Latest news with #AllCreaturesGreatandSmall
Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
I grew up in Yorkshire — here's my insider's guide to a weekend in the Dales
Growing up in Yorkshire, I was never far from wide open space. My childhood was filled with spontaneous camping trips, bunk barns with family and friends, and a huge focus on the outdoors. And while Yorkshire is the UK's biggest county, meaning seaside spots like Whitby and ancient cities like York were essentially on my doorstep, it was always the Dales that had my heart. It still does. There's nothing better than a hike through the countryside, crossing limestone ravines and waterfalls, before stopping at a country pub for some well-earned grub. So, while the UK enjoys a spell of sunny weather – and as new research reveals 8 in 10 Brits are opting for a staycation in 2025 – there's never been a better time to explore one of Britain's most beautiful National Parks. Your first stop should be Skipton, also known as the 'Gateway to the Dales.' Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Located just south of the National Park, it's the closest and largest market town to most of the Dales. This makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the scenery and attractions that await. Back in 2008, Skipton was named the best high street in Britain by the Academy of Urbanism. Thanks to its community spirit, quiet charm, independent retailers and lack of modern development, its cobbled high street scored higher than London's Portobello Road. Perhaps Skipton's biggest attraction is its castle that sits at the top of the high street. It's one of the best preserved medieval castles in England, built in 1090. During the Civil War, it even withstood a three-year siege. For £12.40 (or cheaper if you book online), step back in time and explore almost every inch of the estate. From the banqueting hall, kitchen, bedchamber and privy, you can also climb from the depths of the dungeon to the watch tower. Finally, before heading deeper into the Yorkshire Dales, grab a bite to eat at the Cock & Bottle, a traditional pub with a stone fireplace and wood-beamed ceiling. Everything on their menu is made in-house from locally sourced suppliers. Seriously, even the crisps are made in Yorkshire. As Skipton is the 'Gateway to the Dales,' it only makes sense that I direct you this way to begin with. If you're driving from London, the journey will take just under 5 hours. For those taking the train, the journey time is a little less, averaging between 3 hours and 3 hours and 45 minutes. Prices also vary depending on how far in advance you book. But roughly, for a one-way ticket with a change at Leeds, expect to pay between £36 and £55. Whether you're planning on wild camping or staying in a local pub, I've selected my six favourite spots in the Yorkshire Dales. All offer the most magnificent views and epic hiking trails, not to mention a slew of natural hidden gems. First up is Grassington. TV lovers may recognise it as the fictional market town of Darrowby in the Channel 5 show, All Creatures Great and Small. Offering a taste of rural England and a charming village feel, there's scenic countryside from every angle. The village is home to a bustling market square, where you'll find cafes, pubs, and independent shops. Cobbled streets and stone cottages make up the architecture, while regular events like antique and vintage fairs, plus the Dickensian Festival, liven up the sleepy town. The latter celebrates the Victorian era, particularly as depicted in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. It takes place on the first three Saturdays in December, and the village transforms into a Victorian marketplace complete with traditional food and drink, crafts, era reenactors, Christmas carolers, and brass bands. During spring and summer, make the most of the warmer weather by walking or cycling through the surrounding landscape. Popular trails include the Dales Way along the River Wharfe, Grass Wood, and the lead mining remains on Grassington Moor. Next up is Bolton Abbey, a scenic old ruin on the banks of the River Wharfe. Owned and run by the Cavendish family, aka the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Bolton Abbey dates back to 1154, when it was founded by Augustinian canons. The abbey took around a century to complete, and at the time, it was one of the largest monasteries in England. Now, it's open to the public, where you can marvel at the ruins, cross the famous stepping stones on the river, and explore the 33,000 acres of countryside. Entry to Bolton Abbey, the Priory Ruins, and the wider estate is free. But, parking costs £15. Don't fancy paying a parking fee? Don't worry, as street parking outside the estate is completely free. However, most locals are aware of this, so it's worth getting down there early to secure a spot. If not, you could be driving around for ages, or potentially end up parking a lot further away than you'd like. Once you've done the rounds, grab a bite to eat at the Devonshire Arms Hotel located on the estate. Or, immerse yourself in nature with a picnic hamper. For £39.50, enjoy an afternoon tea courtesy of the Abbey's garden kitchen. For £49.50, upgrade to a champagne version. Choose one sandwich, a salad, and a dessert from their menu. Granted, it is a little pricey. So if you still fancy lunch with a view – without being as boujie – I'd recommend packing your own picnic. On a bend on the River Wharfe, surrounded by a breathtaking circle of fells, you'll find Burnsall. Just two miles southeast of Grassington, many people hike between each village. It's considered a moderate to challenging route, and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Looking for something less expensive? Head to the iconic village of Appletreewick, where camping is the go-to accommodation style. Masons campsite on the banks of the River Wharfe is open between March and early November, and offers pitches suitable for caravans, tents, campervans and motorhomes. The main field has electric hook-up available on every pitch. Camping starts from £34 per night. The campsite has its own on-site rustic kitchen, serving barista coffee from Huddersfield-based roasters, Dark Woods. Fresh sourdough pizzas, croissants, baguettes and homemade cakes are also up for grabs. If you're looking for a wholesome experience, the Appletreewick Village Hall is home to a yearly comedy festival hosted by local farmers. Residents and guests bring picnics and drinks, and providing the weather's nice, the festivities expand into the fields on either side. Once you reach Burnsall, make a pit stop at the Red Lion Hotel on the picture-postcard bridge overlooking the river. The bar serves award-winning ale, while the restaurant showcases local producers. Or, if you fancy, book into a room overnight. There's a choice between cosy Pub Rooms, spacious Holiday Cottages, and even boutique Manor House Rooms. When you sign up for the pub's newsletter, you get 10% off your first stay. The Pub Rooms cost around £125 per night. Pateley Bridge is next. Since 1994, it's been an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And the best way to enjoy the landscape? By hiking. The village is the start and finish point on the Nidderdale Way, a 53-mile circular route that loops around the picturesque Nidd Valley. Other popular routes that take you through woodland and moorland include the Pateley Bridge Circular via Brimham Rocks and the Pateley Bridge Heritage Trails. Don't fancy such a huge trek? There are plenty of short riverside strolls to enjoy, too. Last but not least, and my favourite Yorkshire Dales location of all, is the chocolate-box village of Malham. The walk around Malham Cove, a 70-metre-high white limestone cliff, is a natural wonder. The landscape is so dramatic that the Cove was featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Gordale Scar is also a standout location: two waterfalls with overhanging limestone cliffs sit at over 330 feet high. More Trending Many thrill seekers take on the rocky scramble to the top of the cliff beside the waterfall. But be careful, it's a challenging route that's only suitable for experienced climbers. Finally, Janet's Foss is the perfect hidden gem spot for a wild summer swim. The waterfall is concealed in a secluded wooden dell that glows green in the sunshine, while the turquoise waters of the plunge pool beneath are still and inviting. Legend has it, Janet's Foss was the home of Janet, the Queen of the Fairies. Old Norse folklore says she resided in a cave behind the waterfall. You can actually camp right next to Gordale Scar on the adjacent farmland. The Gordale Scar Campsite is run by two old farmers and has space for 60 pitches. Prices start from as little as £4 per night. Of course, this affordability means the amenities are basic: there's only one toilet, and you have to collect and boil your water from the nearby stream, or stock up from the local village pubs. But, if the simple life appeals to you, you won't find a better place to wake up. MORE: 'Jealous' husband guilty of murdering wife while she pushed their baby in a pram MORE: New £40 train spanning 745 miles across five European countries launches today MORE: 'Delightful' fishing village voted one of the UK's best spots for a seaside holiday
Scotsman
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
TV Adaptation of Wax Fruit adds Nicholas Ralph to all-star cast
All Creatures Great and Small star Nicholas Ralph has joined the cast attached to Wax Fruit, a multi-episodic prestige drama based on Guy McCrone's internationally best-selling trilogy. The series is currently in development, led by Showrunner and Executive Producer Sarah Purser. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Set between the Gaelic-speaking Highlands and the gritty streets of Victorian Glasgow, Wax Fruit follows the explosive rise of the Moorhouse family, who leave rural poverty behind to climb into the ranks of the city's powerful merchant elite — at a time when Glasgow was one of the most glamorous and powerful cities in the world. The novels sold over a million copies, were translated into five languages, and were originally selected as a New York Times Book of the Month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Now being adapted for screen, the show blends sweeping, character-driven period drama with a sharp, modern edge — think Succession meets Bridgerton in tartan. Molly Windsor & Martin Compston Nicholas Ralph (35), best known for his lead role in Channel 5 and PBS Masterpiece television series All Creatures Great and Small, joins a multi-award-winning cast attached to the project, including Martin Compston, Ashley Jensen, Shirley Henderson, Molly Windsor, Elaine C. Smith, Kenny Doughty, Bill Paterson, Juliet Cadzow and Forbes 30 Under 30 breakthrough star Frankie Corio. Ralph has also appeared in The Devil's Light and Outlander, and is known for his grounded, emotionally rich performances. He has been nominated in the Best Drama Performance category of the National Television Awards 2025 for his performance as James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small, along with fellow Wax Fruit cast members also nominated; Martin Compston for The Rig, Ashley Jensen for Shetland and Mitchell Robertson for Curfew. Ralph said: "Sarah's passion, energy and deep knowledge of the material and history was totally inspiring and with the incredible Scottish actors and creatives she had involved - some legends - I was already enamoured. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He added, "Then Sarah sent episode one. I devoured it - all the characters are so well drawn and unique but at the heart you have the big bold Moorhouse family. I love the world, the time period and these wonderful characters and I am so invested. Needless to say, I'm very excited to be joining the Wax Fruit gang." Sarah Purser Also joining is Emun Elliott, currently starring in season two of The Gold. The team behind Wax Fruit includes BAFTA winning and Oscar-nominated creatives in writing, direction, design and score, including Emmy-winning composer Tommy Reilly. The adaptation has a detailed five-season arc, with episode one already written and funded by Screen Scotland. A teaser has been filmed, and the production plan is ready. Showrunner and Executive Producer Sarah Purser added: 'We're over the moon that the brilliant Nicholas Ralph and wonderful Emun Elliott are joining the Wax Fruit team. We literally have the dream cast. The top tier talent that Wax Fruit is attracting is testament to the quality of the source material and the skill and calibre of our scriptwriting team. We are thrilled with the ongoing interest and excitement.' Following recent media interest, the original books have sold out. Library waitlists are months long and new editions of the novels will be published in August 2025.
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
All Creatures Great and Small urging adoption of three rats
Shaggy, Scooby, and Scrappy, currently under the care of All Creatures Great and Small, are looking for a new home together after being signed over by their previous owner due to old age. According to a spokesperson, the three rats have had little human interaction and may become stressed when facing new people and situations. As a result, it has been advised that they do not live with young children. As older rats, Shaggy, Scooby, and Scrappy do not have the usual high energy and prefer to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. All three of the 'gentle boys' have respiratory diseases known as Mycoplasma, which has added to their distress. According to vets, this can be caused by stress and may even flare up again when the rodents enter their new home. They are currently being given medical treatment by members of the animal shelter. Scrappy also has 'several lumps on his body' said a spokesperson for the animal home. The vet has said that these may be benign, but as they can't go under anaesthesia it is impossible to confirm. They are not causing him any pain but the shelter has advised that it is something to keep an eye on. For more information visit All Creatures Great and Small animal rescue or email the charity.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
We stayed in the home of Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small and felt like Helen and James
We stayed in the home of Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small and felt like Helen and James Grassington is in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and is also the star of the reboot of All Creatures Great and Small. It's a little slice of heaven Paul and Jackie Turner outside the Drovers Arms, also known as The Devonshire, in the town of Grassington Growing up, for me there was one TV theme tune that cried out Sunday night and back to school the next day more than most. All Creatures Great and Small was a staple of our family viewing in the 80s, even if that theme tune was a sad reminder that the weekend was all but done. The tale of a Yorkshire veterinary practice and the trials and tribulations of the vets and their families was required viewing in our house. Growing up in Yorkshire, we were surrounded by some very similar countryside to which vet James Herriot would take to in his car to help birth a calve or wrestle a pig, before returning to his loving wife Helen. James' grumpy boss Siegfried Farnon, Siegfried's cheeky younger brother Tristan, and the ever dependable housekeeper Mrs Hall were all household names in our home. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here But, growing up, my life path took me away from Yorkshire and eventually to Wales. When my parents also quit that part of the world, leaving just my older sister and her family still living there, my reasons for going oop north were somewhat lessened. I did so whenever I could, but with a family of my own to raise in Swansea, opportunities were rare. So I was as much excited as trepidatious when I heard Channel 5 were bringing back All Creatures Great and Small for a re-boot. Excited, as it would potentially be a deep wedge of nostalgia for the Yorkshire countryside and characters I grew to know and love, trepidatious because I feared Channel 5 would make a right pig's ear of it. Article continues below A scene from All Creatures Great and Small (Image: (Image: Channel 5) ) I hadn't watched much on Channel 5 at that point but my fear was that they would take all the warmth and fuzziness out of it and turn it into something more palatable for the perceived requirements of a modern audience with at least a thrill every 15 minutes to keep us from switching over to Squid Game instead. I feared cosy chats by the fire in Skeldale (the fictional home of Siegfried, James, Mrs Hall and co) would be replaced with drug use, unwanted pregnancies, affairs, and boy racers tearing up Darrowby high street. How wrong I was. If anything, Channel 5's rebirth is an improvement on the original. The new actors are spot on in bringing the characters back to life and Mrs Hall has been reborn as the lynchpin of the entire household and is always on hand with some jam or freshly bakes scones. There are no cheap thrills, just cosy storylines, glorious views of the Yorkshire Dales countryside, and plenty of warming cwtches around the open fire in Skeldale House with the two family dogs snuggled up in their basket. That's not to say it's somehow vacuous - there's plenty of historical references, with the Second World War brewing in the background then breaking out as the series progress, and its impact on a rural community, and storylines that tug at the heart strings. But there's also plenty of warm humour, but none of it contrived. It's the perfect show to cosy up on the sofa to and eat Victoria sponge. But it will soon have you longing to visit this beautiful part of the world, which is exactly what happened with me. I had been to Grassington previously on a number of occasions, all but one pre the rebirth of All Creatures. The town of Grassington (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) It's a market town in Wharfedale in North Yorkshire and is surrounded by glorious countryside with the River Wharfe running by. This is where the fictional Skeldale House is located in the new series, in the also made up town of Darrowby, and it features prominently - unsurprising really when you go there as the place has barely changed in centuries. Chamber End Fold, Grassington (Image: Steve Daniels / ) Enter the main square and you're faced with a cobbled central area, lined by a road and flagstoned pavements and typical traditional Yorkshire buildings made from an almost yellow-coloured stone. Inside are various shops selling crafts, homewares and clothes, but none of them flashy, all very in keeping with a historic market town. Paul and Jackie sit down to breakfast in the Stripey Badger Coffee Shop and Kitchen in Grassington There are also fabulous cafes, a great independent bookshop and, of course, the Drovers Arms, also known as The Devonshire Arms. It's the Drovers in the TV series and home to many a scene of celebration and occasional drunkenness, and if you go at the right time you might see the Drovers sign hanging above its door, ready for filming, and decide to pop in for a pint. Many of the properties in Grassington are quickly transformed for filming with new window displays to reflect the time, which are then quickly taken out for the buildings to return to their normal lives. War time posters on the side of a building in Grassington - ready for filming There are also old wartime posters on some of the walls, presumably left there for convenience sake, making you feel as if you are actually in Darrowby, and likely to bump into Siegfried or Mrs Hall any moment. We stayed in the Black Horse Hotel for our visit - a dog-friendly establishment which meant our cocker spaniel Florence could join us on the trip. The 17th century coaching inn also has a great restaurant serving up al la carte and traditional dishes. Traditional fish and chips with mushy peas at the Black Horse Hotel (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) Just yards from the central square, it's ideally located for an evening stroll around the town's cobbled streets, after the tourists have mostly gone home for the day, making you feel like James and Helen, heading out to stretch their legs and maybe pop into the Drovers to see a few friends and try to get Tristan to buy the drinks for a change. By day, once you have had a coffee and a cake in the Stripey Badger Coffee Shop and Kitchen, and perhaps browsed some of the staff recommendations in the bookshop next door. or taken in the delights of the Cobblestones Cafe (my late grandparents' favourite cafe in the world - so it has a special place in my heart), there is so much to see in the surrounding area. Glorious open moorland on the Dales Way (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) We took a stroll north of Grassington on the Dales Way. Within moments we found ourselves in greener than green fields with white stone walls, making our way over stiles until we reached the wilds of Grassington Moor where all that surrounded us was open countryside. Our path took us to the top of a steep-sided valley and a walk through an ever narrowing gorge and into the charming village of Conistone, a typical scene from All Creatures if ever there was one with its large green, and gorgeous cottages. Jackie with a view down a gorge (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) From there we headed south along a minor road with barely a car to be seen, around the edge of Grass Wood and then off the track and onto a wider green path following the snaking river Wharfe and eventually back to Grassington. If you're a fan of All Creatures Great and Small, the original, the reboot or both, then Grassington should most definitely be on your list of places to visit. Seems appropriate to end with a picture of a happy dog in the beautiful Dales countryside While real-life vet James Alfred Wright, pen name James Herriot, was located in Thirsk, which is located north east of Grassington, the landscapes around Grassington are just as much the epitome of the world he wrote about, and now, of course, the home of the new TV series based on his books. Wandering around the town and the Dales that surround it, it was easy to imagine ourselves as James and Helen, going about their day-to-day lives, thankful for every day of living in such a beautiful place. Article continues below It's a little slice of heaven... with cakes supplied by Mrs Hall.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Emmerdale actor leaves fans in 'bits' as he breaks down at Soap Awards
Fans watching the British Soap Awards on TV spotted the emotional moment. Emmerdale fans were left emotional whilst watching the British Soap Awards as long-time cast member Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle, broke down in tears during a powerful tribute. The glittering took place at London's Hackney Empire on Saturday (May 31) but aired on TV on Thursday night. On the evening a Memorial section was included in the ceremony to honour late soap icons who are sadly no longer with us. Among the stars who were remembered were Meg Johnson, Kenneth Cope, Anita Carey, and finally Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle, writes The Mirror. Steve, who passed away in December 2023 at the age of 77, played the much-loved patriarch of the Dingle family for almost thirty years. The star first appeared in the ITV soap in 1994, and then went on to be featured in more than 2,400 episodes of Emmerdale. His tribute featured a moving montage of his work, which was accompanied by a live piano instrumental. As Halliwell's final clip played, cameras panned to Jeff Hordley, who plays Zak's son in the soap. The actor was visibly emotional and looked as if he was wiping away tears from his eyes, which prompted a heartfelt reaction from fans on social media. One viewer wrote: "Aww, you could see at the end there seeing Steve affected Jeff." Another affected fan added: "Broke me that Steve Halliwell with Jeff Hordley." Steve Halliwell passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement released by his family in 2023. They said: "He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for." ITV also released a touching tribute at the time, saying: "Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him." Aside from Emmerdale, Halliwell also appeared in popular shows including Coronation Street, Heartbeat, All Creatures Great and Small, and Cracker. However, it was his portrayal of farmer Zak Dingle that he is primarily remembered for. He previously opened up about his family's financial hardships during his childhood, admitting that his mum couldn't even afford to buy him a bacon sandwich. Steve shared: "When I first went on this walk there was a small café in the woods known as Nab's Wife (a corruption of the area originally known as Nab's Wharfe), where you could get a refreshing cup of tea and a Mars bar. You could also get a bacon butty, but we never had enough money for such 'luxuries'. On one occasion I persuaded mum to give Clive and me enough money for a bacon butty each, but when we got to the café it was all boarded up and, sadly, never reopened." He was homeless and even imprisoned for "wandering" under the Vagrancy Act early on in his adult life before he went on to find solace in acting and made a name for himself as the formidable head of the Dingle family. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
