A Country Weekend Away!
Last weekend I escaped to the country! Well, I went back home to North Yorkshire and in some style, in a new Alfa Romeo Giuletta Veloce; travelling from London to the Yorkshire Wolds in this sleek Italian car was the start of a weekend where I indulged in my passions, as well as celebrating my father’s birthday too. “Find your Passion” was my remit when I was offered the Alfa Giuletta for a long weekend’s free hire, and with a handy drop off and collection service in Central London, my “Alfa Giulietta, Steam Trains & Sunday Lunch” weekend was about to start. So, what are my passions, well my family are of course, and I was lucky enough to celebrate my father’s birthday with my mum, my daughter and her boyfriend, which was lovely, as well as steam trains, fine food and the beautiful Yorkshire scenery.
Image: Hannah L Burns
Before I review the drive in the Alfa Giuletta, here’s what my “find your passion weekend” comprised: a trip on a steam train on the world-famous North York Moors Railway, Fish and Chips in Pickering, Sunday Lunch in The Old Lodge in Malton and a seaside drive around the coast of North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Wolds. The drive from London to Yorkshire was super smooth with extremely comfortable seats with excellent lumbar support for long journeys. I’m not a petrol head, but even I appreciated the ALFA GIULIETTA VELOCE’s Flagship 1750 Tbi 240 hp engine with “dynamic sports mode”, the Alfa TCT semi-automatic transmission, Lowered sports suspension and Steering wheel paddles for ALFA TCT. The styling is sleek and very Italian, but also ergonomic which provides for a very comfortable ride with a compact dashboard and built-in GPS navigation system.
The weekend started with a ride on a steam train with the North Yorkshire Moor’s Railway; we were lucky, as the weekend we were there was one of their special “Swinging 60’s Weekends” with Heartbeat characters wandering about and live 60’s music in some of the stations……a truly fantastic weekend for all lovers of Sixties music, fashion and history who were encouraged to dress for the decade! We travelled from Pickering to Whitby hauled by a steam locomotive, sitting in refurbished old carriages that were lined with wood and with deep comfy seats. The Alfa Giulietta was safely parked in the station car park before we set off on our nostalgic journey across the stunning North York Moors, passing through moorland villages and past old stone farmhouses…..The North York Moors is a special place, forged by nature, shaped over generations – where peace and beauty rub shoulders with a rich history – it’s one of my favourite places.
After our trip on the steam train, there was only one thing to be done, to drive around the corner to Pickering town centre for a “fish supper” of locally caught fresh fish and chips! After a long day of steam, scenery and local food, we all piled into the car to drive home – and here again, the Giulietta didn’t disappoint, as all five of us fitted in the to the car with comfort and ease, making it a perfect car for a family. A special family birthday tea of cakes, scones, sausage rolls, salad, pastries and sandwiches was enjoyed later after we had a wee spin over the Yorkshire Wolds, where the handling was superb as we drove around narrow and winding country lanes. Day one of my passion weekend was nearly over, the sun set on a lovely family day and I was looking forward to the next day’s adventures and activities.
We all piled into the Alfa Giulietta the next day to make our way to The Old Lodge in Malton, where a we were booked in for Sunday Lunch; this is one my favourite eateries in the area, The Old Lodge is a stunning Tudor mansion set in beautiful grounds, on the edge of the historic Market town of Malton, where we often enjoy a drink is the cosy wood panelled bar with a real fire, as well as dine in the excellent restaurant where we were booked for Sunday lunch. As well as dining in the restaurant, you can also “take tea” in the panelled bar, where they serve an excellent Cream Tea with scones, clotted cream, strawberries and tea between 12 and 2pm. But, it’s the Sunday lunch we had come for and for me, that meant a Traditional Sunday roast with a choice of Roast leg of Yorkshire lamb,
Roast loin of west Moor Farm outdoor reared pork with a pig in a blanket or Roast rump of North Yorkshire beef, all served with Yorkshire pudding, butter roast potatoes and fresh vegetables. Mum, who is a pescatarian, enjoyed the Fish pie topped mash and cheese, with salmon, prawns and peas in a creamy sauce. I also enjoyed a starter of Smoked salmon platter with capers, dill and lemon with a glass of crisp, rose wine.
After lunch, we drive to Scarborough and went home via the Yorkshire Coast, ending a full weekend of fine food and fun family activities. The trip back down to London was smooth and comfortable, and with then handy car collection service scheduled for the day after tomorrow, there was a chance to drive the Giulietta next day around the South Downs in Surrey. For more information about the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce, the car I was loaned, I’ve copied some of the salient points to consider below, but, you can also visit the Alfa Romeo UK site here: ALFA GIULIETTA or the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8rdCD74adg
Disclaimer: Collaborative work with Alfa Romeo UK – I was loaned an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce (RRP: £28,480 on the road) for free, for five days and was given a budget to enjoy a family weekend away with the car. All views and opinions are my own and I was not asked to write a favourable review. Karen S Burns-Booth
Weekend Gallery:
(Photos are mine unless stated)
NYMR Pickering Image: Alex Hill
Whitby Viaduct
North York Moors Image: NYMNP
NYMR Steam Train Image: NYMNP
The Old Lodge Malton
The Old lodge Malton Restaurant Image: The Old Lodge Malton
The Garden at The Old Lodge Malton
Whitby Image: NYMR
NEW ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA
NOW ON SALE IN THE UK
• Styling of new Alfa Romeo Giulietta is enhanced to emphasise the close family feel of the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia
• Specifications, equipment levels, upholsteries, wheel designs and finishes are revised and the range is simplified with five new trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, Giulietta Tecnica, Giulietta Speciale and Giulietta Veloce
• 120hp 1.6 JTDM-2 turbo diesel now combined with the ALFA TCT twin dry-clutch transmission to meet growing demand in the segment
• Uconnect system with smart-phone enabled LIVE services now standard across the range.
Under the bonnet…..
……there’s now the option of combining the 120hp 1.6-litre JTDM-2 turbo diesel engine with the ALFA TCT twin dry-clutch transmission. Employing second-generation MultiJet technology with a variable-geometry turbo charger, this engine produces 120hp at 3,750rpm and an impressive 320Nm of torque from just 1,7450 rpm and, when paired with Alfa Romeo’s quick-shifting and smooth ALFA TCT transmission, it can be used as a full automatic (with its responsiveness and shift patterns adjusted via the three-mode Alfa D.N.A. drive selector, along with the power steering assistance, ESC and Q2 electronic differential settings and throttle and brake responsiveness) or as a full manual, either by slotting the dear selector into its sequential gate or by using the standard steering wheel paddle shifters.
In the UK, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta’s model range features five trim levels: Giulietta, Giulietta Super, Giulietta Tecnica, Giulietta Speciale and Giulietta Veloce. The entry-level Giulietta now benefits from burnished headlamp surrounds, satin-finish door handles and new oblique tailpipes, while inside there are new grey and black fabric seats with Alfa Romeo logo on the head restraints, new matte black dashboard insert and luxury floor mats.
Image: Autocar
Sheri says
I would love to go on a steam locomotive! How was it on the inside? I wrote a post about traveling on luxury trains but I would love to see a steam train that has been refurbished but with lots of the old elements and style kept.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Sheri, it was kept in the original state inside, but with a few clean ups and repairs here and there, as you can imagine! The journey took over two hours and was fascinating, although we have done the posher version before where we enjoyed a 3 course meal as we steamed through the Yorkshire countryside! Karen
Jennifer says
My children would really enjoy going on the steam train. My kids already enjoy going on the ICE train. That must have been an amazing experience. We have travelled via train several times here in Europe. I wish travelling by train in the US was more popular because I would certainly do that. The car is very nice! I have never heard of that make.
Karen Burns-Booth says
OH the Ice Train, oh yes, I have heard of that and would love to travel in it! I also did the iconic coast to coast train across Canada last year too, which was amazing!
Kat says
I love that country-feel of your photos, in particular that house village and field with flowers, and the way your described all the food that you had during the trip. 🙂 I hope we’ll have proper trains in the Philippines in the future too so the people can make comfortable trips such as this one.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Kat! Mind you, I want to visit the Philippines soon just to see those lakes and ponds you shared on your post recently! Karen
Marije says
Nice ride! Both car and train 🙂 And it looks like you had a great weekend with plenty of good food. Love weekends like that.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Marije, it was a wonderful weekend filled with fun, fine food and family time! Karen
Vyjay says
What a great time you had. Spectacular food and a great journey. I loved the ’60’s’ steam locomotive ride. Steam locomotives have a great aura of romance associated with them and I love them.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Vyjay, it was a fabulous day and the car as well as the train was a delight to drive and ride on!
mark and kate says
I have not experienced riding a steam train before. I think I would like to do that at least once. Looks like all of you had enjoyed the weekend and great food that you have shared with your loved ones. Your thoughts on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce is very informative. It must have been wonderful to drive a car like that, too.
Karen Burns-Booth says
The Alfa Romeo car was a dream to drive and also big enough for 5 people too, so sporty but practical! The weekend was amazing and also filled with fun and laughter, as well as fab food!
Martina (theglobeater) says
I loved every single picture you took, they’re so high quality, with vibrant colors and always a nice angle!
I’ve never ridden a steam train, unfortunately, but it must have been an amazing experience. I love traveling by train and am soon leaving for an interrail trip through Europe, wish steam trains were included haha 🙂
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Martina! If you ever get a chance to ride in a steam train, then grab the opportunity! Karen
Jen Morrow says
The stream train looks amazing! I adore train travel anyway, the English countryside is so mesmerizing and even better from the train.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Jen, I agree with you, and I always daydream as I look out of the windows when travelling by train in the UK!
Stella the Travelerette says
I would love to go on a steam train in Yorkshire. I’ve been on one in New Mexico, which was so much fun. I think Yorkshire is one of the prettiest places in the world, but I’ve only been to Haworth. It sounds like you had a great time!
Karen Burns-Booth says
Ooooh, now I want to go on a steam train in New Mexico Stella! Haworth, home to the Bronte’s is a fabulous place to visit, but hopefully you will see my part of N Yorkshire one day too! Karen
Tae says
That view of the steam engine looks like it should belong in Harry Potter. I love the write-up and the pictures (about to hunt around your blog to see if you offer photo tutorials – if you don’t you should ;)) Sweet ride too!
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Tae, I have been asked to do online photo tutorials before, so maybe it’s something I should do! That train WAS the same train that was used in Harry Potter, so well done for recognising it!
Subhadrika Sen says
The photographs are amazing. I recently went on a stem train ride in the Lake District. It was a short ride for about fifteen minutes. I guess you enjoyed a lot. Plus, I like that lunch !!YUM.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Subhadrika, I have also been on a steam train in the Lake District too, but a long time ago now! Yes, the lunch was amazing, a real good Sunday roast!
Blair Villanueva says
I find this car so gorgeous and perfect for everyone’s road trips. Keep on sharing us your travel road trips with your new car 😀
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Blair, I wish is was my new car, sadly I had to return it after 5 days, but it was great to review it and see how well it performed! Karen
Anne-Sophie says
I love your photos Karen! What a beautiful trip. The Old Lodge Malton looks like the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away. The car looks fantastic as well!
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Anne-Sophie, The Old Lodge is a fabulous places to go for lunch, afternoon tea or even just a drink and ended the weekend off in a great way! I wish I could keep the car, as it was a fabulous drive.
Rashmi&Chalukya says
Car travel sounds like an amazing and adventurous experience. You have some awesome captures of nature and landscape and we believe exploring like a local is possible only on a car drive.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much for your kind comments Rashmi and Chalukya! I am a bit of an avid photographer and loved highlighting my home country, as well as other destinations around the world!
Christina says
What an amazing weekend! The steam train looks like it would be a dreamy experience. And all the food looks delicious. I hope to explore this part of Europe someday.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Christina, I hope you manage to visit my part of the UK soon, as it is such a lovely area, as you can hopefully see from my photos! Karen
Lance says
Wonderful pictures Karen. If travelling to England again, I will definitely visit Yorkshire. I’ve heard so many good things about that place and I really want to experience it someday.
Liana says
Wow, this travel sounds amazing, and the countryside is kinda of incredible! I can’t believe how beautiful the England countryside looks ! And your travel this the Alfa Romeo sounds like just an incredible trip! The food pictures are just so goood!
christine leger says
These photos alone are making me hungry. Your site has a nasty habit of doing that to me. lol. Such great photos. The car looks pretty great too.
Inka says
What a lovely Summery of the English Country Side. I specially like the the Image of the York Moor and the little Fishertown. You caught an amazing Sunset there.
😀
Tamshuk says
I love the charm of the steam trains.
The pictures are really beautiful. Especially those food pictures, they are awesome 🙂
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Tamshuk! I love steam trains too!