Pamper Day

This is Eli and I setting out on a belated birthday treat.Before leaving,I was presented with some late birthday gifts---clothes ,a beautiful canvas of the dogs and tickets for hubby and I to see Andrew Rieu in concert later in the year. I then had my hair and make up done for me---how lovely to be pampered!
We went to Rockcliffe Hall,set on a magnificent restored 18th century estate on the banks of the River Tees .Developed from a derelict mansion in 2009, it is located in the picturesque village of Hurworth near Darlington.It is the training ground of M.F.C. and has a golf course and spa.
The estate has not been without incident. In 1903 and again in 1974, buildings were badly damaged by fire. In 1944 a light aircraft crashed into the grounds, luckily missing any buildings and causing only damage to trees and the landscape. It has even had its brush with stardom and parts of the grounds were used as backdrop for some scenes from the Michael Caine hit 'Get Carter' in 1971.
We had a relaxing lunch and time to catch up, before leaving to visit Northallerton, a traditional Yorkshire market town, nestling between the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors.
First stop in the town was the chocolate shop , run by the same lady for over 25 years and a MUST DO!! What should have been a five minute browse, ended up being an hour out of the day, as we 'ooohed' and 'ahhhhed' at the various novelty sweets.The owner allowed me to take pictures while she gift wrapped some bits and pieces we had purchased.
From here , a look around the local deli before heading for would you believe afternoon tea at Betty's. The first Bettys tea room was opened in Harrogate, West Riding of Yorkshire, by Frederick Belmont, a Swiss confectioner, in July 1919.There are six branches altogether around the area.Sited in a Grade II listed building in Northallerton, it is located on the wide Georgian High Street,which was bustling today due to the Saturday market.We relaxed over our tea and cream cakes in the Palm Room, a perfect ending to a perfect day----or was it?
Once home hubby and daughter couldn't resisit having their usual Chinese meal!! Better hide the scales for a few days.The results could be DEVASTATING!!