10 tips for fantastic holidays in Yorkshire Dales cottages

1. Research first!

Firstly, decide where you want to go:

• How far do you want to drive?
• What will the weather / scenery be like?
• Do you want an energetic or relaxing holiday? 

2. What can’t you live without?

Make a list of cottage features that are essential for your holiday:

• Do they accept pets? 
• Have an open fire? 
• Provide linen? 
• Have a garden / barbecue?

3. Plan your journeys

Leave plenty of time to get to and from your cottage on arrival and departure (the Yorkshire Dales are a long way away!) . Let the caretaker know if you want to change arrangements. Don’t arrive early without agreeing it first – the caretaker or cleaner will have a number of cottages to prepare for guests on changeover day.

4. Find out about the area

Look up local Swaledale attractions, amenities of villages such as Gunnerside, places of interest, recommended eateries etc before you go. 

5. Yorkshire Dales weather!

Bear in mind that the Yorkshire Dales will be cooler than where you live – and the further “updale” you go, the colder it gets. Pack plenty of warm clothes and layers, and don’t be surprised if it pours down, even in summer!

6. Maps

• Are you planning serious hiking?
• Mountain biking in the rain?
• Long rambles over the hills?

There will be maps of the local dales in all NorthYorkshire cottages, but if your plans include outdoor activities in all weathers, take your own maps to preserve cottage maps for future guests.

7. Cottages Yorkshire Dales

While you admire the quaint old stone-built cottages, nestling together in picturesque Gunnerside, remember that most dales cottages in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale are well over 200 years old. Be aware that in cold or wet weather, you may find a holday cottage suffers a little from damp – part of its charm! 

• Open windows to increase ventilation.
• Turn heating down while you’re out to lessen condensation.
• Congratulate yourself on taking that extra woolly jumper!

8. Problems with one of your Yorkshire Dales cottages

• Is there a problem on holiday?
• Accommodation untidy?
• Equipment broken?
• Personal worry?

Contact the caretaker as soon as possible.  They will want to help!  They may need to get a repairman, or an appliance replaced before the next guests arrive.

9. Departure day

• Read the booking letter carefully and leave on time to help the cleaner. 
• Tidy away washing up.
• Clean out the fire / stove.
• Strip the beds.
• Empty the bins.
• Take away recycling with you - don't leave it for the caretaker. 

10. Feedback

• Fill in the guest book to help future guests.
• Is there a great walk nearby?
• Marvellous pub in Gunnerside?
• Interesting Swaledale attraction?

If there is something you’re not happy with, tell the appropriate person at the time, so they can help you with it. 

Have you had a wonderful holiday in one of our Yorkshire Dales cottages? Then let everyone know and pass your recommendation on to your friends!