You'll get a chance to meet with some of the locals tonight, so don't be shy; make some new friends in the local inn. Incidentally, visitors from overseas are always impressed by the dry, rather laconic ways of the Yorkshire folk. Let me tell you a story which serves to demonstrate this.
The scene: High country overlooking a pretty Dale. We've stopped to admire the views and get some pictures when one of our group, a Texan and rancher by profession, spots a local Dales farmer leaning on a gate. He wanders over for a word.
''Howdy! Do you farm around here, friend?''
The old man replies, ''Aye, lad, that I do.''
Our man says, ''Is that some of your spread, down there? Sure is beautiful country!''
The Yorkshireman replies, ''Aye. Yer see that Dale down yonder? All that Dale's mine, and it were me father's afore me, and his father's afore 'im. All that. God's country!'' (Spoken with considerable pride).
Now remember that our man is from Texas, so notwithstanding this, responds, ''Sure is a pretty piece of property friend, but I gotta tell yer, my ranch in Texas takes me more than an hour to drive around. What do you think of that?!''
The Dalesman ponders this for a moment, then gently and sympathetically replies, ''Aye lad, I used ter 'ave a car like that ..., but I got rid of it!''
Day 2:
Hope y'all slept well and didn't imbibe too much local ale last night, 'cos we're on a mission!
We're going to explore some of the northern Dales today which includes Teesdale, Nidderdale and Swaledale with a visit to King Richard III's castle at Middleham, plus a castle where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner.
We'll later take a look at the attractive market town of Richmond (and yet another equally fine medieval castle!), or we'll please the shoppers with an hour or two at the charming cathedral City of Ripon and offer an optional tour of its famous cathedral, in addition to some free time.
Day 3:Our group have a decision to make today and here's your choices:
EITHER we take a leisurely tour of Yorkshire's Moors and coast, visiting the wild and lovely Moors, then on to Captain Cook's charming town of Whitby, where fishermen rub shoulders with holidaymakers. We'll follow with a look at Yorkshire's premier seaside resort, Scarborough, and a chance for families to enjoy a couple of hours free time on the beach or seeing the town's attractions.
OR we first visit Castle Howard, one of England's finest stately homes and explore all that it has to offer, take an excellent local pub lunch with a free afternoon in the delightful historic City of York.
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