On the doorstep

Staveley Nature Reserve, an absolute haven of tranquillity and peace- beautiful at any time of the day. Look out for otters and deer in the early morning, listen to the mad cackling of hundreds of geese by day  and the hooting of owls in the evening. Beautiful!

www.ywt.org.uk/reserves/staveley-nature-reserve

Only 10 minutes away, between 31 March and 1 October you can visit Newby Hall an eighteenth-century, Grade 1 country house situated on the banks of the River Ure. The house contains a collection of furniture, paintings and precious artefacts. The River Ure runs along the south side of the grounds, which have extensive herbaceous borders and woodland walks.

www.yorkshireattractions.org/visitor-attractions/23/newby-hall-and-gardens  www.newbyhallandgardens.com/

In the other direction it is only 10 minutes drive to the beautiful historic market town of Knaresborough, famous for its breathtaking surprise view from the medieval castle over the River Nidd and across the Nidd Gorge. In the summer you can hire a pretty rowing boat to take in the sights. Try and visit on a Wednesday when the bustling ancient weekly market brings the town to life.

http://www.yorkshire.com/places/harrogate/knaresborough

Even closer is the charming small town of Boroughbridge with its little high street full of quirky and interesting shops. Just up the road you will find fascinating roman remains in Aldborough

http://www.yorkshire.com/places/harrogate/boroughbridge

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/aldborough-roman-site/