Yorkshire's Hidden Gem

Markenfield Hall is a member of the Historic Houses Association and only opens two periods a year in May and June, though it is a venue for weddings and other events.

I had never heard of it but Chris spotted someone else's photos of it on Face book and saw that it was open this week. It is between Harrogate and Ripon and is very well hidden.

It is apparently the most unspoilt 14th century country house in England, originally a small fortified manor house and as you can see it has a moat. It is still lived in by a family with antecedents going back to the Domesday book and part of it is a working farm.

The moat had lots of ducks and two families of ducklings, one numbering 9, plus two black swans and Koi Carp for good measure. Surrounded by arable countryside and Jersey cattle it made a lovely afternoon out. No tea and cake though!