Notes from the host
Riccal Dale Cottage
Riccal Dale Cottage is in a tranquil location in open countryside and with the added benefit of easy access to a range of tourist destinations and sporting activities. Located within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the cottage is perfect for relaxing in a unique historic setting. Riccal Dale Cottage sleeps up to 4, with a four poster bed and two single beds. The cottage is also dog friendly, with up to 2 dogs welcome to stay (downstairs). With countryside walks on the doorstep, the cottage is less than 2 miles from the tourist hot-spot of Helmsley - with its castle, walled gardens, spa hotel facilities, heated outdoor swimming pool in summer, plus numerous independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants (most dog friendly) and a micro-brewery. Helmsley is also the start of the Cleveland Way.
Featuring exposed stone walls and wooden beams the cottage offers a historic and relaxing setting for your holiday. Facilities for guests include a cosy log burner, lounge with dining and kitchen areas. The cottage is centrally heated; the bathroom has a shower cubicle (no bath).
Riccal Dale Cottage is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the use of our landscaped grounds which include a shared courtyard garden with outdoor furniture, a large lawned area with picnic benches and an enclosed dog exercise paddock. The cottages have free on-site parking for up to 2 cars per cottage. We provide bed linen, towels, tea towels as well as essentials to get you started including tea, coffee, sugar, toilet rolls, washing up liquid, and soap. There is a small supermarket less than 2 miles away.
The cottage is popular with walkers, cyclists and families wanting to explore North Yorkshire - we are within easy reach of the North Yorkshire coast (Whitby, Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay), Pickering (steam railway), York, and Castle Howard. We are a stones throw from Ampleforth Abbey, the White Horse at Kilburn and the stunning views of Sutton Bank. York is approx 23 miles away and has been voted Britain's most popular city due to its castle, walls, museums, Minster and the National Railway Museum - York is particularly popular with our guests in colder/wetter weather. The picturesque steam railway from Pickering crosses Goathland (of Heartbeat and Harry Potter station fame) to the coast at Whitby; Flamingo Land (near Malton) offers a different kind of day out - with its zoo and theme park. Ripon also has a theme park (Lightwater Valley) and is famous for its cathedral and Fountains Abbey (the latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). There are plenty of nature walks from the doorstep into the quiet countryside (including into the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills AONB), as well as quiet forest trails and moorland rambes a short drive away. We offer a dog shower & towels, plus bowls.
If Riccal Dale is not available please take a look at our other cottages- Kirkdale Cottage (sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms, dog friendly), Bilsdale Cottage (sleeps 4, dog friendly) and Ryedale Cottage (single storey, sleeps 4, no pets). All properties can be booked together to provide an exclusive venue for family and friends reunions - sleeping 17 in total.
