Nestled in the serene gardens of Birstwith Hall Estate, The Dovecote offers a peaceful retreat. Unwind in the open-plan living space with Electric Fire and views across the beautiful gardens through mullioned windows. With Free WiFi, 4-acre landscaped grounds, bike store and private parking for 3 cars.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Add dates for prices
About this property
2 bedroom accommodation in Harrogate
This 19th-century converted barn, within the beautiful gardens of Birstwith Hall Estate, offers peace and relaxation and is well-situated for visits to numerous tourist attractions.. 3 steps to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: 42" Freeview TV, DVD Player, Electric Fire
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet. Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Highchair. Payphone. Welcome pack. External laundry room: With freezer and washing machine (shared with house keeper).. 4-acre landscaped grounds with small patio and garden furniture. Bike store. Private parking for 3 cars. No smoking. Please note: There is an unfenced stream and pond in the grounds.. The Dovecote is an attractive converted 19th-century barn on the Birstwith Hall Estate and is surrounded by 4 acres of beautiful gardens in a secluded Yorkshire Dale, yet only a 10-minute drive from Harrogate.
The ground floor main living area is open plan incorporating the kitchen, dining and living area with views across the gardens through mullioned windows. The well-appointed kitchen has all the modern facilities you would expect in a holiday home. The sitting room with its deep settees and large Freeview TV is perfect for relaxing while the chef in the family prepares delicious home cooked meals. There is also a shower room on the ground floor. Upstairs there is a twin and a kingsized double bedroom. Both rooms are furnished to a very good standard with excellent quality bed linen. The main bathroom has a shower over the bath. The gardens are just waiting to be explored with an ornamental orchard, pretty stream, formal garden and a Victorian greenhouse. Undercover seating in the formal garden to the side of The Dovecote is where you will want to enjoy breakfast before exploring the local area or perhaps enjoy al fresco dining.
The Birstwith Hall Estate is situated between the villages of Hampsthwaite and Birstwith in Lower Nidderdale near many walking and cycling routes. The cottage is well placed for visits to Ripley Castle, Fountains Abbey, the RHS garden at Harlow Carr and Brimham Rocks, an absolute must for families. Being only a 10-minute drive from Harrogate there will be plenty of time for retail therapy. The historic city of York is only a 40-minute drive where you can enjoy the world-famous York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre. If you like exploring the dales, the towns of Otley, Ilkley, Grassington and Skipton are on your doorstep. Dogs are welcome at The Dovecote and there is storage available for bicycles. Shop, pubs and restaurants 1 mile.
Free WiFi
The laundry facilities are shared.
The water is from a spring, well or borehole, and not a mains supply.
Small dog/s only allowed.
There is open water in the property grounds.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Towels provided
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
In a rural location
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
The guest will be charged 50% amount for a cancellation after the reservation is made.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: This property accepts a maximum of 2 pet(s)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 indicated that there is no 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 and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located in Harrogate, this cottage is in a rural area. Royal Hall and Mercer Art Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Washburn Heritage Centre and Ripley Castle and Gardens. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Exercise Stadium or Yorkshire Event Centre. Visit our Harrogate travel guide
Is 2 bedroom accommodation in Harrogate pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at 2 bedroom accommodation in Harrogate?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 2 bedroom accommodation in Harrogate?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 2 bedroom accommodation in Harrogate?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 2 bedroom accommodation in Harrogate located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 1.9 mi (3 km) from Nidderdale and 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Birchfield Farm Maize Maze. Washburn Heritage Centre and Log Heights are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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2 bedroom accommodation in Harrogate Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
A delightful cottage in a beautiful setting. It felt very homely and is well equipped. Ideal location to explore the surrounding area.
Tracey Gough
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Gordon Woods
11 Feb 2026
My wife and I really loved our long weekend break at the Dovecote.
My wife and I really loved our long weekend break at the Dovecote. The cottage was warm and cozy and the welcome hamper was a nice touch. It is very quiet and away from the bustle of modern living. We are planning to return early next year.
Gordon Woods
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Paul Segalini
1 Nov 2025
Lovely estate, good for walks.
Lovely estate, good for walks. Cottage is quiet and peaceful perfect place to unwind and recharge. Several National Trust properties close by, Harrogate is close by and York is not far.Would recomend it to anyone looking for an peaceful break.
Paul Segalini
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Olwen Jean Gaywood
11 Dec 2025
The Dovecote is a very cozy and well equipped cottage with lots of good walking routes for our two g
The Dovecote is a very cozy and well equipped cottage with lots of good walking routes for our two golden retrievers which were warmly welcomed. Harrogate is only a 15 minute drive away and it offers easy access to the Yorkshire Dales. There are a number of excellent dog friendly pubs close by also offering excellent food.
Olwen Jean Gaywood
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Gillian Bromley
8 Nov 2025
Lovely location, Dovecote is nicely presented.
Lovely location, Dovecote is nicely presented. Very warm and cosy. We were 4 adult staying there. The settee is very comfortable however the 2 chairs were not as comfy. All the amenities required for a stay at Dovecote are there. Lovely welcome pack and a special welcome from Sir James too.
Gillian Bromley
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
simon
30 Dec 2019
A very relaxing holiday in lovely surroundings.
A very relaxing holiday in lovely surroundings.If you like walking your dog,birdwatching and great scenery.A contrast is offered by nearby towns of Harrogate and Knaresborough.If you stay during winter,pack the wellies and waterproofs.The local village of Birstwith has shop for essentials and a great dog friendly pub.
simon
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Shelene
20 Sept 2019
What a lovely find !!! In the grounds of Birstwith Hall gorgeous little cottage everything you could
What a lovely find !!! In the grounds of Birstwith Hall gorgeous little cottage everything you could want for a stay in this wonderful area. Beds were comfy. Kitchen well stocked and the lovely present of eggs, bread, a lovely cake and milk. The bottle of Prosecco was a nice touch too. Flowers in vases just lovely old world charm. Would definitely recommend staying here if you want a quiet place to stay yet not far from all Yorkshire has to offer.
Shelene
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Richard
18 Sept 2019
Well appointed, clean and quiet, this cottage is in a lovely albeit isolated position but not too fa
Well appointed, clean and quiet, this cottage is in a lovely albeit isolated position but not too far from a small village. The owner visited us personally even though we were there for only 3 days, and provided an excellent welcome pack of local produce. There’s even a local cat to fuss if you’re a cat lover like us!
Richard
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Kelly
22 Aug 2019
Beautiful cottage with amazing grounds, kids loved feeding the ponies
very traditional, lovely
Beautiful cottage with amazing grounds, kids loved feeding the ponies
very traditional, lovely and relaxing. Definitely love to stay again
Kelly
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jane
9 Aug 2019
Spent a long weekend in October at the Dovecote and enjoyed ourselves despite the wet weather.
Spent a long weekend in October at the Dovecote and enjoyed ourselves despite the wet weather.
The accommodation was warm and cosy and very well equipped. The welcome was equally warm and friendly and the welcome basket the best we've ever experienced, bread, butter, milk, honey, marmalade, eggs, biscuits plus a bottle of prosecco- everything you would have needed for a breakfast the following morning! The surrounding countryside was beautiful and the lanes although narrow at points were easily navigated to main road for Harrogate, Rippon etc.
We were attending a Wildlife Tourism event at the Harrogate Convention Centre so just a 20 minute drive away. We spent the other day walking around Fountains Abbey and the parkland - again beautiful and were lucky to see the Deer very close.
Can definitely recommend the Dovecote for a long weekend at anytime of the year. Thank you for a lovely stay and being so welcoming - special hello to Scrappy (black cat) always there in the morning to say hello!
Jane
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
8 Jul 2019
The cotage was clean but! the warddrobe and kichen tops were very dusty.
The cotage was clean but! the warddrobe and kichen tops were very dusty.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Tina
18 Jun 2019
Absolutely beautiful place, the gardens are amazing and the shetland ponies were adorable as well as
Absolutely beautiful place, the gardens are amazing and the shetland ponies were adorable as well as the owners dogs were so friendly. Great welcome pack with everything you need and more, fresh cut flowers in the rooms was lovely also. Can't recommend this place strongly enough as we can't wait to return!!
Tina
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Margaret
16 Jun 2019
A lovely comfortable cottage set within a beautiful estate.
A lovely comfortable cottage set within a beautiful estate. Convenient for Harrogate and visiting nearby countryside. Welcoming owners, well equipped and nice welcome pack.
Margaret
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
simon
11 Jun 2019
A very relaxing holiday in lovely surroundings.
A very relaxing holiday in lovely surroundings.If you like walking your dog,birdwatching and great scenery.A contrast is offered by nearby towns of Harrogate and Knaresborough.If you stay during winter,pack the wellies and waterproofs.The local village of Birstwith has shop for essentials and a great dog friendly pub.
simon
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Diana
3 Jun 2019
We thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Dovecote because we like being out in the country.
We thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Dovecote because we like being out in the country. It had all those benefits but only a short drive from Harrogate. If it matters to you the mobile reception is not great but it was much better 200m up the road! The property is close to the owners home but they were friendly without being intrusive so suited us very well
Diana
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Louise
26 May 2019
A comfortable holiday cottage set in beautiful surroundings.
A comfortable holiday cottage set in beautiful surroundings. Only a few miles outside Harrogate, and close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, an ideal setting for exploring Yorkshire.
Louise
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Audrey
27 Apr 2019
very quiet and relaxing holiday ideal for our visit to the Yorkshire show.
very quiet and relaxing holiday ideal for our visit to the Yorkshire show.
Audrey
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Geoffrey
21 Apr 2019
The cottage is tucked away near the village of Birstwith and within easy reach of Harrogate, Brimham
The cottage is tucked away near the village of Birstwith and within easy reach of Harrogate, Brimham Rocks, Knaresborough and more.
The cottage is very well stocked with provisions on arrival.
The only downside is the unreliable internet connection.
Geoffrey
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Stephen
14 Apr 2019
An excellent property which enhanced our stay in the area.
An excellent property which enhanced our stay in the area. I marked it down for local amenities because, apart from a nearby shop it is a drive into Harrogate for most things. On the other hand this is why we chose it - isolation. If we visit the area again this property will be our first port of call.
Stephen
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Tony
9 Apr 2019
A fabulous place to stay.
A fabulous place to stay. Clean, homely & highly recommended. Friendly owners and staff.
Great garden attached and within easy reach of Harrogate and the surrounding countryside.
A thoroughly good place for a break. A*****
Tony
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Roberts
8 Apr 2019
Spent a very relaxing week at The Dovecote which is set in the beautiful grounds of a country estat
Spent a very relaxing week at The Dovecote which is set in the beautiful grounds of a country estate. The cottage was clean, warm and well equipped. The Dovecote is the only holiday let on site and our dog loved roaming around the gardens with us. We visited Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks and Malham Cove which are all short drives away as were York, Thirsk, Ripon and Harrogate. We would have been more than happy though to spend most of the time in the stunning gardens. We were warmly welcomed by the owner and were pleasantly surprised by the outstanding welcome pack and fresh flowers in the bedrooms and lounge. The village shop is a drive away but the only real downside was that we couldn't let the dog out on her own for her early morning 'ablutions' . There is no fenced area immediately outside the door and the postman did not heed the 5 mph speed limit!
Roberts
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michael
5 Apr 2019
The Dovecote is an exceptional cottage with fantastic hospitality from the owners.
The Dovecote is an exceptional cottage with fantastic hospitality from the owners. We had an amazing holiday over Easter and would thoroughly recommend this cottage to anyone wanting to stay in the future.