We spent last in Harrogate and then set off for Skipton this morning. Skipton Castle is a Medieval Castle, one the the best preserved in England. It is about 900 years old. It is amazing to see all the rooms within the walls. Almost right beside the castle is the Parish Church, which is beautiful, with an imposing Clock Tower. We drove from Skipton through the Yorkshire Dales and the beautiful rolling countryside. This is the area where the series "All Creatures great and Small"is based. We chose once again to take the snaller roads, rather than the highways, it took a little longer, but it was well worth it. The drive was a bit challenging as it twists and turns and at times the road is really only wide enough for 1 car. We arrived at Lake Windemee, where we crossed the river by ferry, which tok abiut 10mins and headed up the road to Hill Top Farm, which is Beatrix Potters Cottage. We arrived at about 3.15 in plenty of time to see it, so we thought. We were not aware that the entry to the cottage is timed entry, and they only have a certain number of tickets a day. Luckily, we got the last 2 tickets, but had to wait until 4.10......by this time it was raining quite steadily again. Oh well, off to the shop while we waited. The cottage has been kept as it was when she died, as was her wish. Ot os a beautiful cosy cottage with lots of Beatrix's personal things inside...including some embriodery and a quilt. There is even a rejection letter from a publisher, how incredible is that!!!!

By the time we finished at Hill Top Cottage it was after 5pm, much later that we expected. We drove to Cockermouth, but all the accommodation appeared to be already taken, so we drove on to Carlisle where we are spending the night. More photos tomorrow