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Activities:- ► Talks
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Day Trip to Harlow Carr and Ripley Castle
Whilst the weather forecast was mixed with the chance of rain when we set off from Durham at 8.30 the sun was shining. We had a really good turnout of over 40 people on the trip where we were taking advantage of our free entry into Harlow Carr followed by a short trip to Ripley Castle where most people were taking advantage of a private guided tour of the Castle. It was not long into the journey before it was realised the toilet on the coach was locked. This led to a short detour to Leeming Motel before continuing on our journey. Things went well until we did a circular route round Harrogate which included a wrong turn up a dead end country lane. However that was the end of the excitement for the day and we arrived just about on time at Harlow Carr. We began by being split into three groups and had a very pleasant hour long informal tour ably led by members of the Friends of Harlow Carr. Everyone was then free to wander the extensive and beautifully manicured gardens of Harlow Carr including a stop for coffee. We then climbed back on the bus for the short ride to Ripley. First on the agenda was the tour of the castle. Unfortunately one of the guides couldn’t attend so we ended up as one large group. However this did not mar the tour which was led by an excellent guide who mixed extensive knowledge of the interesting history of the Castle with a number of humorous anecdotes. Some of us even attempted the narrow spiral staircase without a safety net. It was then time to wander through the walled garden, the Orangery and the woods but by now the skies had darkened and the long forecast rain started to fall. Therefore with 30 mins or so left all routes led to the village café. A piece of gooey cake and a coffee passed the time very agreeably indeed. It was then back to the bus for the trip back to Durham which passed without mishap and not even the need to stop at Leeming again. Some photos of what was a pleasurable day can be seen below. Now looking forward to the next day trip on the 21st Aug 2019 to Mount Grace Priory and Scampston Hall GardensDavid Spence Membership Secretary Click on any image to view a larger version of the photo. Navigate by clicking on the left or right of each image.
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