Anyone on here a member? Signed up last year as worked out cheaper for the years membership and free parking, than parking for the weekend in the lakes. But not really used it for anything I haven't done before.

Looking for some ideas from the book for Bank Holiday Sunday / Monday. Weather looks reasonable on Sunday so thinking one of their walks at Formby as never been.

Failing that open to suggestions anywhere 2.5 hours or less of a drive from Burnley.

Cheers in advance.

Speke Hall, Dunham Massey or if you want to go further afield Chirk Castle or Erdigg (both near Wrexham) are nice as well.

Did I miss the announcement for the shittest thread ever competition?

Don't forget Gawthorpe Hall.

martin_p wrote:Speke Hall, Dunham Massey or if you want to go further afield Chirk Castle or Erdigg (both near Wrexham) are nice as well.

Weirdly enough looked at chirk castle. If it rains might be a better bet.

nil_desperandum wrote:Don't forget Gawthorpe Hall.

Not the same now we cant watch training

bedfords wrote:Did I miss the announcement for the shittest thread ever competition?

No.....you just missed the point.

We also joined last year. We made excellent use wherever we went frequently calling in somewhere for a pit stop to break up a longer journey. Speke Hall is a good shout for the north west. But if you’re lucky with the weather Formby is worth a visit. The red squirrels should be about. I’m ashamed to say it’s taken all these years and retirement to make our first visit to Gawthorpe Hall. Again, well worth a visit.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal then up to Brimham Rocks.

bedfords wrote:Did I miss the announcement for the shittest thread ever competition?

Eh?

Been a member for years and always manage to find somewhere new on our visits to the UK. Really liked Formby although whether you see any red squirrels depends on how busy the trail is. When we went, there was a school party there and with all the noise, the squirrels had long gone.
Plenty of places within a couple of hours drive from Burnley...Dunham Massey, Tatton Park and Quarry Bank Mill are all worth visiting. Depends what interests you but Bodnant Garden in North Wales is a favourite place of ours. Many places in the Lakes - Tarn Hows is a good walk. Everywhere will be busy but it's still possible to have a good relaxing day.

Beningborough Hall on the way to York and while you’re there the Treasurers House at the back of Yorkminster.
NT is pretty good value.

Queues to get into Formby National Trust carpark where understandably massive on Sunday, our friends arrived 30 mins before us and were still in the queue. We parked in the residential area (permitted until the 1st April) and walked in at the same time.

Beach was beautiful, although there is an isssue with something that can affect dogs washing up- we had two and never saw it.
Walked south for a few miles and back via the dunes and woods. Lack of food/drink places was our observation.

Plenty of red squirrels on show, very tame and comfortable but I had to walk out as it was too much for our spaniel

We’ve been members for years. Great days out with some fantastic places to visit.

Lyme Park near Stockport is a very good one. Beware though NT’s get very busy on Bank Holidays!

We’re going to Waddesdon Manor and Chilterns Countryside tomorrow and Saturday and then Dunham Massey next Friday on our way up to Burnley.

Fountains Abbey is a must see.

Get an English Heritage membership as well and pretty much every amazing place in the country becomes free.

We joined a few years ago when we visited Cragside in Northumberland, a fascinating place and great day out.
Fountains Abbey is local to me, excellent day out, especially in good weather. The walk around the gardens just as good as the Abbey itself.
Little Moreton Hall near Leek is an old Tudor Mansion, we enjoyed that, but not sure how far that is for you.

Quarry Bank near Manchester Airport was good - but I think it's closed till the summer.

The NT annual membership is one of the best bargains you'll find.

You despair at the bedfords of this world.

Hardcastle Craggs!

john'sroseyspecs wrote:Hardcastle Craggs!

Going tomorrow

Quarry Bank Mill is open and a must for all ages.

"Beach was beautiful, although there is an isssue with something that can affect dogs washing up- we had two and never saw it.
Walked south for a few miles and back via the dunes and woods. Lack of food/drink places was our observation."

You've got dogs that can wash up ? Brilliant, where do you get them from ?

I've got a cat that can hoover.

Falcon wrote:I've got a cat that can hoover.

Looks like you're as daft as I am.

Another shout for Fountains Abbey, I'd say it's the best NT visit I've done within a 2 hour drive.

Brimham rocks is good but the car park will be mega busy bank holiday if it's not raining. Hardcastle crags is also a nice walk when it's fine. I wasn't too impressed with Dunham Massey although the kids enjoyed being so close to the deer roaming the gardens

Lyme Park is brilliant if it's a nice day, so much grounds to walk through.

Quarry Bank Mill is better if it's bad weather, mostly indoors and thoroughly fascinating.

bedfords wrote:Did I miss the announcement for the shittest thread ever competition?

You might have missed that announcement but you were certainly on the ball when the announcement for the most pointless post competition was made.

Lancasterclaret wrote:Fountains Abbey is a must see.

Get an English Heritage membership as well and pretty much every amazing place in the country becomes free.

will have to have a look at that one LC!

Tatton Park just outside Knutsford is nice, wildlife galore and fabulous hall and gardens. Depending on the wind direction you can get some Manchester Airport traffic flying over. Last year an A380 took off and fly over low, that was a sight to behold!
Little Moreton Hall is just down the road from me outside of Congleton. It won't be great at this time of year (Not worth the hour or so drive from Burnley) but will be nicer towards May.

Been up Penyghent today, only the other side of Settle

We've got family membership coz within a few miles of us here in Stockport we have Lyme Park, Quarry Bank, Hare Hill, walks on Alderley Edge (the hill not the wags village), Dunham Massey & the Peak District . Of course if you Burnley based Gawthorpe Hall is NT, Riddlesden Hall at Keighley worth a visit. As others have said Speke Hall, Rufford and Formby Beach. One thing I would say is every few years cancel your membership then set it up again to get new member gifts.

We've recently alternated English Heritage and National Trust.

They both offer something on days out, but there's not a massive amount in this area. English Heritage is excellent in and around York(shire), with Cliffords Tower, Whitby Abbey, Scarborough castle, Helmsley castle, Rievaulx Abbey off the top of my head.

Thanks all

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Weirdly enough looked at chirk castle. If it rains might be a better bet.

Chirk Castle is good ... we go frequently to Erdigg with our grandson - it's excellent. There is plenty of open space within the grounds as well as 'Wolf Wood' for children to play in and many walks on the perimeter of the house - the sun's shining in Wales today too!!

The thing about NT and NTS is that you know you are contributing to some great buildings and landscapes.

If anyone is planning going hardcastle crags today, don't bother. Can't get anywhere near to park. We've had to turn round.

Falcon wrote:If anyone is planning going hardcastle crags today, don't bother. Can't get anywhere near to park. We've had to turn round.

Which end Falcon, the Hebden Bridge or Widdop side?

Did Erdigg with the missus a few months ago - great little afternoon out. We didn't have enough time to properly explore all around there but I'd recommend going for sure.

Aira Force near Ullswater. Nice walk with a chance of seeing some Red Squirrels and spoilt for choice later for a leisurely lunch.

We've done pretty much all of the ones mentioned above and they really are all excellent. However we've never been to Erdigg so it's now on the list. Cheers.

I grew up in Malham. If you get there before 10.30 am you can park on the roadside opposite the main car park. Walk into the village, left up cove road, then up to the Cove. You can then walk up the side if it and head towards Malham Tarn, then it turns to Gordale Scar and down to Janet's Foss. From there do the rive walk back down to the village rather than the road. You can shorten the walk by missing out Malham Tarn and heading across to Gordale if you prefe. If you call in the information centre where you park you should be able to get a good paper map for the route although the web will have one. You'll get a nice pint and a bit of brunch in the hikers bar at the Buck Inn.

A soap impression of his wife which he ate and donated to the National Trust.

bedfords wrote:Did I miss the announcement for the shittest thread ever competition?

No, but congratulations on winning the coveted 'Dickhead of the week' competition.

Given your competitors, you should be very proud.

Back on topic - If you feel like travelling and have any kids in the party there is the excellent Museum of Childhood at Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire.

beddie wrote:I grew up in Malham. If you get there before 10.30 am you can park on the roadside opposite the main car park. Walk into the village, left up cove road, then up to the Cove. You can then walk up the side if it and head towards Malham Tarn, then it turns to Gordale Scar and down to Janet's Foss. From there do the rive walk back down to the village rather than the road. You can shorten the walk by missing out Malham Tarn and heading across to Gordale if you prefe. If you call in the information centre where you park you should be able to get a good paper map for the route although the web will have one. You'll get a nice pint and a bit of brunch in the hikers bar at the Buck Inn.

As I posted, to ALP, on the photos thread. My favourite family walk. We used to alternate direction, although walking in towards the Cove is special. I love the smell of wild garlic in the wood by Janet's Foss.

Help me out guys.
What is the name of the guy who did the walking maps, single folded sheet for about 50p?
I had a few three peaks, malham, etc., but when we moved away I gave them to the eldest.

bedfords wrote:Did I miss the announcement for the shittest thread ever competition?

With ears like yours I'm surprised you miss anything at all.

As a Child we always used to Walk around Wray Castle.
My Son learned to sail from near there, so has lots of great memories for me.
We have taken my Partners grandchildren on numerous occasions.
it really is a great place for Children.
The National Trust always have great things going on for Children in School Holidays.
We have visited so many lovely places over the years, but Wray Castle is my Favourite, mainly from my past association.

bedfords wrote:Did I miss the announcement for the shittest thread ever competition?

Yes. I’ve linked the winning thread below

http://www.uptheclarets.com/messageboar ... hp?t=16232" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For all those who recommended, thanks. Ended up at Formby and was very impressed. Worth this months membership. Parking was heavy as mentioned above so for any going, you can park on some of the neighbouring estates.