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Our snow drops have miraculously survived the storms and are just starting to peep out at Arbour Hill! Why not come and stay at our romantic Yorkshire Dales cottages and see how pretty the gardens, copse and woodland are looking? Whilst you’re here, you could visit the annual “Snowdrop Walk” at our neighbouring Hornby Castle on the afternoon of Sunday 11th February. Wonder around the glorious (usually private) grounds of the 15th century fortified manor house and then help yourself to tea and delicious cakes in the nearby Norman church of St Mary’s. The castle is a five minute drive from Arbour Hill. Or, better still, a gorgeous 20 minute walk through Capability Brown-modelled parkland. Watch out for our resident buzzards on the way though! Entry is £5 per adult (for charity) with free parking at the Castle. This is always a fun and friendly event and it’s one of our faves. Despite the cold weather, the snowdrops are also thriving elsewhere. So venture further afield (35 minute drive) to marvel at the white carpets of snow drops currently covering the ground at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. This ancient abbey (the country’s largest monastic ruins) and it’s awe inspiring gardens are pretty spectacular at any time but the early spring snow drops bring something extra. There’s a spectacular (but easy!) 5k walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site gardens or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can strike out for a longer trek around its 800 acre grounds.  Then, back at Arbour Hill, you can admire our very own snow drops through the round picture window in your warm cosy self catering cottage or from your private hot tub, with its fab panoramic views over the Yorkshire countryside, towards the Dales and the Moors.
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Arbour Hill is a couple’s retreat with two sweet and romantic self catering holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales and it’s always a special occasion….. but on Valentine’s Day there are even more options to do something fun, or have some yummy food, with that special person. Here’s a couple of our favourite ideas, but there are lots more! Nearby Swinton Park is celebrating the most romantic day of the year with several enticing options; try Valentines Afternoon Tea in the opulent dining room, a Valentines Sharing Menu made with the best estate produce; or Valentines Dinner in the award-winning splendor of Samuel’s restaurant. After those yummy treats, head outside try one of the many activities on offer (falconry? wild swimming?) or take a tour of the deer park.  An every shorter hop from Arbour Hill, try a special Valentines Afternoon Tea at the gorgeous “Garden Rooms” at the famous Tennants Auction House. This is one of our favorite places to pop for lunch, and is only 10 minutes down the road in beautiful Leyburn, the “gateway to the dales”. The delicious menu on Valentines Day, for £19.50, has all the usual treats plus unlimited tea or coffee! The buzz of the Tennants showroom is always exciting and big money changes hands here. Tennants specializes in art and antiques sales; but the Valentine’s day sale is actually “coins and banknotes”; so maybe your sweetheart will shell out for a romantic sovereign or some maundy money? Whilst you’re there, browse one of the free February exhibitions. If your interest is piqued then maybe head back on 29th Feb for a “behind the scenes” tour, where you can learn some tips of the trade - whether you’re buying or selling! - and see a sale being prepared. I’m fascinated by this so I’ll certainly be there!  Even closer to home, it’s a short (15 minutes) but picturesque walk from Arbour Hill to our glamorous but cosy local village gastropub which has a special four course Valentines set menu, including Champagne sorbet with rose petals! Keep warm in front of the log fire whilst you wait for your table. Then, when you’re both fully sated, wander back to your cosy Arbour Hill cottage, slump into your relaxing hot tub and do some star gazing together…  |