MAKE 2024 WONDERFUL
Diaries at the ready as we look ahead to a year of Yorkshire
SNOWDROP SEASON
One of the biggest natural joys of the often gloomy first months of the year is seeing swathes of snowdrops on your winter walks. Small but mighty, they spring up from January until early March, signalling new life and a fresh start. And where better to see them than in the picturesque grounds of Yorkshire’s National Trust properties, where they carpet woodlands, fields and orchards for several joyful weeks? You can’t beat Fountains Abbey for its miles of snowdrop trails, which were planted in the 19th century by the Earl de Grey when he owned the estate. Wrap up warm, take the dog, and enjoy the view.
POP THE QUESTION
Ladies of Yorkshire, your time has come again. On February 29, you can to propose to your significant other. Outdated claptrap? Maybe… but if you feel inclined to put a ring on it, where’s the best place? Yorkshire is full of options, from a windswept walk on the Moors to afternoon tea at Bettys. Or why not get the penguins at The Deep in Hull to give you a helping hand?
RHUBARB, RHUBARB
A new year in Yorkshire heralds the arrival of a very special season for the foodies among us… forced rhubarb with its own festival in Wakefield in February. Back in 2010, our very own Rhubarb Triangle in West Yorkshire was awarded Protected Designation of Origin status. Thinner and sweeter than the unforced variety, you can’t go wrong with baking it into a good old-fashioned rhubarb crumble served with custard.
POETIC JUSTICE
The magnificent Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, is hosting a special event in early February, which should appeal to the creative writers out there. To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, historian Kit Heyam will be leading a workshop, where you can learn more about the queer history of the abbey, including the 12th-century monk Aelred of Rievaulx, who wrote about love and friendship bet ween men. You’ll then have a go at creating some blackout poetry (removing words from an original text to create something new). It takes place on Monday February 5, includes refreshments, and is open to English Heritage members only.
Visit english-heritage.org.uk to find out how to join and book.
RECREATE THE OLYMPICS
It will be a summer of sport (when isn’t it?) as the Olympics go to Paris in July. So why not get into the spirit by trying one of the newer Olympic disciplines a little closer to home? Everything from climbing to canoeing is on the roster now, and Yorkshire is the perfect place to try something adventurous, with stunning views to boot. River and Dale Adventures has ev
