Is it time to add a little ‘Cottagecore’ – aka the practice of stepping back and taking the time to return to slow living and nature – to your next family break?
After spending an idyllic weekend in Woodside Cottage (a beautiful converted barn nestled on the banks of the River Wenning in Bentham), I have found the ideal gem of a staycation from which to experience ‘Cottagecore’ as a family. After all, where better to embrace ditching the screens and devices and embark on more family fun in nature, than in the unspoilt and tranquil surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales?
Arriving at Riverside
Our journey to Riverside Caravan Park became more scenic the further we travelled from ‘real life’ and the closer we got to our destination for the weekend, with excitement building along with the surrounding landscape of undulating hills and wide open skies in the Yorkshire Dales. Upon arriving at Riverside Park with my husband and two sons, aged 8 and 10, we were all wowed by the sight of our home for the weekend; beautiful Woodside Cottage.
Discovering Woodside Cottage
I am a sucker for a traditional style stay, so the thought of staying in this stylishly converted large barn definitely appealed, and Woodside impresses from the off. It has been stylishly converted from a large stone barn, and in a lovely touch, you can even see how the original barn looked pre-conversion in photos showcased in the Woodside Cottage welcome pack.
The cottage has a clever upside-down layout, with bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs and the kitchen and living room upstairs to make the most of the lovely views from the rear. Throughout, it is attractively decorated in the traditional cottage style that suits the surroundings perfectly, full of country chic with lots of charm. The original features really make the space sing, and include exposed beams and feature stone fireplaces that add to the whole cottage experience.
Alongside traditional beams and an real fire, the open plan lounge/diner has cosy sofas, a smart TV, games and books galore, and a dining area that looks out across the patio and surrounding countryside. The kitchen has all the essentials you need to cater for your friends and family; it is fully fitted and full of utensils, crockery and cutlery so cooking is a breeze. The dining table is large and seats eight people, perfect for enjoying evenings sitting around the table eating together and playing board games as a family.
The ground floor has a cloakroom and toilet and three en-suite bedrooms. These are surprisingly large (both the bedrooms and the en-suites), and have plenty of wardrobe space. The number of en-suites is an absolute luxury for large families and groups, plus the three bedrooms – which consist of a twin room with two single beds, a double room with a super king bed, plus a family room with one double bed and two single beds – providing real flexibility.
As a whole, this characterful cottage is also hugely practical as well as being full of charm, with plenty of space to park your car (or cars) outside, automatic outside lights, and inside there is an abundance of storage space which is deal for families or large groups. It is the perfect base for exploring this gorgeous area.
Woodside Cottage is one of two cottages available for stays located within Riverside Caravan Park. You can choose from either Woodside Cottage which sleeps eight, or Parkside Cottage for up to six people, couples can now choose the one bedroomed ‘Petite Parkside’ option, too.
Woodside Cottage Prices:
3 Night weekend arriving on Friday – £745 to £865
4 Night midweek rate arriving on Monday – £745 to £865
Full week break starting Friday or Monday – £910 to £995
Book your stay here: https://www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk/
About Riverside Caravan Park
Riverside is a meticulously maintained, family-run caravan park, and is one of the most picturesque caravan parks I have visited. The care and attention to detail of the site team is evident throughout the site. It benefits from being within walking distance of the quaint, local market town of High Bentham on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Lancashire, the Lake District and the Forest of Bowland. Ideally situated close to Ingleton and the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks, it’s perfect as a base from which to explore.
Its sheltered level setting straddling the banks of the River Wenning is stunning as it is screened by trees and natural hillsides, and there are excellent walks along the riverbank and in the surrounding countryside.
Riverside is also home to a whole host of holiday homes and touring pitches alongside the two holiday cottages mentioned, so there is an abundance of accommodation to choose from.
Bentham Golf Course
There are lots of fun family activities to do nearby, such as visiting the ‘Diamond In The Dales’, Bentham Golf Course. This sister site, owned by the same family who run Riverside, is just around the corner from Riverside and welcomes beginners and experienced golfers alike. Riverside Caravan Park customers receive a great reduction on the standard green fee so if you are a golf enthusiast or pro, this is a great perk!
Due to our weekend being across a particularly cold few days, instead of booking in for a round of golf, we instead opted for spending some time at the 8-bay driving range.
Our appreciation of golf as a great family activity to do together started last summer, with a visit to Bentham Golf Club whilst staying at Wenningdales Escapes – you can read more about that here: https://hnmagazine.co.uk/travel/eat-sleep-golf-retreat-in-the-heart-of-the-yorkshire-dales/
Open 7 days a week, the range offers a great facility to hone your skills, any day to suit you, regardless of the Yorkshire Dales weather.
You’ll also find the 1922 Bar & Kitchen on-site should you need a well-deserved rest, here you can sip on your drinks while taking in the stunning views of golfers enjoying their games, and of course, the surrounding countryside from the elevated terrace is stunning. Open daily offering a selection of coffee, cakes, alcoholic and soft drinks.
Driving Range Prices
17 balls – £1.50 / 50 balls – £3.75 / 100 balls – £6.50
Find out more here: https://www.benthamgolfcourse.co.uk/
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Close to Ingleton, Riverside Caravan Park has the benefit of being only a short drive from the famous ‘Ingleton Waterfalls Trail’, which begins and ends in the village of Ingleton and features six impressive waterfalls! An absolute treat and a great activity for families, groups and couples, I would highly recommend walking the trail on your visit.
This circular route of 4.3 miles has a one-way system (so once you’ve started, there’s no going back!) – but you won’t want to, as the scenes and waterfalls are breath-taking. It took us about 3 hours with two children aged 8 and 10 (and be mindful that in the winter months the last entry is 2:30pm). There’s ample free parking on site, with a café and toilets at the start of the trail.
The route takes you past Pecca Falls and Holly Bush Spout before the trail climbs out of the woods and up on to exposed moor, (there is a handy coffee truck here to warm you up!), before you reach the glorious Thornton Force aka ‘The Big One’, with the fall cascading over 14 metres of limestone. Next you reach Raven Ray and Kingsdale Moors, and a chance for a rest and a bite to eat at Beezley Farm, home to the first and only toilet facilities on the route too. You then enter the woods walking alongside the River Doe this time, past Beezley Falls and Rival Falls, before you pass the final Snow Falls.
If you don’t mind heights, there is a viewing platform which straddles Baxenghyll Gorge to get the heart racing, giving a dizzying view down to the cascades below!
We visited out of season so it wasn’t very busy, which was great for us, however I can imagine in the summer it will get very busy so bear that in mind.
It isn’t what I would call an easy walk, but it’s not overly difficult either. My boys aged 8 and 10 managed with ease, but I would avoid with under 5’s unless you are happy to do a lot of carrying! With the right footwear and an ok amount of fitness, the trail can be completed by most people and it is definitely worth the trip!
Ingleton Waterfalls Admission:
Adult (16 years & over) – £10.00
Child (under 16 years) – £5.00
Payment by card only. There is no need to pre-book, you just pay on the day of your visit on arrival at the ticket office.
Not accessible for pushchairs or wheelchair users.
Visit https://www.ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk/ for more information.
We highly recommend Riverside Caravan Park and their Self-Catering Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales for your next staycation!
www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
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