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Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

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Exterior
Dining
Private kitchen
Room
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Great Ayton, North Yorkshire
  • Place, Guisborough Forest
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, North York Moors National Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Bunk Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

Welcome to The Old Forge; our 4* holiday cottage dating back to 1840 and located in the village of Great Ayton in beautiful North Yorkshire.

Enjoying a delightful riverside location with views across fields, The Old Forge offers excellent accommodation with an ideal setting to enjoy tranquil countryside surroundings, the great outdoors, local cafés, pubs and restaurants all within walking distance.

Many walks start from the front door and take in wonderful scenery.

On the edge of the North York Moors National Park, the village was home to Captain Cook and is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Explore the North Yorkshire coast including Saltburn and Whitby.

In addition to shops, pub, restaurant and take-away all within 100 yards, Great Ayton offers tennis courts, a bowling green, cricket club and football field.

A great place to enjoy a holiday or short break – families, individuals, children, pets all welcome! We hope to see you soon.

(Please note the neighbouring property to The Old Forge has access though our driveway).

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Middlesbrough

Located in Middlesbrough, this cottage is in a rural area. Middlesbrough Theatre and Dorman Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Guisborough Priory and Ormesby Hall. Travelling with kids? Consider Rainbow Leisure Centre, or check out an event or a game at Prissick Plaza Skate Park.
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Map
Great Ayton, North Yorkshire

What's nearby

  • Stokesley Golf Range - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Guisborough Forest - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park - 7 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Middlesbrough Golf Club - 8 min drive - 7.5 km
  • North York Moors National Park - 11 min drive - 11.4 km

Getting around

  • Great Ayton Station - 17 min walk
  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Treebridge Hotel & Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Tannery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Mojoes - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Stamps Coffee Shop - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.?

As of 22 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. on 23 March 2026 start from NZ$412, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Family friendly holiday cottage in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. located?

This family-friendly Middlesbrough cottage is located in a rural location, 1.9 mi (3 km) from Roseberry Topping, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Rainbow Leisure Centre and North York Moors National Park. Guisborough Forest and Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park are also within 6 miles (10 km). Great Ayton Station is 17 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is in a great location with off street parking - and the hosts were very responsive to messages via the Vrbo app in advance of our stay. We look forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice stay at this cottage couldn't really fault the place, the cottage has everything we needed for a good holiday
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Krista L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an absolutely wonderful stay. Alex's holiday home was fully equipped with everything you needed for a stay. Takeaways and pubs just around he corner, great walks to take the dogs out. And don't let me to even start on the upstairs bathroom... TV and a jacuzzi bath add a fire to warm yourself up after a rather cold day and it all adds up to the wonderful short break. Hoping to return soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jayne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easter gathering

Great property in a lovely location. Well equipped with very comfy beds.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linton B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family break

Great house with good fixtures and fittings in a lovely private area7 people and 2 very well behaved greyhounds Loads of walks available Good food on your doorstep Lovely neighbours
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Ayton

Great stay
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Family celebration

Great stay, property was just as described, extremely clean and comfortable. Host was always helpful and contactable and assisted with a last minute request for a late check out, thanks again 👍
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mick W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend break

Had a very nice weekend break at the old forge cottage good location nicely equipped and clean Would return Only downside was young men in the river at bottom of the garden using bad language not good when you have grandkids with you but nothing to do with the cottage though
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brett B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice house in an excellent location

Check in went very smoothly, and the house had everything we needed for an extended stay. Location is perfect - right next to the river, and a short walk to many excellent restaurants and pubs.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family time

Great village, lovely cottage enjoyed our time here.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Kay T.

Extremely Clean and Great Location.

Ideal property for family get together. Perfect weather made it a perfect location.. Minutes walk to shops and pubs.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Half term getaway

This was our second time staying at this property and we were not disappointed. The house is spacious, clean and the kitchen is well equipped. The bathroom was a highlight with the kids with a tv and jacuzzi bath which was well used after a days walking. The location of the property was perfect and the village is beautiful.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shaun D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely 3 Night stay

Just returned today from the cottage, which was spotless, well equipped and in a lovely location. The whirlpool bath and tv in the upstairs bathroom was fantastic and the teenagers enjoyed the xbox. Hope to return sometime in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay

The property was clean and beautifully appointed. The location was excellent being so close to the town and some picturesque walks. We loved the cafes and especially the butcher's pork pies!! The host was responsive and ensured we had everything we needed. We hope one day to come back and stay again. Thanks.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pampa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visiting Family

This was a perfect location to visit our family. We live in the US. It had all the amenities needed. The shops nearby were convenient. Cozy cottage.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely area with lots of walks and everything you need in great ayton itself .

Good
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

D G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

House was great, as listed. Bunk room downstairs is quite small. Lovely spot by the river, the sweet/ice cream shop across the road was perfect for the kids, the butcher's round the corner does amazing pies. Enjoyed walks up Roseberry Topping and the Wain Stones
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal House and Location

We stayed over the Bank Holiday weekend with family that included various ages from 39 to 82, the house was perfect and accessible to all. It was very clean and the facilities were as listed. The house was in a great location in Great Ayton nearby nice pubs and restaurants. I can only mention the Roya Oak for the fantastic food and service and also the Stone Quarry pub for its service, ambience and cost. All in all this was a fantastic weekend in a great house and location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you

Just wanted to say a massive thank you. This property was perfect, the local village had everything we needed and more. Everyone was really friendly. We will be looking to book again, longer next time.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Clydia Y.

Wonderful place to stay!

We had the best time. The home was very comfortable and in the best location. The view from the kitchen table is so serene. If you have never been to Great Ayton before you are in for a treat. The village is at the end of the home's driveway. The people are so friendly and you are within walking distance of the co-op and the Royal Oak Inn. The food and pub make it a great place to eat.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property in an amazing location.

The cottage was very cosy and had plenty of room. The location by the weir was lovely and relaxing and only about 100 metres from the village shops and restaurants. Great Ayton has an amazing amount of facilities for a village it's size. Maybe as its also a bit of a tourist destination and ideal centre for walkers and cyclists. The communication with Alex was excellent and very helpful. Overall, this is a great place to stay for a family group.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Viv K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Riverside gem

Lovely stay at this Riverside cottage. Great location. 4th bedroom bunk beds which were unsuitable for our infants and too small for our adults (over 6ft). However one couple had cancelled so we were OK.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Memory Lane trip

Having lived in the area some time ago, this was a trip down memory lane for us. We met the very helpful Anna on arrival, who manages the cottage with one of her brothers. This character cottage is lovely and perfectly situated alongside the waterfall within easy reach of a number of village shops, pubs, cafes and eating places. It is a great place if you enjoy long (and short) countryside walks - we even managed a beach walk from Marske to Saltburn. We would be very happy to book the cottage again. The amenities Hot Tub I would describe as a single spa or whirlpool bath in the bathroom.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot in idyllic village

We visited from Australia and planned to see family and friends in the local area. Gt Ayton is easily accessible from the main highways and offered the facilities that we required, eateries and shopping, with an historic vibe that few other places can offer. The Old Forge is central with parking facilities. The house is large and could have slept 6 people easily. Two bathrooms made life easy. Kitchen was large and well set-up. A few basic provisions would be a nice touch for future guests. The garden next to the stream was a stunning spot to have breakfast and entertain visitors. We have stayed in several ABBs on this journey and this place was our favourite. We would definitely book again if we are back soon. Thanks.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely property in a quiet, convenient village location

We loved our stay in Great Ayton and highly recommend a stay at The Old Forge. The house is towards the end of a private road, south facing at the front, overlooking the river and small public park. However, the leafed bushes round the front garden make it private. The step by the double lounge doors is quite a sun trap in the afternoon - we took camping chairs to sit out there. We managed to park two large cars at the front fairly easily (recommend reversing through the gate) as long as you are tucked in by the fence and wall, to allow driving access to the neighbour's garage. There was also parking nearby off the high street, even during a bank Holiday weekend. The accommodation is spacious with a downstairs shower room and wc off the front door hallway hall. The upstairs bathroom is fabulous and you can watch TV whilst relaxing in the jacuzzi bath! The three upstairs bedrooms are all doubles. The downstairs bunk bedroom off the rear of the lounge is small and dark, but we only had one teenager sleeping in this, so it was fine for him. The kitchen could do with lightening up as the dark worktop, red carpet and dark table & chairs make the room seem gloomy even on a sunny day, especially as the lounge is quite light. The property is well equipped with extra touches like toilet roll, hand wash, washing up liquid etc. It could perhaps do with a few more knives and thicker curtains in two of the bedrooms. The location of the property is great, away from the hustle and bustle of vehicles and people on the main road but within a minute's walk of most of Great Ayton's amenities including the Co-op, Coupland bakery, coffee shops, three takeaways, post office, pub etc. Suggitts selling homemade vanilla ice cream and sweets is at the end of the private road of the property. More facilities are available in nearby Stokesley or Guisborough. Everything relating to Captain Cook in the village is within walking distance. We walked up to Captain Cook's monument from the village and there is also a nice circular walk through the fields and back through Great Ayton, starting on the other side of the weir. We saw owls, bats and a bird of prey at dusk in one of the fields. Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Whitby etc are within easy driving distance and a hike up Roseberry Topping is definitely worth it on a clear day, for the amazing all round far-reaching views. Overall a great place to stay for both young and old.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Alex Fawcett

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