Entire home
Riccal Dale Cottage, Helmsley's Hidden Gem
Cottage with kitchen, near North York Moors National Park
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Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4559.7 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

- Place, Hemsley Walled Garden
- Place, Ampleforth Abbey
- Place, Rievaulx Abbey
- Airport, Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.)
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom #1
1 Double Bed
Bedroom #2
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom #1
Spaces
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Riccal Dale Cottage, Helmsley's Hidden Gem
Riccal Dale Cottage is in a tranquil location in open countryside and with the added benefit of easy access to a range of tourist destinations and sporting activities. Located within the Howardian Hills National Landscape the cottage is perfect for relaxing in a unique historic setting.
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 (not on beds please). 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 outdoor swimming pool in summer, plus numerous independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants (most dog friendly) and a micro-brewery. Helmsley is also the start of the Cleveland Way.
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 is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the use of our landscaped grounds which include a shared courtyard garden with outdoor furniture, a large lawned area with picnic benches and an enclosed dog exercise paddock. The cottages have free 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 (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 23 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. We offer a dog shower, throws & towels, plus bowls.
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.
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 (not on beds please). 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 outdoor swimming pool in summer, plus numerous independent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants (most dog friendly) and a micro-brewery. Helmsley is also the start of the Cleveland Way.
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 is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the use of our landscaped grounds which include a shared courtyard garden with outdoor furniture, a large lawned area with picnic benches and an enclosed dog exercise paddock. The cottages have free 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 (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 23 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. We offer a dog shower, throws & towels, plus bowls.
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.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 9:30 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
York
Located in York, this cottage is in a rural area. Duncombe Park and Helmsley Castle are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ampleforth College Golf Club and Easingwold Golf Club. Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo and Yorkshire Lavender are also worth visiting. Explore all the area has to offer with hiking, horse riding and cycling.

York, North Yorkshire
What's nearby
- Howardian Hills - 8 min drive - 4.6 km
- Hemsley Walled Garden - 8 min drive - 4.3 km
- Ampleforth Abbey - 10 min drive - 5.8 km
- National Trust Nunnington Hall - 13 min drive - 11.8 km
- Rievaulx Abbey - 13 min drive - 9.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Fairfax Arms - 7 min drive
- The Feathers Hotel - 3 min drive
- The Star Inn - 6 min drive
- The Plough Inn - 11 min drive
- The Royal Oak - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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