2 Swallowholm Cottages Whaw

2 Swallowholm Cottages is in Whaw, which is a small hamlet at the top of Arkengarthdale. It's a proper old stone cottage, one of a pair. Grade II listed.

It sleeps four. Two bedrooms downstairs, one bathroom. The living room and kitchen are upstairs. That's what they mean by 'upside down'. It's so you get the better view from the main room. The view from that window is very good, over the river and the dale.

It's got a 4 Star rating. It's comfortable and well equipped. There's a wood burner for cooler evenings, and the WiFi works fine. The stairs are standard cottage stairs. Not a spiral, but they are steep and a bit narrow in places.

There's a pub about a hundred yards away. It's an 18th century inn, does food and local ales. For a shop, you'd drive to Reeth, which is about four miles. They've got a couple of village stores, pubs, and tea rooms there.

You're right in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It's good walking country straight from the door. The Yorkshire Dales National Park site has walking routes. For cyclists, the area is popular since the Tour de France came through. There's a bike hire place a few miles away.

Richmond is about a twenty minute drive. It's a proper market town with a Norman castle, a Georgian theatre, and riverside walks. Barnard Castle is in the other direction, maybe half an hour. The Bowes Museum is there. If you head into Wensleydale, Hawes and Leyburn are both within about forty minutes. The Forbidden Corner at Middleham is good for a family day out, about sixteen miles away.

Facilities wise: it has a dishwasher, washing machine, TV, parking on site, and a garden area. Bedding and towels are included. A cot and highchair are there if you need them. One well-behaved dog is allowed.

Useful links: Yorkshire Dales National Park and English Heritage for places like Richmond Castle.