About Me

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Hi! I'm Eunice and I live in Bolton, Lancashire, with my two dogs Sophie and Sugar and an assortment of cats - well it used to be Sophie and Sugar, now it's Sophie and Poppie. I first began camping back in 1997 when my then partner took me to Anglesey for my birthday weekend. We slept in the back of the car - a hatchback - using the cushions off the settee at home as a mattress, and cooked and brewed up on a single burner camping stove. The site was good, the views were great, the weather fantastic and I was completely hooked. Following that weekend we got a two-man tent and some proper accessories and returned to Anglesey two weeks later, then over time we progressed to a three-man tent followed by an old trailer tent, then a new trailer tent, a campervan and finally a caravan. When my partner decided that the grass was greener on the other side of the street - literally - in April 2009 and I suddenly found myself alone after fifteen years, I decided there was no way I was going to give up camping and caravanning if I could cope on my own. This blog is the story of my travels, trials and tribulations since becoming a solo camper - I hope you like it

Thursday April 2nd 2015 - B is for Bolton Abbey

This post is part of the A - Z Challenge.

 Bolton Abbey lies on the banks of the River Wharfe within a country estate of almost 30,000 acres in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Its name derives from the ruins of the 12th Century monastery, now generally known as Bolton Priory, and the estate includes 8 miles of river, 84 farms, four Grade 1 listed buildings and various tea rooms, gift shops, cafes and refreshment kiosks. Bolton Abbey Hall, which was originally the gatehouse to the priory, was converted into a house by the Cavendish family who also own Chatsworth House estate in Derbyshire and Lismore Castle in Waterford, Southern Ireland. The estate is also home to the ruined Barden Tower which was once a hunting lodge and which overlooks the 16th Century Priest's House, which is now a very popular restaurant.

 There are three car parks within the estate and the per-vehicle admission charge covers all three car parks so you can drive from one to another without incurring any extra charge. At the riverside across from the priory is a sandy beach and nearby are large stepping stones from one side of the river to the other - it can be quite a challenge going all the way across without getting your feet wet. In summer the riverside is a very popular place for picnics and barbecues, and the river itself has lots of shallow parts ideal for paddling. Kids both young and old can often be seen sailing down one particular section in or on various inflatables - in fact I did that myself several years ago, in a fluorescent pink inflatable armchair. It was brilliant fun!

 The riverside paths are great for dog walking, and a visit to Bolton Abbey shouldn't be undertaken without a camera as there are many opportunities to get some lovely photos - you can see some of mine in my post from October 27th 2012.




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8 comments:

  1. Christine2 April 2015 at 12:09

    So is this a public park owned by a family? We used to tube/canoe down rivers when we were teenagers. So many wonderful memories. We have been waiting for the younger kids to get older to take our family. No doubt, they will enjoy it.

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    1. Tigermouse2 April 2015 at 13:33

      To answer your question- yes and no. It's not a park as such, just a huge area of farmland, fields, moorland, river and woodland, much of which is available for the public to enjoy.

      Bolton Abbey private estate actually goes back further than the Domesday Book; it came into the Cavendish family through marriage in 1748 and since then was owned by the Dukes of Devonshire. The 11th Duke of Devonshire eventually turned the management of the estate over to the trustees of Chatsworth House, though I don't know exactly when it became available to the public. For anyone who can get there it's definitely well worth a visit.

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  2. Grammy2 April 2015 at 12:30

    Good morning, Eunice... Your Bolton Abbey sounds delightful! I've never been to England (several other places I have visited, but never there, I regret to say). I love watching and reading anything about it, however. I live in Texas, U.S.A. and have been a blogger since 2008. I'm almost 82 and a quilter, writer, and many other interests. Thank you for your description of camping and the good times you have had. Best wishes to you. Ruby aka "Blabbin' Grammy".

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    1. Tigermouse2 April 2015 at 13:45

      Thank you for your comment Ruby. We have some really lovely places in this country which I'm sure you would enjoy if you ever came over here.

      I'm just about to embark on a 4-day camp at a countryside place I've never been to before so looking forward to getting some good photos to add to the blog when I get back.

      Best wishes to you, and happy quilting :)

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  3. Arlee Bird2 April 2015 at 22:04

    I thought I was already following your blog--I am now!

    Your travels sound so interesting and fun. It's been many years since I've traveled in the manner you are doing. It can be quite an adventure.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Tigermouse3 April 2015 at 06:49

      Thanks for the comment and your interest Arlee. My camping travels are always an adventure even if I'm going to somewhere I've been before, and I go to such interesting and lovely places that it's nice to share them with others.

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  4. J Lenni Dorner3 April 2015 at 03:49

    J here, stopping by from the #atozchallenge as part of the A to Z Ambassador Team! (I'm a minion/volunteer under Arlee.)
    Great post. I'm looking forward to more. Let me know if I can help you in any blogging way this month. I've followed your blog on GFC.
    @JLenniDorner

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    1. Tigermouse3 April 2015 at 06:43

      Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you liked the post and hope you enjoy reading the ones to come.

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