Bilsdale Cottage, a dog friendly hidden gem near Helmsley and the North York Moors National Park

Bilsdale 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 features a large lounge with dining area and log burner, two bedrooms, a new bathroom, and a new well equipped kitchen. Bilsdale Cottage is popular with families, couples and individuals 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. New for 2025, Bilsdale now has its own private garden with 1.5m mesh fencing and lockable gate. The cottage has an outdoor table and seating, and guests have shared use of the picnic benches on the large lawn. The cottage is easily accessible to the Yorkshire Moors, Dales, Coast and York. Enjoy a holiday 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. Located within the Howardian Hills National Landscape and offering the modern comforts of home in a unique historic setting. Bilsdale sleeps up to 4, plus an infant in a cot. The cottage is also dog friendly, with up to 3 dogs welcome to stay (not on beds please).

Featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams and other original features, the cottage offers a historic and relaxing setting for your holiday. We are continuously working to improve and update our cottages and facilities for guests, including a cosy log burner to relax in front of during colder spells. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, 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, sofa and armchair, window seat, and side table. The living room includes a dining area (a table and four chairs). Upstairs there are two bedrooms: bedroom 1 has a double bed, wardrobe, plus bedside cabinets; bedroom 2 has two single beds plus wardrobe and bedside drawers. New ottoman beds provide additional storage for guests' luggage etc. The bathroom has a toilet, hand basin and shower cubicle.

Bilsdale Cottage is one of four holiday cottages at Sproxton Hall Cottages. All benefit from the 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.

With countryside walks along the bridleway at the end of the drive, 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, numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants. 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 is a wide choice of traditional pubs in surrounding villages and Helmsley hosts a number of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, including a micro-brewery. Many of Helmsley's amenities welcome dogs.

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.

We offer a dog shower & towels, plus bowls. We are popular with dog owners in November and New Year due to our quiet location (the lack of fireworks).

If Bilsdale is not available please take a look at our other cottages (sproxtonhallcottages.co.uk): Kirkdale Cottage (sleeps 5, dog friendly), Riccal Dale Cottage (sleeps 4, dog friendly) 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.