It was another sunny day – we have had good weather during our trip to York.

There were good views over the Vale of York on the way to Hovingham for brunch.

Unfortunately the cafe we were heading for didn’t exist anymore. But there was a good bakery where we had bacon and egg rolls and coffee. After being fed and watered we drove on to Nunnington Hall – another National Trust property.

The hall is known to have been in existence since 1249. Glenn enjoyed looking at the old car on the way in. I saw a very old feature in the alcove on the way in.

Colonel Fife lived here in the 1920s and was a hunter. A lot of his trophies from India and South Africa decorate the entrance hall.

One of the families were Jacobite supporters. They had several Jacobite artifacts including a piece of tartan from Bonnie Prince Charlie.

There were 3 large 1600s Belgian Verdure tapestries – of nature. They have just been restored. They would have been very expensive when purchased – and much more now.

The bedrooms were quite comfortable. The original en-suite was a cabinet with potty and water bowl and jug. There was also an early flushing toilet in mahogany – very sophisticated!

We went up into the attic. The beams were so big I could only see a bit of Glenn.

The first exhibition there was of a Miss Kitty Carlisle’s miniature rooms. She collected some pieces and created others. They were very meticulously made.

There was also an exhibition of atmospheric tree photographs All the Wood’s a Stage’, by renowned photographers Joe Cornish and Simon Baxter. They were very impressive, taken all over the UK.

On the way out of the house we saw some of the original servants call system.

Outside at the front of the house was an impressive lawn with peacocks.

We didn’t recognize a fruit tree in the garden. George found out what out was:

The medlar is an ancient fruit tree, which arrived in Britain with Roman invaders and produces a hard, inedible fruit that becomes soft and sweet after a process of decay known as ‘bletting‘. The medlar is a relative of the rose, apple, and quince, known for its aesthetic appeal with star-shaped flowers and colourful autumn leaves and fruit. It was a staple in medieval times but is now a forgotten fruit, often associated with its vulgar nickname, “open-arse,” due to the fruit’s shape.

We then went for a walk around the village of Nunnington. It’s a lovely village with views over the valley from the top.

I liked the Wombleton sign. Is this where the wombles go on holiday?

The knitted otter and fish was very cute.

The church building was from 1250AD after the previous church had been destroyed during the Norman Conquest.

On the drive back to York we bypassed Castle Howard – famous as the filming location of Brideshead Revisited.

Once back at the pad we got ready to go out for dinner. We walked up the river into the centre of town seeing many canal boats tied up.

We arrived at the French restaurant Rustique for our early booking – there weren’t many times left – it’s popular!

Lech arrived soon after from his tour guide shift at the Treasurers House – he is a volunteer there.

We enjoyed delicious food – duck for Lech and myself, creamy chicken and pork shank for others.

I had a very good crème brûlée for dessert – nearly as good as the French ones. They just need to get the brûlée right up to the edges.

We walked home still with sunshine on Clifford’s Tower.