This weekend saw Harewood House, Leeds (situated between Leeds, York and Harrogate)play host to the 2013 VW Festival so me and the Mr jumped in our very own VW and hot footed it across West Yorkshire to spend our day with thousands of other V Dubbers.

The festival was actually on for the full weekend but not being serious festival goers, we just went for the day (although in truth, by the time we’d had our regular Sunday morning lie in, stopped off for food, washed the car…blah, blah, blah), we went for the afternoon. We were going to pre order tickets online but me being the soft, fair weather kinda girl, I wanted to wait to see what the weather was going to be like. I was in luck, the sun came out as we arrived (although the wind did nothing for my hair!).
We abandoned our car in the field and made our way through thousands of other cars and tents that had obviously been pitched there for the full weekend…at which point I was actually getting quite envious that we’d not done the same…there was sooooo many people I bet the atmosphere had been fantastic. Next year maybe!!

When we arrived at the showground in front of the house itself, we were met with a sea of people and cars of all ages and conditions (the people and the cars!!)
There were rows upon rows of gleaming vintage, restored and new cars as well as a few that were obviously ‘work in progress’ restoration projects and camper vans in every conceivable colour, lovingly restored for every conceivable use.                              
Although I did work in the motor industry for a number of years, I’m far from a petrol head/tyre kicker/car nerd but I do take a keen interest when it comes to the Mr spending our hard earned dosh on a lump of metal. However, I was totally enthralled in the cars (and vans) on show. There’s something quite romantic about the vintage cars and all the love bugs and camper vans brought out my inner hippy chick. I did (I can’t believe I did…but I did), announce to Mr H that I quite fancied owning a camper van. I probably would never drive it, but it would look oh so pretty sat on my drive and think of all the fun I’d have decorating it/drinking in it/having the girls round. At 5’11”, I’m not sure I’d be able to lay and sleep in it with total comfort but I love the little coffee shop camper idea…I could have a cup cake camper…all pink, glittery and girly!!

Anyway back to reality…after admiring all the cars on show, I dragged Mr H away from all the trade stands (he had some car polish fetish going on that I didn’t quite get, by which time my boredom level was going into overdrive). We wandered down to the bird garden where I let him feast his eyes on as many birds as he wanted (cars and birds in one day – what more could a fella wish for – I’m such a good girlfriend), some of them were completely stunning…and seemed to have a bit of a party/orgy going on..

While some of the more outrageous ones seemed to prefer the party for one…either that or he was still getting ready for the flamingo party. It obvioulsy took him longer to do his hair…

A quick stroll through the courtyard…

We arrived back at the festival in time to see the judging of the vehicles…

As the day came to a close, there was just time for the obligatory festival pie and pint before joining the queues to leave.

Harewood House, its beautiful grounds and garden plus the bird garden are open daily from April to October.  To find out times, prices and what’s on, visit their website here.