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
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for a wonderful time away!
The Reading Rooms were amazing - beautifully managed and cleaned by Ben and Janet. All our communication with Catch the Breeze was extremely helpful and we could not fault them.
The location of the Reading Rooms is fairly remote but that was just what we needed with beautiful scenery and walks on the doorstep or a short scenic drive away.
Thank you so much!
Jon from St Peter Port ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Reading Rooms heaven
After experiencing Oughtershaw Hall with the whole family on several occasions we were really looking forward to a relaxing week with friends in the Reading rooms. We were not disappointed! A very different experience in a beautifully appointed cottage with the constant sound of the river in the background. Loved it. Every small detail seemed to have been covered - even downtown the auto night lights in the bathrooms. Nice too to have two sitting areas to enjoy a quiet moment or two.
We will definitely return.
Ian from Farnham ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The best equipped holiday-let we have ever stayed in.
The Reading Rooms were spacious, comfortable, clean and superbly equiped. We like to cook all our own meals and the kitchen had everything we needed. It even had a lemon zester. The setting was lovely and sitting out in the garden enjoying the stream and birds was so peaceful.
Barry from Dursley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A perfect peaceful escape
We had the most wonderful stay at The Reading Rooms in the Yorkshire Dales. From the moment we arrived, it was clear how much care and attention has gone into the place – it’s absolutely immaculate, with an outstanding finish throughout.
Everything you could possibly need is provided, making it feel like atrue home from home, just with much better views! The location is beautifully remote, perfect for switching off and unwinding, with serene countryside all around. Waking up to the sight of sheep and lambs grazing nearby was such a lovely touch and really added to the whole experience.
We also made the most of the local area, including a visit to Hawes and the Wensleydale Creamery, which is a must. A Sunday lunch at The White Hart Inn was another highlight – highly recommended and the perfect way to round off the weekend.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, high-quality escape in a stunning setting, The reading rooms from Catch the Breeze is hard to beat, like all their properties We’ll definitely be back.
Ian from Kelso ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Getting availability
