Any Famous Five fan will tell you that when George, Anne, Dick, Julian and Timmy were not drinking 'lashings of ginger beer', they were eating 'ice cream made on the farm'.
Nowadays there are plenty of places you can eat 'artisan' ice cream but not many where you can really imagine the Famous Five stopping, propping their bikes against the wall and enjoying the ice cream, made from real cows that live right there.
If this idyllic vision appeals to you, pop over to Lofthouse in Nidderdale where you'll find Meadow Dale Ice Cream. The Coates family have produced fresh milk from their Friesian herd for a half century. Their truly delicious ice cream is produced on the farm, often using ingredients they've picked themselves such as blackberries.
Nowadays there are plenty of places you can eat 'artisan' ice cream but not many where you can really imagine the Famous Five stopping, propping their bikes against the wall and enjoying the ice cream, made from real cows that live right there.
If this idyllic vision appeals to you, pop over to Lofthouse in Nidderdale where you'll find Meadow Dale Ice Cream. The Coates family have produced fresh milk from their Friesian herd for a half century. Their truly delicious ice cream is produced on the farm, often using ingredients they've picked themselves such as blackberries.
I can still taste the bilberry one I had at the weekend, made from the small berries found among the nearby heather moorland. The ice cream treats are served from a small green tin shed, with a few benches and tables.
Opening times are a little uncertain - if the signs are out in the village, some one is likely to be at home. If the tin shed doors are closed, you're encouraged to knock on the house door, Famous Five style!
Lofthouse is closely associated with the building of nearby Scar House and Angram Reservoirs, once having housed some of the people working there, and it's clear that water is a prized asset. Look for the drinking fountain with its lovely inscription: If you want to be healthy, wealthy and stout, use plenty of water inside and out! The message is reinforced on another side with: A pint of cold water three times a day is the surest way to keep doctor away.
Opening times are a little uncertain - if the signs are out in the village, some one is likely to be at home. If the tin shed doors are closed, you're encouraged to knock on the house door, Famous Five style!
Lofthouse is closely associated with the building of nearby Scar House and Angram Reservoirs, once having housed some of the people working there, and it's clear that water is a prized asset. Look for the drinking fountain with its lovely inscription: If you want to be healthy, wealthy and stout, use plenty of water inside and out! The message is reinforced on another side with: A pint of cold water three times a day is the surest way to keep doctor away.
While you're in Lofthouse, you might like to take a look in the Band Room Gallery, where the silver band used to practice, and have a drink or meal at the Crown pub.
You could also follow the short footpath over to Middlesmoor, a tiny village with cobbled streets and really stunning Nidderdale views from St. Chad's church.
The valley always looks incredibly serene - after a few moments staring out at that view, you can easily believe all's well with the world.
You could also follow the short footpath over to Middlesmoor, a tiny village with cobbled streets and really stunning Nidderdale views from St. Chad's church.
The valley always looks incredibly serene - after a few moments staring out at that view, you can easily believe all's well with the world.
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