Out of Town

Yesterday morning I was out doing the usual thing with J, our early morning walk in the semi darkness. Although I'm generally happy enough pottering through my same old daily routine, yesterday I realised that I've not actually been out of town since I went to Dorset at the end of October, so it's been two weeks without a change of scene. We've not even driven into the countryside to walk, so all my photos from the past fortnight have been local walks and the same old views, and I suddenly felt a really strong urge to escape from it all. 

So I did!

On a whim I hopped onto the 10:25 train to the city, and it felt absolutely marvellous, I was so happy to just be in motion and to be somewhere with a totally different atmosphere. I had a few things which I wanted to look for (new bedding and towels) and a few things which I needed to buy (something to wear for a fairly posh weekend ahead) but other than that, all I really wanted to do was wander around the streets and shops and soak up the city vibe.

As you can see, the shopping arcades were already in full-on Christmas mode which caught me by surprise as I don't generally begin to think about Christmas until December.

I love this arcade which is a relatively new build and houses some lovely shops including John Lewis which is one of my favourite department stores to browse in. This flooring though, it gets me every time - it's sooooooooo shiny!! It has a very reflective surface and combined with the zigzags it makes me feel all off kilter and wobbly, it's the strangest sensation.

Anyhow, John Lewis was dreamy and I spent ages riding up and down the escalators and ummming and aaahhhhing over the household textiles, like you do. I didn't end up buying anything because I didn't want to have to carry it, but it was good to see and feel and make notes for a future online shop.

Leeds has some really stunning architecture which includes these historic shopping arcades, and I absolutely love them. They are so beautiful and atmospheric....

....I mean, just look how glamorous it all is!! You can read more about them ((here)), they really are quite special.

My shopping trip was a success, and I did manage to find something to wear for the weekend which I was relieved about. I'm not a great shopper and really don't enjoy trying things on or making decisions about outfits so I very rarely do it. I have a very small wardrobe and wear the same clothes over and over and over, for years, until they fall apart or look far too unkempt to be acceptable. So yeah, job done, and I'm even a teensy bit excited to wear my new dress on Saturday.

I loved being in the city for a short while and wandering around just immersing myself in the commercial world for half a day gave me a real energy buzz.

Today I was also out of town, and the contrast with yesterday really did make an impression when I looked at my photos this evening.

My good friend who I meet with every week for coffee is off work this week on holiday, so of course I offered up my services as Outing Companion and agreed to go anywhere that took her fancy. I admit I did quietly suggest that the seaside is wonderful at this time of year, but she obviously didn't get the hint and instead she suggested we drive ten miles out into the Yorkshire Dales to the picturesque village of Burnsall. 

We both know this riverside walk very well, and I've pootled along here countless times over the years with the family. It's beautiful in all weathers and seasons but is especially lovely in Autumn.

It's an easy, scenic walk and we had a very specific midway destination in mind....

....leaving the river behind and following the footpath through fields, we arrived.....

....at one of my favourite little watering holes. Doesn't it look welcoming? This is the Old School Tearoom and somewhere I am very fond of when I'm in need of a bit of brunch and a really good coffee.

On this quiet, misty grey Thursday morning in November, the café was quiet when we arrived which allowed us to nab the very coveted window seat. Oh, happy, happy day!! As you can see, the view out of the window is absolutely beautiful....

.....with the café's free range chickens wandering around on the grass below. It really is an idyllic spot to sit and rest for a while in the cosy warmth while waiting for food and drinks to come to the table.

We stayed in the café eating, drinking and chatting for almost two hours, long enough for the mist to eventually lift and the sun to make an appearance. Doesn't it look gorgeous out there? Anyhow, aside from the scenery and greenery, I know that what you're really interested in is my coffee of the day, so here you go, I photographed it especially for you......

.....ta-dah!!!! It's a beauty!! This was actually my second cup of the day, uh-huh, I did splash out and have two, sometimes one just isn't quite enough. Do you want to see my brunch too? I thought you might......

.....now doesn't that look like it would really hit the spot? It was scrumptious, it really was.

It was early afternoon by the time we started to make our way back across the fields.... 

.....and the sun made such a difference to the colours of the landscape, it was really beautiful.

The river Wharfe is quite wide and fast flowing along this stretch but there are spots close to the riverbank which are more shallow and still. 

I kept thinking about my day in the city yesterday, and how today couldn't have been more different. It was extremely tranquil, not an inkling of hustle or bustle to be found along the riverbank.

I read somewhere that the village of Burnsall (in particular this old stone bridge) is one of the most photographed villages in the Yorkshire Dales. I've no idea if this is true, but it certainly is very photogenic.

It was built in 1609, over four hundred years ago. Amazing history right there.

Well it's been lovely catching you up with my comings and goings, I've had a really happy few days doing different things and I do feel that it's done me good. This weekend promises to bring even more out-of-routine delights, because I'm off with Little Lady to look round another city University, and this time we've booked a hotel stay to make a weekend of it. I'm really excited actually, me and my new dress are ready for some city adventures. Bring it on!

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Comments

[Carol Fieldhouse]

Wow Lucy, I missed this post! Just a few weeks ago we took ourselves to the Clarendon pub in Hebden- just around the corner from the Old Village School tea shop in Hebden! Maybe you were hanging out there as we walked past…..We walked across the hill to Grassington and back along the river, so your ohotos looked soooooo familiar to me!
You’re right, it’s wonderful up there!

[Esther]

Oh my oh my, not only am I dribbling after looking at your brunch but the photos of your walk are gorgeous and it is definitely on my places to visit list! Thanks. Enjoy your weekend, precious times. XX

[Cathy]

Lucy, did you see A House Through Time, series 4? It was a house in Headingly. One of the occupants was a builder who built lots of civic buildings in Leeds, including the shopping arcade. It's on the BBC iPlayer if you'd like to see it. I think it's either episode 1 or 2 - they're all interesting!

[Charlotte Pountney]

Your gorgeous riverside walk (and the special cafe) looks wonderful - thanks for transporting me there!

[Carole]

Always enjoy your photos...and again my feeling's of loving Yorkshire come flooding back. I was born on London but emigrated when nearly 18 to Australia. Having watched and read so many james Herriots Yorkshire on trips back home this county has drawn me like bees to honey. It's a beautiful county. Thank you so much for your photos and often with history surrounding these areas. Greetings from Tasmania.

[Gill Swan]

I used to regularly go shopping in Leeds (used to live near Wakefield) and especially loved the arcades. They look fantastic after years of neglect but I was so disappointed when I saw photos of the updated Market Street arcade - that used to be mine and my friends' favourite back in late 80s/early 90's - full of the funkiest of shops! I also used to love the old market house, too, especially in the lead up to Christmas - such a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your photos.

[Winwick Mum]

Fab days out! It's lovely to have the contrast, isn't it, and it looks like you picked a time to get to Leeds when it wasn't too manic ... those times will be few and far between in the weeks ahead, I'm sure! :) xx

[Jacqui]

Beautiful post and pics love that bridge !
Have a fun wknd with LL hope her iron is makeing her feel better.

[Kate Buckley]

Hope Little Lady takes some photos of you in your posh frock for us!

[Carole C]

Years ago we lived in North Yorkshire ,just outside of York and my husband worked in Leeds , so I would make the occasional trip there . I was in awe of those shopping arcades - such incredible architecture.
Gorgeous pics from your visit to Burnsall - the light can be so wonderful at this time of year ,but I do love to see all the autumnal colours against a dark grey sky too .
What a stunning view from the café window.
Have a lovely weekend Lucy and enjoy wearing that new dress ! xxx

[Tineke]

I love the contrast of the pictures, Lucy. Couldn't indeed be more different. Love the "watering hole" which made me laugh out loud. I am born a beach girl that studied, lived and worked in the city for a long time. I thought the kids better in the countryside, studying for them would be a big city so they would learn to know both this way. And without noticing I turned into a country girl. Always happy when I cross the three rivers to my town after some time in the city. I admire you for taking that train by yourself and going. I hope Little Lady will have a lovely weekend with you.

[Gill Compigne-Leaney]

Aah, lovely Leeds. I have only ventured there twice since Covid and not for long. The Victorian Quatre has always drawn me, the arcades are wonderful especially when the Mecca was there. I loved your views of the Dales and wish I could get there easier than by train. Gorgeous photos as ever, thank you.

[CJ]

Gorgeous photos of the countryside, such a beautiful spot. And the view from the cafe is amazing. I hope the uni visit goes well. CJ xx

[Paula]

Is this Heaven ? It's more beautiful than a dream.

[Rachell]

We watched The Hairy Bikers in West Yorkshire last night. They went to a farm (Hespers?) near Skipton and chatter to lots of people doing good foodie things and starting new businesses in the area. It was a really lovely program if you fancy watching it on catch up on the iPlayer.

[Barbara]

A perfect contrast of days. Love those shopping arcades especially the old one. Leeds is on my list one of these days. As for brunch, that’s made me feel very hungry lol! B x

[Christine Whiting]

Lovely place to shop! when you feel the need to window shop, and I agree about having to carry shopping home.x

[Susan]

This post tugged at my heartstrings and after a quiet month of not being able to blog or read blogs, this was so lovely and brought back memories of Leeds and the north, which I so want to be able to visit again. I'll be doing some catchup reading too, but thank you so much for the lovely pics. Take care & hugs.

[Marylin Ollivier]

Hi Lucy, Gorgeous photos, especially the countryside. Makes me want to get to my paint and brushes and paint a scene. Lovely and tranquil...nothing that suggests this chaotic world we find ourselves in these days. Thank you so much for the serenity. Hugs, MO

[Silvia Liliana Friera]

So beautiful photos!! Both the city and the nature make me want to jump on a plane and visit you and your amazing country!! ❤️❤️❤️

[Ruthie]

Quite a contrast as you say, but both very lovely days. Leeds looks beautiful. We have shopping arcades in Bournemouth, and they are beautiful. But the floor in the modern one! It made me feel slightly nauseous just to look at a picture of it. It must be really bad for people with dementia, who sometimes have poor perception., also for people who get migraines. or those with balance problems…badly thought out, designers.

[Susie D'Amico]

We are looking for a lovely place to live as the western U.S. is burning up in smoke. Wish we could relocate there. Beautiful and thanks for the the mental get away.

[Maypole]

Clothes shopping? Only when absolutely necessary. Lovely pictures, as ever.

[Helen Elsom]

Ah, the Old School House Tea Rooms! We visited here several times on our last holiday while staying in lovely Grassington, on the recommendation of a lovely local lady. Martin ( the host) was very friendly and took time to come and chat on each visit when we told him we were visiting from Aus. You live in such a lovely part of the world.

[Ruth]

Oh my, I totally enjoyed looking at your photos of shopping in the city. The Christmas decorations are elegant. I just sighed when I finished admiring the photos; I want a trip to the UK again! Thanks for sharing your lovely photos!!