Such is the vastness and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales that picking the best place to stay can be a little tricky – here, we reveal five of our favourite cottages for the perfect holiday base.

By Mark Sutcliffe

Published: Friday, 22 September 2023 at 13:53 PM


From peaceful farming villages nestled below dramatic limestone escarpments to mysterious caves, romantic abbeys, romantic cottages and sparkling waterfalls, the Yorkshire Dales offer visitors a chance to truly unwind. But where are the best places to stay?

We’ve unearthed five fabulous holiday cottages off the beaten path to help you escape the madding crowd yet still sample the very best of the Yorkshire Dales.

Discover the best of the Yorkshire Dales – including the dragon-back peak of Ingleborough – with a stay at one of these gorgeous holiday cottages/Credit: Getty

Yorkshire Dales cottages

The Station Master’s Cottage, Ribblehead

For the ultimate whistlestop tour of the Dales, hop aboard a train on the Settle-Carlisle Railway and alight at Ribblehead, beside the iconic viaduct and explore the towns and villages along the line at leisure. settle-carlisle.co.uk 01768 800 208

Bluecaster Side, Sedbergh

This atmospheric, white-washed farmhouse promises a roomy rural escape among the foothills of the Howgills just outside the ‘book town’ of Sedbergh. The remote location is perfect for a digital detox. independentcottages.co.uk 07973 989831

Mill Fosse Cottage, Hawes

An exquisite 17th-century cottage in a quiet corner of the quirky village of Hawes at the head of Wensleydale. Flagstone floors, exposed beams and oodles of character. millfossecottage.co.uk 07885 966935.

Craven Cottage, Appletreewick

A Grade II listed cottage with open fires in this picture-perfect Wharfedale village with associations with Dick Whittington. Two pubs within walking distance – perfect for exploring Wharfedale on foot. cravencottageappletreewick.com 01756 720486

7 Queens Square, Kirkby Lonsdale

Stay in a traditional stone cottage with a cool contemporary interior in the heart of this elegant Georgian market town. Perfect base for the pubs and restaurants in the town, Ruskin’s view and the northern Dales. independentcottages.co.uk 01768 780571