The Reading Rooms | Holiday Cottage in the Yorkshire Dales

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

Dishwasher
Smart TV
Wood Burning Stove
All En-Suite
Tumble Dryer
Washing Machine

External Features

Patio
Barbecue
Off Road Parking
Enclosed Garden

Children

High Chair available
Travel Cot available

Location

Pub - within 5 miles
Rural

Key Features

Internet
Off-Road Parking
Garden
Open Fire/Wood burner

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, tranquility 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

A beautiful autumn break

We have loved our time at the reading rooms, a beautiful and cosy cottage, all on one level. Kitchen was very well equipped. Wood supplied for the wood burner. Situated in a small quiet hamlet the garden sits right next to the beck, & Sheep grazing the hill sides. There was a well thought out welcome pack for us and one for the dog.

We ventured out every day. There is so much to see and do. We visited Balham tarn. Hawes is close by for any supplies and we loved just having wonder past the shops. There are a few walks from here also. Hadraw is close by and definitely worth a visit.

You could come here and not go anywhere as it's so peaceful, private and tranquil.

Mrs Hicks

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.

Mr Peel

The cottage was just lovely as is always the case with Catch the Breeze properties. Well-equipped and a walkers dream. Felt like home from home and a perfect location for a true Dales experience!

Mrs Jones