How to spend a winter staycation in Yorkshire
The spectacular scenery of Yorkshire offers something new at every season, and winter is no exception! If you are considering a winter break in the Yorkshire Dales, you can be assured of a warm Yorkshire welcome wherever you go. For the adventure lover there are walks to discover hidden waterfalls, culture vultures can explore one of the many historic ruins and stately homes, or those looking for some retail therapy can head to one of the local market towns.
Our beautiful homes in the Yorkshire Cottage Collection are comfortably decorated and come equipped with log-burning stoves—perfect for warming up after a day exploring our top five days out for your winter staycation!
Father Christmas at the Devonshire Arms
17th, 19th, 20th and 21st December
Add a little magic to your festive season with a visit to Father Christmas at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa. Your little ones will enjoy 10 minutes with Father Christmas in his Grotto and a little gift to take home, then enjoy a two course lunch as a family in our Brasserie restaurant.
Prices & Inclusions
Adults – £35.00 (including two-course lunch)
Children – £25.00 (including lunch, visit with Father Christmas and present)
Infants – £10.00 (including visit with Father Christmas and present)
A time slot will be allocated to you between 11.45am and 2.15pm.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
These ancient abbey ruins and spectacular water gardens hold World Heritage Site status, and we can see why! The abbey ruins are nestled in the Skell Valley near Ripon, alongside an 18th-century water garden, where the river skell has been channelled into a series of canals, cascades and moon ponds. In winter as the leaves fall, the vistas open up giving spectacular views from the folly’s overlooking the grounds. It’s also the perfect time of year to explore the medieval deer park, where you can spot Red, Fallow and Manchurian Sika deer, all before returning to the café to get cosy and refuel! Click here to find out more.
Festive Wreath Making at The Devonshire Arms Hotel Spa with Afternoon Tea
Sunday 27th November & Sunday 4th December
Welcome the Christmas spirit to your home and join Vanessa our award winning hotel florist Wildflowers for one of our festive wreath workshops and traditional afternoon tea.
Morning Workshop – 10am to 11am
We’ll take the hard work out and provide you with a ‘’here’s one I made earlier’’ fully built wreath ready for you to decorate. Afternoon tea is served at 12noon.
Afternoon workshop – 12pm to 3pm
A more hands-on session, get involved with building your own wreath and finishing it off with beautiful festive decorations and foliage. Afternoon tea is served at 3.15pm.
Both sessions are £88.50 per person
Harewood House
Enjoy the perfect festive getaway as The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa teams up with Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England. The House was built in the 18th century and has art collections to rival the finest in Britain, in addition to a rare Bird Garden and over 100 acres of exquisite gardens to explore. This festive season, Harewood are hosting ‘Long Live The Christmas Tree’. Harewood is hosting a traditionally untraditional Christmas this winter, as Yorkshire’s favourite country house celebrates the Christmas Tree in a most unexpected way. Artists and makers from across Yorkshire and beyond will bring a contemporary festive twist to the State Floor, creating trees (and ‘trees’) inspired by the natural world, winter rituals and Harewood itself. Long Live the Christmas Tree! will conjure the playfulness, joy and warmth of the season.
After a day spent getting into the Christmas spirit, there's nowhere better to be than our luxury hotel in the Yorkshire Dales. The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa is less than 40 minutes’ drive from Harewood. Take a stroll through the spectacular landscape of the Bolton Abbey Estate, curl up with a book by the fireplace, enjoy the breath-taking views from your room and sample our Head Chef’s AA Rosette dining in the Brasserie.
Bolton Abbey
Father Christmas will be bringing the magic back to Bolton Abbey this winter! Step into the twinkling Christmas village, tucked away in the middle of Strid Wood and see what enchanting experience awaits. Become acquainted with the cheeky elves who have just arrived from the North Pole, and let them take you on the special journey to meet the Great Man himself.
Children will join the elves in two festive craft activities. Parents of babies are welcome to complete these activities on behalf of their baby to ensure they can take the same personalised memento home. Following the craft activities, they will then enjoy a musical activity. After completing all the activities, they will help the elves to wake Father Christmas and ensure he is on time for all of his deliveries. Each child will receive a present from Father Christmas (if they are on the good list!). There will also be an opportunity at the end of the experience to purchase hot drinks and snacks. Due to the remote location, it will be cash only.
Valley of Desolation
Those looking to stretch their legs can explore the Bolton Abbey Estate from our doorstep! The Valley of Desolation is a must-visit during your staycation, a hidden gem just a stone’s throw from the Cavendish Pavilion Car Park, or you can walk along the riverside past the Bolton Abbey Priory ruins from The Devonshire Arms. The Valley of Desolation is named after once being destroyed by a storm, but nature has long since repaired the damage, and is home to a waterfall that is plucked straight from a fairytale! Find out more about Bolton Abbey walks here.
Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss Walk
If you are looking to get out in to the Dales and explore on foot, this 4 mile walk from Malham Village offers spectacular rugged landscapes and views around Malham Cove, as well as the impressive water features of Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss! Exploring this route in the winter season means the water features will be in full flow and you can avoid the crowds of the busy summer months at this popular tourist spot. Be sure to call in to one of the cafes of pubs in the quaint village of Malham too. Click here to view the route.
Visit Harrogate
Harrogate is a Victorian spa town in North Yorkshire, with handsome Victorian architecture and verdant gardens, as well as a host of cafes and tea rooms, including the famous Bettys! If you are looking to indulge in some retail therapy or perhaps start your Christmas shopping, head to the Montpellier Quarter and pop in to one of the designer shops or independent boutiques. It’s also the perfect place to simply watch the world go by from a cosy café! Find out more about Harrogate here.
Harrogate’s famous Christmas Market returns to the town centre from 2nd December to 11th December for 10 days of festive shopping opportunities from an eclectic mix of local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls, arts and crafts from artisan creators, mouth-watering treats for customers to sample or purchase, festive decorations for your home and a range of unique gift ideas for you to choose from, or to treat yourself to. With music and entertainment to add to the perfect Christmas atmosphere whether you visit with friends or family.
Yorkshire Dales Holidays - Where To Stay?
Whether it is stepping out into the countryside to discover sensational views, exploring historical sites, or strolling around the streets of bustling towns, The Yorkshire Dales has it all.
Are you wanting to extend your adventures now you have found there is so much to see, and are looking for somewhere to stay? We have a number of hotels, inn and holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales area that are perfect for a countryside break and however you choose to spend your winter staycation in Yorkshire, you can be sure of the warmest welcome and finest hospitality when you stay with us.
We also offer a Walk The Dales Package, view that here.
