Ali's Little Woodland Wonder

The name says it all with Ali’s Little Woodland Wonder; its charming shepherd's hut — outfitted with vintage furnishings and retro touches exemplifying hosts Alison and Andrew’s love of all things old-school — is certainly little, while its woodland setting in reach of the Yorkshire Dales is certainly wondrous. This is a labour of love from a couple who want to share their scenic spot with guests, providing cosy accommodation tucked away within 12 acres of woodland you get all to yourselves, itself within a 270-acre family-run working farm.

This Little Woodland Wonder presents the kind of laid-back approach that you can only get from an off-grid holiday — although a heated, gas-powered shower, camp kitchen, and compost loo all to yourself certainly make it more comfortable than other stripped-back sites. Alison affirms that guests can enjoy themselves as they wish within these acres — if you want to go chop your own wood within this sprawling land, go right ahead, she says — and if your party is larger than the couples the hut accommodates, discuss that with your hosts before arrival and they’ll let them pull up in a caravan, campervan, or tent for an extra fee. Children are also welcome, you could sleep an extra 'little one' free of charge but please bring your own airbed and bedding and arrange this prior to arrival. Furry friends are allowed, though it’s asked that you keep any kiddies and your dog supervised given the open pond and the cows in the farmland.

However, the likelihood is that you’re looking for the solitude this shepherd's hut in acres of private wood presents, and as such, this is ideally suited for romantic getaways. Enjoy the wildlife that gathers around the site — owls, deer, and foxes are your companions during your stay — the dragonflies, ducks, and newts that call its newly created pond their home, and take a walk along the several footpaths that run through the land. Venture a little further out and you can take on the Three Peaks Challenge, a beautiful (though lengthy — make sure you come well-prepared) adventure to the Dales’ peaks offering stunning views of your surroundings. For cyclists, bring your bike (or hire one there) and cycle through Gisburn Forest, with routes for both novice and expert mountain bikers. If you’re looking for the ideal hub from which to explore Yorkshire, it’s a (Little Woodland) wonder you haven’t booked yet.