North Yorkshire – Woodcroft Cottage

Going on a dog friendly holiday doesn’t mean you have to miss out on luxury accommodation. We’re so lucky in the U.K. that there are so many lovely holiday homes that allow your 4-legged family members to join in the fun.

You may remember that just over a year ago we went up north to stay in the GORGEOUS Brompton Lakes in Richmond, North Yorkshire – you can read about our stay in the lodge here. We had the most amazing time and loved exploring the local area, of which you can read about what to do here. Holiday at Home invited us back, this time to experience one of their other properties – Woodcroft Cottage, just outside of Richmond.

Knowing just how much we loved North Yorkshire last time we couldn’t wait to go back, and it was perfect. Woodcroft Cottage is smaller than the lodges with two bedrooms sleeping 4; a great getaway for two couples or a family of 4. Both bedrooms are ensuite with double beds, one which can be set up into two singles if you prefer. Downstairs has a cosy lounge with a log burner which is perfect to warm up on a chilly winters day. Then a large kitchen/diner with plenty of room for humans and dogs!

When looking for dog friendly accommodation the outdoor space is an important factor. If there’s a grass spot nearby, do the dogs have to be on the lead? Well Woodcroft had its own enclosed garden, with an astroturf square so no muddy paws [Hurrah!]. There’s an outdoor table and chairs for the warmer months, but the main attraction was the hot tub! We arrived on the Friday and that evening it started to snow, so sitting in a hot tub with snowflakes falling around you was very magical.

Understandably dogs were not allowed on furniture or upstairs. But after exploring all day they were happy to come home and curl up in their beds and that was them done for the rest of the day! The kitchen had everything you could need, and upstairs there were ample towels for showering and the hot tub, along with cosy bath robes.

Days out:

The Holiday at Home team kindly leave a hamper with necessities such as bread, milk, butter etc but also some treats like crisps and a cake. There’s lots of information given about the local area and one of the things left in our cottage was a map of a walk into Richmond along the river. Very simple and easy to follow I think it took us about 1 & 1/2 hours. The weather was really gloomy that day but it didn’t spoil our walk. The path was easy to follow with the map [I can get lost anywhere!] but you just follow the river all the way into town.

Once you arrive in Richmond theres lots of places to shop and stop for food. We went into The Kings Head for a delicious lunch and it was full of dogs! Totally dog friendly and the dogs were spoilt with treats from the bar. Once we’d warmed up it was time to walk back again and the dogs couldn’t wait for exploring the river round 2.

Sunday we decided to head for Ingleton Waterfall Trail as SO many people had recommended it. It was an hours drive away from our Cottage, but it was the most beautiful drive across the Yorkshire Dales; so many sheep, the odd farm house and land stretching all around you. We just happened to drive past Ribblehead Viaduct so had to stop for a photo, the sun came out just over the viaduct and the colours were amazing.

Ingleton Waterfall trails entry is £6 per person, that entry fee meant that all the paths were really well kept and maintained. They say it should take you about 2-4 hours to complete. We walked with a fast pace with a couple of photo & drink stops and it took us about 2 & 1/2 hours but it’s not one to rush as it’s so pretty. I wouldn’t advise it for those who are unsteady on their feet, it is a long walk across some bumpy terrain so older/younger people may struggle. The route is really easy to follow if you’re not following the people in front of you. Dogs are allowed off lead the whole away apart from the section with sheep in, however on the narrower bits I also put the dogs on the lead [I had visions of them tripping someone up or Woody accidentally knocking someones tripod off a bridge and into the river]. I would totally do it again, it was a great walk with fantastic views.

We had the most amazing time in Yorkshire and will definitely be back. I think Brompton Lakes are still my favourite as I love being next to water and they were so pretty. But Woodcroft Cottage is a close second! We’ve only ever been up to North Yorkshire in the Winter, so i’m sure it looks even more beautiful in the warmer months.

Let us know if you go up and visit, I’d love to hear what you get up to.

Thanks for reading,

Megan, Woody & Wilma

 

Thank you to Holiday at Home for inviting us.