Bolton Abbey

Last Sunday, my parents and I decided to go to Bolton Abbey for the afternoon. Bolton Abbey is located in a town called Skipton which is about 20 minutes from our house.

Before we went to the abbey, we headed to the Bolton Abbey train station where they were having, "A Day out with Thomas." My kids aren't that into Thomas, which is a shame, because this was a Thomas-Mecca of sorts. But, we still thought it would be fun to ride an old-fashioned steam locomotive through the Yorkshire Dales.

The train ride was neat, and the cars we sat in were authentic, old train cars. We even got to ride in a private car which was cool. The kids got to blow Thomas' whistle and we all got our picture taken with him. We watched a lame-o magic show for a few minutes, and as with most activities this week, we topped it off with some ice cream.After we returned from our train ride, we decided to drive over to Bolton Abbey. All I had previously heard about this place was that there were ruins left from the Abbey and stepping-stones going across the river that you could cross. I had no idea that this place would be such a treasure!

Indeed, there were beautiful ruins on the grounds; not as big as Fountains Abbey, but still quite beautiful. And yes, the river Wharfe was flowing, complete with the stepping-stones that we just had to venture across. It was not easy walking across with Maddie. At some points I just had to pick her up like a football and walk. But, it certainly was an adventure we won't soon forget.

What I wasn't expecting at the Abbey was all the people. There were crowds and crowds of people... children in their bathing suits.... families barbecuing their dinners. I quickly figured out that I had found the local "beach."

My kids wanted to get into the action and asked if they could wade around for a while. The water was cold, but they didn't seem to mind.Ethan and I and the kids actually returned to Bolton Abbey this past weekend with our friends Kelly and Dan. This time we came equipped: bathing suits for the kids, blankets to sit on, sports equipment, etc. The kids had a great time playing in the water, and they quickly made friends with other children playing there. The boys brought their mitts and had fun playing catch in the field next to the river. And yes, that is a cow that you see in the picture. The fields near the river are open pastures so the cows move freely where they want to graze. That means- watch out for cow patties!

At one point the other day, I left Ethan resting with Collin so I could watch the kids in the water. When I returned, this is what I found.Ethan was asleep and didn't realize that the cows were munching grass not ten feet from his head!

Bolton Abbey is my new treasure spot in North Yorkshire. I look forward to taking the kids back there on warm days this summer. And no, it may not compare to the beaches I know from the States. But of course, I don't know of any beaches in the States where you can look upon the ruins of an historic abbey, swim with the ducks, and sunbathe with the cows.