LAST Thursday a small but enthusiastic party of 17 members travelled by coach to two of the National Trust’s most attractive properties in North Yorkshire. An extremely blustery day made outdoor exercise hard work but the clear air gave us fine views as the coach climbed Sutton Bank and entered the North York Moors National Park. Our first visit was to Rievaulx Terrace and Temples, laid out from 1748 to give the Duncombe family and their visitors a splendid lofty promenade while they took in views at suitable intervals of the Cistercian Abbey in Ryedale down below.

We can strongly recommend the new tour available from the guide at the Visitor Centre, which brought the 18th century back to life.

We saw the area of woodland where the rare Martagon lily grows and went into the ionic temple with its table still laid for a summer banquet. After a short nine-mile journey via Helmsley we had lunch in the excellent tearoom at Nunnington Hall.

Our guide in the afternoon was the House Steward Patrick Joel, who had inspired our visit with his Saturday lecture about the house earlier in the year. Patrick drew attention to new acquisitions in the Oak Hall, which relate to the history of the Preston family who owned the house in the 17th century. They include devotional books and exquisite fans.

Afterwards, there was time to view the remarkable Carlisle collection of miniature rooms and to admire the peacocks in the garden, where a wildflower meadow had been created since our previous visit.

Thanks for a most enjoyable day out to Pamela Surman, who made the arrangements, and to Judith Webb, our cheerful and friendly leader for the day.