Crathorne Arms.

Friday.

The heavy rain we had during the night had ceased by breakfast time, and by lunchtime the sun had reappeared.

A belated birthday celebration for Mr C was lunch at the Crathorne Arms, near Yarm.
A real quirky pub and the food was delicious.
Will certainly go back next time we are at the caravan.

On the way back we decided to visit Mount Grace Priory.
Another hidden gem, and one we haven’t visited for many years.
This time we could look round part of the house as well as the ruins of the Carthusian Priory founded in 1398.
The gardens have also been brought back to life by garden designer Chris Beardshaw.
Although past their best there was still a lot of beautiful autumn colour.

The monks lived in solitude. Each in his own “ cell” or cottage.
One of these two - storey cells has been recreated as it appeared in the 15th century.
It contains a living room, study, and bedroom- chapel and workshop above.
An L shaped hatch allowed servants to pass in the monk’s frugal meat- free meals without seeing him.
Each had a little walled garden with outside flushed toilet.
The property is owned by the National Trust, and maintained by English Heritage.
Another place to visit again next year.
( see extras)

Once more we have certainly been lucky with the weather.