Riccal Dale Cottage, Helmsley's hidden gem - a country retreat perfect for dogs

Choose somewhere special for your next dog friendly holiday. Riccal Dale Cottage is unique - with a four poster bed, new enclosed garden, use of 2 dog paddocks and stunning views.

Set in a tranquil location in open countryside and with the added benefit of easy access to a range of tourist attractions and sporting activities. Located within the Howardian Hills National Landscape the cottage is ideal for relaxing in a rural, historic setting.

Dogs love the 2 dog paddocks which are gated and fenced - a great way to burn off some energy whilst you admire the views from the picnic bench. To complement the paddocks, our dog friendly cottages now have their own small enclosed gardens too.

Ramble along the bridleway at the end of the drive, and you'll be super dog friendly Helmsley or foodie-favourite Harome. With countryside walks on the doorstep, the cottage is less than 2 miles from the tourist hot-spot of Helmsley - with its castle, walled gardens, spa hotel facilities, heated open air swimming pool, plus numerous independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants (most dog friendly) and a micro-brewery. Helmsley is also the start of the Cleveland Way.

With big skies and dark nights, enjoy star gazing from your cottage or book one of the dark skies friendly events happening in the North York Moors National Park. Dark skies friendly lighting helps ensure the best conditions on clear nights.

Featuring exposed stone walls and wooden beams the cottage offers a historic and relaxing setting for your holiday. Facilities for guests include a cosy log burner, lounge with dining and kitchen areas. The cottage is centrally heated; the bathroom has a shower cubicle (no bath). Riccal Dale Cottage sleeps up to 4, with a four poster bed and two single beds. The cottage is also dog friendly, with up to 2 dogs welcome to stay at no extra charge (not on beds please).

Riccal Dale Cottage is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the use of our landscaped grounds, including a large lawned area with picnic benches and two enclosed dog exercise paddocks. The cottages have free on-site parking for up to 2 cars per cottage, plus an EV charger.

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 (steam railway), York, and Castle Howard. We are a stones throw from Ampleforth Abbey, the White Horse at Kilburn and the stunning views of Sutton Bank. York is approx 20 miles away and has been voted Britain's most popular city due to its castle, walls, museums, Minster and the National Railway Museum - York is particularly popular with our guests in colder/wetter weather. The picturesque steam railway from Pickering crosses Goathland (of Heartbeat and Harry Potter station fame) to the coast at Whitby; Flamingo Land (near Malton) offers a different kind of day out - with its zoo and theme park. Ripon also has a theme park (Lightwater Valley) and is famous for its cathedral and Fountains Abbey (the latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

There are plenty of nature walks from the doorstep into the quiet countryside (including into the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills National Landscape), as well as quiet forest trails and moorland rambes a short drive away. In the cottage you'll find a range of walking guides and local information. We offer a dog shower, throws & towels, plus bowls.

The fenced dog fields are popular year round - perfect for an off lead stretch of paws (fenced and gated but not guaranteed escape proof). There's a dog shower, as well as towels, throws and bowls. Walking guides and visitor information are available in the cottage - there are miles of quiet forest trails close by and some of our local favourites.

Tucked away down a private lane, Sproxton Hall Cottages are surrounded by farmland, with unique far reaching views over to the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills National Landscape. Enjoy a cuppa or glass of wine at a bench in the extensive grounds and watch the sun set over the National Park - look out for the barn owl at dusk. Located in a dark skies area, the cottage is popular for star gazing on clear nights and new dark skies lighting improves the experience. Dogs love to visit year round but the cottage is popular during November fireworks season and New Year due to the peace and tranquility - we haven't heard fireworks since we moved here 8 years ago and we have guests booking to return each year to avoid the disturbance you hear elsewhere.

Whilst the cottages benefit from being off the beaten track there's easy access to the best of North Yorkshire's scenery, history and cuisine. Helmsley (c. 2 miles) is the most dog friendly visitor town that we know and has a castle, walled garden, birds of prey centre, micro-brewery, and in the summer months there's a heated open air swimming pool. With lots of one of a kind shops and places to eat, you'll find that many are dog friendly. Visit in spring for stunning daffodil displays, in summer for the Flower Belt wild flower picking experience and outdoor swimming pool, and in December for picture perfect traditional Christmas displays.

Sutton Bank National Park Visitor Centre, Dalby Forest and miles of local forest trails are popular with cyclists and dog walkers.

If Riccal Dale is not available please take a look at our other cottages - Kirkdale Cottage (sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms, dog friendly), Bilsdale Cottage (sleeps 4, dog friendly) and Ryedale Cottage (single storey, sleeps 4, no pets). All properties can be booked together to provide an exclusive venue for family and friends reunions - sleeping 17 in total.A travel cot and high chair are available - to ensure availability, please request at the time of booking. No extra charge for dogs on holiday - 2 are welcome.