T Stands for……….Time travelling!!!

Last Friday we headed to Bolton Castle near Leyburn in Yorkshire.

It was a lovely journey, travelling through the Dales to get there...

…passing the Ribbleshead viaduct….

…sheep that sometimes step out into the road….

…and beautiful undulating countryside.

We visited the castle about 15 years ago but not a lot was on show to the public.

A different matter now though, they were hosting the first Mediaeval Music Festival. 
We are not musicians but do love the music of those times. The car park attendant told us that on this first day there were to be lots of things going on that were included in the normal entry fee. There were Banquets, workshops  and concerts for those taking part over the weekend and we spotted folk putting up tents in the wind and were pleased to be only there for the day!

Over the wall were display tents.

Much of the castle is ruins but there are parts that still have furniture in and there is a shop and cafe too.

This view is from the back of the castle where we watched a hawk flying display.

Buzzard

Barn Owl

This Eagle Owl made us laugh as he went digging for worms.He had a waddly walk

The gardens are small….but... 

...there is a maze too….

…...and a vineyard..

It was rather surreal though coming around a corner in the castle and meeting people dressed up in Mediaeval clothing

There were lots of stalls selling all sorts of Mediaeval instruments.It was great to hear them being played.

On the way back to the caravan we stopped off at Bainbridge to see the river and the hydro pump

 A little farther on was Hawes where we visited the other week with our grandchildren and son(I took you on a visit back in June - here)
It was now time for some refreshments - after all we are here for Bluebeard and Elizabeth's T stands for Tuesday.

As there was banquet being prepared at the castle the tea room closed early. We didn't think we would have much chance of finding anywhere just serving coffee, tea and cake but in Hawes we found the Wensleydale Pantry up some stairs on the main street - delicious Coffee and Walnut cake for me with a cappuccino and for hubby - a huge slice of Lemon Meringue Pie AND ice-cream, with tea of course!
I figured that with all the steps I had climbed and a veggie tea I could take a chance with my Diabetes!!!

I may be scheduling some posts for a couple of days so may be asking some linking favours if I can't manage on my phone!
Hoping to get lots of walking done near the caravan with some finer weather forecast!  

Thanks for looking, Chris