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The Dales are blessed with a fantastic selection of holiday properties – perfect for a quick weekend break or an extended stay

LANGCLIFFE HALL

NEAR SETTLE

This stunning Jacobean country house dates back to 1602, since which time it has seen many famous visitors – apparently Sir Isaac Newton was a regular guest! Mullioned windows, an oak-panelled hall, period fireplaces and a library packed with hundreds of leather-bound volumes – not to mention two acres of enclosed gardens – make it the perfect place to step back into history and leave the stresses and strains of the 21st century behind you. Langcliffe Hall has seven bedrooms, one with a four-poster queen bed, and can accommodate parties of thirteen guests and up to two dogs. For bookings contact yorkshirehideaways.co.uk

SHEPHERDS COTTAGE

NEAR SEDBUSK, HAWES

Close to the hamlet of Sedbusk, and looking out across the rugged hills of Upper Wensleydale, Shepherds Cottage is a spacious, south-facing, detached property that sleeps up to six guests. With scenic walks that start from the front door and secure bicycle storage, it’s an excellent base from which hikers and cyclists can explore the most northerly reaches of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The busy market town of Hawes, with its tearooms, pubs and idiosyncratic shops, is just a mile or two away. Head west and you’re soon in Cumbria, with Sedburgh, Kendal and the southern Lakeland fells to enjoy. For bookings contact yorkshireholidaycottages.co.uk

WINSBURY COTTAGE

EAST HAUXWELL

This charming semi-detached barn conversion, set on a working farm, makes a splendid getaway for a country-loving couple. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of a working rural landscape, with expansive views over gently rolling farmland and a generously proportioned south-facing, private garden equipped with a barbecue for alfresco eating. If it’s chilly outside there’s underfloor heating inside to keep you nice and snug. For a few days of splendid seclusion, Winsbury Cottage is just the ticket, but if you happen to fancy a change of pace, Richmond, Leyburn and Bedale are all just a few minutes’ drive away. For bookings contact yorkshirehideaways.co.uk

WHITE ROSE COTTAGE

CONSTABLE BURTON

Constable Burton is a picturesque village, roughly halfway between Leyburn and Bedale, conveniently placed for exploring the many delights of midWensleydale and Coverdale, including Jervaulx Abbey, Middleham Castle, The Forbidden Corner and Thorp Perrow Arboretum. White Rose Cottage, which sleeps two, is a light, bright and airy stone-built property, furnished in a relaxed, contemporary style, with exposed beams, a wood-burning stove and an attractive courtyard. A short walk away you’ll find a dining pub, The Wyvill Arms, and Constable Burton Hall. The Hall, with its magnificent Tulip Festival, is a mustsee in spring, and hosts a variety of other events throughout the year. For bookings contact yorkshirehideaways.co.uk

5 MILLTOP COTTAGE

RICHMOND

Some people like to holiday in the middle of nowhere, others want to have plenty of facilities within walking distance. If you fall into the latter category, this is the kind of holiday cottage you’ll be looking for. An easy walk from the centre of Richmond, 5 Milltop Cottage is a good option if you’re keen to explore the historic Georgian town and take advantage of its many facilities. It sleeps up to four guests, and two well-behaved dogs are welcome by arrangement. With a south-facing terrace and a lounge balcony looking out across the wooded valley of the Swale, it’s just the place to relax after a busy day sightseeing. For bookings contact yorkshireholidaycottages.co.uk

VINE BARN

BELLERBY, LEYBURN

Bellerby is a picture-postcard village, with its own pub and café, less than two miles from Leyburn. Vine Barn, which sleeps two, is a stonebuilt barn conversion with a smart little conservatory and a private walled garden. Spacious and light, it has rustic beamed ceilings and a wood-burning stove for cold-season comfort. Leyburn has a wealth of independent shops, pubs and restaurants, and a bustling market on Fridays. The walk from the town centre along The Shawl is an effortless way to get panoramic views across Wensleydale towards Penhill, and on selected days from May until October you can explore Bedale, Leeming Bar and Scruton on the Wensleydale Heritage Railway. For bookings contact yorkshireholidaycottages.co.uk