Contact Us

Dales and Vales Cottage Holidays Blog

Welcome to the Dales and Vales Cottage Holidays Blog - your guide to the perfect cottage holiday in the Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire Coast, Yorkshire Moors, Durham and Teesdale, Northumberland, Cumbria and The Lake District.

Our posts will be packed full of advice if you are planning to visit one of our local events, or are planning a cottage holiday. We will let you know about the latest special offers and cheap holiday cottage deals as well as information about new cottages we have available.



Bowes Museum Masterpiece

Posted By Myra

A 17th century painting locked away in a store at The Bowes Museum gathering dust for decades has been identified as an original Van Dyck masterpiece worth £1 million – one of the most fashionable and expensive artists of his day.

Continue reading »

Posted in Events, General Interest on April 13, 2013


Spotlight on Teesdale

Posted By Myra

Barnard Castle has been rated as one of the best places to visit in the country. The survey said there was a good choice of beautiful countryside, quirky shops, cultural attractions and historic buildings.  The town was praised in The Sunday Times 101 Best Places to Live.

Barnard Castle

Posted in General Interest, Outdoor Activities on April 3, 2013


Tour De France – Grand Depart!

Posted By Myra

Yorkshire is confident that the cyclists in the Grand Départ of the 2013 Tour de France will be challenged by the roads throughout our spectacular scenery as they wend their way through many of our historic cities – York, Leeds, Ripon and Sheffield to name but a few .

Continue reading »

Posted in Events, General Interest, Outdoor Activities on March 7, 2013


Easter

Posted By Myra

Here at Dales & Vales we are now taking short breaks over the Easter period!

Continue reading »

Posted in General Interest, Special Offers on March 1, 2013


Autumn Half-Term Fun at Newby Hall and Gardens

Posted By Myra

We hear there’s lots of scary goings-on at Newby Hall, Ripon, at the end of October!  For 2012 only, the gardens, adventure garden, railway, restaurant and shop will be open at weekends in October and also for the whole of Autumn half-term (27th Oct – 4th Nov). Join them for some spooky Halloween fun for all!

Posted in Events, General Interest on October 25, 2012


Make Sloe Gin or Vodka in time for Christmas!

Posted By Myra

Now is the time to be picking sloe berries – you’ll find plenty on blackthorn bushes locally, get picking and you can be well stocked up for the festive season. Here’s how to make Sloe Gin or Vodka to treat your friends at Christmas!

Continue reading »

Posted in General Interest on October 2, 2012


Cumbria and The Lake District

Posted By Myra

Whether you’re into climbing, cycling, sailing or just plain old-fashioned walking, the Lake District and the surrounding towns and fells of Cumbria have something for everyone to enjoy – lots of adventurous things to do!

Continue reading »

Posted in General Interest on September 14, 2012


Love is in the Air!

Posted By Myra

Surprise your loved one with a romantic short break for Valentine’s Day!  You can even arrange to have flowers delivered to your holiday cottage and enjoy each other’s company in comfort and privacy, relaxing by a cosy open fire as you celebrate together with a glass of bubbly!

Posted in Special Offers on September 6, 2012


Fun Family Days Out!

Posted By Myra

There are lots of family-friendly places to visit around Yorkshire – here are just a few to whet your appetite!

Continue reading »

Posted in Outdoor Activities on August 24, 2012


Festival of Sport and Culture in Skipton

Posted By Myra

The OlympicTorch Relay will be passing through Skipton on 24 June and to celebrate this momentous occasion there will be a Festival of Sport and Culture on the High Street between 10am and 3pm, ahead of the torch coming through the town. There will be a great range of activities and performances held by local clubs and schools with something for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to get involved in this historic event and to enjoy the carnival atmosphere!

Continue reading »

Posted in Outdoor Activities on August 14, 2012