National Trust

A Hall with Friends

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A Hall with Friends

So a bit of a belated post today. At the start of May we went on an adventure to East Riddlesden Hall, a National Trust property near Keighley. We had chosen what looked to be a lovely day to go and the weather certainly held up as we drove across. We arrived a little before our friends so we did a little bit of exploring and James hit the play park. Even Lyns was having a play before anyone else arrived. It was not long before Dominique and Gav arrived and chaos ensued in the play park. Even little Elliot was zooming down the slide.

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Nunnington Hall

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So it has taken me the best part of a week to get round to writing about our adventure to Nunnington Hall.   I am currently mid budget process at work and it has been busy, along with trying to fit in dinner out, spending time with Lyns and James as well as life in general.   However, up for a run this morning and now I am sat watching magic school bus with James whilst he eats his breakfast, letting Lyns have a lie in for an hour or so.

Last Sunday, Lyns was on nights so I went and stayed with mum and dad on the Saturday night to give me a little time to go out for a run in the morning.   I was up at 4:30 and on the road by 5:00.   Nineteen miles and three and half hours later I was back.   James had not caused too much chaos but he made the mistake of running to give me a hug when I walked in the house.   All I got was 'urrrrrrgh you're all sweaty daddy'.   After a quick shower and a spot of breakfast, or three as I was starving, we headed out to Nunnington Hall.

Nunnington Hall is situated out towards Malton as was a very pleasant drive.   Parking is in a lovely woodland carpark, might not be so lovely on a wet day, and you walk on a bridge over a stream to get into the grounds.   By this time the sun had come out and it was turning into a lovely day.   First things first though, lunch.   We found a bench in the sunshine and pulled out our picnic.   Grabbing a coffee from the coffee shop we had a very pleasant lunch.

Around the picnic benches there was a giant Jenga set as well as a quoits.   Dad and I introduced James to this and he had a very fun time throwing the rings around.   I do not think he fully got it as grandad and I were hit by the rings more than stake was but thats life.

Like this Grandad?

No, like this James.

Got it Grandad

Free style throwing

Last go

After James had exhausted himself trowing rings at everything in sight he had a bit of an explore.   He was amazed by all the insects living in a tree and loved all the cobwebs everywhere.   At the moment he was to know the why, where and how of everything.

What are the cobwebs doing here daddy?

After we had finished playing, it was time to explore the gardens a little more.   Walking round the next corner, there was croquet on the lawn with deck chairs spotted all over.   James was fascinated by the hammers and balls.   Grandad and him had lots of fun.   Grandad was hitting the balls and James was collecting the balls up and bringing them back.   Looking back on it, it was like a game of fetch for James but he had a wail of a time.

This is how you do it James

Got it Grandad

Nana directing from her favourite position

After James and Grandad had terrorised all the people sitting having picnics on the lawn, some of those shots went flying, it was time to explore the gardens.   There was lots to see, a wild meadow to run through, a bird watching area and a small vegetable garden.

The Gardner watching over his crops

Exploring the potting shed, I found something that caused huge merriment.   A couple of skipping ropes.   I had a go first, luckily there is no picture evidence, and then Grandad and James had a go.   

A leaping Grandad

Not quite getting the hang of it

By now it was getting towards time to head home but first we had to have a look round the house.   They had a wildlife photography exhibition on which I found really interesting as the pictures were amazing, but James also found it fascinating.   He was amazed by all the macro shots of the insects and the pictures of all the animals.   It gave him an opportunity to see animals he would not usually see and to see creatures in a way he would not usually see them.

However, this could not last so we found a lovely little play area in the house that was full of books and toys.

Come on - where is the play area?

Who wants a fight?

What do we have for sale today?

Let me help you with that

After this, it was time to head back to the car.   After driving back to Nana and Grandad's and then a quick car swap, it was back home to see mummy who had been looking forward to seeing James all day.

It was a lovely day out in the sunshine with lots to do.   James had oodles of fun, as did we all.   James and I will have to take Lyns back at some point, if only to beat her at croquet!