Valley View Farm

On the edge of Old Byland village, on the fringes of the North York Moors, are the six stone-walled holiday cottages of Valley View Farm. They offer homely, wholesome and wholly North Yorkshire places to stay. Each occupies a former farm building that’s situated around a south-facing courtyard with views of the countryside you’ll want to explore. This is James Herriot country. The vet-turned-author wrote his nostalgic 'All Creatures Great and Small' stories just down the road in Thirsk. And while the town he lived in has changed, things are still rather sleepy out here. Old Byland, Valley View Farm and its self-catering cottages all offer rural charm and old-world appeal in spades – albeit with a few mod cons thrown in.

The cottages are traditional in style but there are nods to their relatively recent renovation: huge windows to make the most of the views and an en-suite bathroom for every guest room, whether you stay in a one-bed or family-sized cottage. It’s one of the things that sets these cottages apart and makes them as good for families as it does for friends who want to holiday together. On that note, two of the cottages can be connected to sleep 10 or the whole lot can be hired together for up to 22 guests.

Whoever you bring on your holiday (and yes – that can include the dog), you’ll experience the same professional but friendly level of hospitality. The farm has been in the Robinson family for generations, with the cottages let for 20 years. That means everything here is done well: an annual refresh means the decor is always as good as new, beds are comfortable with quality linen, and kitchens are well equipped. There's a welcome book telling you everything you need to know and maps detailing the best local walks.

These include the three-mile route through the surrounding sheep fields to the scenically situated Rievaulx Abbey, an English Heritage Site and one of many abbeys nearby. You’re also just three miles from the Sutton Bank National Park Centre with a popular route leading to the Kilburn White Horse. The Cleveland Way National Trail isn’t far away either, its starting point just five miles away in the picturesque town of Helmsley. But there’s plenty to do without walking boots: those abbeys, Helmsley Castle and Walled Garden and the World of James Herriot in Thirsk. Even the Yorkshire Coast at Whitby isn't too far, and is a dramatic drive, right across the North York Moors National Park.