpkin too. 
Tickets are on sale now and cost £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and Under 5s go free. Gates open at 4.30pm with tasty Halloween treats on offer throughout the evening. |
Castle Howard Estate Limited
Castle Howard
York, YO60 7DA
Tel:       +44 01653 648444
Email:   house@castlehoward.co.uk

Autumn Arrives...



Seed Gathering Season, Dalby Forest, Pickering
When: 01 October 2013 - 31 October 2013
Call in at the Visitor Centre for instructions and equipment to collect seeds from around the forest. |   
Times & Prices
Opening times:
01 October 2013 - 31 October 2013,
Tuesday-Thursday
Prices from: No charge (except Parking)

Contact
Address
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre
Low Dalby
Pickering, YO18 7LT
Tel:       +44 01751 460295
Email:   Yorkshirefd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


Thursday 4 April 2013

Spring Sunshine


Sounds as though we've been lucky not to have the heavy snowfall a lot of the country had towards the end of March. To be honest we've had so much this winter even I was getting a bit tired of playing out in it. (It's hard work with my short legs!) We gather from people we meet out on our walks - locally in Cropton Forest  - that it's still a bit chilly for the time of year (although I don't usually notice down here, being too busy dashing in and out of the trees.)
We certainly haven't let it stop us going on our regular trips over to the beach at Sandsend (Here's me with Meg and Katie waiting for the ball to the thrown again.) Katie has been surfing and drawing quite a crowd - she  is such a show-off - I'm happy up to my ankles in the shallows, barking at her as she swims in with her head bobbing above the waves.
We like to think that Phil and Caroline bring us over here so often because they know how much we enjoy our trips to the beach, however I suspect they enjoy stopping for lunch at The Sandside Cafe just as much!
www.sandsidecafe.co.uk   
www.whitbyweather.com/index.php?p=1_29_Sandsend
Bye for now
Lily

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Saltbox Gallery & Workshop - Helmsley


Spring Exhibition starts 29th March  2013








The Saltbox Gallery and Workshop is situated in the small town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire, just twenty five miles north of York city centre. The Saltbox has a wide variety of contemporary art and fine crafts with featured artists and exhibitions regularly changing. We have a selection of award winning work from artists, designer jewellery, sculpture, blacksmithing, pottery, glass work, paintings and prints. Matthew Dwyer FWCB artist blacksmith and Louise Dwyer jeweller, have owned the gallery for over five years and are both makers alongside running the Gallery
Richard Pottas
The Saltbox Gallery & Workshop welcomes artist Richard Pottas back to exhibit his new collection of water colours following the successful exhibition held in December 2010.   The collection once again displays the relationship the artist has with the Languedoc region of South West France.

Easter at Castle Howard



Castle Howard Easter Courtyard Market Sun 31 March to Mon 1 April 2013 10am-4pm
The popular Stable Courtyard markets are back every second Tuesday in the month from May until October, with additional markets on 31st March, 1st April,  20th August and at Christmas.
Over 25 stalls selling delicious food and beautiful crafts in the stunning surroundings of Castle Howard Stable Courtyard. (Entrance to the Courtyard is free of charge.)

Easter Fair & Lamb National
Fri 29 March to Mon 1 April 2013 10am-4pm each day
Back for 2013 is the very popular traditional Easter fair with vintage rides, sweet stall, face painters and more...

Meet Molly the Rabbit and take part in their Easter trail around the wonderful new paths in the woodland.
New for 2013 they have the Lamb National - an entertaining and thrilling display of racing sheep! You'll see the likes of Woolly Jumper, Sheargar and Red Ram battling it out along a course of brightly coloured jumps...guaranteed to entertain! And as if that's not enough there will also be sheepdog demonstrations from the amazing Bob Hogg's Sheepdog Displays throughout the days.
All events are included in the price of a Grounds admission ticket (Castle Howard Annual Pass holders free of charge)

Friday 15 April 2011

Wakey Wakey - Dawn Chorus Awaits .


Us dogs here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage have our heads together trying to come up with a plan to get Phil and Caroline to take us along to say hello to Dawn Chorus.

To mark the international Dawn Chorus we want to join the National Trust Rangers on Sunday 01 May 2011 for a walk through Newton Wood below Roseberry Topping.

It appears that along the way to meet Dawn we will see beautiful views and get to listen to bird song at its very best. The bad news is that we need set out from the car park below Roseberry Topping at 04.30! Phil doesn’t do mornings……

We have mentioned how excited the lovely people at the National Trust are about seeing Dawn, always a good sign, and about the tea and coffee upon our return to Newton. I can see we are swaying Caroline but may have to revert to plan B for Phil………gradually adjusting the clock a few minutes at a time over the coming weeks.

Dalby Forest – Family Skills Day


A great chance for the whole family to have fun and improve their bike skills in beautiful surroundings. Join the experts from Purple Mountain Cycling for tips on how to tackle the forest trails.

The event takes place 10.00 – 13.00 on Sunday 17 April 2011.

For further details click here.

Lifeboat Show 2011 – Staithes Gallery


The Staithes Gallery once again plays host to The Lifeboat Show. The gallery is packed with an array of colourful art by 31regular and new artists. There are textiles, collages, all kinds of original prints, sculpture in stone, steel and willow, paintings in a rich array of media. Styles vary from traditional landscapes to highly imaginative interpretations of this inspiring and varied location.

Money raised in this show will go to support the RNLI's Train One Save Many campaign which offers training to volunteers who undertake the dangerous work of saving lives at sea.

The Lifeboat Show 2011 runs until Monday 25th April (Easter Monday). Open every day 10am till 5pm.

Click here for further details.

Monday 29 November 2010

Flamborough Rigg Cottage…..let it snow , let it snow, let it snow.


Great excitement here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B in North Yorkshire, the snow has arrived, and even more than last year, if such a thing is possible.

I thought I would give you a short picture diary of Friday………………so you can see the girls and I have some snowy adventures.


Katie woke us all up and insisted on giving Phil and Caroline a minute by minute snow update, even though they were trying to have a well earned sleep in!



It was coming down thick and fast. Meg insisted that she should go on a recce to check conditions, insisting that she being the eldest has the most snow experience. She growled something to the effect "I am just going outside and may be some time" before heading into the blizzard. Katie and I curled up in front of a roaring fire for a snooze to show our support.



When we awoke the blizzard had stopped but still no sign of Meg. We stood watch.



Well at least until the smell of bacon butties caught our attention, after all more for us if Meg wasn’t about.


Sadly, Meg had been having a brilliant time playing in the other garden and returned just behind us………….bacon always does the trick.

Castle Howard – All dressed up for Christmas.


A major highlight for many of our guests staying with us here at Flamborough Rigg cottage B & B during December last year was a visit to Castle Howard. It looks as if they will be once again creating a magical Christmas setting at Castle Howard this year.


From 27 November – 19 December 2010 the beautiful 18th-century interiors of Castle Howard are to be transformed with giant Christmas trees, traditional decorations and eye-catching displays chosen by the Howard family. There will be a daily programme of free live music to add to the atmosphere.

For younger visitors they will be offering a festive quiz, a Christmas Express between the house and lakeside adventure playground and the highlight, a fireside meeting with Father Christmas (pre booking is vital).

The gift shop and Stable Yard shops will be the ideal place to find unusual gifts and to buy tasty Christmas treats. At the Plant Centre on sale will be estate-grown Christmas tree or handmade wreath for those wishing to recreate a touch of Castle Howard in their own home.

A room with a view – The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg


We have had some perfect early winter mornings, as the photos taken from the windows of The Hayloft at Flamborough Rigg, near Stape, demonstrate.

It has been ideal walking weather, crisp days with blue skies. We have made the most of these days with walks from the door through Cropton forest, often knee deep with autumnal leaves, with rest stops at the pubs at Levisham and Newton upon Rawcliffe.


Winter is almost upon us, a season we also love, but we have been making the most snow free trails.

Monday 8 November 2010

Amazing photographs inspired by the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast.

The North York Moors National Park Authority are playing host to the Light on Land exhibition of Chris Ceaser’s wonderful photographs. The exhibition will take place at the Sutton Bank National Park Centre from 13 – 28 November 2010.

Chris’s photographs are inspired by the North Yorkshire moors and coast. He strives to capture natural light to bring his images to life and capture the essence of each location

Thursday 4 November 2010

Wildlife Photography Exhibition in North Yorkshire

Phil is trying to explain to Lily that it is very unlikely that her picture will be featured at the forthcoming exhibition at National Trust’s, Nunnington Hall in North Yorkshire as it is of wildlife. It isn’t going well as Lily thinks of herself as a pretty wild puppy!


If you want some great pictures the winning entries from the 2010 British Wildlife Photography Awards competition will be on show at Nunnington Hall at weekends from 06 – 19 November 2010 from 11.00-16.00.

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Walk in the Footsteps of Romans in North Yorkshire


On Sunday 7th November 2010 join North Yorkshire Moors Ranger Jay Marrison for a walk around one of Britain's finest Roman camps. This walk is suitable for wheelchair users and takes in wonderful views of the Tabular Hills escarpment over Cropton Forest and the moorland beyond.


Prebooking is necessary, call on 01439 772738.

Meet at Cawthorn Camps Car Park, 13.00 – 14.00.

Bee’s rule at the Treasurer’s House, York


The National Trust is inviting you to join them for some Friday fun on 05 November 2010 at the Treasurer’s House in York. The afternoon is all about bees. Learn more about the fascinating lives of these threatened creatures; take a peek inside the hive at Treasurer’s House with an expert followed by a honey-inspired high tea in the historic tearoom.


Booking is essential so call on 01904 624247.

Friday 05 November from 14.00 – 16.00.

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Pickering, North Yorkshire, went to war.

We had a brilliant time in Pickering 15-17 October 2010. We were so excited when we set off from Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B that Phil and Caroline had to stop and tell us to settle down. We couldn’t wait to show off our marching!



It was like going back in time………so many people in old fashioned clothes. Lots of blue and khaki. Katie reckons we should get ourselves uniforms for next year.

The only thing we were confused about was the lack of doggy gas masks on show. I am sure they had very special ones for us……………

Monday 11 October 2010

Long autumn walks in search of Sloes in North Yorkshire


Phil and Caroline’s Sloe Gin was a huge hit with friends visiting Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B last Easter so the hunt is already on for this years supply of sloes.

Phil had his eye on a few locations but you have to wait until the first frost before picking them…..we are sworn to secrecy!

Katie, Lily and I have tried a few sloes that we found on the ground, Yuk! We can’t understand what all the fuss is about, they are so sour. We are, however, happy for the excuse for more long autumn walks through the forests and countryside surrounding us here at Stape, North Yorkshire. Katie and I love hiding in the piles of red and orange leaves and jumping out to surprise Lily.

North Yorkshire Star Party

Here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B we are spoilt when it comes to star watching as the lack of light pollution guarantees perfect views on the crisp clear autumn nights.


To help us to identify the stars we can join the star gazers that regularly meet in Dalby forest or on 16 October 2010 we can join the York Astronomy Club at Sutton Bank National Park Centre at 17.00. They will be taking a look at the night skies, doing illustrated talks and will offer advice on how to use telescopes.

Everything Apple at Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire.


If you love apples Beningbrough Hall is the place to be from 16 October – 30 October 2010. The National Trust property will have displays of apples, a new orchard labyrinth and information about the many varieties. There will be apple pressing and fun art workshops.


After all that apple fun regain your strength with a special apple lunch!

Views of The Jurassic Coast, North Yorkshire.

From 27 October – 16 November 2010 artists Peter Hough, Neil Hodgson and Peter Sarginson will be exhibiting their work at the Moors National Park Centre, Danby.
The inspiration for their work; painting, ceramics and photography, is the beautiful coastline of the North York Moors National Park have all gleaned artistic

Fountains by Floodlight

The National Trust will be opening the gates of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in North Yorkshire for two Saturday evenings in October.

On 16 and 23 October 2010 the beautiful fountains will be floodlit. Guided tours will be on offer, recorded Gregorian chants will play and a choir will be performing.

The event is on from 18.00-22.00. Wrap up warm.
Hot snacks will be on sale.

For further details contact:
Fountains Abbey, 01765 608888
fountainsenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk

Thursday 7 October 2010

Staithes Gallery, Boat Show Exhibition.


Staithes Gallery, on the North Yorkshire coast, is once again presenting an exciting exhibition. The bright, vibrant paintings, prints and drawings by the artist Ian Burke will be on show from 24 October 2010. Ian born just along the coast in Saltburn now lives on the North Yorkshire Moors.

The strong, colourful images, often abstract, are of boats, harbours, fish and crustaceans.
As the days darken and shorten it will be the perfect remedy brining a touch of sunshine to your day.

Attention! North Yorkshire goes to war.


Khaki appears to be the order of the day or even the weekend, 15 to 17 October 2010. Katie and I have been practicing our marching; left, right, wag, left, right, wag. Meg has promoted herself to General and insists on inspecting her troops between naps!

We are planning a recce into Pickering where there will be parades and numerous war time events in connection with the extremely popular North Yorkshire Moors Railway, "Railway at War".

At Pickering Castle (English Heritage) we plan on watching the soldiers of the East Yorkshire Regiment as they drill, plan and prepare for battle. Maybe I can offer them advice on digging trenches, I have been practicing in the vegetable patch here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage B&B. I am sure they will be more appreciative of my skills than Caroline was……..

Monday 20 September 2010

Explore the North Yorkshire Moors National Park by Mountain bike


This is a great opportunity to explore the wonderful north Yorkshire moors on two wheels with an expert. North York Moors National Park Authority Ranger Simon Bassindale will be leading a mountain bike ride along an 11 mile blue/red rated route of tracks on Sunday 26 September.

Please pre book. The meeting place is the Saltergate Car Park. The ride takes place from 11.00 – 14.00. Take along a bike, helmet and drink. Minimum age is 14.

To book call 01439 772738.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Whitby’s Swinging 60’s Weekend.

Step back into the Swinging 1960’s at Whitby Abbey on 25 & 26 September 2010. Enjoy music, hairstyles, fashions and traditional games of the decade. Highlights are the have a go '66 football tricks, a chance to see vehicles from TV's "Heartbeat" complete with storytelling from a 60's policeman and hear first hand about Beatle mania with short performances throughout the each day. You are encouraged to turn up in your best Elvis costume!


The event is for all ages and is on from 11.00 to 17.00.

Tuesday 14 September 2010

New Exhibition at Turnstone Gallery, Sandsend, North Yorkshire

After a busy week at Flamborough Rigg cottage chasing rabbits off the veg. patch we went for a well deserved splash on our favourite beach, Sandsend. After much showing off we headed to the Hart Inn where we were hoping to steal the odd chip from Phil and Caroline (or any one else we could charm). Enroute we passed the Turnstone Gallery where we always like to press our noses up against the window and see what is going on as they have such sparkly, pretty things. They were preparing for their next exhibition.

A Shared View 25 Sep – 31 Oct 2010

In the mid 1970’s two young artists headed north to Whitby and opened a gallery. They were soon collaborating with a young potter. This exhibition is a celebration of that relationship and yet another milestone in the continuing creativity and development of this trio, set against the backdrop of Whitby and the surrounding countryside.


This year John Egerton celebrates 45 years as a potter. Nature and landscape are important influences, in both abstract and realistic forms. Whitby landmarks feature on many vessels, as do birds, fish and flowers, mythical creatures and evocative landscapes.


Anne Thornhill's paintings demonstrate her interest in capturing not only the moments of perception, but also the journey between those moments, and how they are influenced by the movements and rhythms in the landscape. She tries to make her paintings as rich an experience as possible, with a repetition of bold colours and shapes, pulling the viewer from one perception of space to the next.


Paul Blackwell seeks to convey an emotional charge in his work through his skilful use of colour. His paintings always have a very direct sense of place and he often returns to the same subject again and again, exploring its meaning and potential. In this way he seeks to evoke the magic of the natural world and the feelings he has for the countryside.

For further details about the exhibition and Turnstone Gallery click here.

Monday 13 September 2010

English Heritage Curators Tour – Helmsley

Helmsley, North Yorkshire is home to the English Heritage’s archaeology collection. On Wednesday 22 September 2010 there is a rare opportunity to join English Heritage Curators for a tour of the collections.

Tours take place at 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00.

The tour is free but places are limited so booking is essential. To book a place call on 01493 770173.

Foodies should head to York for the York Food and Drink Festival

It is foodie heaven in York with 10 days of day and evening events. From 17 – 26 September 2010 the days will be crammed with events around the city, many taking place in historic venues.

This years theme is: Meet Your Food Heroes.

The Festival is working with Yorkshire's National Parks, the National Trust and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to promote sustainable producers; especially those whose work help to maintain traditional landscapes. The heroes will be demonstrating their products.

For further details about the food heroes click here.

Stroll around the markets, watch a wide range of demonstrations and delight your taste buds with amazing food and drink.


To plan your visit to this extensive and diverse event click here to see the daily programme.

Saturday 11 September 2010

Great Yorkshire Explorers!

Katie and I consider ourselves to be the best explorers in North Yorkshire, or as we like to think, the world. We know the beautiful woods and moors that surround us here at Flamborough Rigg Cottage like the back of our paw.

The nice people at North Yorkshire Moors National Park are holding a fun event on Sunday 12 September so you can start to be great explorers like Katie and I. You will learn basic map reading and compass skills so you can set off on adventures as a pathfinder.

Meet at the Moors National Park Centre, Danby 13.30 – 17.00. Minimum age 10. All children to be accompanied by an adult. If you have an OS Explorer Map OL27 they ask that you take it along.



Sadly as they don’t want the humans to be shown up they have said no dogs allowed!