As the nights draw in and the chill of winter begins to bite, excitement builds for the cosy celebrations and winter merriment.
The charming Georgian market town of Bedale in North Yorkshire is gearing up to embrace the frosty season with an awe-inspiring Bonfire Night extravaganza.
The much-anticipated fireworks and bonfire are set to make a dazzling return at Bedale Park, with the historic Bedale Hall, a Grade-I listed building dating from the 17th century, providing a stunning historical backdrop.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 2, attendees can look forward to a spectacular display choreographed to music, alongside a variety of food stalls and treats on offer.
Bedale Hall, now a majestic Palladian mansion, occupies grounds that once neighboured a medieval castle, though no remnants of the fortress survive today, reports MyLondon.
Henry Peirse, an ancestor of the prominent Peirse family from Lazenby and Hutton Bonville, converted the original manor into the grand residence seen today after his “Grand Tour” in 1730, significantly enlarging the estate.
During World War II, the hall was commandeered by the War Department and served as army barracks for several years.
Moreover, Bedale boasts one of the region’s finest Sunday roasts.
The Millbank Arms has garnered acclaim on Tripadvisor for its exceptional pub fare, earning a flawless five-star rating on the platform.
One previous diner raved: “Sunday Lunch – absolutely delicious plenty of piping hot veg roast potatoes and extra Yorkshire pudding – fabulous Sunday roast – with lovely glass of red wine.”
Another reviewer enthused: “Plenty of top notch Sunday roast left us too full for dessert.”
A third patron commented: “We decided to book a table in the restaurant for Sunday lunch , this too was amazing and there was a very wide choice of roasts and other options, I had the garlic king prawns and my husband had the mushrooms, followed by roast chicken and my husband had a curry.”
The menu also features dishes such as Breaded Whitby scampi, Grilled Cajun chicken sandwich, and Gammon steak with a fried egg.
No visit to Bedale would be complete without a trip to Thorp Perrow, a picturesque country estate nestled in 100 acres of woodland gardens.
Established by the Ropner family, Thorp Perrow is home to its own Arboretum, which was once the ‘secret garden’ of its former owner, Sir Leonard Ropner.
As the seasons change, the estate transforms, with snowdrops and crocuses carpeting the woodland floor in early spring, giving way to vibrant hydrangeas in the summer.
For a fun-filled family outing, head to the Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm, where you can indulge in cuddling adorable animals to your heart’s content.
To delve deeper into Bedale’s rich history, embark on the town’s heritage trail, which will guide you through the church and castle.
Near the river, you’ll discover The Leech House, a historical site believed to have been utilised by a local apothecary for storing leeches – yes, leeches – employed in bloodletting procedures on patients.
St Gregory’s Church houses a captivating painting of St George vanquishing the dragon, along with a stone marker from the Viking Age signifying a grave.
During the tumultuous Civil War period, Puritans wreaked havoc on the church and its Catholic relics, primarily targeting the statues.
When hunger strikes, Bedale offers an array of dining establishments to satisfy your cravings.
For traditional pub fare, The Old Black Swan dishes up enormous Yorkshire puddings accompanied by either the roast of the day with all the trimmings, a trio of sausages and mash, homemade savoury mince, veggie curry, or homemade chilli con carne.
Bedale serves as the ideal pit stop if you’re seeking a small diversion on your journey to the Dales.