Discovering the Yorkshire Dales
The holidays are underway and there are so many beautiful areas to explore with a huge variety of accommodation styles to choose from.
Whether you are looking for a hotel, caravan and camping park, self-catering accommodation, or something a little different, we know you can still have a fantastic and well-deserved break.
Over the last few months many businesses have achieved our new AA Covid Confident accreditation which will help to give you confidence in the measures these places have put in place.
As part of our blog series, we are heading to the Yorkshire Dales to put the spotlight on some properties who have already achieved this new mark. The dales include some of the finest limestone scenery in the UK.
Cottage in the Dales
Cottage in the Dales is based in Leyburn and the cottages have been described as luxurious, tranquil and beautiful. The team provides guests with a 'Distinctly Dales' luxury experience in a Grade II-listed cottage. These cottages are located right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and each has its own appeal. The owners pride themselves on delivering a luxury experience where nothing is too much trouble and no detail overlooked. You can also look forward to premium toiletries and the best local produce. To help manage Covid-19, the owners have implemented a 'swap-in/swap-out' strategy for all kitchenware, bedlinen, duvets, and pillows at changeovers. This allows more time to ensure everything is fully sanitised. Guests will also receive their own 'cosmetic bag' with sanitiser, wipes, gloves, and masks which can be used whilst out and about visiting the local area.
Hare Cottage
Hare Cottage in Fingall includes two beautifully presented en-suite luxury bedrooms, a flat-screen television, Wi-Fi and a log burner feature. Fittings are of an excellent standard including a Nespresso machine, dishwasher, washing machine and Denby crockery. The ceiling-to-floor windows showcase the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. It also has a pet-safe garden, private parking, a hot tub and an excellent village pub nearby. Since reopening after Covid-19 they have put a number of new systems in place including longer cleaning time, additional sets of linen and a comprehensive cleaning kit.
Yorebridge House
Dating from the turn of the 17th century and once an old grammar, the trim greystone buildings of Yorebridge House make a living as a fine country hotel, with the luxuriant Yorkshire Dales unfolding all around. The public areas and guest rooms have been boutiqued to perfection, while an understated neutral contemporary style fits the bill in the dining room. Chef Dan Shotton and his brigade champion the region’s produce with their menus. As part of their work on Covid-19 they have introduced protective face coverings for all staff and guests when required.
Swinton Park
Although extended during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the original part of Swinton Park dates from the 17th century. Bedrooms are luxuriously furnished and come with a host of thoughtful extras. The restaurant, Samuel's, serves food sourced from the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate, as the hotel, winner of several green awards, is committed to keeping food miles to a minimum. The gardens, including a four-acre walled garden, have been gradually restored. Since reopening all staff must wear masks and take their temperature twice a day. The breakfast buffet has been removed and a pre-order system put in place. Timers are set-up to ensure staff hand washing takes place every 30 minutes including sanitising the back of house.
The Saddle Room
The Saddle Room is located in the idyllic Tupgill Park Estate in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. High-quality accommodation comes with many thoughtful extras provided as standard. The team are proactive and show wonderful customer care to their guests and really go that extra mile. The bar and restaurant actively promote quality local produce whenever possible, and the setting of the old stables with its fantastic horseracing objets d'art makes for a really unique space. They have put a number of measures in place since Covid-19 including disposable placemats and protective covering kits for all rooms and cottages.
Braithwaite Hall Bed & Breakfast
Braithwaite Hall Bed & Breakfast is an impressive 17th-century building set in open farmland in Coverdale. Inside are many period features including antique furnishings and a stunning oak staircase; the drawing room comes complete with oak panelling from the 1660s. The bedrooms are spacious and very comfortable. Delicious breakfasts are served in the elegant dining room and there is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. As part of their reopening plans, they will only be letting one room on any night. Disposable gloves and masks will be available to guests if they wish to use them and the owner will be wearing gloves to cook and serve breakfasts.
Confident travels
The AA Covid Confident assessment scheme is designed to give customers confidence that accredited hotels, restaurants, pubs, B&Bs and beyond have the necessary protective measures in place to safely reopen as lockdown restrictions are lifted. You can find more venues from right across the UK by searching on Rated Trips.