IT IS always a bonus when a tea room associated with a tourist attraction can be accessed without paying an entry fee.

This is true of Duncombe Park, where the long driveway opens up into a car park. Through the gift shop and you are in a courtyard with picnic tables.

It was windy when we visited which explains why the menus were nailed to the tables! We chose to sit inside where the full menu was brought to us and immediately removed once we had ordered. Had we decided to sit outside, we were requested to order at the servery.

The food would be brought out to us. Depending on the time of day sandwiches (£4 to £4.80), soup (£3.70) or a ploughman's lunch (£4.70) are available.

As it was afternoon most customers were eating scones and gateaux. Some were having the traditional Yorkshire cream tea (£3.25).

Desperately in need of a drink, we ordered tea. Ann has developed a taste for Lady Grey which is less perfumed than its male counterpart. This came with lemon and a silver squeezer, plus a tea strainer immediately placing this venue on the sophistication ladder.

Yorkshire brew was my choice and with the hot water supplied without asking we both enjoyed three cups.

From a choice of orange, coffee or chocolate cake (£1.95), Ann opted for the former. As always we shared the spoils, agreeing that the sponge was light but doubting if the cake itself was flavoured. The icing, however, had a very strong orange taste.

I was attracted to the rich Duncombe fruit cake (£1.95) and was offered Wensleydale cheese to go with it. The cake was moist and flavoursome. The portion of cheese was substantial.

In addition to the gift shop (yes, we succumbed), there is the opportunity to visit the house or just the grounds. We decided to call it a day and wend our way back to York by as many country lanes as possible.

Updated: 09:10 Saturday, August 02, 2003