Local Area
Lofthouse
Lofthouse is a quiet, unspoilt village set in the stunning countryside of Upper Nidderdale. Set in the valley close to the River Nidd but with high heather moorland within a few hundred yards. The village pub serves excellent meals, and milk and home made ice cream are available from the local farm.
Pateley Bridge
The small town of Pateley Bridge is 7 miles away. There you will find everything that you need in the thriving High Street with its pub, independent shops including two excellent butchers, fishmonger, bakery, greengrocer and convenience store.
Just off the High Street is the award winning Nidderdale Museum, housed in the former workhouse opposite the church, and next to it the King Street Workshops which include galleries, a glass blowers, jewellers and a stone carving workshop.
Further afield, whichever direction you take there are a wealth of places to visit.
See our other cottage in the heart of Pateley Bridge - Greenwood Close
Nidderdale
Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with stunning, unspoilt countryside and contrasting scenery of lush grassland and wild heather-clad moors.
This is perfect walking country with a myriad of walks ranging from the 53 mile Nidderdale Way, which runs through Lofthouse, to more gentle routes.
Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks and Ripon
Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage site, is just 25 minutes drive from the house, and nearby is Brimham Rocks, renowned for its amazing rock formations. Continue along to the market town of Ripon with its magnificent ancient cathedral, independent shops, galleries and even its own racecourse.
A few miles further on from Ripon is Masham, home to Theakston’s and Black Sheep breweries where you can take a tour after a wander around the market square.
Complete the journey by taking the road back over the moors.
Harrogate & York
The Victorian spa town of Harrogate with its Pump Room Museum, newly renovated Turkish Baths and, of course, the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, is a thirty minute drive away. Visit the galleries and antique shops in the Montpellier Quarter or browse the independent shops and boutiques.
On the outskirts are the RHS Harlow Carr gardens, open all year and a delight in all seasons. After exploring the 58 acres of garden, pop into the cafe - also Betty’s!
The beautiful city of York is just under an hour’s drive from the house. Walk the city walls, visit the many museums and Minster or wander around the ancient cobbled streets of the city centre. The National Railway Museum, a day out in itself, is on the road into York from Pateley Bridge.
Wharfedale and Bolton Abbey
Head out of Pateley Bridge up Greeenhow Hill to Coldstones Cut, winner of the PMSA-Marsh Award for the best public sculpture of the year in September 2011. It overlooks the huge working Coldstones Quarry with spectacular views over the scenery of Nidderdale, the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.
A couple of miles further on are ancient natural cave formations at Stump Cross Caverns. Continue into Wharfedale part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and visit Burnsall, Grassington and Bolton Abbey and see the area which, along with Nidderdale, was the location for the new Channel 5 series of All Creatures Great and Small.
RHS Harlow Carr gardens, Harrogate
40s weekend in Pateley Bridge High Street
Temple of Fame, Studley Royal Water Gardens
High Street Pateley Bridge - very good too!
Nidderdale Way - near Lofthouse
Scar House reservoir
York Minster
Good grip
Studley Royal Water Gardens - part of the Fountains Abbey estate
Fountains Abbey, National Trust
Upper Nidderdale
Scar House reservoir
Fishpond Woods
Cloisters at Fountains Abbey
Harewood House
Scar reservoir
Fountains Abbey
National Railway museum, York