Sensibly, we went by bus - it is just not a very good idea to go to such huge events by car. The bus took ages to get into Harrogate, exactly because of the many cars heading for the show clogging up the road. At Harrogate train station, courtesy shuttle buses take you to the show ground, dropping you off directly in front of the entrance gate - no trying to find a parking space and then walking miles before you are actually there!
I had known that the GYS was big, but I had no idea how MASSIVE it really is! We were there until 6:00 pm, and I suspect we have only seen about half, if that. There is simply soooo much to see, try, taste, sample, look at, smell, touch, and (yes, we did!) buy.
Here are some photographic impressions of the day.
Setting off in the bright morning sunshine, this is our front door:
The WI tent outside:
...and in:
People - so many people!!
We could not resist these muffins/cupcakes and bought one each to have for dessert after our picnic lunch on the grass somewhere between tents and halls:
The cheese and dairy show. I liked some of the comments the judges wrote on their report cards. "Interesting cheese" was one of them.
Three of us bought handbags, all of us bought handmade fudge, and some of us bought more. My sister and I saw many things that would have really been worth having; local, handmade, at reasonable prices. But we always have to keep in mind the question of transport - how do we get things home? Our suitcases can only hold so much, and some things, such as fresh foods, are not allowed to be ex- and imported just like that, and we are certainly not willing to go through all the hassle with customs only for a lump of cheese.
Anyway, it was a great day out; we saw so much, walked probably a couple of miles altogether, and arrived home at around 8:00 pm, exhausted but happy.
I am so glad that The Great Yorkshire Show surpassed your expectations. I haven't been there for over fifty years. It must have developed so much over the years. Looks like you also had good weather but the first day of the show was rainy. You were lucky.
ReplyDeleteYes, Tuesday was very wet, but since my sister-in-law's day off is Wednesday, that was "our" day - and we were indeed very lucky, it was beautiful!
DeleteSounds like a State Fair here. You need stamina for such events! But they can be fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWe took two breaks, and the drinks and food kept us going. It was still exhausting, though, and on the way home on the bus, we talked a lot less than on the way in :-)
DeleteWhat fun! I agree that it sounds like a state fair here in the States. Too bad you're limited by the size of your suitcases in buying souvenirs. I would have wanted to buy some of everything!
ReplyDeleteIt is the size of the suitcases (and the need to be able to handle them on our own at all times, since we are going to and from the airport by public transport) as much as customs regulations that limit what and how many souvenirs we can buy. Actually, a great protection from over-spending ;-)
DeleteLooks like a wonderful day and those cakes! I would love something like that here, hoping to get to the book festival next month xxx
ReplyDeleteLainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
Hello Lainy, I am not sure now - is this your first visit and comment here on my blog? Anyway, thank you for popping in!
DeleteThose cakes were wonderful!
Fabulous! We should give that a go sometime - these county shows can be great fun, but this one looks amazing. I find knapsacks quite useful for carrying stuff; would that help? Glad the weather was kind to you.
ReplyDeleteKnapsacks do help, but they are a nuisance when you are in a big crowd, and it would not have been easy to get through the masses of people at the show.
DeleteYou really should go next year for one day, it is definitely worth a visit.
Looks amazing, but I know myself - I'd have had enough of it after an hour or so! Smart choice to buy bags - they can be used to carry the other stuff in! (lol)
ReplyDeleteIf you buy other stuff, that is ;-) I did not; my bag is still wrapped in the original tissue and will remain so for a while. It is more an autumn/winter handbag, but I will of course show it off on my blog eventually :-)
DeleteThe only fairs I've been to in Harrogate have been trade fairs but I always enjoyed staying there. It's a lovely town. I'm afraid if I'd bought cheese (I'm eating some for supper as I type) it wouldn't last long enough to be taken home (unless I bought a HUGE amount.).
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean - if I were on my own, I'd probably have most of my meals centered around cheese. But my sister likes a proper cooked meal at least once a day, and I think she is right there.
DeleteApart from the GYS, this year we have not been to Harrogate like we have done in previous years for a day of shopping; there are just so many other things to do, places to see and people to meet this year.