Rained on and off last night, the sun is trying to shine through the grey clouds there is tinges of blue sky don’t know how long that will last but here’s hoping for a sunny day we need it at the moment to lift our spirits up the constant rain and being couped up in a small motorhome with only a radio to listen too is not good for one’s body and soul.

The morning is looking good so far walking to the main centre of Knaresborough a picturesque old market town spilling down the river bank and towering above the River Nidd is the iconic viaduct and the ruins of the Knaresborough Castle.

Had a lovely relaxing time wondering through the small lanes, the Market Place looking at all the gorgeous old building sitting by the bronze statue of Blind Jack Metcalf (1717-1810). Even though he lost his sight at the age of six he went on to become a civil engineer and was the first professional road builder to emerge during the Industrial Revolution, he built about 180 miles of turnpike road mainly in the north of England.

Found our way to the 900 year old royal medieval Knaresborough Castle only small ruins left now, was once a mighty stronghold of medieval kings is located in a stunning cliff-top location with beautiful gardens towering over the River Nidd with a magnificent view of the Viaduct, moored boats in the river and town. The entry was closed off but the castle has a dungeon, a hidden tunnel and a Tudor Courtroom to explore.

Close to the Knaresborough Castle is the gorgeous small Bebra Gardens on a steep sloop with meandering pathways leading through mature trees, conifers and beautifully maintained shrub beds. The surprise at the bottom of the garden was a paddling pool.

Not missing the opportunity of a lovely day we ventured down the cobbled paths and the steep stone staircases leading down to the riverside where you can hire boats, enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes, pubs or check out the array of shops. So peaceful standing under the mighty viaduct watching people rowing on the River Nidd and other strolling along on the other side of the river.

The clouds started looking a bit threatening and we decided not to walk to Mother Shipton’s Cave where 500 years ago a famous prophetess lived. Missed seeing her cave and the unique geological phenomenon of the Petrifying Well at the UK’s oldest attraction.

Time for a relaxing coffee before listening to the Town Crier in the Market Place, then it is time to find an ASDA store nearby and a caravan site which started to prove to be difficult even with Edna’s help. Drove to a Caravan & Motorhome site close by only to find ii being rebuilt, phone a few other sites but being school holidays everywhere is booked. Luckily one site gave details of a large site near them and we were lucky to get the last expensive powered pitch for one night.

The Rudding Holiday Park site is in beautiful settings and is part of a large complex surrounded by an 18 hole Hawtree Golf Course, holiday homes and lodges, plus luxury lakeside lodges, a hotel with accommodation and the site has its own Deer House Pub with swimming pool for the kids. Guess where our pitch is, right by the kids play area and just down from the Deer House Pub.

Well we didn’t have to put the radio on, a band was playing good old rock music we could dance to while having dinner and thankfully they stopped early (I think because it is a family site and the kids need to get to bed), but the lady three pitches down has a karaoke machine and is tone deaf singing out of tune. This is the first site we have come across where the people are not friendly, just families on summer vacation not retired folks travelling the countryside.