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/
The beautiful and historic spa town of Harrogate is 20 minutes drive away from Lodge Cottage, famous for its beautiful architecture, individual shops, charming gardens including RHS Harlow Carr and delightful Turkish Baths. Don’t miss afternoon tea at famous Bettys Cafe Team Rooms!
Rich in ancient history, romantic ambience and fun activities, York is renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets, iconic York Minster and wealth of visitor attractions. Delve into the city’s vibrant café culture, take time out to enjoy some of the country’s most talented street entertainers or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river.Don’t miss Evensong at York Minster at 4pm each afternoon!
http://www.yorkshire.com/places/york
A beautiful market town, founded over 1300 years ago, Ripon is a famous old Cathedral City where monasteries have stood since the 7th Century. The old city of Ripon is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and also boasts many historical buildings and museums, including Ripon Cathedral, the Wakeman’s House, Studley Royal, Fountains Abbey and Ripon Spa Gardens where a Victorian bandstand is set. Don’t miss world Heritage Site Fountains Abbey- breathtaking at any time of the year!