Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
Getting There
As with most places within the Yorkshire Dales, it’s going to be easiest to drive the 40 miles to Bolton Abbey. If this isn’t an option, take the train from York to Harrogate (£6.40 off-peak return), then board a bus in the direction of Skipton (check the times before you leave though – they only go every 2 hours) and get off at The Devonshire Arms. From here it’s a short walk to the Abbey.
Prices
Entry is always free if you use public transport to get to Bolton Abbey. If you’re getting there by car, try and find some time you can go during the week. From last Friday they have stopped charging from Monday to Friday for the winter season. If you can only go at the weekend you’ll be paying £5.50 per vehicle – but you can be happy that this goes straight towards the upkeep of the area.
What to do
You can start of by exploring the ruins of the Priory. You can get a real sense of history here – especially notable are the distinct lack of roofs dating back to the dissolution of the monastries in 1539. On a quiet day you can sit back and take a break from your hard work at university to feel your own spiritual moment. After all this tranquility I expect you will be looking forward to a long brisk walk. The walks at Bolton Abbey offer stunning scenery if you take the opportunity to follow any of the many routes available. There are different walks at different levels of difficulty. These range from easily accessible walks suitable for wheelchair users, to one with steep slopes recommended only for those with sturdy walking boots. It’s worth exploring for yourself the whole grounds to appreciate the beauty of the area. You could also take a ride on the nearby steam engine railway, great for reliving childhood memories. And one last thing – make sure you don’t leave without trying to cross the river on the stepping stones. It might seem easy at first, but towards the middle the stones get further apart making the real possibility of falling in.
What to Eat
There’s a lovely little café overlooking the grounds, serving a brilliant Welsh Rarebit, so head over there if you fancy a little bit of an indulgent lunch. A picnic, however, would mean you can eat your lunch with the best possible views. Bolton Abbey is the perfect place to bring a picnic, so I would definitely recommend this if you’re on a tight student budget.
The Bottom Line
Bolton Abbey is the perfect place to go for a relaxed day out, a picnic, and just a wonder. Anyone who loves being outdoors will enjoy their time spent here, and you don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy its beauty. How about combining the day out with a night spent at one of the plentiful local bed and breakfasts? It could be the perfect romantic getaway.
I love Bolton Abbey, it's such a beautiful place! Fountains Abbey is fantastic too, although pretty difficult to get to from York without a car.
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