The Nun Monkton ferryboat, a not-for-profit community enterprise based in rural North Yorkshire sets sail once again on Saturday 6th April.

Launched in September 2017 for the first time in 65 years, the ferryboat reopened the historic crossing of the River Ouse between the village of Nun Monkton and Beningbrough Hall. Following a successful 2018, which welcomed 2267 passengers and countless dogs, the ferryboat is delighted to be able to embark upon the second leg of the journey for 2019, navigating the River Nidd to land on the shores of Moor Monkton as well.

“We're really excited to be able to open up even more of the picturesque local countryside to our visitors, and make Nun Monkton and Beningbrough more accessible for our Moor Monkton neighbours,” says Kate Harpin, who funded the launch of the ferryboat with her husband Richard. “Apparently many years ago there used to be a bridge linking Nun Monkton and Moor Monkton, so a ferry crossing is the next best thing!”

The village of Nun Monkton is an idyllic North Yorkshire no-through-road village which terminates at the confluence of the Rivers Nidd & Ouse. A ferry was first recorded at this point across the Ouse in 1174, when William and Ivetta des Arches founded a priory of Benedictine nuns and in recent times a small passenger ferry was in operation until 1952. Not only does the village boast a magnificent 12th century church with William Morris stained glass window, but it is very proud of its award-winning pub The Alice Hawthorn, which serves great pub classics and modern British food (NB: booking is advisable especially at weekends).

Weather permitting, the ferryboat will run from Saturday 6th April every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of October 2019 from 11am – 4pm. A small charge of £2 per adult and £1 per child each way will be made to cover running costs, with dogs and bicycles* being transported for free.

*NB: Please note that bicycles are only allowed on the crossing between Nun Monkton and Moor Monkton and cannot disembark at Beningbrough.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

PR contact: Emily Bennison; emilybennison@yahoo.co.uk; 07789 748970

Website: www.nunmonktonferryboat.org; Facebook: fb.me/nunmonktonferry

For more information please email: info@nunmonktonferryboat.org

Bicycles: Please note that bicycles are only allowed on the crossing between Nun Monkton and Moor Monkton and cannot disembark at Beningbrough.About the boat: The boat is an Mk 111 Wheelyboat, a versatile open day boat capable of transporting 6 passengers plus the skipper and a crew member.

Self-Drive Boat Hire: An electric picnic boat, Betty Blue, is available to hire for the day from the Nun Monkton pontoon, on days when the ferry is running. For more information please visit: www.nunmonktonferryboat.org/self-drive-boat-hire

Volunteers: The ferryboat is run by a team of dedicated volunteers from across the local area that is always looking for new members. To get involved please contact: info@nunmonktonferryboat.org