Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales

Stretching for 1773 square kilometres across North Yorkshire and Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales is famous for its varied and magnificent landscape. Formed as a result of ancient glaciers carving through the Pennine hills it has been protected as a National Park since 1954, its winning combination of breathtaking scenery, wonderful wildlife, industrial heritage and traditional warm welcome mean that visitors return time and time again to experience this unique environment with the changing seasons.

Unparallelled Charm

Rugged heather-covered moorlands, limestone formations, meadowland criss-crossed with dry-stone walls, tumbling waterfalls, historic castles and picturesque villages all combine to make up this very special landscape. Whether you’re looking for a romantic short break, an active getaway or a holiday for all the family, the Dales has something to interest and enchant all ages.

Bustling market towns, traditional pubs, castles, museums, steam trains and stately homes are all waiting to be explored and throughout the year you will find a wealth of events ranging from Music and Beer Festivals to Agricultural Shows.

Active Pursuits

The Yorkshire Dales is a fantastic place for those who enjoy the great outdoors and provides some of the best horse riding, rock climbing and mountain biking terrain in the country.  One of the best ways to explore the area is by foot and whether you’re looking for a gentle riverside stroll or the more strenuous challenge of conquering the Three Peaks, there are walks for all levels of fitness. 

For those keen to discover the area on two wheels there are a variety of trails and surfaces from quiet routes along disused railways or more intrepid trails across the high fells. It must be pretty special as the 2014 Tour de France started off in this beautiful area!

The Dales limestone scenery has provided an underground labyrinth of caves and potholes making it the largest caving area in the UK. Gaping Gill on the southern slopes of Ingleborough, is on every cavers ‘must do’ list with a stunning chamber big enough to contain St Paul’s Cathedral! For those keen on caving but not sure where to begin, guided tours of Show Caves are available - experience isn’t necessary but warm clothes are!

Hospitality in Abundance

Whether its fine dining or a traditional pub lunch in front of a roaring log fire, the Yorkshire Dales has a great range of places to eat and drink accompanied by an equally great warm welcome. 

After a day's walking in beautiful Swaledale, The Bridge Inn in the picturesque village of Grinton will be a welcome sight. It has a great reputation for homemade food, well kept real ale and an extensive wine selection and welcomes walkers, dogs and muddy boots! Perfect for relaxing with a pint in front of their log fire.

For a special treat or celebration, the Michelin starred Box Tree in Ilkley is set in an old Yorkshire stone farmhouse cottage dating back to around 1720 and has been well known for its high standards for over forty years. Choose from a modern French classical menu and an extensive wine cellar.

Attractions not to be Missed

Set in Masham the Black Sheep Brewery has been producing beer for six generations. Highly popular tours are available allowing you to take a behind-the-scenes look at the process whilst also enjoying a sample!

Discover the stories of the people and places of the Yorkshire Dales at the Dales Countryside Museum located in Hawes. Take a train journey through the past on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. The railway runs through picturesque scenery between Embsay station, built in 1888, and the award winning station at Bolton Abbey.

The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises, created in a four acre garden. A day out with a difference that will challenge and delight children of all ages!Escape to Lightwater Valley theme park and discover the excitement of a day bursting with thrills and adventure including Europe’s longest roller coaster.

Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheatre shaped formation of limestone rock which has been attracting visitors for centuries. The vertical face of the cliff is 260 feet high and on top of the cove is a large area of limestone pavement.

Explore the tranquil grounds of Parcevall Hall Gardens including woodland walks, a limestone rock garden, south facing terraces and a beautiful rose garden. Skipton Castle dates back 900 years and is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England - well worth a visit at any time of year! Stump Cross Caverns is one of Britain’s premier show caves, located in Nidderdale. A site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and home to some amazing natural formations.

Where to Stay

We have a fantastic selection of holiday homes across the Dales, so whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage, or a converted farmhouse to accommodate the whole family, we are sure to have the perfect property.

The popular little market town of Hawes has the distinction of being England’s highest town being 850 feet above sea level. There are many local attractions including the Wensleydale Creamery and Hardraw Force, England’s largest single-drop waterfall, set in the grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn.

Skipton recently won The Sunday Times’ 101 Best Places to Live in Britain Award 2014, so why not try it for yourself?  The bustling high street has retained much of its old world charm with a good selection of shops and cafes. and there are plenty of attractions too, including the medieval castle, church and Leeds & Liverpool Canal. It also makes an excellent centre for touring the Dales and further afield into Bronte Country and the Vale of York.

In Safe Hands

We’ve been doing this for over 20 years so you know you can trust us - our cottages are all inspected and hand-picked to ensure that the quality stays high. Most of the properties have a VisitEngland award which means you know what to expect.