The months race by and we can’t quite believe it’s summer already. Our hidden valley of Nidderdale can always be relied on to provide tranquility and adventure in equal measure. From simple pleasures like a stroll over rolling moorland or a wander around ancient ruins, to vibrant country shows and market towns, there’s plenty to enjoy near The Timble Inn this summer.
Sunlit strolls
Ah, the country walk, that simplest and most timeless of summer pastimes. Head off to the rolling hills of Lippersley Pike and Askwith Moor, offering spectacular views across the dale. Several paths also take you through Timble Ings woods, providing cooling shade on a hot day. Or perhaps head down to Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs, both offering a relaxing stroll with beautiful views across the water. The Washburn Heritage Centre, a short climb from the Swinsty reservoir path, affords refreshment and a glimpse into local history.
There’s more marvellous walking to be had a bit further afield. Brimham Rocks is a local landmark famous for its jaw-dropping formations with names almost as fantastic as the rocks themselves. Scramble up the Dancing Bear or take in the vista from atop the Druid’s Writing Desk.
The nearby monastic ruins of Bolton Abbey and Fountains Abbey (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) both offer a journey back in time surrounded by stunning landscapes. On Saturday 27th July, Bolton Abbey’s Outdoor Theatre returns with a performance of Romeo and Juliet.
The Timble Inn can also serve as your base for a day trip or two to the charming towns and villages of North Yorkshire.
Day trips
Harrogate is just a short drive away, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the UK’s happiest towns. The centre is brimming with unique shops and cafes, and it’s all surrounded by a beautiful expanse of greenery known as The Stray, which hosts the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival at the end of June.
In July, the temperature rises and so do the thrills and spills as the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival stalks into town – with host of crime writers including Richard Osman delivering guest talks, the ‘crime writing industry’s unofficial AGM’ a must for lovers of crime fiction.
Just outside Harrogate is RHS Harlow Carr, one of England’s finest collections of plants and flowers. On Music Sundays through July and August, you can kick back in a deckchair beside the picturesque Queen Mother’s Lake and enjoy the music, with refreshments from Betty’s Tea Room and the newly renovated Harrogate Arms Cafe.
Ripon is half an hour up the road from Harrogate. This small but perfectly formed gem of a city that has it all. The historic architecture and ample greenery around Yorkshire’s smallest city has seen it samed as one of the UK’s prettiest cities, while an abundance of independent shops, lively events and ‘Instagrammable’ locations has seen it named as one of the coolest. Soak up the sun then soak up some history in an array of museums and the magnificent cathedral. Visit in early June and you’ll get to enjoy a host of events as part of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and Royal Engineers 75th Anniversary Weekend. Early July also sees the famous Ripon Theatre Festival roll into town, with all manner of performances and events taking in the sun.
Skipton, half an hour from the Inn, is perhaps Harrogate’s closest challenger for Yorkshire’s happiest town. It is vibrant in the summer, with markets and fairs in the town centre and historical reenactments at the magnificently preserved castle. The most beautiful and scenic stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool canal runs through Skipton and its surroundings, and you can enjoy a boat cruise through the breathtaking scenery with a range of food and drink options – a relaxing yet unforgettable way to take in the Yorkshire Dales.
Ikley is a charming market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, boasting a selection of designer shops, artisan cafes and old-world pubs. Overlooking it all is the stunning Cow and Calf, made famous when it featured in the Grant Depart of the Tour de France. The summit offers stunning views across the Wharfe valley, and there are plenty of delightful trails across the adjacent Ilkley Moor. Visit Ilkley in mid-June to experience the Ikley Food & Drink Festival, where the aromas of international cuisine and sounds of live music drift along the riverside.
Grassington, home of All Creatures Great and Small, lies a bit deeper into the Yorkshire Dales. Spot the lovable village locations and take in the breathtaking countryside seen in the show, such as Malham Cove and Janet’s Foss.
Haworth sits among the rugged but no less beautiful landscape of West Yorkshire. Literary lovers may want to venture there in late July for the Haworth Festival. The picturesque home of the Bronte Sisters hosts an array of events including workshops, poetry, comedy, music and dance.
Country shows
Summer brings the finest of Yorkshire traditions out in all its glory. The country show is part of the fabric of Yorkshire’s countryside and nowhere does it better than the Great Yorkshire Show. This celebration of rural life sees animal competitions and machinery displays as well as all manner of entertainment, markets and refreshments. Several smaller shows, each with their own unique character, take place around Nidderdale throughout summer.
Tour a Yorkshire vineyard
From a quintessential Yorkshire tradition to a perhaps more surprising one… Yorkshire is a actually a premium wine-producing region, with a small selection of vineyards producing around 100,000 bottles per year. Two of them are just 40 minutes from the Inn, and host tours and tastings throughout the summer. The family-run Yorkshire Heart Vineyard has won several awards, while the Dunesford Vineyard revives the area’s heritage of winemaking established in Roman times.
Racing
With two great racecourses nearby, The Timble Inn is a perfect base to enjoy some high-quality racing this summer.
Ripon, the ‘Garden Racecourse’, is often thought of as the UK’s prettiest course, and it hosts afternoon and evening meets throughout summer. The Ladies’ Day in June is a great chance to dress to impress, while the William Hill Great St Wilfrid showcases some of the country’s top sprinters.
Wetherby Racecourse isn’t quite as busy in summer as it hosts racedays all year round, but you can catch Evening Racing and Ladies Evening in early June.
There’s no place like Yorkshire for summer adventures – and there’s no better way to round off a day of exploring than to relax on our decking with a cool refreshing drink and watch the sun setting over the hills. Take a look at our available rooms.