Marigold Cafe & Boating

While we were in Knaresborough, we visited the castle and museum and while strolling through the grounds (does that sound decedent or what !!!??) well anyway, while we were wandering around the castle grounds, we saw the viaduct that runs over the river Nidd. Looking over the trees and bushes we say boats on the water. Needless to say, we were down there toot sweet and found the Marigold Cafe & Boat hire. Did we sit and have a quick bite to eat in this picturesque setting, with the sun shining on the water ? Oh no, madam wanted on to the water instantly, ( happy wife, happy life) so we hired two boats, one for her and one for me …… ha ha ha …. Only joking, one for us and one for her sister and her man. Now it’s been a while since I’ve rowed a boat, and it took a minute or so to get my sea legs into gear, but when I did …. we were off !! That was until my chief helmsman ( or helmswoman ) steered the boat all over the place. From one side of the river to the other. It was like we were dodging mortar fire, that is until we hit another boat (fortunately it was tied) up, then into some trees then, we headed for the riverbank, then ….. well at that point we just ‘gave it a by’ and we headed for the dock. Even though my ‘helmsperson’ had us all over the place it was bloody good fun !! Once back at the dock and disembarked our vessel we made straight for the café. The rolls n sausages were delish, and the Mrs had a breakfast thing with granary stuff, the kind of thing you find at the bottom of a bird cage, along with Fromage Frais, honey and fruit … as you can tell she’s the healthy one. While we were sitting on the banks of the river drinking in all the beauty round about us ( and enjoying a lovely coffee ) we saw her sister and man coming back. They, fared better than us … lol ) People came and went, some took boats out others preferred to just sit and watch while enjoying a meal, or a tea and scone and let the world go by. It was a lovely day !! Not only was the food good, it was hot, and delicious, and the staff were a friendly bunch. Specifically, the chap that helped us on and off the boat, he must have the patience of a saint. Especially while we were watching ‘other people’ getting on and off the boats …. Very entertaining 🤣🤣🤣 The setting, the weather, the river, the people everything came together that day and it as fabulous. It goes without saying but, if you’re in Knaresborough you have to try the boats or at least get a coffee and watch other people ( like us) and have a laugh or just kick back and enjoy the moment.