“Stop that, Barney!” says the patient llama-handler, as the frisky creature continues to make mischief by knocking the top off a metal post with his head. We’re standing in a barn in the North...
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2019
What would you rather do at 10.30 on a Sunday morning? Have a lie-in with the papers? Treat yourself to a bacon butty? Or maybe listen to Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, discuss...
A Christmas shopping break in York
It was a spur of the moment decision to book a couple of nights away, mid-November, to start our Christmas shopping. I wanted somewhere that would put me in the festive mood, a city...
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival: a murderously good weekend
When you’re at a Quiz Night and the Pointless presenter, Richard Osman, is in the neighbouring team, you know your chances of winning have just gone out the window. This was a surreal moment...
Taking a rest at The Cleveland Tontine
We must have driven past The Cleveland Tontine countless times on our way to and from Newcastle. There has always been something very appealing about this old coaching house which has been providing food and rest for travellers since the...
When Dad’s Army came to Bridlington
Hands up if you remember the TV series, Dad’s Army? If you were a fan, you may be aware that a film version is going to be released in 2016, with a whole host...
Mum’s gone to Bridlington: Sewerby Hall
Rory and Juliana on the cliff tops at Sewerby, near Bridlington. “I think these fish and chips might be the best I’ve ever tasted” “Better than the ones we had in Seahouses?”...
Luxury and comfort at High Barn Cottages, Yorkshire
Can you spot our owl? There can’t be many self-catering cottages in the UK where, from the comfort of the living room or bedroom, you can watch an owl webcam via the television. In...