A place in Yorkshire that makes you smile?
Most of Yorkshire makes me smile but since retiring from playing rugby, I love to get out on the paddleboard, and if it’s a quick after work paddle there’s no better place than Knaresbrough! It’s beautiful, great views on the river and plenty of places for a bite to eat after! But how can Yorkshire not make you smile! Where in the world can you get the hustle and bustle of a big city like Leeds, the history and architecture of places of York, the countryside and the sea! We in Yorkshire are blessed with the best!
A place in Yorkshire that you love to eat at?
There is no way that I can pick one – I have so many places I love to eat! For something different and lots of variety I love to try out Trinity Kitchen! Every six weeks there are different street food vendors and so many options! Jimmy Mack’s Festive loaded fries are honestly the best! Speaking of six weeks, Six by Nico is incredible, their tasting menu and wine pairing is insane, the theme changes every six weeks and it’s six courses, but I’m sure the name of it gives that away! Or quite simply, the Famous Wooden Hut fish shop over the bridge in Otley does the best fish and chips and perfect if I take my paddleboard down to the river for a splash around.
A place in Yorkshire that you like to take friends?
Haworth – there isn’t a more picturesque village in my opinion and it just so happens to be on my doorstep. The history of the literature of the Bronte sisters or a wander along the Railway Children’s Walk and to finish a jump on the steam train! I’m so lucky to live just a short walk away. If you don’t want to take in the history, a walk up the super steep cobbles and a little jump in and out of all of the local shops is a perfect weekend jaunt! It just so happens that there are plenty of little pubs and bars to try from the Burnt Bear Mircopub that specialises in craft ales and gins or the Treehouse where you can grab a great Sunday dinner, plenty of cocktails and wine and they also show all the big sporting events – Haworth has it all!
An early memory of Yorkshire?
One of my earliest memories was walking the Ingleton Waterfall walk with my aunty and three brothers, it was a really warm day and my two older brothers were jumping in and out of the water. I remember wanting to be just like them swimming around and playing but I was too scared until my oldest brother came and picked me up and just threw me in! I always wanted to do what they did and be just like them. I guess I followed in their footsteps playing rugby too – Karl my oldest brother was always the one encouraging me.
Your cultural go-to in Yorkshire?
How can anyone pick one place, Yorkshire is rich in culture and history, and I love it! But I have to say as cliche as it sounds getting out on one of the Three Peaks! People see that as a challenge, I see it as a get away! I’ve only ever done the three peaks twice when I was playing, so much fitter than I am now, but one of my favourite memories is walking Whernside in the snow and having to practically sledge back down it on our bums as it was far too slippy and icy!
The Annual Yorkshire show is also a great go-to with everything you need to know and appreciate about Yorkshire in one place from farming demonstrations to local produce! I think it’s my favourite annual event and I’ve been going up since I was a young girl, it really epitomises what I think about this beautiful county.
A place for indulgence in Yorkshire?
For me, Harrogate has to be up there for eating, drinking, and staying – I love it! Combine it with Rudding Park and it’s my perfect weekend of spoiling myself! A wander around the streets for a spot of shopping, an afternoon tea at Bettys, a quiz at Roosters taproom and dinner at the Ivy followed by a relaxing spa and stay at Rudding is my idea of pure relaxation. I’m also drawn there for another of my brothers and my nephew and niece so taking them out and spoiling them with a crepe or donut is always a bonus hour or two well spent!
I’m never happier than when . . .
It’s so cliche (again) but when I’m out in the hills or on the water! There are so many beautiful places in Yorkshire to go to! I learnt how to sail at Doe Park Centre as a teenager, and I spent many a weekend mountain biking in Inglebrough staying at the cottage and walking in any piece of open space I can find. I was never someone who enjoys shopping and always wanted to be out and doing so as soon as I was allowed, my friends and I would take off exploring! I guess sport in some way shape or form has been my saviour! I was always happiest active, muddy, and with my brothers whenever I could follow them around!
A Yorkshire view that inspires
There are so many! Up on Otley Chevin! I love to walk up there, rain or shine! It’s home to me, I know the routes and the view brings back so many fond memories! It definitely settles me when I need calming. I teach in an alternative provision and like to take the children up there too. I think it’s so special! How can a walk and a view make you feel so settled! It’s even better now when I get to take the children up as there as so many areas with piled up branches and sticks and we can try and make dens or build forts! Obviously, I do it purely for the kids… honest!
Three words that sum up your best Yorkshire Life?
Idyllic. Vast. Home
