Latest News from Cottage in the Dales

Whether you are a new guest to our cottages or a regular visitor, keep up to date on the news concerning Cottage in the Dales and each of our cottages - Inglenook and Craggley. See how we are continually aiming to improve the accommodation and services for our guests along with how these are received by various bodies in the tourism industry - all helping to secure your confidence in a making a reservation with Cottage in the Dales.

2011 availability released as 2010 main season almost fully booked (May 2010)

It may have been a long winter and a late spring but this has not stopped people making reservations for their spring, summer and early autumn 2010 holidays in the Yorkshire Dales. Cottage in the Dales only have a few remaining weeks available from July to October 2010 with returning guests already interested in booking for 2011. For all early bird planners, Cottage in the Dales have released the prices and availability for 2011. Guests can also see that prices have remained static with no increase for the majority of the year. There is only a slight increase for some winter dates due to the increase in heating and electricity costs. So if you like to plan your holidays well in advance and have something to look forward to, what are you waiting for?

For Inglenook Cottage 2011 availability click -here For Craggley Cottage 2011 availability click -here

What a load of rubbish! Thanks to our guests for recycling so much rubbish (April 2010)

Cottage in the Dales started offering recycling facilities to guests across both cottages from April 2008. This last year our guests have recycled a massive 6,500 litres of rubbish. That equates to 27 standard sized wheelie bins full of glass, plastic bottles, cans &a mp; tins, paper and cardboard. As the local Richmondshire Council will not remove recycled rubbish from holiday cottages, all of this rubbish would have unnecessarily gone to landfill sites. Instead, Diane empties all 9 wheelie bins (yes 9 of them!) across the two cottages every 4-5 weeks and takes them to the appropriate recycling facilities. So a massive thank you goes to all of our guests for using this facility at our cottages. Diane is happy to continue emptying the bins if you keep refilling them! Interesting to note that there are a lot more glass bottles recycled from Inglenook than Craggley!!!

Finalist in 2010 Yorkshire Rural Awards for Green Businesses (March 2010)

Cottage in the Dales are delighted to be finalists in the 2010 Yorkshire Rural Awards in the 'Green Business' category. David Butterworth, the CEO of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority nominated Cottage in the Dales for the work we have done in helping to promote other businesses in going green based on our own experiences. The organisers advised there were numerous nominations for this category so to get to the final three is both a surprise and an honour, especially as the awards are across all industries, not just tourism and that the nomination was from the National Park, which we are most grateful. Andrew and Diane look forward to the black tie awards evening on 13 May at the Harrogate Pavilions hosted by John Craven. Checkout the full details about the 2010 Yorkshire Rural Awards as the finalists for all categories have now been announced.

Investing in your comfort - Craggley's stunning kitchen refurbishment (Feb 2010)

We have taken the opportunity to refurbish Craggley Cottage kitchen and the results are truly stunning!

We have created more space and improved the design layout, introduced new granite work surfaces throughout and added a stable door so you can enjoy the views of the garden from the kitchen table.

For those who enjoy cooking we have added the latest Bosch ceramic induction hob technology for improved efficiency and safety and replaced the sink with a stainless steel under mounted unit. The new more efficient design has allowed us to add new cupboard space for additional storage.

The design brings Craggley Cottage kitchen to a modern, luxurious and vibrant standard whilst still retaining its cosy, character cottage ambience. We hope you will enjoy.

Stay at the only 'green' holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (Jan 2010)

Cottage in the Dales was delighted to be accredited with the highest Gold Award by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) in August 2009. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Sustainable Tourism Office have confirmed Cottage in the Dales are the only GTBS accredited holiday cottage within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, though there are a few around the outer fringes of the park of course. As a result, Cottage in the Dales has been asked to speak to other holiday cottage owners at a business to business meeting in Hawes in mid January. The Yorkshire Dales National Park has been awarded Europarc status and is aiming to promote the Park as a green place to visit during 2010. Cottage in the Dales is looking forward to working with the Park Authority in further 'green' promotion during 2010.

Guests leave a green mark & support Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (December 2009)

Returning guests to Cottage in the Dales have provided support to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) by already booking their holidays early for 2010. In doing so, 10 trees will be planted in the Yorkshire Dales as part of woodland projects coordinated by the YDMT and the trees will be dedicated to individuals nominated by the returning guests.

YDMT is a charity, formed in 1997 to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Yorkshire Dales. As an associate member of the YDMT, Cottage in the Dales aims to promote and support the work of the trust with our guests so that we can all leave our own green mark on the Yorkshire Dales for future generations.

Official 5 star cleanliness at both cottages (November 2009)

'Cleanliness is next to godliness' so the saying goes. As a result of the 2009 annual inspection of both of our cottages in October 2009, you may be a little closer than you think! Both Inglenook and Craggley Cottage have been offically credited with 5 stars for cleanliness. Our guests have repeatedly commented on the cleanliness of our cottages - the word 'spotless' being the most frequent. This is as a result of the excellent work by our cleaner and caretaker Rachel Hewitson, who we are so fortunate to be able to rely on all year round to maintain the cleanliness of our cottages.

Craggley Cottage refurbished bedrooms are now officially 5 stars (November 2009)

After the refurbishment of the bedrooms at Craggley Cottage in May 2009, we eagerly awaited the annual inspection of Craggley Cottage by VisitBritain in October. As a result, we are delighted to announce that the bedrooms are now officially accredited as 5 stars in quality. Take a look at the new photos on Craggley Cottage to see for yourself. Guest comments have reinforced the investment we have made, including some querying the source of the new super king sized bed, especially the mattress. Thank you to Mrs Pat Garner, a regular returning guest, who made us smile by commenting ..."We have stayed in your lovely cottage in the Dales several times. When we were there earlier this year you had bought a wonderful new mattress which we have told the whole world about so you will be having some new guests who are coming just to try out the bed!"

Free WiFi Internet service now at both cottages (October 2009)

Inglenook Cottage has now joined Craggley Cottage in being connected to the Internet via the broadband WiFi service that is available free of charge to all our guests. So if you want to bring your own laptop and connect to the Internet it is now so easy whilst on vacation with Cottage in the Dales. We hope you don't have to contact the office too much but re able to use it to check out the latest weather forecast, potential locations you may want to visit and what's on in the area, thereby making the most of your stay at Cottage in the Dales.

Double Gold for Cottage in the Dales (August 2009)

Craggley Cottage and Inglenook Cottage have been awarded Gold certification from the Green Business Tourist scheme. Previously awarded Silver at Inglenook Cottage but through consultation with the Green Business Tourist Scheme we worked on their recommendation to improve our standards of Green Policyand strategy. This makes Cottage in the Dales the first Gold certified self catering cottages in North Yorkshire. From September every booking received in 2009 we will donate a tree to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium trust in celebration of our achievement.

As a member of the scheme, our activities include recycling, reducing energy usage, use and promotion of local food, crafts and businesses, support of public transport and the environment. It is easy to make a difference, even when on holiday. We can all contribute in a small way to ensure the enjoyment of the Yorkshire Dales for future generations. View our Green Policy & Award

Free WiFi Internet service to guests (June 2009)

Craggley Cottage is now connected to the world. A free broadband WiFi service is now available to guests at Craggley Cottage for those brining their own laptop. We are finding more guests are requesting this service to help them keep in contact with friends, family ... and also the office! .... whilst away on vacation. The service will enable guests to check out the latest weather forecast, potential locations they may want to visit and what's on in the area. Inglenook Cottage will be live in the autumn.

Luxury exudes in Craggley bedrooms refurbishment (May 2009)

Craggley Cottage bedrooms have been refurbished to provide an even higher quality of accommodation.

Guests can now relax on the new six foot super king size traditional bedstead with a deep luxurious pocket-sprung mattress.Throughout both bedrooms, natural down pillows and duvets are enveloped in crisp high quality white bedlinen complimented by rich wine jacquared soft furnishings.

Even the single beds have double-sized duvets so no cold gaps on winter nights! In addition, the twin bedroom now boasts new contemporary light oak furniture.

Beautifully soft new towels complete the refurbishment. Read more about Craggley bedrooms here

2010 availability released early due to high 2009 demand (May 2009)

Cottage in the Dales endorse the press reports that many more people are holidaying in the UK this year. Reservations for both cottages have been made much earlier for this year. We only have a few weeks left late in the year.....obviously great news for us!

As a result we have released the prices and availability for next year much earlier than usual. Guests can also see that prices have only been increased by about 3-4% despite a greater increase in heating and electricity costs. So if you like to plan your holidays well in advance and have something to look forward to, do contact us.

Inglenook & Craggley are now officially the tops! (April 2009)

Both Inglenook and Craggley Cottage have independently been awarded the coveted 'Gold Award' for 2009/2010 from EnjoyEngland for exceptional customer service & quality of accommodation - helping you to distinguish the top self-catering properties.

The award has been given to only the top 7% of all 4 star and the top 31% of all 5 star self-catering acccommodation in England. This equates to just over 1,000 awarded properties out of over 20,000 possible places for you to stay.

Cottage in the Dales are delighted that both of our cottages have received this prestigious award. We set our standards and your expectations at the highest level. This award is valid until our assessment in October 2010 when hopefully we can maintain and even build further on this award. View our Awards.

Inglenook recognised with a 'Green' Silver Award (April 2009)

Cottage in the Dales aim to provide excellent accommodation whilst minimising the environmental impact of our activities. By doing so we hope in our own small way to help preserve the natural heritage and landscape for the enjoyment of visitors and local people alike. Inglenook Cottage has been awarded the Silver accreditation and Craggley Cottage is awaiting inspection by the Green Tourist Business Scheme.

Sunday Times recommends Inglenook in their top 50 (January 2009)

The Sunday Times has selected Inglenook Cottage as one of their '50 cool cottages in Britain and Ireland' as outlined in a six page feature article in their Travel Supplement on Sunday 25 January 2009.

"The whole finding-a-cottage palaver – it's fraught with risk. Unless you book one that we've specially selected...Rustic Chic = No 38 INGLENOOK, Yorkshire. If it were in America, Wensleydale would be trumpeted as waterfall country. Instead, it's known for an insipid cheese and a plasticine pooch. It sure is gorgeous though, and Inglenook Cottage in West Burton makes a great base for exploring. It mixes authentic 18th-century toastiness, a slick new kitchen and bathroom, and mesmerising window-seat views of the dale."

Read the full article online (Inglenook is on page 4 no 38)

Festive guests celebrate with local Wensleydale hampers (December 2008)

Guests over Christmas and New Year received surprise festive gifts from Cottage in the Dales to help them celebrate the Christmas Holidays. Hampers of local Wensleydale produce greeted their arrival as the finishing touches to the traditional Christmas scene in front of the open log fire.

Both cottages are beautifully and tastefully decorated for the yuletide season with glittering garlands, the all-important stockings hanging on the beds ready for you know who and a Christmas tree - all to bring that extra special magic for the festive celebrations.

Real Wensleydale cheese from the Wensleydale Creamery, delicious hand made chocolates from The Little Chocolate Shop in Leyburn, Chutney & Jam from Raydale Preserves along with a little festive spirit (!) helped the seasonal magic flow. All our guests needed was a sprinkling of snow. We even provided the sledge!

View the Cottage in the Dales Christmas.

Craggley goes digital with Sky Service & LCD TV (November 2008)

Craggley Cottage has now gone digital by upgrading facilities to include Sky Freeview along with a new larger LCD TV. So guests can relax at the end of a day's walking in front of the open log fire watching a greater choice of TV via a larger and quality screen. All that is needed to complete the picture is a nice bottle of wine!

Returning Guests - dedicate a newly planted tree in the Yorkshire Dales (September 2008)

To celebrate the Self-Catering Holiday of the Year nomination and to support our focus on green tourism, Cottage in the Dales are thanking all previous guests by offering them a discount on a 2009 reservation along with the dedication of a tree on their behalf to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) charity. The tree will be planted as part of a Yorkshire Dales woodland project. Guests will receive a special certificate and an entry in the donor register. Our guests can enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales knowing they are leaving their own personal green mark on this most beautiful countryside. The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (www.ydmt.org) works to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of this special area.

Cottage in the Dales goes Green (July 2008)

Cottage in the Dales aim to provide excellent accommodation whilst minimising the environmental impact of our activities. We have become a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), the national sustainable tourism certification scheme endorsed by VisitBritain. We will be assessed in due course against a rigorous set of criteria covering a range of areas such as water and energy usage, waste management, promoting local crafts, businesses and the environment. We can all contribute in a small way to ensure the enjoyment of the Yorkshire Dales for future generations.

Finalist in the Yorkshire Self-Catering Holiday of the Year 2008 (June 2008)

Cottage in the Dales is proud to announce that we have been selected as a finalist for the Self-Catering Holiday of the Year 2008 in the Yorkshire Tourist Board White Rose Awards. As one of six finalists, this is a tremendous privilege to have been selected amongst such strong competition.

The White Rose Awards for Tourism are the top accolade for tourism in Yorkshire. The judges assessed submissions across a range of subjects that demonstrated a focus on high quality of service and accommodation, innovation in marketing, a strong business case and demonstrated evidence of a high level of visitor satisfaction and value for money. The results were announced at an 'oscars-style' ceremony at the newly renovated Bridlington Spa. Over 500 people from large and small tourism businesses throughout Yorkshire attended, resulting in one of the largest tourism awards ceremony of its kind in the UK. How did we get on at the awards, accompanied by our supporting team? Find out here.

Cottage in the Dales & Premier Cottages - an award winning combination (October 2007)

Cottage in the Dales are delighted to meet the rigorous quality standards to enable us to become a member of Premier Cottages - the outstanding collection of independent and award winning 4 and 5 star self-catering properties in the UK, Ireland and The Channel Islands.

Entry is highly restricted, with only properties of Tourist Board 4 and 5 star grading considered for inclusion. Owners are committed to the highest standards of quality and customer care to be professionally run for all properties. Premier Cottages is not an agency but a company owned and operated by the cottage owners. Guests liaise and book directly with the owner of the individual cottage, thereby cutting out the middleman. Cottage in the Dales look forward to a long and prosperous business relationship, providing a quality experience to our guests.