Bolton Abbey Cottages

Stay in style at Bolton Abbey by booking one of the estate’s three high-end holiday homes. Each offers self-catering in a location that’s hard to beat if you’re wanting to visit this part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. But it’s not only the location and the oh-so-lovely views from the windows that make these places special – it’s character and finish, too. Each is a historic stone cottage that’s been carefully renovated to balance period charm with contemporary comfort. That means log burners, hot tubs and as many bathrooms as there are bedrooms in each property.

These are the work of the Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants group, which has introduced self-catering accommodation to the Duke of Devonshire’s estates both here at Bolton Abbey and down at Chatsworth in the Peak District. The aim is to provide staycation boltholes in some of England’s loveliest surroundings, and they’ve certainly achieved that here. Whether you choose Wharfe View Cottage, Stank House Farm or Wesleyan Chapel, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous rural scenery and each property has an outside space to help you make the most of it. There are also hot tubs at Stank House Farm and the Chapel, and flagstone terraces and barbecues at all three. Plus, each is family- and dog-friendly.

Choose Wesleyan Chapel for four bedrooms and bathrooms and space for up to eight guests. The other two properties are suitable for six, and all are well kitted out with quality farmhouse-style kitchens. While the ability to self-cater is one of the attractions of these holiday homes, a benefit of being part of the estate is easy access to its other facilities. For example, down the road, the Devonshire Hotel and Spa offers dining in its brasserie, as well as access to its spa for a small extra charge.

Whichever cottage you stay in, you're situated amid the 30,000 acres of the Bolton Abbey Estate. Within it, you can see the ruined Augustinian priory the place is named for, enjoy riverside strolls and woodland walks, visit a waterfall, hike across fells and enjoy family bike rides. You may also have the opportunity to join in with one of the many events that take place here every year, from fly fishing lessons to open-air theatre. There’s enough to keep you amused during your stay, whether it’s for a weekend or a week, but don’t forget what’s beyond the estate boundaries – more countryside, walks and adventure in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.