Cottages in North Yorkshire

• Cottage types: From snug stone hideaways for two in the Yorkshire Dales to converted farm buildings near the coast, most with gardens, wood burners and space for dogs.
• Best areas: Whitby suits seaside stays, Grassington is ideal for Dales walking, whilst Helmsley makes a handsome gateway to the North York Moors.
• Guest reviews: Travellers consistently leave positive reviews for our North Yorkshire cottages; owners' welcomes and spotless interiors are praised most often.
• Food and drink: Farm-to-table dining thrives here, from The Black Swan at Oldstead to traditional Yorkshire recipes served in thatched village inns.
• Top activities: Explore Mount Grace Priory, climb to Whitby Abbey, ride the Wensleydale Railway or stand beneath the limestone cliff at Malham Cove.

Cottages in North Yorkshire range from snug stone hideaways for two in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to roomy converted farm buildings sleeping six or more near the coast, as well as cosy rustic cabins. Most cottages here come well equipped for country stays, and these amenities are especially common across North Yorkshire:

• Enclosed gardens
• Fast Wi-Fi
• Wood burners or open fires
• Pet-friendly policies
• Private parking

A few cottages even boast hot tubs or pools, offering a touch of extra luxury..

What are the best areas to stay in North Yorkshire?

For a first visit, Whitby is hard to beat, combining a working harbour, sweeping sands and easy access to the North York Moors. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently rate North Yorkshire's cottages highly. Reviewers repeatedly single out warm welcomes from owners, spotless interiors and settings that live up to the photographs — whether that is a garden backing onto open moorland or a window framing a harbour view.

North Yorkshire sits in the north-east of England, stretching from the Pennine hills in the west to the North Sea coast, with the historic city of York on its southern edge.

🥗Where to eat in North Yorkshire?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Black Swan at Oldstead is the best-rated restaurant in North Yorkshire. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Emma and James recommend the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes: after watching the famous cheese being made, they lingered over a ploughman's lunch built entirely from Dales produce — slow travel at its tastiest.

1. Explore Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens
2. Ride the Wensleydale Railway
3. Stand beneath the cliff at Malham Cove
4. Tour medieval Skipton Castle
5. Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey
6. Meet the birds of prey at Thirsk
7. Walk a stretch of the Cleveland Way

1. Explore Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens

   Home to the best-preserved Carthusian priory in England, Mount Grace rewards a slow visit. Wander 13 acres of Arts and Crafts gardens, from terraced borders to the tranquil Dell Garden, and step inside the reconstructed monk's cell to see how a solitary Carthusian lived, worked and ate centuries ago.

2. Ride the Wensleydale Railway

   This treasured heritage railway runs from Leeming Bar in the Vale of Mowbray towards Redmire, on the edge of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales. Real working trains form part of the experience: educational tours explain how the locomotives operate, whilst seasonal specials delight younger passengers.

3. Stand beneath the cliff at Malham Cove

   One of the county's great natural spectacles, Malham Cove is a vast curved limestone cliff formed by glacial meltwater at the end of the last ice age. Follow the well-trodden path from Malham village to stand beneath the towering rock face, then climb the stone steps to the famous limestone pavement on top, where the views across the Yorkshire Dales stretch for miles.

4. Tour medieval Skipton Castle

   Built in the 11th century, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete medieval castles in England. Guided tours lead you through rooms that shaped much of North Yorkshire's history, beneath the impressive architecture of the castle's six towers. Children love exploring the banqueting hall and kitchens, whilst the beautifully kept Victorian gardens offer a peaceful finish.

5. Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey

   Few sights in England match the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey rising above the harbour. Climb the town's famous 199 steps to reach the headland, where the windswept ruins famously helped inspire Bram Stoker's Dracula. Below, Whitby rewards explorers with cobbled lanes, a working fishing harbour and some of the finest fish and chips on the Yorkshire coast.

6. Meet the birds of prey at Thirsk

   The Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is home to more than 70 birds of 30 different species, from eagles and hawks to kites, vultures and owls. Relax in the garden as the daily flying displays swoop overhead, and learn from the experts about the birds' feeding habits, wildlife and breeding. Braver visitors can book hands-on experiences and hold these remarkable raptors themselves.

7. Walk a stretch of the Cleveland Way

   The Cleveland Way national trail runs for around 109 miles from Helmsley to Filey, tracing a horseshoe around the North York Moors before hugging the dramatic coastline. You needn't tackle it all: day walkers can pick rewarding sections such as the clifftop path between Staithes and Runswick Bay, or the moorland stretch above Helmsley.