Bedale Cottages with Hot Tubs
Bedale Guide
Bedale, a market town in North Yorkshire, offers a range of cottages with hot tubs for those wanting a proper break. The area sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, making it ideal for exploring both countryside and local attractions.
Visitors to Bedale can enjoy Thorp Perrow Arboretum (rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) with its bird of prey centre, or explore the town's Georgian architecture. The Wensleydale Railway runs through Bedale, offering scenic journeys through Yorkshire's landscapes.
Bedale has an interesting past - King Henry VIII once stayed at nearby Snape Castle in 1541 during his royal progress to York. The town's St Gregory's Church contains medieval wall paintings uncovered during Victorian renovations.
Cottage options range from cosy one-bedroom conversions perfect for couples to large farmhouses that sleep 10+ for group holidays. Many feature private hot tubs in garden settings, while some offer additional luxuries like wood-burning stoves or games rooms.
Get More From Your Bedale Hot Tub Cottage Break
Sightseeing
Bedale sits in a fantastic spot for exploring North Yorkshire. The town itself has a lovely historic centre with independent shops and the Bedale Museum (DL8 1AA, open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm) which tells the story of this market town through interesting exhibits.
Just outside town, Thorp Perrow Arboretum (DL8 2PS) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and offers 100 acres of woodland to explore, plus a brilliant bird of prey centre where you can watch flying displays. Kids love the adventure playground too.
The Wensleydale Railway (DL8 1EH) runs heritage trains from Bedale Station. It's got a 4/5 TripAdvisor rating and makes for a great day out - you can hop off at different stations and explore villages along the route.
Nearby Masham (about 8 miles away) has two breweries - Black Sheep and Theakston's - both offering tours. We've done the Black Sheep tour (HG4 4EN) and it's excellent - you get to taste their beers at the end and the guides really know their stuff.
Pet Friendly
Many Bedale cottages welcome dogs and the area is perfect for four-legged visitors. The Yorkshire Dales National Park offers endless walking routes where dogs can run free, while still being close enough to return to your cottage's hot tub after a day's hiking.
The Three Coopers pub in Bedale (DL8 1AA) welcomes dogs in the bar area and even offers water bowls and treats. We've seen plenty of happy dogs lounging by the fire there while their owners enjoy a pint.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum allows dogs on leads throughout their grounds, making it a great day out for the whole family. Their woodland walks provide plenty of interesting smells for curious dogs.
If you're bringing a dog to Bedale, pack a towel specifically for wiping muddy paws after walks - the Yorkshire Dales can get pretty boggy even in summer! Many cottages provide outdoor taps which are handy for rinsing dogs before they come inside.
Top 3 attractions you have to see in Bedale
Bedale Leech House (DL8 1AA) is a tiny but fascinating building dating from the 1800s. It was used to store medicinal leeches for the local doctor! The small brick structure sits by Bedale Beck and while you can't go inside, it's worth seeing this unusual piece of medical history. One visitor called it "a quirky bit of local history that makes for great photos."
Bedale Hall (DL8 1AA) is an impressive Georgian country house in the town centre. The ground floor houses a museum and the local library. The building features stunning plasterwork and a beautiful staircase. The hall hosts various events throughout the year, from craft fairs to concerts. A recent visitor wrote: "The architecture is stunning and the staff were really knowledgeable about its history."
Jervaulx Abbey (HG4 4PH) lies about 8 miles from Bedale and offers a different experience from many abbey ruins. It's privately owned, open daily from dawn to dusk and operates on an honesty box system. The ruins are beautifully maintained with wildflowers growing among the stones. There's no gift shop or café - just peaceful, atmospheric ruins to explore at your own pace. Visitors consistently rate it 5/5 for its tranquil setting.
Is Bedale good for walking holidays?
Yes! Bedale sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales with numerous walking routes for all abilities. The Bedale Heritage Trail takes you around the town's historic buildings, while more challenging walks can be found in the nearby dales. After walking, your cottage's hot tub will be waiting!
When is the Bedale market held?
Bedale's traditional market runs every Tuesday in the cobbled market place (DL8 1AA). It's been operating since 1251 and sells local produce, crafts and household goods. The market runs from approximately 8:30am to early afternoon.
Are there good restaurants in Bedale?
Yes, despite being a small town, Bedale has several good eating options. The Greyhound Inn serves excellent pub food, while Panetti's offers great Italian dishes. For something special, try Vennell's Restaurant which focuses on seasonal Yorkshire produce.
Can I go fishing near Bedale?
Yes, there are several fishing spots near Bedale. Bedale Beck offers trout fishing (permit required from local tackle shops), while Thornton Steward Reservoir (about 7 miles away) provides day tickets for coarse fishing.
Is Bedale suitable for children?
Absolutely! Kids love Thorp Perrow's adventure playground and bird of prey centre. The Big Sheep Little Cow Farm (DL8 1LS) just outside town offers hands-on animal experiences. Many cottages with hot tubs also have gardens where children can play.
How far is Bedale from the Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Bedale sits just outside the eastern boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park - you can be in the park within a 15-minute drive. This makes it perfect for exploring the dales while staying somewhere with good amenities.
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