Four Seasons at Rains Farm - Printer-friendly Version.

Distant view of Rains Farm with the Wolds in the background.

Spring flowers in the courtyard at Rains Farm.

Autumn leaves in the orchard at Rains Farm.

The changing seasons at Rains Farm ...

Rains Farm has something to offer the visitor whatever the time of year. Each season has its own sights and experiences, changing almost unnoticeably as the days go by. The colours in the gardens change and the wildlife visiting this rural haven are different with every season and different events take place. Hover your mouse over a season above to change text and images.

Spring

In Spring, the banks are awash with daffodils, crocuses and cowslips, and the orchard with crocuses and aconites. The surrounding fields and hillsides burst into life with a million shades of green. Wildlife is emerging from its winter hibernation and birds are nesting in the trees, hedgerows and barns. Farndale's famous daffodils appear along the picturesque river dove, and maypole and morris dancing begins at Hutton le Hole.

Summer

In Summer, the gardens are in full bloom, including the roses and clematis. There are far-reaching views to the edges of the moors and wolds, with crops ripening ready for harvest. Sheep and cows are evident in the fields and smaller mammals can be seen scurrying across the roads into the hedgerows. The Bark Endeavour (a replica of the historic sailing ship) frequently visits nearby Whitby and agricultural shows - both great and small - take place throughout the area.

Autumn

In Autumn, rust and golden coloured leaves carpet the orchard, matched by the vibrant reds and browns of the Virginia creeper around the courtyard. Some birds are flying south for the winter, but others call in on their way from colder climates. Game birds can often be heard, or even suddenly encountered at the side of a winding road. Regular Specials on the North York Moors Railway include a War Weekend when people dress and re-enact life during the Second World War.

Winter

Even in winter there is colour in the gardens, with snowdrops appearing early in the New Year - the gardens are really picturesque when powdered with snow or fringed with icicles. Even though it may be cold outside, guests enjoy the peace, tranquillity and views from the warmth of the cottages or guest lounge. Episodes of the television series 'Heartbeat' are often being filmed in and around Goathland on the North York Moors.