LOCAL TREASURES - RICHMOND YORKSHIRE

Everyone seems to be coming out of hibernation. So we thought it was a perfect time to get out and see what's happening in our local area.  We put a Saturday morning aside to have a bit of an explore of what's going on right on our doorstep. Here are three of our favourite finds, and all just a stone's throw away from Kiss the Moon HQ.

The George & Dragon, Hudswell, North Yorkshire

Perched on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the George & Dragon isn't your average local.  It hit the headlines in 2010 when it became one of the first pubs in the country to be bought by the people who drink there - a group  that includes William Hague and most of the regulars in the tiny village it sits in.  Add to the fact it also houses the village shop, a library and community allotments and you'll start to see that this place is prepared to be resourceful to keep its heartbeat alive.  Taken over by new owner, Stuart Miller and his family in 2014, they are bringing their own bit of hipster cool to proceedings (think Kinfolk crossed with All Creature's Great and Small).  Walk there from Richmond, through ancient woodlands (and a bloody great hill) and you'll have earned yourself a pub lunch or at least a roast beef and horseradish sandwich with homemade bread and a generous helping of crisp salad on the side. If beer is your thing, come prepared to explore. There's always something new and interesting waiting to be sipped and debated, Yorkshire style. The George & Dragon, Hudswell Lane, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 6BL  TEL: 01748 518373  

Lost & Found, The Station, Richmond, North Yorkshire

It's been 46 years since the train line at Richmond Station stopped serving passengers, but the place has never been busier. These days it's packed full of shoppers, diners, art fans and cinema goers rather than travellers.  If it's a lovely day, go for a walk around the ancient ruins of Easby and follow the train line until you see the stone building inviting you in.  If it's raining, just head straight there and see what's going on.  There's a regular run of exhibits and two screens of films so you won't have to wait very long before something catches your imagination.  Whatever draws you there, we bet you won't be able to resist having a look round Lost & Found.  Part vintage finds, part nostalgic new stuff, there are tables piled up with all sorts of things.  Every time we go there's something new we drool over (this time it was a shelf full of brass opera glasses; last time it was a set of gorgeous glass beads which we could't bear to leave behind).  Profits go back to support the upkeep of The Station, so really, you have a perfect excuse to indulge. Lost and Found, The Station, Station Yard, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4LD: 01748 850123 E: lostandfound@thestation.co.uk.  

The Angel's Share, Richmond, North Yorkshire

Hungry?  Keep walking.  Just down the platform at the Station, is a corridor designed to lead you in to temptation. Just follow the smell of warm fudge (made on the premises and really not fair for those trying to avoid sweet stuff), and choose which of the local artisans you want to give your pennies to. There's local brewer, a cheesemaker, an ice cream store.  Seriously - don't expect to get out without giving in. Our favourite though is Angel's Share - bakers with flair (they were runners up on ITV's Britain's Best Bakery last year) and with a ready smile. The cooking happens where you can see (and smell) it.  And next door is the shop which looks like the store cupboard of your dreams - part deli, part just baked goodies.  Whether it's an impromptu picnic you are after, or some treats to take home, Angel's Share has it covered. The Angel’s Share, Richmond Station, Station Yard, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4LDT: 01748 828 261 E: theangelsshare@btinternet.com