Blog Layout
Amazing Autumnal Adventures in the Yorkshire Dales
Rose Atkinson • Oct 04, 2021
Autumn is a truly wonderful time of year to visit the celebrated Yorkshire Dales. The Dales becomes an artist’s delight in the colder months, adding amazing autumn hues to its vibrant colour palette. Enjoy a stroll through the Dales as the leaves begin to fall or discover the county’s rich history in a quintessentially British castle, before curling up in front of a log fire in a hearty country pub.
As the summer rush finally comes to an end, it’s the perfect excuse to get cosy in a luxury cottage this autumn. So, why not soak up the wonders of mother nature this season at Reeth Holiday Cottages?!
Wonderful Walks
Yes, the weather is starting to turn a little bit colder – but don’t let that put you off heading outdoors at this spectacular time of year. The Dales boasts a unique collection of fantastic walking spots, from fascinating fells to wonderful woodlands…
Aysgarth Falls
is a series of stepped waterfalls, situated on the River Ure in Wensleydale. Well-known for its appearance in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, this is a much-loved Dales beauty spot. The falls look particularly spectacular in the autumn time, after the Dales have been drenched in rain – the rush of running water contrasting against the colourful foliage is truly a sight to behold!
Thorp Perrow
is home to some of the largest and rarest trees in England, with the leaves turning into rich shades of gold, amber and red in the autumn season. Follow the various nature trails dotted amongst the many acres of woodland and revel in the autumn colours, before heading over to the Bird of Pray and Mammal Centre to meet the feathered, furry, and scaled residents.
Hardraw Force
is England’s highest above-ground waterfall, providing the most stunning setting for an autumnal stroll. Set behind the beautiful village of Hardraw near Hawes, the falls have inspired scenes from multiple movies. This spectacular 100ft drop fall is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of the Dales and is well worth a visit during your autumn break.
Quaint Castles
The Yorkshire Dales boasts some of the finest castles in the whole of Britain, providing a fun yet educational family day out. Our county is well known for its history; from William the Conqueror to the War of the Roses, Yorkshire is a staple feature in England’s past…
Bolton Castle
is a well-preserved square fortress, set in the picturesque Dales town of Leyburn. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here for a year in 1658 and was also besieged by parliament during the English Civil War. This Grade I listed building offers pristine grounds and gardens, including a designated rose garden, vineyard and even a large maze.
Richmond Castle
is a huge, powerful castle, teetering on a high cliff overlooking the spectacular River Swale. Built in the 11th Century by the Normans, the castle was originally known as Riche Mount, meaning ‘the strong hill’. Take a stroll around the cockpit garden, admire the exhibitions on display, or simply take in the wonderful views of the Yorkshire Dales.
Middleham Castle
was once a mighty fortress so magnificent that it was known as the ‘Windsor of the North’. Today, the castle has fallen into ruin, sitting on a hill between the meandering rivers of Cover and Ure. The castle can be traced back to just after the Norman conquest and was once home to Richard III.
Picturesque Pubs
They say it’s grim up North, but we beg to differ! The Yorkshire Dales is positively teeming with snug pubs with toasty log fires – ideal for huddling around on a cold autumn day. After a long autumnal ramble, tuck into some hearty food and tasty tipples at one of the Dales’ finest pubs…
The King’s Arms
is our local village pub, just a short walk away from our self-catering cottages. This child and dog-friendly country pub is popular with tourists and locals alike and is celebrated for its locally sourced food and traditional cask ales. Settle down by the roaring log inglenook fire and enjoy comfort at its finest.
The Black Bull
in our village is well worth a visit, just a short walk away from our self-catering cottages. As Reeth’s oldest surviving inn, The Black Bull is a firm favourite with the locals. Boasting a fine selection of real ales, quality wines and homecooked food, this traditional pub complete with exposed beams and a roaring fire provides the ideal pit stop whilst walking in the Dales.
Tan Hill Inn
is famous for being the UK’s highest pub, sitting at a whopping 1732ft above sea level. Dating back to the 17th Century, the pub still features exposed beams, stone-flagged flooring, and a crackling open fire. After a long day exploring the Yorkshire Dales, why not curl up by the fire with one of their amazing ‘ales from the Dales’?!
The Green Dragon Inn
in Hardraw near Hawes is a charming country pub with a rich history. Situated right next to the Hardraw Force waterfall, the inn dates right back to the 13th Century. Boasting some stunning original features, you can put your feet up by the cosy wood burner whilst enjoying some delicious hearty pub grub.
Horrifying Halloween Events
If you’re searching for somewhere to take the kids this Halloween, look no further than the Yorkshire Dales for some frightening family fun! Whether you enjoy the adrenalin kick that comes with feeling scared or prefer something a bit tamer, our beautiful county has got you covered this October…
The Forbidden Corner
will be opening its creaky doors to your little monsters on the 16th October; wander around the eerie grounds and uncover the supernatural creatures that lurk in the shadows. Thorp Perrow’s
Halloween Trail kicks off on the 9th October; with terrifying tombs, spooky skeletons and more Halloween frights hidden amongst the woodland.
Bolton Abbey’s
Pumpkin Trail will be providing some horrifying half-term fun; navigate the spooktacular Strid Wood and collect the creepy clues to help solve the Halloween puzzle. Kiplin Hall’s
Crowe’s Wood Halloween Trail is set to return on 16th October; offering a world of frighteningly good fun and fantasy this spooky season.
Awe-Inspiring Autumnal Breaks at Reeth Holiday Cottages
Our four luxury self-catering cottages are set in the picturesque village of Reeth, providing the ideal base to explore the Yorkshire Dales. We are almost fully booked up for the autumn season, with just a few short stays remaining:
- Saturday 9th – Monday 11th October at Greystones
- Tuesday 19th – Friday 22nd October at Greystones
- Friday 29th – Friday 5th November at Burton House
- Monday 1st – Friday 5th November at Greystones
- Monday 15th – Friday 19th November at Burton House
- Monday 15th – Wednesday 17th November at Turbine House
- Monday 15th – Friday 19th November at Charlie’s Stable
Click here
to book your awe-inspiring autumn break in Reeth today!
With the bank holidays coming up in May and the Summer Holidays on the horizon, we have put together a list of family friendly walks and activities to really make the most of your stay in beautiful Swaledale.
Happy New Year!
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Christmas 2020 was full of lockdowns and cancellations, so we’re definitely intending to make the most of the 2021 festive season. There are so many fun things happening in God’s Own Country this season – from artisan Christmas markets to spectacular light trails, Santa’s grotto visits and festive train rides, and so much more. Check out our guide below to discover some wonderful Christmas events taking place in the Yorkshire Dales this month…
Have you been to visit the Yorkshire Dales yet? Our four luxury self-catering cottages are situated in the glorious village of Reeth, tucked away in the corner of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. Reeth is a bustling hub of activity, perfect for exploring the celebrated Yorkshire Dales. Our cottages are extremely popular amongst walkers and visitors to the area. The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most picturesque areas in the whole of the UK and is arguably the waterfall capital of England. The county is awash with waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, with its dramatic landscapes boasting cascading falls. The Yorkshire Dales features the highest waterfalls in England both below and above ground, as well as the highest single drop waterfall in the country. We have compiled a handy list of our favourite waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales; so you can spend less time researching, and more time exploring. All the below walks can be found on the OS Maps app, which guests can access whilst staying at our cottages.
The annual grouse shooting season is one of the most celebrated events in the Yorkshire Dales calendar; beginning on the Glorious Twelfth (12th August) and lasting until 10th December. Moorland owners and gamekeepers of the Yorkshire Dales carry out vital conservation work on more than 226,000 acres of precious heather moorland across the area, many of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). During the late summer season, our beautiful Dales moorland really is a sight to behold. The heather is in full bloom on our uplands, turning the hills a vivid purple. The heather provides the perfect habitat for the remarkable red grouse. Keep reading to discover more about our important work in moorland management…
Nature truly comes alive in the Yorkshire Dales during the summer months. Birds and animals are hard at work feeding their young, whilst the spectacular hay meadows reach their peak. There is no finer sight or smell than a hay meadow in full flower on a hot summer’s day! Swaledale boasts some of the Dales’ finest hay meadows, which are best experienced in late June to early July. Keep reading to discover more about the Yorkshire Dales’ very own delightful hay meadows…
After being cancelled last year, we are delighted that the renowned Swaledale Festival has returned in 2021! This celebration of music and arts has been running since 1972, situated in the three most northern areas of the Yorkshire Dales: Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale. Beginning on the Saturday of the late May Bank Holiday each year, the festival boasts marvellous musical acts, artistic workshops, children’s events, guided walks and much more. This year, festival organisers have decided to spread events over a six-month period, instead of the usual 2 weeks. Many events have been so popular that they are already sold out, but there are still tickets remaining for the following…
Tucked away in a cosy corner of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, the picturesque village of Reeth is perfectly placed to explore the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. Visitors from near and afar flock to Reeth to explore the spectacular Yorkshire Dales landscape each year. The village is only a short two-minute stroll from our four luxury self-catering cottages and the community of Reeth is always bustling with activity. There are various pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, a museum, a hairdresser’s, an ice cream parlour, a beauty salon, and a weekly Friday market to enjoy.
Want to whisk the kids away on holiday this year? With holidays abroad being off the cards for the time being, why not consider a fun family staycation here in the Yorkshire Dales?! Our lovely self-catering cottages are set in the idyllic village of Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales, providing a real “Home from Home” experience. Set in the spectacular Swaledale countryside, surrounded by stunning views and breathtaking scenery, our luxury cottages offer the perfect opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are plenty of activities nearby for children of all ages to enjoy; whether they are keen moochers, adventurers or explorers. Take a day trip to the famous Thorp Perrow arboretum or play and explore at the fantastic Forbidden Corner – the possibilities are truly endless!
Our four luxury holiday cottages are nestled in the idyllic, quiet village of Reeth. We are tucked away in the corner of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, situated in the north of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Spring is in the air, and we can finally shake off the chill of winter (is it just me or did winter last forever?!). The end of lockdown is in sight, and we can look forward to catching up with friends and family after so long apart – and there’s no better place to celebrate the end of lockdown than the glorious Yorkshire Dales…