About us
I grew up on a dairy farm just outside Skipton, with a background of agriculture, farm diversification and outdoor events shaping family life.
Blog
Read our blog to gain inspiration and insights to help you get the most out of your stay.
How to holiday in Yorkshire and leave the car behind
After you have arrived in Bank Newton, why not leave the car behind?
There are many walks and cycle rides that you can follow from the doorstep of our holiday cottages.
You could follow the Pennine Way national trail north in the direction of Gargrave and Malhamdale, and discover the limestone scenery around Malham Cove and the dry valley beyond. There are bus services back to Gargrave from Malham and the Dales Bus Service website can tell you more about the timings.
Majestic Malhamdale - Walking in an incredible landscape
There are so many words to describe the spectacular scenery in the limestone landscapes around Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.
Something that I discovered again for myself on a morning walk today in the autumnal sunshine. Setting off early is always a good plan for Malham. It meant that I had the footpaths pretty much all to myself - certainly for the first hour of this short 4.5 mile route, and it was bliss.
Being a film location for TV series Britain by barge
There's something compelling about seeing the area you live and work in on screen. You see it every day and yet when you hear 'it's going to be on TV', an excitement bubbles within.
But why is this? Does it look better on screen than in real life?
Doorstep walks - A 5 mile circular walk from Bank Newton to Gargrave
The second of 'walks from the doorstep' in our collection, here is a 5 mile circular walking/running route from the doorstep of Newton Grange Cottages to the village of Gargrave in North Yorkshire.
Doorstep walks - Discover 5 canal bridges on a 4 mile circular walk to East Marton
Discovering what's on our doorstep is a joy. I took the chance this morning to go for a run and compile the descriptions below, so that you can follow it too.
Here is a 4+ mile route that you can enjoy on foot from our holiday cottages in Bank Newton - taking in a short section of the Pennine Way national trail and the towpath of the Leeds Liverpool Canal - and leading you to the village of East Marton.
Reflections on Oxfam's Trailtrekker, a 100km charity walk from Skipton
Five years ago, a team of Australian trail runners stayed at Newton Grange to take part in the first ever Oxfam Trailtrekker - a 100km route on foot from Skipton through the Yorkshire Dales, to be completed in teams of four in less than 30 hours. They won. In a time of 13 hours 26 minutes. Wow. And at the start of the 2013 Oxfam Trailtrekker the Sydney S.T.A.R.S remained the course record holders and the team to beat.
So we entered. And this year, on 1st June 2013, the Oxfam Trailtrekker course record was beaten by an incredible 26 minutes.
Experience Tai Chi on your Yorkshire holiday
Why not treat yourself to a local Tai Chi class whilst staying at Newton Grange Cottages?
We highly recommend Val's Tai Chi classes, which are held at a number of outdoor and indoor venues, such as the fabulous Cliffe Castle Park and stunning Skipton Town Hall. You can book online or drop Val a message to find out more.
Discover the Settle Carlisle Railway during your holiday in Yorkshire
Did you know that the Settle Carllisle Railway line can be easily accessed from Newton Grange Cottages?
Making time to do more of the things we love
That sounds like the start of a running race, doesn't it?
Running is something that I have enjoyed re-discovering in the past twelve months, including taking part in a couple of running races. That moment before the race begins is so full of anticipation and preparation - making sure that your shoe laces are well tied and footwear secure on your feet; feeling the crowds around you in shared expectation of the race ahead; trying to tune-out any 'race fears' of others around you and keeping the focus on your own race.
So why am I talking about running, when we're thinking about holiday cottages?
Things to do on your stay in Bank Newton
When you're here you could...
- Explore Gargrave Green and Stepping Stones over the River Aire
Looking after the cottages as our own
We strive to look after our holiday cottages as if they were our own home, keeping standards up and presenting beautifully clean cottages.
Our guests often comment how they could relax straightaway after they arrive and settle in to their sparklingly clean holiday home.
Why we love the setting of our cottages
What's it like at Newton Grange Cottages in Bank Newton?
Well, we love it! These are the things that make it a really special place and a beautiful setting.
There are gorgeous, stone built, listed buildings, and they are surrounded by rolling green pastures (the drumlin hills) where our sheep flock graze. The Grade II listed Newton Grange Farmhouse dates from approximately 1780 and is in Georgian in character.
Take time out for your wellbeing
A new year is upon us, full of hope and promise and perhaps ideas of things we'd love to be doing more of.
Taking time out for ourselves and our wellbeing has never felt so important. The past (almost two) years of the Pandemic have left many people feeling more worn-down than they might otherwise have been, with a need to renew energy levels.
Have you ever thought about practising Tai Chi?
Visit RHS Harlow Carr Gardens for colour in all seasons
Are you thinking ahead about where to visit during your stay here in North Yorkshire?
Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate is a super place and something with broad appeal across the generations.
On a recent visit this September, we enjoyed admiring the sculpture displays that have been added this year.
The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
With just over a week to go until the Cheese Festival in Yorkshire, it's not too late to plan your outing to one of the fabulous food and drink establishments that the Yorkshire Dales has to offer. Tuck in to some delicious cheeses. Try something new. Discover what products are made locally and select your favourite.
The festival takes place between Thusrday 7th and Sunday 10th October 2021.
The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park - A new disovery
When you travel on holiday (or indeed set off from your own doorstep), do you delight in finding somewhere new or prefer the familiarity and predictability of places visited before?
I guess for many of us it's a mix. If we're taking a true staycation, that is to say, we are having a holiday at home - and perhaps enjoying days out together, often the excitement of the holiday comes in discovering somewhere new. This was exactly what we found on one of our summer holiday staycation weeks this year.
We travelled north east to the Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park - just over 1 hour's drive away from Newton Grange Cottages and located just outside the village of Grewelthorpe.
I found it captivating and atmospheric, and a place I could definitely have lingered longer.
What to pack for a day's winter walking
Sometimes wintery weather does nothing to entice us outside to stretch our legs, and yet at other times it has the greatest appeal. I must admit, I love a good day hike in winter - provided I have all the right clothing and layers on, and am wrapped up to the elements. When crisp, winter days arrive with a morning ground frost and clear sky, the clarity of vision is superb - especially when the leaves from deciduous trees have long since fallen. Hiking in the Yorkshire Dales is a year-round activity for sure, you just need to be prepared.
This scene captures the essence of winter walking in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Visit Parceval Hall Gardens to experience the joy of being in nature.
Tucked away in Wharfedale, near the pretty settlements of Appletreewick and Skyreholme are Parceval Hall Gardens.
We discovered them one Sunday afternoon this summer. It was really to wonderful to be immersed in so much greenery.
It had been a number of years since I had visited, and at that time I had only seen the more formal gardens adjacent to the Hall itself.
This visit was entirely different.
Being a filming location for All Creatures Great and Small
One of this year's highlights was being asked to host some filming for the second series of "All Creatures Great and Small". Having loved watching the first series last Autumn, we were thrilled to be a small part of the production jigsaw this year.
Skipton Castle Woods are a lovely place to walk
Skipton Castle Woods is a captivating place that we have loved spending time in this autumn. It is so close to the top of town and accessible from it, that it's quite possible to combine a visit to the High Street's Eateries with a walk in the woods.
Books and films inspired by the Yorkshire Dales
What are your favourite books and films inspired by the landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales?
There are three books on my shelf that sprang to mind.
Poem - "There's a buzz about Bank Newton"
I wrote a poem today that I'd love to share with you. It's called "There's a buzz about Bank Newton".
Yorkshire's Favourite Summits - The Three Peaks
I was reminded the other day of the joy that is climbing a new summit for the first time. Of the rewarding feeling that you get when you get to the top of a hill, a ridge with a wonderful panorama or perhaps, even, a great big mountain.
I was driving along and saw two of Yorkshire’s ‘three’ iconic peaks – Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough – from the roadside. So I pulled over, and stopped to grab my camera and take a few photographs. I wasn’t hiking that day, or even planning to, but I wanted just to pause and capture them on camera. It reminded me of the two occasions when I walked the Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks and loved the sense of achievement and stunning views along the way.
So here they are…
Discover Yorkshire's waterfalls in all seasons
We love discovering the waterfalls of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There is just something about being in nature and watching water cascading over waterfalls that transports your mind to another place and brings joy. Or is that just me?
Here are three North Yorkshire locations where our family has enjoyed discovering the beauty of waterfalls over the past year. So very often the setting of these waterfalls is accompanied by woodland, which I find brings a real sense of adventure, beauty and even story-telling amongst our little people as their imagination is ignited...are fairies real or not?
I hope we shall continue our discoveries of waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales - there are certainly many more gems to discover.
And if it's every been raining aplenty, we are in the north of England after all, well - the WONDERFUL news is that waterfalls often look their best after a good downpour. Just remember sturdy footwear, full waterproofs and to check the weather forecast before you set out.
Fountains Abbey - My happy place
Fountains Abbey - if you haven't been before, go! Located near Ripon and cared for by the National Trust, it is an awe-inspiring place and somewhere that I simply love to go. I never tire of visits there, and so much so, I returned from a visit this weekend thinking that it is certainly up there as one of 'my happy places'. Why?
A visit to Middleton Woods in Ilkley - Discovering bluebells
Have you ever been totally blown away by nature and thought to yourself, isn’t this magical? I can hardly believe how beautiful the natural world can be.
When you have moments like this you can be transported to a place of serenity and quiet awe. I had a moment like this on Saturday. I discovered the magic of woodland carpeted in bright bluebells.
Getting to know the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Bank Newton
Taking a walk along the Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath in Bank Newton last week, I enjoyed pausing to take some photographs of the canal locks and their wonderful setting. It is always a joy to potter along the canal towpath, to watch canal boats travelling through the locks in Bank Newton and to marvel at the feat of engineering that the Leeds Liverpool Canal is.
A wonderful walk to discover the Norber Erratics
Combine a day's walking in the fresh air, stunning scenery, the warmth of sunshine on my face, a touch of physical geography, and the fabulous company of friends and I could not be happier. Here in the Yorkshire Dales we are blessed with dramatic landscapes, none more so than our recent day out to the Norber Erratics near Austwick.
What's it like in Bank Newton?
Here in Bank Newton we are lucky enough to have an abundance of space, plenty of green fields to play out in and patios to sit on. From the doorstep of the holiday cottages you can enjoy peaceful, canalside walks to see historic canal bridges and swans gliding along the water. In springtime we love seeing the bright yellow daffodils and pretty spring flowers. We look forward to the arrival of newborn lambs as the sheep and lambs move outside of the lambing sheds in to the surrounding pastures. A popular bridleway runs through the farm where horses and riders enjoy hacking out on. We are a working farm, with tractors and sheep dogs. We have fresh air aplenty and room to breathe. You can enjoy a network of footpaths from the doorstep of the cottage, including the Pennine Way national trail. Bank Newton is wonderfully rural and a perfect antidote to busy lives.
Our delightful cottages are in different shapes and sizes and include one, two and three bedroom units. Some of the cottages have ground floor bedrooms and two are entirely on the ground floor.
Here are a selection of photographs taken in March this year that capture our setting, and the holiday cottages we have.
About the farm
Newton Grange Farm is a 240 acre working sheep farm that has been in our family since the 1980s. The farm is a mixture of grassland for grazing our sheep flock and woodland copses and shelter belts which support a range of bird life.
The farm came back in hand in 2000 when a period of restoration and renewal began, first updating the Grade II listed buildings – the farmhouse and the Chapel – and later converting some of the farm buildings in to self catering cottages.
Days out by train - To the seaside from Gargrave
We enjoyed a fun family day out last month, making the most of sustainable travel from our doorstep. The day began at Gargrave station, less than 1 1/2 miles across the fields from Newton Grange (along the Pennine Way footpath), or in our case, a 2 mile drive to the free station car park in order to transport everything we needed for the day. Including a bucket and spade, of course!
How to entertain the kids on a family holiday in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales is a wonderful outdoor playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Here are a few ideas for ways to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
Why not start with geocaching? Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. To take part you seek to navigate to a set of GPS coordinates and try to find the geocache (container) hidden there. Check out details for fun Geocaching in Yockenthwaite.
Yorkshire for kids - Activities for the under fives
I love being outside and feeling the sun on my face, listening to the birds, walking on the grass, breathing in. And it's a joy to share the outdoors with little one's too.
We had a lovely time following the Malham Safari Trail through this pretty Dales village. For five days at the beginning of the Spring Bank Holiday, Malham was adorned with sculptures, animals and a collection of painted walking boots, which were dotted around the village making up a fun trail for all the family.
I loved seeing the polar bears and penguins.
Days out in the Yorkshire Dales - By photograph
August is marching along and there's still time to enjoy exploring the Yorkshire Dales this school holidays. I had a think about some of the lovely things to do in the area, and soon came up with these. In no particular order...
Take a walk through Strid Wood on the Bolton Abbey Estate and meet the Bodger, a skilled craftsman who makes traditional tools out of woodland products.
A family day out at Hesketh Farm Park
We had a fabulous day out to Hesketh Farm Park at Bolton Abbey earlier this month, and as a farmer's daughter, I loved it!
I sometimes find that my attention span for taking on board new facts and figures is limited these days, but there was so much to take note of at Hesketh, and to learn about that I couldn't help but come away thinking about the collective noun for owls! Not that we saw owls there, just that we learnt about the name. We learnt that if there were several owls together they would be called 'a parliament of owls' - what a grand term!
But why is a group of owls called a parliament?
Three cycle routes to love in Yorkshire
For those looking for a UK Cycling Holiday, Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales are ever more on the map, and for good reason. The county has a wonderful variety of landscapes to experience up close. Cycling is a perfect way to enjoy them. When planning a Yorkshire cycling holiday or just a family cycle ride and day out, where do you go to seek inspiration?
Here is our favourite website for inspiration, and three cycle routes in Yorkshire that showcase the landscapes close to home that we love.
The hidden gems of Skipton - Something old, something new
A couple of weeks ago on a scorchingly hot summer day, I took a journey down memory lane as I returned to Embsay Station and Steam Railway. When I was little my Grandad used to take my brother and I there at weekends. We would admire the steam trains, take a journey to Holywell Holt and call in to the platform cafe for refreshments too.
I was joining St Georges Church Walking Group from Leeds on an 11 mile walk from Embsay to Skipton and Draughton. Being on 'home turf' I expected to recognise much of the route. But for me it was a balance of the old and the new. A reminder of how walking is a brilliant way to discover an area and to see more along the way.
The Tour de France - Visitors are coming to Yorkshire in droves!
I can hardly believe it's almost a year since the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in Yorkshire last July. For two days over a weekend in July 2014, crowds of people turned out to watch the Grand Depart, cheering at the side of the road as the tour caravans and cyclists passed by. It was a sight to behold and one that "Yorkshire" was rightly proud of. Christian Prudhomme, Director of A. S. O described it as "The Grandest ever Grand Depart". Quite an accolade.
As I look back at photographs from the weekend, I begin to wonder if the event was a watershed in the Yorkshire visitor economy - bringing Yorkshire on to the world stage as the landscapes of Yorkshire are showcased to a global audience, and attracting more and more visitors to visit.
Val's story - What it means to be an aromatherapist
Val Preston shares her experience in aromatherapy.
Walking in the countryside is a great way to explore this gentle dale, abundant in wildlife and flowers, rewarding for nature lovers of all ages.
One of my favourite pastimes as a young child was many hours spent collecting and pressing wild meadow flowers. Later as a teenager I developed my interest and studied rural science which broadened my knowledge. Alongside hill walking, I was in heaven.
How to discover Yorkshire over three days without a car
Planning a three day break in Yorkshire without your car may seem like a headache - and not a holiday at all. But I usually find that many things in life can be achieved with a good dose of common sense, a sense of adventure and a little planning.
So first of all, what are your fears if you leave your car behind?
Artwork on holiday - An artist from South Africa shares her story
I’m delighted to introduce you to Sonia Strumpfer, one of our holidaymakers from South Africa enjoying an extended vacation and working holiday here in North Yorkshire. Sonia’s drawings from Newton Grange really captured my eye. We hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Crowds flock to the Settle Carlisle Steam Train
The chug-chug of the train and connection to our industrial past, a great appeal to visitors enjoying a trip on the famous Settle Carlisle Railway. So popular is it that tickets are booked up several months in advance. So what is its appeal?
There is something precious about historic steam trains and the survival of the railway line that connects rural places together on this fantastic corridor from the Southern Dales through Cumbria and north to Carlisle.
