Full Details
During the 19th century, reading rooms were once commonplace across much of rural Yorkshire: they were places to congregate, educate, debate and elucidate in a time long before mass media and 24 hour news. Practically every Dales hamlet had one, and this charming building was Oughtershaw's: located right opposite the village school, it was patronised by philanthropic Wood family, who owned nearby Oughtershaw Hall.
Today, the building retains all the period charm you could ask for. Topped by York stone roof tiles, surrounded by trimmed lawns and bordered by a tinkling book, it looks like it could have stumbled straight from the pages of All Creatures Great And Small. For those who have previously stayed at Oughtershaw Hall, it also makes an ideal village getaway if you're returning as part of a smaller group.
One well-behaved dog aged one and over is welcome.
Location-wise, you're in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales here, surrounded by green fields, hills and drystone walls: blissful isolation, and superb walking country. But if you do feel like being social, there are several renowned pubs within driving distance, and the market town of Hawes, 6 miles to the north, is on hand for supplies.
Need to know
Interior Features
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Dishwasher
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Smart TV
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Wood Burning Stove
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All En-Suite
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Tumble Dryer
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Washing Machine
External Features
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Patio
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Barbecue
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Off Road Parking
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Enclosed Garden
Children
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High Chair available
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Travel Cot available
Location
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Pub - within 5 miles
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Rural
Key Features
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Internet
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Off-Road Parking
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Garden
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Open Fire/Wood burner
Download floor plan (PDF format)
Location
James Herriot had it right when he said: "Oughtershaw. A piece of bleakest Yorkshire, but smiling in the sunshine through its bare miles of tufted grass. The air had the sharp sweetness, which is found only on the top-most Pennines." Film buffs will tell you nearby Hawes is home to the famous Wallace & Gromit Wensleydale cheese, it is an untroubled village of mellow stone buildings, shops and houses linked by cobbled streets.
Buckden, Kettlewell was a film location for Calendar Girls. And be sure not to miss the market towns of Grassington and Skipton. As you explore, expect dry stone walls and barns, flower-rich hay meadows and valley-side woodland. At the tip of the Dales is the unspoilt wilderness of Swaledale, home to some of Yorkshire's best walking and cycling. When it comes to peace, tranquillity and natural beauty, few locations offer more.
Hawes - 8.7 miles
Grassington - 16 miles
Buckden - 5.4 miles
Kettlewell - 9.2 miles
Skipton Castle - 23 miles
What our guests say
Special occasions in a beautiful area
The Reading Rooms are typically well appointed and equipped as expected from Catch the Breeze. Loved being beckside. Ben is the local agent and is a great bloke.
Birthday and anniversary celebrations in the wonderful Yorkshire Dales. Drive up over the moor to Hawes.
Weather limited walking with some flooding in fields and the odd road. Hardraw Force dramatic at the moment.
Stone House Hotel, White Hart, Green Dragon and George Inn all good eating. Gayle Mill (Thursdays) worth a visit. Would love to return in drier weather and venture further.
Robert from Altrincham ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Truly Wonderful Stay at The Reading Rooms - We'll be back!
We had the most fantastic stay at The Reading Rooms in this peaceful and picturesque spot in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. We enjoyed walks right from our doorstep and ventured out to The Wensleydale Creamery and Hardraw Force enjoying a superb pub lunch at The Green Dragon Inn.
The cottage itself felt like a real home from home - such a perfect place to unwind and relax! It is beautifully equipped with everything you could possibly need - we even managed to do some baking during our stay! We loved the TV/snug room which gave the children their own space to hang out.
The bedrooms were incredibly comfortable, with fresh high-quality linens. We all slept so well here! Outside the garden is simply lovely - it borders a charming beck and is a glorious peaceful space to sit. We were lucky with the weather so managed to enjoy some outdoor dining and we loved sitting outside with our morning coffee. It is clear that a lot of care has gone into making this a truly special place to stay and we can't wait to come back!
Rodney from Rhuddlan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing Cottage
We had a wonderful stay at the Reading Rooms this is our 3rd stay this year at a Catch the Breeze property.
They are all finished to an amazing standard.
We could not recommend them highly enough. We will be back very soon.
Alan from Glasgow ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Relaxing week away from it all
Oughtershaw and Langstrothdale are such peaceful and beautiful places. The Reading Rooms is an idyllic spot right by Oughtershaw Beck and we spent our time just taking it all in. The beds in the house were a big hit with the whole party and along with the weather, contributed to the desire for long lie ins. One of us managed a few trips out on his bike - up and over Fleet Moss, down Langstrothdale to Cray and Buckden, round Beckermonds to Ling Gill and back to the house via the Pennine Bridalway. Otherwise it was short walks to 'Helen's House' at Yockenthwaite, picnics, Tuesday market at Hawes (with the amazing Hawes yarnbombers take on Wallace and Gromit), and the stunning waterfalls of West Burton.
John from Wallingford ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Idyllic Luxury in the heart of the Dales
We had the most wonderful stay, a beautiful home which was hard to leave, but when we did the property is perfectly located to get to experience the beauty that is The Dales.
The fact we could walk outside and be on the Dales Way was beautiful.
We took our Labrador and the property as well as the surroundings were just perfect for a week away with the dog.
Ben was brilliant and checked in to make sure we had what we need. The welcome hamper for us and the dog were such lovely touches.
The most comfortable bed!
Did not want to leave, we will be finding more of the properties to stay in across the UK.
Can not recommend enough!!
Fern from Shifnal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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