Bilsdale Cottage, a dog friendly hidden gem near Helmsley and the North York Moors National Park

Bilsdale Cottage is a converted 18th century stone farm building, retaining original timbered ceilings and stone walls. Set in open countryside with stunning views, the cottage blends new modern comforts with historic features. The cottage features a large lounge with dining area and log burner, two bedrooms, a new bathroom, and a new well equipped kitchen. Bilsdale Cottage is popular with families, couples and individuals wanting to relax in a rural cottage setting, and is particularly of interest to dog owners who welcome the enclosed dog exercise paddock and country walks from the doorstep. The cottage has a table and seating area outside in the garden, and guests have shared use of the picnic benches on the large lawn. The cottage is easily accessible to the Yorkshire Moors, Dales, Coast and York.
We are in a tranquil location in a rural agricultural community, but with the benefit of easy access to a range of tourist destinations and sporting activities. Located within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offering the modern comforts of home in a unique historic setting. Bilsdale sleeps up to 4, plus an infant in a cot. The cottage is also dog friendly, with up to 3 dogs welcome to stay (downstairs only).

Bilsdale Cottage offers all the comforts of home in a beautiful setting. In 2020 we installed a new kitchen and bathroom, and redecorated much of the cottage. With countryside walks on the doorstep, the cottage is less than 2 miles from the small picturesque market town of Helmsley - with its castle, walled gardens, spa hotel facilities, heated outdoor swimming pool in summer (closed 2020), numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams and other original features, the cottage offers a historic and relaxing setting for your holiday. We are continuously working to improve and update our cottages and facilities for guests, including a cosy log burner to relax in front of during colder spells. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, microwave oven, toaster, kettle, fridge freezer, iron, hob & oven. The cottage is centrally heated; the bathroom has a shower cubicle (no bath); we offer free parking for guests. Downstairs the cottage has a living room with exposed Yorkshire stone walls and original features from its earlier use as a farm building. The living room has a log burner, TV, two sofas (seating five), window seat, side and coffee tables. The living room opens into the dining area (a table and four chairs). Upstairs there are two bedrooms: bedroom 1 has a double bed, wardrobe, plus bedside cabinets; bedroom 2 has two single beds plus wardrobe and bedside drawers. New ottoman beds provide additional storage for guests' luggage etc. The bathroom has a toilet, hand basin and shower cubicle (retiled and modernised in 2020).

Bilsdale Cottage is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the use of our landscaped grounds which include a courtyard garden with outdoor furniture, a large lawned area with picnic benches and an enclosed dog exercise paddock. The cottages have on-site parking for up to 2 cars per cottage.

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, York, Castle Howard. We are a stones throw from Ampleforth Abbey, The White Horse at Kilburn and the stunning views of Sutton Bank. York is less than 25 miles away and has been voted Britains most popular city due to its castle, walls, museums, shops and Minster; it is particularly popular with our guests whatever the weather. The picturesque steam railway from Pickering crosses Goathland/Heartbeat country to the coast at Whitby; Flamingo Land (near Malton) offers a different kind of day out - with its zoo and theme park. There are plenty of nature walks into the quiet countryside from our doorstep, as well as further afield. We offer a dog shower & towels, plus bowls.

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.

We are open all year and guests love to enjoy the changing seasons, making use of the log burner in the colder months. We are popular with dog owners in November and New Year due to our quiet location (the lack of fireworks).

Bilsdale Cottage is popular with couples of all ages, families and single visitors - often keen walkers or visitors wanting to spend time in the North York Moors and surrounding areas. Popular attractions for children include Helmsley Castle, the Pickering/North York Moors Steam Railway, Go Ape at Dalby Forest, Flamingo Land, and the chocolate and Viking experiences at York. En route to York you might want to stop off and see Piglet at his Adventure Land or tackle the Maize Maze. There is a wide choice of traditional pubs in surrounding villages (details of menus and discounts for guests are available) and Helmsley hosts a number of cafes, restaurants (Indian, Italian), and pubs, including a micro-brewery. Many of Helmsley's amenities welcome dogs. Local taxi service available if needed.

If Bilsdale is not available please take a look at our other cottages (sproxtonhallcottages.co.uk): Kirkdale Cottage (newly renovated, sleeps 5, dog friendly), Riccal Dale Cottage (newly renovated, sleeps 4, dog friendly) and Ryedale Cottage (single storey,sleeps 4 and also modernised with new furniture, no dogs). All properties can be booked together to provide an exclusive venue for family and friends reunions.