Category: Columns

Ripon and Studley Park Time: 3 hours Distance: 6 miles This varied walk from the edge of Ripon largely avoids the crowds that throng Studley Park and Fountains Abbey. Omitting the Abbey (entry charges apply), although it is easily possible to extend the walk to include it, the route traverses nature reserves, woodland and a […]

By Ben Robinson Looking for inspiration for your next great read? Each month, Ben dives into a selection of page turners, hidden gems, and noteworthy new releases, sharing honest reviews and thoughtful recollections along the way… Mortal Monarchs: 1000 Years of Royal Deaths – by Suzie Edge  ‘Mortal Monarchs’ was one of the easiest and […]

By Tim Saunders  The importance of vaccines and antibiotics takes centre stage at the History of Science Museum in Broad Street, Oxford. Here, there is a room dedicated to penicillin and eradicating typhoid – Oxford scientists have played an important part in this. This excellent free resource also has Einstein’s inspirational blackboard showing his theory […]

Kirkham Gorge & Welburn Time: 2½ hours Distance: 5¼ miles Starting from Kirkham Priory, this varied walk passes through the most scenic section of the Kirkham Gorge, where the River Derwent flows through the Howardian Hills. It then weaves through a mix of woodland and fields on the edge of the Castle Howard Estate, returning to […]

Time: 3hours 6½ miles Traversing varied countryside, this route links no less than five villages. Apart from Copmanthorpe, all are relatively small and quiet, despite the proximity of the busy A64. Is This Walk For Me? Medium length with just minor slopes, this walk is generally easy. The A64 is crossed safely on bridges, however, […]

Every year, I like to give our readers a selection of some of the best biographies and memoirs I’ve recently read, especially those that have left me pondering them long after I’ve finished the final page. Each of these stories absolutely captures a tale that will reel you in from the first word to the […]

From smarter smartphones and everyday charging essentials to home security upgrades and clever tech for modern living, this month’s gadget edit focuses on practical innovations that make daily life easier. Whether you’re upgrading your desk setup, staying powered on the go or improving home safety, these are useful, well-designed gadgets worth knowing about right now. […]

From thoughtful pampering treats to clever beauty tech and feel-good self-care, this Mother’s Day edit is all about gifts that help mums relax, recharge and feel appreciated. Whether it’s a small indulgence or a premium pick mum wouldn’t buy for herself, these hand-picked ideas are designed to bring a little everyday luxury to her routine. […]

It was quite a few years ago that I last wrote about rhubarb in this column. Then, the words were mainly about keeping rhubarb productive by digging up and dividing old clumps every four to five years. This time, the talk is about forced rhubarb! If you don’t grow it, this is what you probably […]

York’s Walls in Bloom project, which includes beautiful wildflower displays along the bar walls at Station Rise and Foss Islands Road, is set to expand in the near future; the announcement of new displays planned at potential locations like Lord Mayor’s Walk and Nunnery Lane got us thinking – how can our readers go about […]

Aries  (March  21  –  April  19) Until 20th March, Mercury retrograde may lead to potential disruption, especially when it comes to keeping up with your usual self-care and organisational routines. In order to offset this disruptive influence and avoid day-to-day hiccups, listen to your body and take a break if you find yourself suffering from […]

 Ten essential March gardening tips After an exceptionally wet and windy start to the year, Yorkshire gardeners will be waiting in gleeful anticipation for the joys of early spring. With the first day of the new season landing on 20th March, the good news is, you don’t have long to wait!  If you’re hoping to […]

By Robin Lewis-Light “Do you think there is anyone out there?” said my wife, Callie. I looked at her. “I don’t know,” I said. “We haven’t heard anything from anywhere else though, so why should there be anyone on that little planet?” She smiled and held me. We had finished our anniversary celebrations and were […]

By Sophie Lancaster Whilst making the most of York Residents’ Fest at the end of January, I visited The Grand, which was offering guided tours of the building and an insight into its fascinating history. The Grand was the Headquarters for the North Eastern Railway. Designed by William Bell, an architect from York who also […]

Q. Our Labrador has been a bit stiff and slower than normal – is this just the cold weather, or something more? As the cold snap continues, you may have noticed your senior pet moving a little slower than usual. Cold weather can really affect our golden oldies, especially those with arthritic joints or a […]