Taking advantage of the very generous and thoughtful gift of a “friends and family” rail pass, given to us by friend Liz a couple of days ago, we took the train out of Leeds to visit a couple of places nearby.
Getting the river taxi up to the train station was a good opportunity to see some of the city from the water.
The taxi dropped us very close to the railway station which, apart from dealing with trains, also (it seems) disgorges the River Aire from inside itself!
After an hour’s train ride we arrived at the very pretty town of Knaresborough.
The waterfront is dominated by the railway viaduct which we’d just crossed in the train …………
……… but, in many ways, it’s graceful lines rather adds to the overall effect of the area.
Perched on the cliffs in a commanding position above the river are the remains of the 12th Cent. Knaresborough Castle.
From the castle grounds the views over the river and waterfront properties is lovely.
Lovely enough to have a photo taken with it as a backdrop!
After having a splendid, and very filling, lunch in The Mitre in Knaresborough we took the train back towards Leeds and alighted in Harrogate. The Royal Hall was open to the public and a look inside ………..
…….. revealed the most splendid interior.
Across from the Hall is the magnificent building containing the Royal Baths ……
………. which looks out over the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother Rose Gardens. All the roses were in perfect bloom but sadly the photo doesn’t show them well.
A little walk up from the Baths is the Pump Room where visitors can take a sip of the sulphurous spa water. By late afternoon we’d walked enough (especially on our very substantial lunch!) and, feeling tired, decided to take the train back “home”.
Today (Wed 6th July), we achieved two important things: to arrange for “Chance” to come out of the water for the replacement of our bent propeller in a few days time and to meet up with cruise and Facebook friend Jane who lives nearby. After one of those important ‘catch-up chats’ over coffee on “Chance” we got the water taxi into town and took Jane for lunch at The New Conservatory, which we’d used a few days before and were so impressed with. Sadly, Jane’s husband Mustafa was not able to join us due to work commitments in the city but we thank you Jane for coming to see us and offer our best wishes to you both. Hopefully we’ll see you again, either on dry land or on another cruise!
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