Explore North Yorkshire with a stay in self-catering holiday cottages near Thirsk.
A picturesque market town situated in the heart of North Yorkshire, Thirsk is a superb location for a romantic getaway, some precious family time or a fun-filled short break with friends. Close to both the sprawling moorlands of the North York Moors National Park and the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Thirsk offers a tranquil base and an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the beautiful countryside of northern England.
The great outdoors isn’t the only thing that’s great about Thirsk, North Yorkshire either! When you’re not losing yourself on lovely walks through the countryside, there are a variety of popular destinations and exciting attractions to amuse the whole family. Spend an afternoon shopping from the local retailers in the pretty market towns of the area, learn all about the local author James Herriot at the World of James Herriot Museum, or make the quick trip into the nearby city of York for a plethora of restaurants, museums, art galleries and attractions. With so much to offer, holidays in North Yorkshire are some of the best in the UK, so what are you waiting for? Take a look at Breakfree Holidays’ top picks for self-catering accommodation near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
Breakfree Holidays’ Top Cottages Near Thirsk:
- Yew Tree Cottage (Westow, North Yorkshire)
- The Byre (Thirsk, North Yorkshire)
- South Villa (Borrowby near Thirsk, North Yorkshire)
- 29 Bondgate (Helmsley, North Yorkshire)
Yew Tree Cottage
Location: Westow, North Yorkshire
Great for: Relaxing family retreats in a tranquil village near the North Yorkshire Moors
Dreaming of a countryside escape for the whole family? Yew Tree Cottage must be the place! This gorgeous 300-year-old stone holiday cottage will perfectly set the tone for your relaxing getaway in North Yorkshire, with a beautiful private garden and a modern, homey interior.
Located around 30 miles from the market town of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, a stay in Westow offers a slightly different vantage point for exploring the area. Westow is situated at the edge of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the southernmost point of the North York Moors National Park. This means that countryside walks and stunning views are in no short supply.
When you’re not trekking through the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, the city of York beckons! Located only 13 miles away, or around a half an hour’s drive, all the delights of the city are within easy reach. Visit the historic York Minster, renowned as one of the world’s most incredible cathedrals, or while away the afternoon walking along the city’s medieval walls.
Additionally, the coastal resort town of Scarborough isn’t too far away if you’re craving some sun and sea. Situated only 30 miles from Westow, guests can easily take a day trip to the beach. Scarborough is replete with classic seaside fun, from aquariums and waterparks to funfair amusements and donkey rides on the beach.
There’s so much to do and see from Yew Tree Cottage, however, if you’d prefer to stay closer to Scarborough for even more beachy days out, take a look at these 5 Amazing Holiday Cottages near Scarborough.
Facilities: After all that sightseeing, a cosy place to unwind and recharge is essential, and Yew Tree Cottage certainly fits the bill. A 300-year-old property boasting a private garden and a renovated, comfortable interior, this self-catering cottage is an easy choice for any North Yorkshire holiday. Upon arrival, you’ll find a basket filled with complimentary local produce and a local bottle of wine waiting to welcome you in the spacious kitchen. Dine on these delicious and thoughtful treats cosied up by the fireplace in the dining room, or if the weather allows, perhaps pour yourself a glass of the local wine to enjoy out in the private garden. When you’re in the mood for a family movie night, retire to the living room, and curl up with your loved ones by the fire. At the end of the night, you’ll find 3 bedrooms ready and waiting to sleep up to 6 guests plus 2 infants. The cottage contains 1 master bedroom, 1 guest bedroom and a twin bedroom, with extra cots available for children under 2 years old.
The Byre
Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Great for: A romantic getaway in a stone holiday cottage close to Thirsk and the North York Moors National Park
Experience the beauty of North Yorkshire with a stay in this gorgeous stone-built, all ground floor cottage situated on the outskirts of Thirsk. The Byre offers an idyllic location right in the midst of Herriot Country from which you can enjoy endless countryside ambles and visits to the lively Thirsk marketplace in the town centre.
Positioned 7 miles away from the town, you’ll have the pleasure of country living and town amenities at your disposal. Avid walkers will enjoy exploring the variety of footpaths that depart from the cottage – the sprawling Cleveland Way trail is less than 500m away from The Byre! Trek or cycle through the beautiful scenery to your heart’s content, or hop in the car to make the short drive to the North York Moors for even more hiking and cycling adventures.
If historic attractions are more up your alley, a number of admirable stately homes and ruins are dotted through the area. Visit the jaw-droppingly impressive Castle Howard, boasting 300 years of history and many features in notable films and TV series (including the recent hit series, Bridgerton). Additionally, the National Trust site Nunnington Hall is also within easy reach of The Byre, dating back 450 years.
Trainspotters can get their thrills aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a steam train that runs from Pickering to Whitby. The journey will take guests through the depths of the North York Moors National Park, offering stops in scenic areas along the way. Grab some fish & chips in Whitby, the fish & chips capital of the world, and enjoy a little seaside stroll before climbing back on board for the return journey. If you’d prefer to book a stay in Pickering as well, check out these 4 Beautiful Holidays Cottages near Pickering for a Relaxing North Yorkshire Escape to kickstart some inspiration.
Facilities: An all ground floor, one-bedroom property tucked away in the nature of North Yorkshire, The Byre offers a perfect location for a romantic retreat. Step through the impressive iron gates and past the calm, reflective waters of the pond to the forest green door of the stone-built cottage. Offering a cosy and stylish open-plan living area and kitchen, you’ll immediately feel at home as you enter the property. Cook up a romantic dinner for you and your loved one, and cuddle up on the couch to enjoy a movie on the smart TV. Alternatively, when the sun is shining, you can take a seat in the communal courtyard by the pond to enjoy your dinner with a view. When you’re ready to turn in for the night, a king-size bedroom with an en-suite bathroom (including a walk-in shower, basin and WC) is yours for the taking.
South Villa
Location: Borrowby near Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Great for: Stunning self-catering accommodation near Thirsk for a big family
If you’re searching for a big, beautiful space to accommodate you and your friends or family, a stay in South Villa will be a dream come true! Offering an authentic, historic feel with stylish and modern decor, South Villa is an exceptionally gorgeous cottage to hideaway in.
This spacious property brings a lot more to the plate than just good looks – it also offers an idyllic location from which to base your explorations in Yorkshire. Located in the quiet village of Borrowby, the immediate surroundings of the property are tranquil beyond compare. The Thirsk town centre is just under 6 miles away, so guests can easily enjoy a leisurely, short walk through the marketplace or learn more about the author of All Creatures Great and Small at the World of James Herriot Museum.
Equally close by are the Hambleton Hills, a scenic range of hills on the western border of the North York Moors. Soak up the good views from the top of a high perch before climbing down into a lush valley. Further into the North York Moors, eager anglers can cast a line in the Cod Beck Reservoir, and bird spotters will be spoiled with a wide range of wildlife flitting about the national park’s woodlands and moorlands.
Facilities: This fabulous self-catering accommodation is spread across 3 floors, sleeping up to 8 guests throughout its 4 bedrooms. Guests will have the luxury of 2 king-size bedrooms, 1 single bedroom and 1 family room with a double bed, day bed and en-suite bathroom to choose from. There are 2 additional bathrooms in the property – 1 with a bath, walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC and 1 cloakroom with WC. As you wander throughout the property, high ceilings, exposed beams and original features draw the eye. A pleasing mixture of old rustic charm and modern, stylish touches give the cottage a welcoming and well-presented appeal.
Vaulted ceilings and pastel green, farmhouse-style units lend the kitchen a bright and airy feel for delightful cooking sessions. Prepare delicious treats for your guests utilising the range with a gas oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher, before settling down in the dining area. After dinner, 2 comfortable sitting areas, both equipped with woodburning stoves tucked inside of the original fireplaces, are ready and waiting for your leisure. Pop a movie on the telly, or hideaway in the private study.
When the sun is shining, this holiday cottage offers a large garden equipped with outdoor seating for relaxed afternoons taking in the fresh air. Additionally, the cottage is equipped with free Wifi and off-road parking for one car, so you and your guests can easily explore the beautiful surroundings.
Dreaming of self-catering accommodation with a private hot tub? Maybe one of these 5 Incredible Cottages Near York With Hot Tubs will fit the bill.
29 Bondgate
Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Great for: A peaceful cottage for a family of 4, nestled in the North York Moors
Offering a central location in the idyllic town of Helmsley on the edge of the national park, 29 Bondgate is the perfect self-catering accommodation for a family of 4. Although the cottage is delightful in and of itself, if you can tear yourself away, there is plenty to see right on your doorstep.
Helmsley is the only market town actually located within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, making it the perfect location for those looking to maximise their time soaking up all the beautiful scenery. Helmsley offers a wide range of amenities, so it’s not all wilderness and moorlands here. Enjoy easy access to cosy cafes, charming pubs and delightful restaurants, all within walking distance from the cottage.
Helmsley is also home to its very own castle – the aptly named Helmsley Castle! Dating back over 900 years, Helmsley Castle has stood and fallen through the ages, and its rich history is a delight to learn. Spend an afternoon wandering through the medieval ruins and mansion house, or head slightly further afield to tour the stunning historic house and estate of Duncombe Park.
Facilities: 29 Bondgate is a spectacular choice for self-catering accommodation in the North York Moors near the bustling market town of Thirsk. The cottage offers a charming, characterful interior with lovely rustic and traditional touches to make you feel right at home. Spread across 2 floors, you’ll find a bright and airy living room, equipped with a woodburning stove and smart TV, and a well-equipped kitchen and diner kitted out with an oven and hob, kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher, all on the ground floor. Moving up to the first floor, there are 2 bedrooms – one with a king-size bed and the other a twin room with a zip/link bed. The garden is a treat for those warm Yorkshire summer days. Choose between the front lawned garden and the rear multi-level lawned garden, which is equipped with a patio, a barbeque and outdoor furniture. This cottage is a pet-friendly property as well, so don’t forget to bring your furry friends along for the North Yorkshire fun!
For more family holiday ideas, get dreaming with The Best UK Family Holiday Destinations for 2022.
Experience the Magic of the North York Moors with Breakfree Holidays’ Self-Catering Accommodation
For outdoorsy holidays spent getting back to nature, Yorkshire is a destination to be rivalled. Whether you’re trekking through the Yorkshire Dales, wandering through the moors or exploring a quiet village market or two, you’re sure to have an incredible time up in the north of England.
Not quite set on Thirsk as the next travel chapter in your holiday book? Breakfree Holidays is here to help! Get inspired with holiday ideas on our blog, or take a look at our website to see the full range of holiday cottages and holiday parks available to you throughout the UK.
From private hot tub breaks in the Lake District to action-packed holiday parks with a swimming pool, or pet-friendly boating breaks in Scotland to romantic retreats at holiday cottages in Norfolk, Breakfree Holidays is here to help fill your next travel chapter.
What are you waiting for? Round up your guests, pack your bags and book your next unforgettable holiday with Breakfree Holidays today!