Yorkshire Dales, TV Soap Country with Leo, Netty & Marguerite

 Yorkshire Dales, TV Soap Country 

Our soap fanatics kicked of their TV tour in the heart of Goathland, famously known as the setting for the long-running TV show Heartbeat. It wasn't long before we were spotting iconic locations such as Scripps Garage and the Village Stores. We then headed to Goathland Station, which has been featured in numerous films, including Harry Potter and The Railway Children. The station was beautifully preserved, offering a glimpse into life as it was in the 1960s.

We couldn't resists buying a few souvenirs in the what was Scripps Garage and it was full to burst with trinkets and mementos. 

Our next destination was the Wensleydale Creamery, famous for its traditional cheese-making methods and its role in the Wallace and Gromit films. We were fortunate enough to witness cheese being made and learned about the fascinating evolution of the process over the years. The highlight was the cheese tasting session, where over 40 varieties were available. Needless to say, we all found a few favourites and stocked up on delicious cheeses to take home. 

In glorious sunshine we drove to Esholt, the village that served as the filming location for Emmerdale for over two decades. We visited the famous Woolpack pub and even tried our hand at pulling a few pints behind the bar. Afterwards, we strolled around the village, soaking in its beauty before visiting the church, where many of the show’s iconic weddings and funerals took place. 

Continuing our tour we set off for Holmfirth, the setting of Last of the Summer Wine. The TV show, which ran for an incredible 30 years, followed the humorous adventures of three old friends and was a staple of British television. Our next stop was Nora Batty’s house, now a museum dedicated to the beloved show. We toured the museum, watched old episodes, and laughed at the antics of the characters we had grown to love. The visit brought back fond memories for everyone. 

There was only one thing on everyone's mind and that was an ice cream treat and we knew just the place! We headed to Brymore Ice Cream Parlour, where we enjoyed delicious homemade ice cream made from the milk of the farm’s own cows. We savoured every bite, and some of us even tried their seasonal specialties 

We drove to the famous seaside town of Whitby. This town is rich in history and mystery and is known for its dramatic cliffs and the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey. The abbey inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore its eerie beauty. From the abbey, we enjoyed panoramic views of the town and coastline, which made for the perfect backdrop to our next adventure. Whitby’s maritime heritage was just as captivating. The town was once home to Captain James Cook, the famous explorer, and we learned about his early days as a ship’s apprentice in the harbour. We strolled through the narrow streets, filled with unique independent shops selling everything from traditional Whitby jet jewellery to vintage trinket

We couldn't going down to the beach and writing our names in the sand.  

A lovely morning was spent at a nearby petting farm, where we got up close and personal with guinea pigs, ferrets, and giant rabbits. We spent the afternoon grooming miniature ponies and feeding lambs and goats, making it a memorable experience for everyone.

We were in chocolate heaven when we stopped off  at the local chocolate factory, where we watched chocolatiers craft exquisite chocolates and Easter eggs. We had the chance to make our own chocolate pizzas, decorating them with colourful sweets, before enjoying hot chocolate made with the finest chocolate from the factory. 

  

Horse Riding in Somerset with Rachel & Sally

 Horse Riding in Somerset

We were filled with excitement at the prospect of 3 sessions spent with our four legged friends and we were soon kitted out in our riding gear and introduced to our sweet ponies. 

We led them into the arena, which had special sand for their exercises. Our riders mounted their ponies professionally, and we all entered the ring, following the leader in a zigzag pattern and crossing diagonal lines. 

One of the day’s highlights was leading the ponies to the field and watching them munch on the fresh grass, taking a well-deserved rest. We brushed their shiny coats, fed them treats and just loved making a fuss of them. 

We were tasked with leading our ponies back to the yard and putting the tack away. Holly took the opportunity to teach them the names of the various parts of the saddle and tack. 

A must visit was at Shepton Mallet embarking on a fascinating visit to the prison. Once the oldest functioning prison in the UK, it housed its first inmates in 1625 and closed its doors in 2013. Now, it serves as a world-class heritage tourist attraction. The prison even detained the famous Kray brothers after they deserted the British army. 

A fabulous afternoon was spent at ‘Noah’s Ark Zoo,’ located near Bristol. Before we knew it, we were greeted by the exotic sights and sounds of the zoo. The elephants, with their majestic trunks and graceful movements, were a sight to behold. We stood in awe as tall giraffes munched on leaves from the trees, and we couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have a sore throat if you were a giraffe, with that long neck and towering height! We had the chance to interact with some of the friendlier animals too, like rabbits and guinea pigs. Their soft fur was irresistible, and we enjoyed petting them gently. As we walked through the zoo, we spotted lionesses lounging in the afternoon sun, looking regal and relaxed. 

We made our way to Wookey Hole, just a short drive away. This picturesque village is famous for its caves, one of which is said to have once been home to a local witch. The temperature inside was a refreshing 11°C, a stark contrast to the warmth outside. Our guide led us through the twisting passages, recounting the tale of the witch who, according to legend, caused trouble in the village. A monk from Glastonbury was said to have turned her to stone, and there she still stands today in the cave. 

We marvelled at the dramatic rock formations—stalactites hanging down from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the ground—as we made our way deeper into the cave. Along the way, we heard stories about Iron Age people who once lived here, as well as Roman burial practices. We squeezed through narrow gaps, crossed bridges over underground streams, and felt incredibly brave as we navigated the cave’s eerie interior.