What better way to test out a new (second hand) car than to take it for a spin to North Yorkshire.
And while we're there, check out a castle ruin and have a bite to eat in one of the numerous English pubs with tasty food.
So, after collecting our new (second hand) Vauxhall Astra, we headed down south, past the fabulously named Spennymoor and onwards towards Richmond.
There are loads of towns in Britain who advertise themselves as market towns yet they don't really show that many hallmarks of being a former or current market town - however, Richmond is a stylish town featuring a large castle and a massive market square.
So, in this regard, Richmond qualified as a market town in my mind.
The castle itself was quite interesting and part of the English Heritage group, of whom we are members. Actually, the castle was a prison for conscientous objectors during World War I. Prior to that, it was a working castle owned more than likely by some dude who probably didn't deserve it, but who knows.
At any rate, the Tower Keep was in great condition and some of the views of the surrounding fields and the River Swale were brilliant.
Finally, the River Swale is this amazing cola colour. No doubt something to do with the rocks over which it flows but in the sunlight it was stunning.
Richmond is definitely worth a visit and the castle was well worth a look-see.
