LATEST FROM THE WHITE SHIRE

Lyn and I recently spent a long weekend in Scarborough, and it turned into exactly the sort of break we enjoy most — plenty of walking, exploring places we had not properly looked around before, a bit of research for The White Shire and, naturally, a few stops for food and drink along the way.

I’ve been meaning to visit Dona’s Caffè and Deli in Pontefract for a while, and yesterday I finally got the chance to call in with a friend. I’m pleased to say it was well worth the visit. Dona’s is on Baghill Lane, just after you turn onto the road from the town centre end. There’s some parking directly outside, and although it might not be the sort of location where you’d expect to find a lovely little café and deli, don’t let that put you off.

We've visited Middleham a few times over the years, including a stay at the Richard III pub a few years ago. It's a small, traditional North Yorkshire town, and in some ways it feels like stepping back in time. There's not a great deal in the way of shops, so it's certainly not somewhere you'd go for a day of shopping. But if you enjoy history, walking and exploring the countryside, it's well worth a visit.

Our Thoughts on Pocklington – A Yorkshire Wolds Favourite We've visited Pocklington several times over the years, and it's a town we always enjoy coming back to. The Yorkshire Wolds are a bit of a hidden gem. So many people drive straight past on their way to the coast without realising what they're missing. Beautiful countryside, rolling chalk hills, lovely villages and some cracking walks, all without the crowds you get in other parts of Yorkshire. But don't tell everyone.

Pontefract is more than just another Yorkshire town to us. We live in nearby Ackworth, so it's our local town, somewhere we've visited countless times over the years for shopping, a drink, a wander around or simply an afternoon out. We've got some lovely memories of Pontefract, and it's a place that has played an important part in our lives.

Mick and I called into Castle Keep Tea Room while exploring Middleham and discovered a lovely, cosy spot for coffee beside the castle. Here's what we thought, what the tea room serves and details of its separate B&B accommodation.

On Sunday, Lyn and I headed over to Cusworth Hall in Doncaster for what turned out to be a really enjoyable few hours. We’d gone because the Craft & Makers Market at Cusworth Hall was taking place, with stalls both outside and inside the Hall. It was one of those events that suited the setting perfectly — plenty to wander around, local makers to browse and a relaxed atmosphere rather than something that felt overcrowded or over-organised.

Lyn and I called into Collab. Coffee in Ackworth one Sunday morning and were really pleased we did. It’s a lovely little independent coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and very good coffee. It felt welcoming from the moment we walked in and was exactly the sort of local place we like finding for The White Shire.

Mick and I visited the York Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 20th September, and with the sun shining we couldn’t really have picked a better day for it. The festival runs until 27th September, so if you’re looking for something to do in York over the next few days, there is still time to visit.

Yorkshire is full of places worth discovering. Some are well known, others are tucked away in villages, along canal paths, beside reservoirs or down roads we might never have had a reason to travel. That is really how The White Shire has grown. We’re Michael and Lyn, and much of what you see on The White Shire comes from us getting out and exploring Yorkshire ourselves.

3.55mi Sherburn in Elmet Circular Walk Sherburn in Elmet Circular Walk – Easy 3.55-Mile Route Me and Lyn did this Sherburn in Elmet Circular Walk at the end of August. It’s an easy 3.55-mile circular route with only around 175 feet of climbing, so it’s a good option if you want a walk that doesn’t involve too much effort. There is quite a bit of road walking on this one, including a short section on a busy road. That’s probably the main thing to know before choosing the route

Last week me and Lyn went into Leeds with some friends and had a look around the Artisan Market at Kirkgate Market. It was only a small event, but there were some good stalls and it was worth a look. I like Leeds Kirkgate Market. It's a great old building and I always enjoy having a wander around there.

Yesterday, me, Lyn and Ally went to the Keighley Agricultural Show for the afternoon. We had a good wander round and there was plenty to see, with lots of stalls, local businesses and things going on. The show has a good mix of livestock, horticulture, trade stands, food and family entertainment. You can find out more about the show on the Keighley Agricultural Show website.