Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)
Located within the Howardian Hills National Landscape, guests have described Kirkdale Cottage as a 'hidden gem'. The cottage is a converted 18th century stone farm building, retaining original timbered ceilings and stone walls. Set in open countryside with stunning views, the cottage blends new modern comforts with historic features.
The cottage has a large welcoming lounge with log burner and window seat, a well equipped kitchen with dining area. Upstairs there are three bedrooms (sleeping five), and a bathroom. Kirkdale Cottage is popular with families and couples wanting to relax in a rural cottage setting, and is particularly of interest to dog owners who welcome the enclosed dog exercise paddock and country walks from the doorstep. Up to 3 dogs welcome to stay; we have an outside dog shower and provide towels. The cottage has use of a table and seating area outside in the garden, and guests are welcome to use the picnic benches on the large lawn. We are in a tranquil location in a rural agricultural community, but with the benefit of easy access to a range of tourist destinations and sporting activities. The cottage is easily accessible to the Yorkshire Moors, Dales, Coast and York. With countryside walks on the doorstep, the cottage is less than 2 miles from the small picturesque market town of Helmsley - with its castle, walled gardens, spa hotel facilities, heated outdoor swimming pool in summer, and one of a kind dog friendly pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops.
Featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams and other original features, the cottage offers a historic and relaxing setting for your holiday. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, washing machine, microwave oven, toaster, kettle, fridge freezer, iron, hob & oven. The cottage is centrally heated; the bathroom has a shower cubicle (no bath); we offer free parking for guests. Downstairs the cottage has a living room with exposed Yorkshire stone walls and original features from its earlier use as a farm building. The living room has a log burner, TV, two sofas (seating five), window seat, side and coffee tables. The living room opens into the dining area (a table and six chairs) and kitchen. The three bedrooms comprise: bedroom 1 has a king size bed (which can also be arranged as two single beds); bedroom 2 has a double bed; and bedroom 3 has one single bed. All bedrooms have wardrobe and other storage. The bathroom has a toilet, hand basin and shower cubicle.
Kirkdale Cottage is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the shared use of our landscaped grounds which include a courtyard garden with outdoor furniture, a large lawned area with picnic benches and an enclosed dog exercise paddock. The cottages have on-site parking for up to 2 cars per cottage. We provide bed linen, towels, tea towels as well as essentials to get you started including tea, coffee, sugar, toilet rolls, washing up liquid, and soap. There is a small supermarket less than 2 miles away.
The cottage is popular with walkers, cyclists and families wanting to explore North Yorkshire - we are within easy reach of the North Yorkshire coast (Whitby, Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay), Pickering, York, Castle Howard. We are a stones throw from Ampleforth Abbey, The White Horse at Kilburn and the stunning views of Sutton Bank. York is less than 25 miles away and has been voted Britain's most popular city due to its castle, walls, museums, shops and Minster; it is particularly popular with our guests whatever the weather. The picturesque steam railway from Pickering crosses Goathland/Heartbeat country to the coast at Whitby; Flamingo Land (near Malton) offers a different kind of day out - with its zoo and theme park. There are plenty of nature walks into the quiet countryside from our doorstep, as well as further afield.
We are open all year and guests love to enjoy the changing seasons, making use of the log burner in the colder months. We are popular with dog owners in November and New Year due to our quiet location (the lack of fireworks). If Kirkdale Cottage is not available please take a look at our other cottages (sproxtonhallcottages.co.uk): Bilsdale Cottage (sleeps 4, 3 dogs), Riccal Dale Cottage (sleeps 4, 2 dogs) and Ryedale Cottage (single storey, sleeps 4, no dogs). All properties can be booked together to provide an exclusive venue for family and friends reunions. In total our cottages sleep 17.
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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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
York
Located in York, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills, while Helmsley Arts Centre and National Trust Nunnington Hall are cultural highlights. Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo and Yorkshire Lavender are also worth visiting. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking, horse riding and mountain biking.
North York Moors National Park - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo - 34 min drive - 35.9 km
York Minster - 48 min drive - 43.9 km
Shambles - 48 min drive - 44.2 km
Getting around
Thirsk Station - 21 min drive
Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 58 min drive
Restaurants
The Black Swan - 11 min drive
The Feathers Hotel - 3 min drive
Byland Abbey Inn - 11 min drive
The Fairfax Arms - 7 min drive
Feathers Beer Garden - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5) pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)?
As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5) on 21 August 2026 start from NZ$469, 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 Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5)?
Checkout is at 9:30 AM.
Where is Kirkdale Cottage: a Hidden Gem, Helmsley (country cottage, sleeps 5) located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Duncombe Park, North York Moors National Park and Helmsley Arts Centre. Cleveland Way and Howardian Hills are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great guests, made us feel welcome. Clean, cosy warm cottage with the most amazing views. Fantastic rural location. Great place to relax and unwind and enjoy some great walks.
Ben H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 March 2020
Thanks Ben , you were great guests , hope to see you again.
Dave
I can honestly not recommend this cottage enough! Sproxton is a beautiful little village and this farm is such a peaceful setting. We (me and my husband) went away with my mum, brother and our 1 year old daughter. We were catered for regarding a high chair and cot and also a bath was provided. As well as being greatly equipped with all the essentials and more! The beds were so very comfortable and an added bonus for us, the cot fit perfectly into the built in wardrobe so meant we had ample room to walk around our bed. Thank you for such a wonderful stay
The property was very clean, and the hosts were very friendly and helpful, generally being on hand most of the time. The tea, coffee and biscuits were very welcome after a long drive! The property was very convenient to Helmsley and Sutton Bank, and was within reach of many other places of interest. Having 2 dogs we particularly liked the available field to walk them in. We will be back next year!
Had a very enjoyable holiday at kirkdale cottage with my family. Owners were very helpful and pleasent to make our stay very enjoyable. Lovely clean accommodation with very comfortable beds and has a very cosy feel to it. Wi-Fi also available which came in very handy for my daughter. Great location also for Whitby scarborough and York. Overall a very enjoyable stay that I would recommend to anyone who fancies a break in the area.
We spent 4 nights in Kirkdale Cottage during a cricket festival at Ampleforth.
Very clean and well presented cottage with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
We originally booked to take our dog but due to heat decided against it. David and Helen were very thoughtful in providing bowls, towels and poo bags which would’ve been very helpful.
Well located for exploring the local area and within an hour’s drive of the coast. Dalby Forest and Whitby a must!
Everything you could want from a self catering cottage our in the countryside. Really helpful owners.
Especially good if you have dogs. Loved the exercise area. All well thought out and professionally run without being impersonal.
We loved it. Thank you.
Justin G.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 March 2020
Thank you for your review.
It was really nice to meet you and your family, hopefully we will see you again.
Dave
Verified
4/10 Poor
Leona B.
11 January 2019
Comfortable
This is the first property we have stayed at that allows dogs.Signs to tell occupants to clear up dog mess is essential..we had a horrid experience one evening with some other dogs mess!The property is in need of some updating and could do with a good clean particularly the bedroom carpets. We had no DVD player ,no pantry items except for tea and one packet of biscuits and small bottle of milk.I do not count hotel style sachets of coffee,milk and sugar as pantry items as stated.A neighbour in one of the attached properties returned a cutting board to us that they had borrowed from the previous occupants that were their friends ,stating that they had swapted some untensils from cottage to cottage.Greater care needs to be taken preparing for new occupants to this cottage.
Leona B.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 17 March 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us. All feedback is taken seriously and will be used to improve our cottages and services.
We note your point about reminding visitors to clear up after dogs and will improve notices to visitors and provide prompts such as black dog bags. As the incident took place at night on grass away from the cottages and lighting, we did what we could which was to help clear up. This is the first such incident since we arrived and we have had 20+ dogs stay in our two cottages on our 3 acre property. We hope that the tremendous opportunities for walking your own party’s dog made up for this incident.
As mentioned during your stay, we are undertaking a programme of updates and renovations early in 2019. The photographs on HomeAway were taken in summer 2018 and will be updated once new flooring, kitchens and log burners are added. We are disappointed to hear that you felt the cottage was not sufficiently clean as this has not been the experience of other recent guests and we had vacuumed thoroughly before your arrival.
Pantry items were provided as per our listing “Fresh milk, tea bags, coffee sachets, sugar, salt, pepper” and as noted in our message prior to arrival these are provided to get you started on your self-catering holiday (and before a trip to the supermarket in nearby Helmsley or grocery delivery to the cottage). As you know we provide washing up liquid, cleaning materials, toilet roll and toiletries - as well as a tea caddy and biscuits.
We had checked that all key utensils and kitchen equipment were in place before your arrival, precisely for the reason given when larger family groups stay in more than one cottage. There were three other chopping boards within the cottage. We advised you of the DVD player on arrival and offered to provide a replacement. As we live on site we are disappointed that you did not discuss your concerns with us; indeed during the chats we had with your group we thought that everyone was enjoying their stay.
About the host
Hosted by Dave Wells
Helen grew up in nearby Thirsk and has family close by. Having lived in Leeds for many years, Helen and Dave wanted a change of scenery and they certainly got the scenic views they were looking for after a 4 year search. They fell in love with Sproxton Hall Cottages the moment they pulled into the driveway on a cold, snowy February morning and by the time they left they were full of plans.
Being surrounded by nature and dogs is what makes us happy - whatever the season there is always something different to see. Dave enjoys cycling and motorbiking through the quiet country lanes on to the North York Moors National Park and to the coast - he knows the best cafes as well as the best dog friendly year-round beaches.
Dave has been utilising his flooring and woodworking skills to modernise the four holiday cottages and we have plans for more work on the grounds in 2025. Helen enjoys sewing, particularly home furnishings and vintage clothing. Both take an active role in village life - Sproxton is a small friendly community that will give you a true Yorkshire welcome.
Our own cottage (Bransdale Cottage) is directly behind the holiday cottages and has its own garden and does not overlook the holiday cottages. This means we are on hand to answer any questions or provide hands-on assistance.
Our collection of rescue spaniels mean that we know the local walks very well - including the quieter walks and those with breathtaking views. We can point you off the beaten track or to the well-known walks such as the Cleveland Way.
Why they chose this property
We love the variety of the landscape - from the rolling hills of the Howardian Hills National Landscape to the rugged beauty of the North York Moors National Park, and onwards to the heritage coastline. Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay are particular favourites but in the peak season you're more likely to find us at the quieter year-round beaches (approx 30-35 miles away).
In the summer season there are several country fairs and agricultural shows - something that North Yorkshire does best and bring our rural heritage to life. Helmsley, Malton and surrounding villages have a growing reputation for excellent restaurants - several of Michelin quality and others with unique settings or rural charm.
In the autumn and spring, the changing colours of nature allow us to take a step back, a deep breath and feel refreshed on a country dog walk.
Christmas is a delight - Helmsley is picture-perfect with traditional lights and tree, plus Castle Howard's displays are legendary. York's Christmas market is a special treat, especially when combined with a day sightseeing the historic gems within the city walls.
What makes this property unique
Sproxton Hall Cottages are the only holiday cottages with far reaching views over both the Howardian Hills National Landscape and the North York Moors National Park - views you could stare at all day and changing over the seasons.
We are the only holiday cottages in the area to have two dog exercise paddocks and a bridleway at the end of the drive.
The tranquility of the cottages is particularly appreciated by guests who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be immersed in a natural landscape. The peacefulness is particularly appreciated over the fireworks season in November and New Year's Eve - we haven't heard fireworks since we moved here and our two spaniels snoozed through undisturbed.