From a treehouse hidden deep in the woods to a boathouse surrounded by the sea, these getaways are perfect for a spot of R&R.
Looking for a countryside escape like no other? God’s Own County is full of cool, under-the-radar getaways, and it’s about time you discovered them. You can stay in an old monk’s cottage, hideaway in a converted ruin or get back to nature in a rustic shepherd’s hut. Each one makes for a memorable holiday and you won’t have to battle the crowds either, because they’re all hidden deep in the countryside. The only question left is, which one will you visit first?
The Old Folly
The Old Folly is a historic gatehouse in Hunmanby that dates back to 1825. But while the Grade-II listed building might look like a crumbling ruin, you’ll find a more modern holiday cottage inside. It’s set within three quarters of an acre of natural grassland that’s home to an abundance of wildlife, from rabbits to tawny owls and even deer, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers.
Step inside the Gothic-style arched doorway and you’ll be welcomed into a cottage full of rustic charm. Spread across two floors, there’s a spacious downstairs living area and a Minstrel gallery with a double bed for you to snuggle up in after a long day of exploring the Yorkshire country. Why not borrow the cottage’s mountain bikes and take on the local trails? Or you can enjoy a round of golf on the 9-hole course nearby. Filey is just three miles away if you want to take in the fresh sea air with a fish and chip supper.
The Old Folly, The Follies, 111 Bridlington Street, Hunmanby, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 0LP.
The North Star Club
The North Star Club is a secluded retreat, hidden within 500 acres of Yorkshire Wolds woodland near Scanton. They have eight fairy-lit suites, each one buried deep among the trees to give you plenty of privacy. Inside, you can expect a rustic-meets-luxury decor, with a copper roll-top bath, a BBQ on the veranda and a four-poster bed made from tree trunks.
They have everything covered for a cosy night in, from Elemis massages in the comfort of your own room to BBQ packs delivered to your door. But if you can peel yourself away, there are plenty of adventures to be had right on your doorstep. Try water sports at Allerthorpe Park or go for a ramble in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Want to go all out? The Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass is just a 15-minute drive away.
The North Star Club, off Houghton Lane, Sancton, York, North Yorkshire, YO43 4RE.
The Chicken Shed
You can get back to nature at The Chicken Shed, a rustic little hut tucked away in a quiet corner of Whitby’s Manor House Farm. This stripped-back, all-in-one cabin is made from reclaimed timber and decked out with fold-away furnishings, including a double bed, so the living room can be transformed into a bedroom at night.
It’s a quirky alternative to camping, complete with little luxuries like an en-suite bathroom, gas heating and a full kitchen unit with a hob and oven. The veranda opens out onto rolling fields, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Venture slightly further afield and you can explore North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastlines, wander down Whitby’s historic streets or go for a cruise around Robin Hood’s Bay, before returning for a snooze in your snug hideaway.
The Chicken Shed, Manor House Farm, Hawsker, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JZ.
The Rufus Roost
A string of lights through Baxby Manor’s private woodland guides the way to Rufus Roost, a luxury treehouse that looks like something out a fairytale. The charming cottage is irresistibly cosy, complete with log burners, sheepskin rugs and comfy leather sofas. It sleeps six, so you can bring your mates or treat the family to a getaway.
The ultimate chill-out pad, it’s got a secret lounge that’s kitted out with bean bags, games consoles, DVDs and even a popcorn machine – movie night, anyone? Or you can head out to the terrace and relax in the log-fired hot tub while taking in breathtaking views over the North York Moors. There are plenty of beautiful walks and historic landmarks nearby – Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley Castle and Newby Hall are all just a 30-minute drive away.
The Rufus Roost, Baxby Manor, Amplecarr, Husthwaite, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 4PW.
The Monk’s Cottage
Dating back to the 13th century, The Monk’s Cottage is one of the oldest habitable buildings in Upper Wharfedale and it makes for a lovely little getaway. This Grade-II listed building used to be home to monks, so you can expect lots of quaint, old-world features like lancet windows, original stone flooring, and a wood-burning stove which rests in the inglenook fireplace.
This homely cottage is tucked down a quiet country lane in Threshfield, right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, so don’t forget your walking boots. You can take a gentle riverside stroll to Linton Falls or you could head further out and climb up Malham Tarn. Bolton Abbey is just a short drive away too. After a long day of exploring, you can kick back in the Old Hall Inn with a pint and some delicious pub grub – it’s right next door to the cottage, so it’d be rude not to.
The Monk’s Cottage, Rakes, Threshfield, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5HB.
The Old Station at Allerston
The Old Station might at first appear to be a couple of railway carriages waiting at a platform, but look a little closer and you’ll find a one-of-a-kind self-catered accommodation. That’s right, an old-school British Rail train on the Forge Valley Line has been converted into three delightful holiday homes and they make for a truly unique staycation where you’ll get the run of your very own first-class carriage.
They’re surprisingly spacious, with three bedrooms, a lounge and a full kitchen. The track runs through two acres of lush green parkland that you can explore on foot or on bikes, which are available to borrow from the station house. Pickering, an ancient market town that’s home to the spectacular North Yorkshire Moors Railway, is just five miles away. But if you want to mix things up, why not spend the day whizzing round the rollercoasters at Flamingo Land?
The Old Station at Allerston, Penniston Lane, Allerston, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7PG.
The Boathouse
Nestled in the picturesque Whitby Harbour is The Boathouse, an old pump house that has been transformed into a modern holiday cottage. You’ll get your own private slice of the beach, making it perfect for a secluded romantic getaway. The cottage is even surrounded by water at high tide and you’ll need to cross a gangplank to reach it.
Spread over three floors connected by one spiral staircase, it’s got a beach-hut feel with crisp white walls and little nautical trinkets. There’s a log-burner for you to cosy up next to and a spacious outdoor terrace, where you can take in wonderful sea views. But make sure you explore the local area too – it’s a stone’s throw from Whitby where you’ll find a host of quaint restaurants and cafes, as well as the famous 199 steps leading to the imposing Gothic Abbey.
The Boathouse, The Boathouse Fish Pier, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4AE.
Little Wold Away
You can enjoy the great Yorkshire countryside in style at Little Wold Away. It’s a glamping retreat on a family-run farm in Everthorpe, where you can cosy up in luxury wooden pods surrounded by woodland and rolling fields. Each pod comes with a double bed, en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and under-floor heating – so you don’t have to worry about any chilly toes.
You’ll be treated to complimentary chocolates and a glass of fizz when you arrive and there’s even a huge hot tub where you can relax while taking in the glorious countryside views. There are plenty of gentle rambles and serious hikes to be had nearby, including the mighty Wolds Way. Stretching 75 miles from the Humber Estuary to Filey, it’s a must for avid walkers. In the evenings, you’ll get a warm welcome at the town’s historic local pub The Fox & Coney.
Little Wold Away, Woodside House, Low Road, Everthorpe, East Yorkshire, HU15 2AD.
Little Otchan Shepherd’s Hut
Hidden in the grounds of a rural, family-run East Yorkshire farm is the Little Otchan Shepherd’s Hut. This hideaway is the only one in the grounds, so you can kick back, relax and enjoy the stunning countryside in complete tranquility. It’s very secluded and surrounded by nature, overlooking a huge pond that’s filled to bursting with wildlife and plants.
The Shepherd’s Hut is as cosy as can be, with a log-burning stove, an irresistibly comfy double bed and a private hot tub. The kitchenette is fitted with a fridge and a hob, but if you want to have a rustic-style cook out there’s a fire pit outside. A stone’s throw from Withernsea, there are plenty of beautiful beaches and dramatic coastlines to explore. You can also soak up some culture in Hull, which has nationally-renowned attractions like The Deep and The Marina, or visit the market town of Beverley for fantastic local restaurants.
Little Otchan Shepherd’s Hut, Four Lane End, Hall Farm, Halsham, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU12 0BU.
