Orchard Cottage

The garden is enclosed and enjoys the summer sunshine with comfy seating and a table to enjoy morning coffee in the sunshine or laid back al fresco suppers.

This room is filled with light from the two striking windows and offers an elegant space to relax at the end of a busy day spent exploring, the calm colour palette is soft and soothing, luxurious bedding and the comfiest mattress all create the perfect bedroom for a restorative nights sleep.

There is a useful workspace here too, handy for when you need to catch up.

This pretty twin bedroom has views out to the garden and the colour palette here echoes the vibrant greens which create an uplifting yet relaxing feel to this pretty room.

There is a garage for storage of bikes, prams and sporting equipment and private parking.

City of York

Orchard Cottage is just 5 miles from the City of York, there is regular bus service from the village so the cottage is perfectly placed to head into the City without the hassle of parking. There is so much to see and do, experience the culture of the Minster, museums, galleries and the ancient City walls. York is a city brimming with history and culture. Take a walk along the castle walls and marvel at the view below, or head to York Minster for some truly jaw dropping architecture and follow that with a wander around the cobbled streets with beautiful architecture to admire and independent boutiques to peruse. Or if your passion is food you’ll find many excellent independent bars and restaurants to discover!

• Number 10 bus runs from the village to Parliament Street in the centre of the City, the bus stop is just outside the pharmacy a 2 minute walk from the cottage.
• There is a very good Park and Ride service which runs from the other side of the A64 outside the village from Grimston Bar.
• York Minster – The most popular place to visit in York,  York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.
• Museum Gardens and St. Mary’s Abbey – Surrounded by the abbey ruins, Hospitium, and views of River Ouse. There is much to discover here going back to the Romans.
• Clifford’s Tower – Run by English Heritage, it was originally built of timber by William the Conqueror to keep control of the North.  Today, you can take in some superb views of the city here and learn about the tower’s turbulent past.
• River Cruise – This can be taken from Lendal Landing.  They go every hour during high season and you can pre-book.
• The National Railway Museum – Fascinating for children and adults alike, open 7 days a week.
• The Bloody Tour of York –  A top recommendation of all the ghost tours is this one.  If you fancy something a bit different and some good fun, then this is the one.  Suitable for groups and families with children over the age of six.
• The Wizard Walk York – If ghost stories are not for your young ones, this is a super alternative, especially for any children who are enthralled with Harry Potter and wizardry. It is a fantastic family experience suitable for all.
• The Castle Museum – This is a great place to bring children for an immersive experience exploring York’s past, including World War One, the 1960s, the Victorians and plenty more. Lots of things to see, opportunities to dress up. It’s a hop, skip and jump from Clifford’s Tower, so you can take in the panoramic views of the city whilst you are there.
• The Jorvik Museum – Be advised to book ahead in high season to avoid the queues.  This place recreates Viking York, including the smell!  Buying a ‘pastport’ ticket, will give you entry to its sister attractions: The DIG and Barley Hall at a reduced rate.
• The Hilt – For groups and older families (13 years+).  Do book in advance and if attending with children, earlier sessions are best.
• The Hole In Wand – A magical indoor golf course situated in the centre of town, which is great on a rainy day!
• York Chocolate Story –  Chocolate Story explores York’s long history with chocolate, looking at the impact of the Rowntree and Terry’s chocolate factories’ in shaping the city and beyond. There is ample opportunity to sample chocolate along the way. KitKat, Chocolate Oranges, Rolos, Yorkie Bars all originated in York!
• Rowntree Park – Families travelling with children, head to where the locals go, there’s something to keep all ages entertained, including a skate park and tennis courts, it’s the perfect picnic spot too!
• York Races – People come from far and wide to enjoy York Races. Check out the fixture dates and definitely book ahead.
• York Theatre Royal – If you are interested in taking in a play, the Theatre Royal is a good place to start. They also have a nice outside terraced area and café which serves great cakes and lunches.
• York Barbican – You will find a whole host of events on here, including music and comedy shows.
• Grand Opera House – Music acts and musicals are mostly performed at this venue, many on tour from the West End.
• The Treasurer’s House – This is a National Trust property in the heart of the city, next to the Minster.  It has a secluded garden and fantastic interior.
• The Bar Convent  – This is a lesser known gem of the city, being England’s most historic living convent, with a hidden chapel.  It has a beautiful Victorian atrium, where food is served and has an exhibition for visitors.

Dunnington Village and surrounding area

• The Cross Keys Pub in the middle of village.
• Bistro 66 in the village, licensed restaurant which serves Mediterranean food and drinks.
• Dunnington Pizza has a varied take-away and delivery menu. Very popular with residents and visitors. 
• Pattacakes in the village, a wonderful independent bakery they sell delicious bread and rolls, as well as sweet pastries and cakes. 
• Dunnington Sports Club boasts a well stocked bar, simple food and a friendly atmosphere. In the summer, visitors can watch cricket.
• The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and restaurant is located a five minute drive away, towards Stamford Bridge. They have a lovely restaurant as well as a well stocked farm shop. In the summer you can pick your own strawberries and raspberries there. 
• Near the cottage there is a beauty salon and hairdresser called Top to Toe, they are popular and visitors should book an appointment.

Howardian Hills AONB

• Home to the spectacular Castle Howard and the Yorkshire Arboretum 14 miles – Castle Howard, the house and grounds are open to visitors, themed experiences run throughout the year, their Christmas experience is famous and not to be missed, booking is essential. The grounds at both venues are quite spectacular, dog owners are welcome to the grounds but may not enter the house itself.

North York Moors National Park 

The North York Moors still holds villages relatively untouched by time, Goathland where sheep roam freely and Grosmont with its steam railway, venture a little further to the spectacular coast and discover wild and wonderful seascapes, world beating fish and chips, expansive sandy beaches and Whitby home to Bram Stoker’s Dracula!

• Helmsley is a pretty little town, the only market town in the North York Moors National Park, interesting places to visit here are the National Birds of Prey Centre, Helmsley Walled Garden and Duncombe Pak, you will also find a range of independent shops and cafes, we highly recommend Mannion’s for brunch and tasty food anytime of the day!
• Malton is the quintessential Yorkshire market town, traditional in the best sense and yet, with its new foodie scene, chic boutiques & festivals it’s also very modern and up to date. Located on the north of the River Derwent on the historic boundary between the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire. The town is known as a top foodie destination with its famous food festival, monthly food market, Malton Cookery School, traditional food shops and ‘Made in Malton’ artisan producers. It was Antonio Carluccio who first called the town, “Yorkshire’s Food Capital!”. It also has a large number of excellent independent shops.

North Yorkshire Coast

• Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough 41 miles
• Robin Hoods Bay 45 miles
• Whitby  48 miles

Yorkshire Dales National Park

• Rievaulx Abbey 30 miles
• Byland Abbey 22 miles
• Harrogate 30 miles
• Cathedral City of Ripon 42