Latest News and Info

A Day Trip to Haworth – Step into the World of the Brontës

One of the best things about staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage is that some of Yorkshire’s most iconic destinations are just a short drive away. If you’re looking for a day out packed with history, beautiful scenery, independent shops and a touch of literary magic, Haworth should be at the top of your list.

Less than 40 minutes from Skipton, Haworth feels like stepping back in time.

Wander the Famous Cobbled Main Street

The heart of Haworth is its steep, cobbled Main Street. Lined with quirky independent shops, traditional pubs, cosy cafés and tempting bakeries, it’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely morning.

Don’t worry if the hill leaves you a little breathless – that’s simply the perfect excuse to stop for coffee and cake! Yorkshire hospitality is never far away.

Discover the Brontë Sisters

Haworth is famous around the world as the home of the Brontë family.

The beautifully preserved Brontë Parsonage Museum lets you explore the rooms where Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë lived and wrote some of the greatest novels in English literature, including Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Even if you’re not a literary enthusiast, it’s fascinating to see how this remarkable family lived and how the dramatic Yorkshire landscape inspired their writing.

Explore the Wild Yorkshire Moors

If you’ve ever imagined windswept moorland stretching as far as the eye can see, this is the place.

Several walking routes lead directly from Haworth onto the surrounding moors, offering spectacular views across West Yorkshire. One of the most popular walks is to Top Withens, the ruined farmhouse believed to have inspired the setting for Wuthering Heights.

Whether you fancy a gentle stroll or a longer hike, don’t forget your camera—and perhaps a waterproof jacket. This is Yorkshire, after all!

All Aboard the Steam Railway

One of Haworth’s biggest attractions is the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Beautifully restored steam trains travel through the Worth Valley, stopping at charming stations along the route. It’s a nostalgic experience that’s enjoyed by visitors of all ages and has featured in numerous films and television programmes.

If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the whistle of a steam locomotive long before you see it.

Food, Pubs and Yorkshire Treats

Haworth has no shortage of places to eat.

From traditional Yorkshire pubs serving hearty lunches to quaint tea rooms offering homemade cakes and afternoon tea, you’ll certainly not go hungry. There are also plenty of independent gift shops if you’re looking to take a little piece of Yorkshire home.

Back to Skipton for a Relaxing Evening

After a day exploring Haworth, it’s just a short drive back to Thisledo Holiday Cottage.

Put your feet up, pour yourself a favourite drink and relax in comfort while planning your next Yorkshire adventure. Whether it’s Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove, the Yorkshire Dales or another picturesque market town, there’s always somewhere new waiting to be discovered.

Staying at Thisledo

Thisledo Holiday Cottage provides the perfect base for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales and the beautiful villages of Brontë Country. With comfortable accommodation for two, dog-friendly facilities and Skipton’s shops, restaurants and canal just a short walk away, you can enjoy the very best of Yorkshire while returning each evening to your own cosy home from home.

Top Tip: If you’re visiting during school holidays or on weekends, arrive early in Haworth to make parking easier—and don’t leave without treating yourself to a proper Yorkshire tea and a slice of homemade cake!

Walkies, Wags & a Well-Earned Coffee!

One of the little perks of staying at Thisledo is just how easy it is to enjoy one of Skipton’s favourite green spaces. Less than a 10-minute walk from the cottage, you’ll find Aireville Park – a paradise for dogs, walkers and anyone who enjoys a bit of fresh Yorkshire air.

If your dog had a holiday wish list, we’re fairly sure Aireville Park would be right at the top!

With acres of open grass, tree-lined paths and plenty of interesting scents to investigate, it’s a place where tails rarely stop wagging. A gentle stroll can quickly turn into a social event as dogs make new friends and owners inevitably end up chatting. After all, in Yorkshire, introducing your dog often comes before introducing yourself!

Once your four-legged companion has burned off some energy (and you’ve managed to persuade them that not every stick needs to come home), it’s time for the reward.

Just next to the park at Aireville Pool is the café – the perfect place to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, tea or a light bite. Grab a seat, watch the world go by and enjoy a well-earned break while your faithful walking companion takes a breather… or keeps one eye firmly fixed on anyone carrying cake.

Even if you’re staying without a dog, Aireville Park is a lovely place for a morning walk before exploring Skipton’s famous market, canal and independent shops. It’s one of those local gems that visitors often discover by accident and end up returning to every day.

At Thisledo, we love being close enough that you can leave the car behind. Whether it’s an early morning dog walk, an afternoon stroll or simply an excuse for another coffee, Aireville Park and the café at Aireville Pool are right on your doorstep.

After all, holidays should be relaxing—for humans and dogs alike!

Conquer the Skipton Three Peaks – A Yorkshire Challenge on Thisledo’s Doorstep

Think you’ve heard of the Yorkshire Three Peaks? Well, Skipton has its own version – and while it may not be quite as famous, it’s every bit as rewarding (and considerably kinder on the knees!).

The Skipton Three Peaks is an 18-mile circular walk taking in three of the area’s best viewpoints: Sharp Haw, Embsay Crag, and Skipton Moor. It’s a fantastic day out for keen walkers staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage.

Peak One – Sharp Haw

Your adventure begins with the climb to Sharp Haw, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views across Wharfedale, Rylstone Fell and the Yorkshire Dales. On a clear day, you’ll soon forget the effort it took to get there.

Peak Two – Embsay Crag

Next comes the dramatic Embsay Crag, a favourite with local walkers. The rocky outcrop provides spectacular panoramic views over Skipton, Embsay Reservoir and the surrounding countryside. Don’t forget your camera – this is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the area.

Peak Three – Skipton Moor

The final challenge is Skipton Moor, where the landscape changes to open moorland rich in wildlife and big Yorkshire skies. It feels wonderfully remote, yet you’re never far from the welcoming sights of Skipton.

A Well-Earned Reward

After 18 miles, you’ll certainly have earned a hearty meal and perhaps a well-deserved pint in one of Skipton’s many traditional pubs. Back at Thisledo, you can put your feet up, relax in front of the fire, and relive the day’s adventure.

Whether you’re training for longer hikes or simply looking for a memorable day exploring the Yorkshire countryside, the Skipton Three Peaks offers stunning scenery, varied terrain and a real sense of achievement.

Just remember to pack sturdy walking boots, waterproofs (this is Yorkshire after all!), plenty of snacks, and maybe an extra chocolate bar for that final climb.

Stay at Thisledo Holiday Cottage and discover that some of Yorkshire’s best walks begin just a few minutes from your front door.

Sheep Day in Skipton – The One Day It’s Perfectly Normal to Follow the Flock! 🐑

If you’re staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage on Sunday 28th June, don’t be alarmed if you hear the occasional “baa” drifting through the air. No, the locals haven’t finally lost the plot (well… not completely). It’s Skipton Sheep Day – one of the town’s most wonderfully quirky annual events!

Known affectionately as “Sheep Town”, Skipton has a proud farming heritage, and once a year the High Street transforms into a celebration of everything woolly. It’s one of those gloriously British days out where you’ll find sheep racing, sheep shows, tractors, falconry displays, petting zoos, live music and enough food and drink to keep even the hungriest ram happy.

Where else can you watch sheep sprinting down the High Street while enjoying an ice cream?

The famous Sheep Show is always a crowd favourite, proving that sheep are far more entertaining (and mischievous) than most people give them credit for. You’ll also meet birds of prey, friendly farm animals and plenty of characters who know more about sheep than most of us know about our own relatives!

The atmosphere is fantastic, with families, visitors and locals all joining in the fun. Best of all, it’s completely FREE.

Staying at Thisledo? You’re Already in the Right Place!

One of the best things about staying at Thisledo is that you can simply stroll into town in a few minutes—no parking stress, no queues, and no trying to remember where you left the car. After a day of sheep spotting, tractor admiring and perhaps enjoying a well-earned pint, it’s an easy walk back to your cosy cottage.

Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself counting sheep before bedtime… although after all the walking around Skipton, you’ll probably be asleep before you get past number ten!

So, if you’re visiting Skipton this weekend, embrace your inner shepherd, follow the flock, and enjoy one of Yorkshire’s most unique and entertaining days out.

We look forward to welcoming you to Thisledo—where the only thing more friendly than the locals might just be the sheep!

The Best Seat in Skipton? Right Outside Thisledo on Gala Day!

Some holiday surprises are carefully planned. Others happen the moment you step out of the front door.

Imagine arriving at Thisledo Holiday Cottage for a relaxing weekend in Skipton. You’ve unpacked, put the kettle on, perhaps debated whether it’s too early for a biscuit, and then on Saturday morning, around lunchtime you hear distant music drifting through the air.

Curious, you open the front door.

And there it is.

The Skipton Gala procession is coming along Gargrave Road.

No tickets required. No fighting for a viewing spot. No standing three rows deep behind someone wearing an unusually large hat. Just step outside to the end of Woodman Terrace and enjoy one of Skipton’s biggest annual events from what might be the most convenient viewing point in town.

Within minutes, Gargrave Road transforms into a colourful parade of floats, marching bands, community groups, vintage vehicles, dancers, performers and enough sweets being thrown into the crowd to keep local dentists busy for months.

Guests staying at Thisledo often tell us how much they enjoy being able to leave the car behind and walk into town. On Gala Day, however, the entertainment comes to you.

One moment you’re carrying a cup of Yorkshire tea. The next you’re waving at a pirate ship, applauding a brass band and wondering how a tractor managed to acquire so many balloons.

The atmosphere is wonderfully Yorkshire. Families line the route, children collect sweets with Olympic-level enthusiasm, and locals proudly celebrate everything that makes Skipton such a special place.

Of course, once the procession has passed, you’re only a short stroll from Aireville Park, where the celebrations continue with stalls, entertainment, a fun fair, food and plenty of opportunities to people-watch.

For guests who happened to visit during Gala weekend, it wasn’t just a cottage break in the Yorkshire Dales.

It became an unexpected front-row experience.

So if you ever hear music outside Thisledo while enjoying your morning brew, don’t assume someone’s left the radio on.

It might just be Skipton Gala passing your front door.

And you’ll have one of the best seats in the house.

We Came for a Quiet Weekend at Thisledo. Skipton Had Other Ideas.

By two people who packed walking boots, not polishing cloths.

Last weekend we checked into Thisledo expecting exactly the sort of weekend that Yorkshire brochures promise: a gentle stroll into town, coffee, maybe a pub lunch, and an early night while congratulating ourselves for escaping “the hustle and bustle.”

Instead, we discovered that Skipton High Street had become an open-air museum of beautiful, shiny, rumbling machinery.

Classic cars. Vintage cars. Cars with chrome so reflective you could check your hair in them. Cars that looked like they’d arrived directly from a film set. And a crowd of people doing that very British thing of standing in small groups saying, “You don’t see many of those anymore.”

The Accidental Car Show Experience

To be clear, we hadn’t planned this. There was no itinerary item labelled ‘Spend three hours pretending to know things about carburettors’. Yet within minutes we were fully invested.

Our expertise evolved rapidly:

Time in SkiptonLevel of Confidence
09:30“That’s a nice red one.”
10:15“Look at the condition of the chrome.”
11:00“I’m pretty sure this is pre-war… or possibly post-war… definitely from a war-adjacent era.”
12:00Explaining vehicle history to each other with absolutely no supporting evidence.

Unexpected discovery of the day

Skipton’s car show atmosphere was less “petrolhead convention” and more “friendly town festival with engines.” Families wandered, owners chatted, cameras clicked, and everyone seemed genuinely delighted to be there.

Things We Learned (Or Think We Learned)

  1. Every classic car owner knows at least three fascinating stories about their vehicle.
  2. Chrome attracts fingerprints with the determination of a toddler seeking wet paint.
  3. The phrase ‘They don’t make them like that anymore’ can be applied to almost anything if you say it with enough conviction.
  4. A “quick look” at a car show is approximately 90 minutes longer than you expect.
  5. Walking from Thisledo into town becomes significantly slower when you stop every ten metres to admire another bonnet.

How Our Saturday Actually Went

Original PlanWhat Actually Happened
CoffeeCoffee while staring at a line of immaculate classics.
Brief wander through townExtensive wander through town at 0.7 mph.
Take a few photosTake far too many photos, including several “artistic” wheel shots.
Pub lunchPub lunch plus animated debate about which car we’d take home if garage space, budget, and common sense were unlimited.
Relaxing afternoonRelaxing afternoon punctuated by “just one more look at that blue one.”

Our highly scientific breakdown of the day

Based on feelings, not measurements.

35% Admiring chrome

25% Saying “wow, look at that”

20% Taking photos we’ll never delete

15% Eating and drinking while still talking about cars

5% Remembering we came for a “quiet weekend”

The Best Part? It Wasn’t Planned.

That’s honestly what made it memorable. Skipton is already an easy place to enjoy from Thisledo: walkable, friendly, and full of places to eat, drink, and browse. But occasionally you arrive on a weekend when the town decides to put on an unexpected show.

We came home with muddy shoes, a camera roll full of classic cars, and the vague feeling that we should probably start using words like ‘coachbuilt’ and ‘period-correct’ in conversation.

If you’re staying at Thisledo and stumble across the Skipton car show, here’s our advice:

Cancel any “quick trip into town” assumptions.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Prepare to become an amateur automotive historian by lunchtime.

Accept that someone in your group will fall in love with a car they cannot possibly justify owning.

And if you hear yourself saying, ‘They don’t make them like that anymore’, don’t worry. It’s contagious.

Thisledo verdict: excellent base for a peaceful Skipton weekend, and apparently also an excellent launchpad for accidental time travel via the High Street.

A Spaniel’s Guide to Skipton: The Ultimate Tail-Wagging Adventure

Hello humans!

My name is Archie. I’m a spaniel, which means I have three main hobbies: sniffing things, chasing things, and getting muddy while doing the first two things.

Recently, I enjoyed what can only be described as the holiday of a lifetime in Skipton. Since my humans spent most of the trip looking at scenery and drinking tea, I thought I’d provide a proper review from a dog’s perspective.

The Cottage

First things first: the cottage.

Excellent location for easy access to the town centre, the canal, Skipton Woods and Aireville Park.

The floors were ideal for spreading out after a hard day of exploring, and there were plenty of cosy spots for a well-earned nap. My humans seemed very impressed with the facilities. Personally, I was more interested in whether there was room for my bed and enough places to leave tennis balls. The answer was yes.

Five paws out of five.

The Park

Just a short walk away is the fantastic Aireville Park.

Now, I don’t want to exaggerate, but I estimate there were at least 47 million interesting smells. Every tree had a story to tell. Every bush contained valuable canine intelligence. I spent most of my visit conducting important investigations.

My humans called this “wandering around sniffing.”

They clearly don’t understand the complexity of my work.

Skipton Woods

This is where things get really exciting.

If you’re a spaniel, woods are basically Disneyland.

Twisting paths, rustling leaves, mysterious scents and endless opportunities to charge enthusiastically into undergrowth without any obvious plan. Every few metres I discovered something fascinating, although my humans insisted that many of these discoveries were just sticks.

They were wrong.

Each stick was unique.

The Canal

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal offers wonderful walks and countless ducks.

Sadly, my humans would not allow me to personally introduce myself to every duck. Apparently, “leave it” is an important holiday phrase.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed strutting along the towpath, greeting fellow dogs and receiving admiration from passing walkers. One lady described me as “very handsome,” which I feel is worth mentioning.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

A truly civilised invention.

After several hours of walking, I accompanied my humans to various dog-friendly pubs. While they sampled local refreshments, I focused on gathering snacks from sympathetic strangers.

This strategy proved highly successful.

I can confirm that Yorkshire pub visitors are exceptionally generous when confronted by a spaniel deploying his most hopeful expression.

Yorkshire Weather

One thing visitors should know about Yorkshire is that the weather likes to keep everyone guessing.

During a single afternoon I experienced sunshine, clouds, wind and something my humans referred to as “a brief shower.”

As a spaniel, this did not concern me in the slightest. In fact, I considered every weather condition an opportunity to become dirtier.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend Skipton for dogs?

Absolutely.

There are woods to explore, parks to investigate, canals to patrol, pubs to visit and more exciting smells than a spaniel could process in a lifetime.

As for the cottage, it provided the perfect base for all my adventures and an excellent place to sleep afterwards while dreaming of squirrels, ducks and sticks.

Particularly sticks.

Lots and lots of sticks.

Until next time,

Archie the Spaniel

Professional Explorer, Amateur Squirrel Hunter and Holiday Cottage Inspector

Surviving the Yorkshire Heatwave: A Guide from Skipton Holiday Cottage

Whoever ordered the recent Yorkshire sunshine clearly forgot to switch it off.

Normally, a stay in Skipton involves packing waterproofs, checking the forecast every ten minutes, and debating whether that dark cloud is heading your way. This year, however, Yorkshire decided it wanted to be the Costa del Sol, and temperatures soared to levels usually reserved for foreign holidays and complaints about air conditioning.

Fortunately, guests at Skipton Holiday Cottage quickly discovered several tried-and-tested methods for keeping cool.

The Great Pub Migration

As temperatures climbed, visitors began instinctively gravitating towards Skipton’s excellent collection of pubs. Whether sitting beneath a shady beer garden umbrella or enjoying the naturally cooler temperatures of a historic stone-built inn, a cold drink became an essential survival tool.

Research conducted entirely by holidaymakers suggests that an ice-cold pint can reduce perceived temperatures by at least 73%.

The science may be questionable, but the results speak for themselves.

Woodland Air Conditioning

Skipton Woods became the unofficial cooling station of the Yorkshire Dales. Just a short walk from town, the ancient woodland offered welcome shade, birdsong, and temperatures several degrees cooler than the sun-baked streets.

Guests reported enjoying leisurely strolls beneath the tree canopy, occasionally pausing to admire the scenery and definitely not because they needed to catch their breath after tackling the hill.

The woodland streams and shaded pathways provided nature’s version of air conditioning—and unlike modern air conditioning, it came with squirrels.

Canal-Side Cooling

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal also proved invaluable during the heatwave.

Walking along the towpath offered gentle breezes, beautiful views, and plenty of opportunities to watch narrowboats glide by at a pace perfectly suited to hot weather. When temperatures hit their peak, even the ducks appeared to be moving in slow motion.

Many visitors discovered that a canal-side ice cream, eaten while pretending to understand how lock gates work, is one of life’s great pleasures.

The Ice Cream Economy

Local ice cream sales reached what economists would probably describe as “ridiculous levels.”

One scoop became two. Two scoops somehow became three. Before long, adults were making the same decisions usually associated with excited children on holiday.

“No, I don’t need honeycomb, chocolate, and raspberry ripple. But I am having them.”

Cottage Life During a Heatwave

Thankfully, the thick stone walls of Skipton Holiday Cottage provided a welcome retreat after a day of exploring. Guests returned from their adventures, closed the curtains during the hottest part of the afternoon, and enjoyed the rare experience of saying:

“It’s actually cooler inside than outside.”

A sentence not often heard in Yorkshire.

Until Next Time…

While nobody can guarantee when Yorkshire will next experience temperatures that make people consider buying paddle pools and portable fans, one thing is certain: Skipton remains the perfect place to enjoy whatever weather arrives.

Whether you’re exploring the woods, strolling beside the canal, discovering local pubs, or simply relaxing at the cottage, there’s always a way to make the most of your stay.

And if another heatwave does arrive?

We’ll see you in the nearest beer garden.

You’ve Missed Your Chance to Stay at Thisledo This Bank Holiday…

…but don’t worry, there’s always another excuse to eat too much and escape to the Dales.

If you’re reading this while sadly scrolling through fully booked cottages, overpriced hotels, or contemplating spending the Bank Holiday assembling flat-pack furniture instead of relaxing… we have some difficult news.

You missed your chance to stay at Thisledo this Bank Holiday.

Gone.
Booked up.
Vanished faster than the last sausage roll at a family picnic.

Some lucky guests are already preparing for:

  • Lazy mornings with coffee and countryside views
  • Walks in the Yorkshire Dales followed by “just one pint”
  • Competitive board games that become deeply personal by 9pm
  • Saying things like “we should move here” at least six times a day

Meanwhile, you may now be:

  • Queueing for a retail park car park
  • Fighting for garden centre tables
  • Pretending mowing the lawn counts as “being outdoors”
  • Watching other people’s holiday photos while eating a meal deal

But all is not lost.

Because here’s the good news:
Another Bank Holiday is coming.

And unlike your attempt to get Glastonbury tickets, this is entirely fixable.

Why Future You Will Thank Present You

Booking early means:

  • You actually get the dates you want
  • You can smugly tell friends “we booked ages ago”
  • You avoid panic-booking a cottage beside a dual carriageway called “The Retreat”
  • You have months to look forward to switching off in the Dales

At Thisledo, you’ll find the kind of break people pretend they don’t need and then immediately start planning again before they’ve even unpacked.

Think:

  • Cosy evenings
  • Proper Yorkshire scenery
  • Great food nearby
  • Fresh air that somehow makes you hungry every 45 minutes
  • A location perfect for exploring Skipton and the surrounding Dales

The Next Bank Holiday Is Closer Than You Think

Seriously. They sneak up on people every year.

One minute it’s “plenty of time,” and the next you’re searching:

“nice cottage available next weekend for 2 adults, 1 dog, hot tub preferred, budget £73.”

Don’t be that person.

Get ahead of the crowd, secure your next countryside escape, and give yourself something far better to look forward to than DIY and traffic jams.

Because while you may have missed this Bank Holiday…

The next one still has your name on it.

Smarter Pricing, Better Value: Why Thisledo Now Uses PriceLabs

At Thisledo, we’re always looking for ways to give our guests the best possible experience — and that includes making sure our pricing stays fair, competitive, and reflects real-time market conditions.

That’s why we’ve recently introduced PriceLabs to help manage and refresh our accommodation pricing on a regular basis.

What Does This Mean for Guests?

Rather than having fixed prices set months in advance, our rates can now adjust more intelligently based on several factors, including:

  • Current availability
  • Seasonal demand
  • Local market trends
  • Prices of similar nearby properties
  • Length of stay
  • Last-minute availability

This dynamic approach means guests can often benefit from better value, especially for shorter-notice bookings or quieter periods.

Fair Pricing All Year Round

Traditional static pricing can sometimes mean rates are either too high during quieter periods or don’t reflect increased demand during peak dates.

Using PriceLabs allows us to respond more accurately to what’s happening in the market, helping us keep pricing balanced and fair throughout the year.

For guests, that means:

  • Competitive rates
  • Greater opportunities for deals
  • More flexibility
  • Better value during off-peak periods

Supporting Early Bookers and Last-Minute Guests

The system also helps us reward different types of travellers.

Guests booking well in advance can still secure dates early, while last-minute travellers may occasionally see attractive short-notice pricing when availability allows.

Equally, during busy holiday periods where demand is especially high, pricing may increase slightly in line with the wider market — helping ensure availability is managed fairly.

Technology Supporting Better Hospitality

While technology helps us optimise pricing, one thing hasn’t changed: our focus remains firmly on providing a welcoming, comfortable, and enjoyable stay for every guest visiting Thisledo.

Dynamic pricing simply gives us a smarter way to match value with demand while continuing to offer excellent accommodation standards and guest experience.

We look forward to welcoming you soon — and if you’ve been considering a stay, it’s always worth checking availability regularly as prices can change and new opportunities for value may appear at any time.

Skipton Web design by 418Design Ltd

Copyright 2026. All Rights Reserved