Loes and I were off to her house in Harewood for a very sociable Christmas with her family and friends.

The week also included a first visit (for me) to Fountains Abbey, part of the Studley Royal Estate near Ripon.

We only managed a walk around the lake and the old Abbey today,

but that means we have the majority of Studley Royal Park to explore at some point in the future.

The Decorated welcoming arch of The Harewood Estate, along with one of many Christmas trees.

Peter and Danielle (seen here on holiday in the summer) arrived with the news that

they had become engaged after living together for several years.

It seemed my birthday excuse to celebrate had been "top-trumped" by a wedding proposal !

Still the bubbly tasted just as good either way.

Boxing day was equally sociable with close friends Miranda and John (both on the right) who brought their family over for an evening meal.

Left to right . . . Sophie and Sam, Loes, Feodora and Alexander (seated).

- - - o o o - - -

The Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian Monasteries in Britain

and is set in beautifully maintained grounds alongside the River Skell.

Six springs within the site inspired the monks to name it Fountains Abbey

The Great Tower seen over the Refectory and other administrative buildings of the Abbey.

The original abbey was built of wood but was soon re-developed in stone.

The tower was 160 foot tall and was one of the later additions to the structure, only some 13 or so years before the Dissolution.

Many of the Cloisters and accommodation halls for the monks and lay workers were built spanning the river.

These included the Infirmary, the kitchens and conveniently, the toilets.

The ruins were bought along with the grounds and were incorporated into the Studley Royal Estate,

which no doubt led to the detailed landscaping of the whole area.

The walk would follow the river down to the "Swan Lake" (my name).

No sign of the famous swans . . .

 . . . only joking !

Looking back at the Abbey.

We crossed the river and had views of the extensive water gardens and estate that is known as Studley Royal.

However, today we would turn at this point and retrace our steps, but on the opposite side of the river.

A view of the Chapel of 9 Alters that made up the eastern section of the main Abbey.

Unusually the Great Tower was built to the north of the Nave rather than over the centre of the building.

This was probably due to being built at a much later date than the main structure.

We headed over to the river to look at the Abbots House and Infirmary area.