Blog Layout
Rediscover History at Reeth Holiday Cottages
Rose Atkinson • Oct 28, 2020
Here at Reeth Holiday Cottages, we are proud to be situated in the stunning Yorkshire Dales national park. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, walking and hiking may not be viable options for much longer; but fear not, as there are still plenty of activities and days out nearby for all the family to enjoy. The Dales is home to some of the finest and most picturesque castles in the whole of the UK – so why not step back in time and pick up some historical knowledge during your Yorkshire staycation?
Richmond Castle
Richmond Castle is situated at the peak of the river Swale, and is just a short drive away from Reeth Holiday Cottages. The castle offers spectacular views of the Yorkshire Dales, and has been wowing Brits since its foundation back in the 1070s. Richmond Castle is one of the finest 11th Century fortresses in the UK; with a fascinating history that spans many prominent eras, there is so much to discover at this stunning English Heritage site.
Richmond Castle is open as normal – but please book your tickets
in advance.
Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle is perched on a high rock formation above the idyllic River Tees, and is just half an hour’s drive from Reeth. The castle is located on the edge of a small market town (also known as ‘Barney’), and features breath-taking views over the Tees Gorge. Barnard Castle takes its name from 12th Century founder Bernard de Balliol, before it finally ended up in Richard III’s possession.
Barnard Castle is officially open for business, with some restrictions in place. Please click here
to book your tickets.
Egglestone Abbey
Discover the ancient ruins of the fascinating Egglestone Abbey nestled above the River Tees, just a stone’s throw away from the nearby Barnard Castle. Boasting the charming remains of a small 13th Century Premonstratensian 13th Century abbey, you can still view much of the church building and living quarters, as well as evidence of their innovative toilet drainage system.
Egglestone Abbey is a FREE site that is open daily to visitors. Discover more here.
Middleham Castle
At under half an hours’ drive from Reeth Holiday Cottages, this beautiful castle dominates the picturesque town of Middleham in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. Once home to Richard III, you can rediscover the castle’s rich history and view the roofless ruins of this spectacular fortified palace. With the viewing platform offering panoramic views of the Wensleydale valley and remains of the oven and horse mill still present today, Middleham Castle makes for the ideal family day out.
Middleham Castle and Grounds are open as usual, but please book your tickets
in advance.
Rievaulx Abbey
If you’re willing to venture just that little bit further, why not discover the impressive remains of North England’s first Cistercian abbey? Retreat to this peaceful valley in the North York Moors and gain a valuable insight into the lives of the monks who resided at Rievaulx Abbey. The adjoining museum displays unique artefacts, which tell the story of the rise and fall of one of England’s superior Cistercian monasteries.
Rievaulx Abbey and Museum are both open as normal. Please click here
to book your tickets in advance.
Have you discovered the rich history and culture that the Yorkshire Dales has to offer? Here at Reeth Holiday Cottages, there are so many wonderful castles and abbeys
right on our doorstep – which make for the perfect family day out during the winter season.
Step back in time with Reeth Holiday Cottages. Click here
to book your seasonal staycation at our pet-friendly holiday cottages on the glorious Yorkshire Dales 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…
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?!
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!