Abbey Cottage

Nr Ripon, North Yorkshire

Starting life as an 18th-century hay barn and later evolving into a 1930’s shop, you’ll be part of Abbey Cottage’s eclectic history when you stay here. It sits on the leafy banks of the River Skell, just across from a gentle weir. Follow the river up to the medieval ruins and water gardens of Fountains Abbey, in which guests have free, ‘after-hours’ access to. The abbey ruins had a starring role in The Secret Garden, so you may spot some familiar scenes from the film as you explore the grounds.

In keeping with its pretty stone exterior, neat and elegant interiors run throughout the three-bedroom cottage. There’s a shared garden area just outside the cottage, alongside the winding river. 

Abbey Cottage is ideally located in between Yorkshire’s two national parks; the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. The historic city of York is 30 miles away and the spa town of Harrogate is just 10 miles from here.