I'm currently tracing my family tree and really quite enjoying it. It's dangeously addictive once you get into it ! I'm also an only child, my 90 year old mum has dementia and dont't see much of my remaining relatives as they live so far away so there's a bit of added poignancy to it iykwim.
I've recently discovered that several generations up to the 1850's lived in Ampleforth before moving to York and I've even got an address from the 1841 and 1851 censuses indicating where they lived. I'm really curious about visiting the place and getting a feel of it. Stupid question but is there much substantial to see and do there to warrant a visit ? I think there's an abbey and the surroundings look fairly rural so maybe some nice walks ? I don't live a huge distance away, it's certainly doable in a day.