🍂 Dales Encounter — An October Stroll at Bolton Abbey

10th October 2025

There’s something about Bolton Abbey in October that makes you forget, briefly, about emails, to-do lists, and whether the heating should be on yet. The Yorkshire Dales have slipped into their autumn finery, and every path, leaf, and puddle seems to have been art-directed by someone with a real flair for warm colours.

Staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton, you’re only a short and very pretty drive from Bolton Abbey — or, as we like to call it, The Cathedral of the Outdoors. It’s the sort of place that turns even the most reluctant walker into a poet (or at least someone who says “wow” a lot).

🏞 The Stile, the Steps, and the Stepping Stones

Arriving early is best. There’s a calm hush before the crowds, broken only by the sound of the River Wharfe rolling past the famous stepping stones — and the occasional squeal from someone who didn’t realise how wobbly they can be. The abbey ruins rise behind them like something from a film set, half mystery, half postcard.

The October air smells faintly of woodsmoke and damp leaves, and the trees perform their annual magic trick — turning gold, copper, and every possible shade of “Instagram filter.” If you take the Valley of Desolation walk, you’ll be rewarded with waterfalls, mossy stones, and that rarest of British luxuries: total quiet.

🐾 Dogs, Boots, and Bacon Butties

Of course, no Dales Encounter is complete without four legs and a wagging tail. Dogs are positively revered at Bolton Abbey, and autumn is their season — cool paths, friendly sniffs, and infinite sticks. After a muddy adventure, the riverside cafés serve restorative bacon butties and hot chocolate generous enough to count as lunch.

(If you’ve brought your Labrador from Thisledo Holiday Cottage, expect them to receive more attention than you do. It’s just how things work up here.)

🍁 Why October is the Best Month to Visit

The summer crowds have drifted home, the paths are quieter, and the abbey grounds take on a golden, storybook glow. The Strid Wood trail, with its twisting river and ancient oaks, feels like a secret garden. You might even spot deer if you walk softly — though they’ll probably spot you first.

And if the weather turns “authentically Yorkshire,” that’s fine too. There’s no shame in retreating to Tea on the Green for a scone the size of your head while the rain gives the ruins their dramatic edge.

🏡 Back to Base at Thisledo

After a day of crisp air and camera clicks, Skipton welcomes you back like an old friend. A stop at Robertshaws for local cheese and chutney makes for an easy supper, or you can simply stroll to The Woolly Sheep Inn for a pint and a pie. Back at Thisledo Holiday Cottage, light the fire, kick off your boots, and enjoy that particular satisfaction that only comes from having walked somewhere worth walking.

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🍂 Why Choose Thisledo for Your October Break?

Because it’s dog-friendly, centrally located in Skipton, and perfectly placed for autumn adventures at Bolton Abbey and beyond.
Because you can have countryside mornings and cosy town evenings.
And because October in the Dales isn’t just a season — it’s a state of mind.

Book your stay at Thisledo Holiday Cottage, Skipton and make your own Dales Encounter before the last leaf falls.

A Stormy Day Out in Skipton – Eating, Drinking and Laughing All the Way Back to Thisledo Holiday Cottage

3rd October 2025

You know you’re on holiday in Yorkshire when even a named storm can’t keep you indoors. I’d booked myself a stay at Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton, and while the weather forecast threatened gale-force winds, sideways rain and the occasional flying umbrella, I wasn’t about to miss a day exploring Skipton’s charming town centre. After all, if you can’t go hiking in the Yorkshire Dales, you might as well eat your way around town!

Breakfast at The Cake ’Ole – Battling the Wind to Find a Brew

The morning began with the howling wind rattling the windows of Thisledo Holiday Cottage (thankfully, the walls are thick, the heating cosy, and the double glazing quitens the storm outside). With a sturdy umbrella in one hand and an optimistic attitude in the other, I ventured out.

I didn’t make it far before the umbrella turned inside out, but Skipton’s cafés are plentiful. I found refuge in The Cake ’Ole, a quirky café hidden inside Craven Court Shopping Centre. Over a full English breakfast and a steaming mug of Yorkshire tea, I watched other storm-battered adventurers wrestle with umbrellas in the courtyard. It’s hard not to feel smug when you’re warm, dry, and well-fed.

Lunch at The Woolly Sheep Inn – Rain-Soaked but Still Smiling

By midday, the drizzle had upgraded to a full sideways assault. Luckily, Skipton town centre is compact, so darting between shops wasn’t too much of a struggle. After stocking up on treats from The Traditional Sweet Shop and a pork pie from Stanforth’s Butchers, I gave in to the lure of a roaring fire at The Woolly Sheep Inn.

Soup of the day? Yes, please. A pint of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord? Well, it would’ve been rude not to. From my window seat, I watched puddles turn into small lakes and decided there are far worse ways to spend a stormy afternoon than sipping ale and people-watching in Skipton.

Dinner at Le Bistro des Amis – A Perfect Ending to a Blustery Day

By evening, the storm was still going strong, but so was my appetite. For dinner, I headed to Le Bistro des Amis, a gem of a French restaurant tucked away near the canal. Their slow-cooked lamb shoulder with dauphinoise potatoes was hearty enough to warm even the stormiest of evenings. And yes, I managed to find room for sticky toffee pudding (it should be mandatory in Yorkshire).

The walk back to Thisledo Holiday Cottage was brisk, damp, and full of laughter. There’s something oddly joyful about splashing through puddles when you know a warm, welcoming cottage is waiting for you just a few steps away.

Back Home at Thisledo Holiday Cottage

Back inside, shoes drying by the door, I made myself a cuppa and curled up on the sofa. The storm could roar all it liked — I had a snug cottage, a full belly, and the satisfaction of a day well spent in Skipton town centre.

So if you’re wondering whether a named storm should put you off visiting? Absolutely not. In Skipton, the food is hearty, the pubs are welcoming, and the rain only makes the cottage feel even cosier when you return. Thisledo Holiday Cottage really does live up to its name — when the storm hits, “this’ll do” very nicely indeed.

An Annual Pilgrimage: Yarn, Needles, and a Stay at Thisledo

26th September 2025

What our Yarnfest guests say…..

Every year, without fail, the calendar gets a special ring around one particular weekend: Skipton’s famous Yarndale festival. Or as I like to call it, “Yarnfest” — because for those of us who spin, knit, crochet, dye, or simply have a dangerous weakness for skeins in every shade of the rainbow, it’s nothing short of a festival of fibre.

As an exhibitor, it’s become my annual tradition: pack up the car with woolly wonders, samples, displays, and just enough emergency snacks to get through a weekend of chatting, demonstrating, and (let’s be honest) sneaking off to buy more yarn than I could possibly need. And where do I stay? Well, for me, there’s no question — it’s always Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton.

Why? Because after a full day of yarn-fuelled excitement, I need somewhere cosy, central, and mercifully quiet to retreat to. Thisledo ticks all the boxes: just a short stroll from Skipton’s town centre, a proper comfy sofa for tired feet, and a kitchen where I can make a late-night brew while I admire the new skeins I absolutely didn’t mean to buy.

There’s also something rather grounding about returning to the same place each year. The cottage becomes a familiar basecamp: the kitchen table has seen many a frantic “last-minute price tag cutting session,” and the living room has hosted more than one impromptu planning meeting for next year’s stand. Even the bed feels like it’s on my side when I collapse into it after a long day of chatting to fellow yarn enthusiasts.

And then, of course, there’s Skipton itself. Yarnfest might bring me here, but the town keeps me coming back. A wander along the canal, a pint in one of the pubs, or even a cheeky fish and chips from Bizzie Lizzie’s — it all rounds off the weekend beautifully.

So yes, for me, the annual Yarnfest trip isn’t just about the wool, the workshops, or even the community (though they’re all marvellous). It’s about the rhythm of returning to Skipton each year, with Thisledo as my home-from-home. Same time, same place, same cottage — and just as much yarn-induced joy.

Caring for Everyone but Yourself? Time to Flip the Script

21st September 2025

Somewhere along the line, you became the family’s go-to person. Need a school run? Call Grandma. Got a doctor’s appointment for Grandpa? Call Grandad. Birthday party, dentist appointment, emergency babysitting — you’re there. Always.

And yet, somehow, the one person you’re not scheduling time for is… you.

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The “Always On” Generation

Grandparents today often live life in constant motion. You’re caring for little ones one moment, helping elderly relatives the next, all while trying to sneak in a grocery shop or two. It’s exhausting — emotionally, physically, and sometimes even spiritually.

It’s easy to forget that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s essential. Because a well-rested, happy grandparent is a far better grandparent than one who’s running on empty, coffee, and sheer willpower alone.

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Time to Flip the Script

Imagine a weekend where nobody needs you for anything — where there’s no urgent call for a packed lunch, no rush to the chemist, no bedtime negotiations. Sounds like a dream, right?

That’s exactly what a short break at Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton can offer. Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, our charming stone cottage provides the perfect escape for grandparents who need a pause from their caregiving duties.

Here’s what a “flip-the-script” getaway looks like:

• Morning: Breakfast in peace (yes, you can eat it while it’s still hot).
• Afternoon: A gentle stroll along Skipton Canal or a wander around the town’s famous market.
• Evening: A relaxing dinner at a local pub or cosy meal in the cottage, with a glass of wine in hand — uninterrupted.

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A Cottage Made for You

Thisledo Holiday Cottage isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a sanctuary. Dog-friendly if you’re bringing a furry companion, fully equipped, and quietly tucked in Skipton town centre, it’s perfect for grandparents who want comfort without compromise.

You won’t find screaming children or urgent phone calls. Instead, you’ll find:

• A warm, welcoming cottage with all the comforts of home.
• Nearby walks in the Yorkshire Dales for fresh air and gentle exercise.
• Cafés, shops, and tearooms within easy reach, ideal for a leisurely morning or afternoon.

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The Benefits of Stepping Away

Taking a few nights away isn’t just a luxury — it’s a practical reset. Studies show that grandparents who give themselves time off experience lower stress, improved sleep, and a renewed sense of patience. In short: you’ll come back ready to handle whatever life throws your way — whether that’s a toddler with a glitter glue obsession or an elderly relative who needs a little extra support.

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Make Yourself a Priority

It’s easy to forget that your needs matter too. A short break in Skipton offers the perfect opportunity to recharge, enjoy a little peace, and reclaim some energy for yourself. Think of it as an investment — for your health, your happiness, and yes, even for your family.

So, if you’ve been running on empty, it’s time to flip the script. Pack a bag, lock the front door, and head to Thisledo Holiday Cottage. For a couple of nights, the only person you need to care for is… you.

The Case of the Honeymoon Mix-Up at Thisledo

21st September 2025

Running a holiday cottage is usually a calm and happy business: keys in the lockbox, welcome pack on the table, kettle at the ready. But every so often, the phone rings and you just know it’s not going to be about where the nearest fish and chip shop is.

That was exactly the case one Tuesday afternoon when my mobile lit up.

“Hi, could you just give me the keycode? We’re outside the cottage now.”

Cue instant panic.
What do you mean you’re outside the cottage? There are already guests staying there! Have I done the unthinkable? A dreaded double booking?

Visions of explaining myself to two sets of disappointed holidaymakers flashed through my mind. “Sorry, you’ll have to share… there’s one sofa, one bed, but the Dales countryside is very spacious!”

But after a quick rummage through the booking system, the mystery began to unravel. The caller was booked in… only their stay was meant to begin on Sunday, not Tuesday. They had simply turned up two days late, blissfully unaware.

Once the confusion cleared, relief set in on both sides. Luckily, by some miracle, the cottage was free for the days they actually wanted. With a swift amendment to the booking, order was restored.

And the best bit? This wasn’t just any holiday. This was their honeymoon.

The poor couple were equal parts thankful and embarrassed, but after all, what’s a honeymoon without at least one memorable story? Instead of “we lost our luggage” or “we argued over directions,” theirs will forever be: “Remember when we turned up two days late for our honeymoon cottage?”

From my side, the heart rate eventually returned to normal. From their side, there was laughter, gratitude, and a promise never again to argue over dates while planning a getaway.

In the end, everyone got what they wanted: a cosy cottage, a happy honeymoon, and one slightly frazzled owner with a good tale to tell.

Because if there’s one thing life in Skipton teaches you, it’s that sometimes the best stories start with a little mix-up.

When Hide and Seek Becomes a Full-Time Job

21st September 2025

Do you remember when hide and seek used to last about five minutes? Someone would dash behind the sofa, another would cover their eyes and count to ten (usually skipping numbers along the way), and before you knew it, everyone was back giggling in the living room. Sweet, simple, and fun.

Fast-forward a few decades, and if you’re a grandparent providing regular childcare, “hide and seek” has become less of a game and more of a career. The little ones disappear into cupboards, wardrobes, and under beds while you try to keep up with the boundless energy of a small person powered entirely by biscuits.

And just when you think you’ve found them all… you realise you still haven’t found yourself.

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The Grandparent Balancing Act

Being a grandparent in today’s world often means far more than the occasional Sunday visit or birthday party. More and more families rely on grandparents for school pick-ups, homework help, after-school chaos and, quite often, full days of childcare. Throw in the odd overnight stay or even an entire weekend of babysitting, and suddenly you’ve got a diary busier than when you were working full-time.

Of course, you wouldn’t trade those precious moments — hearing little giggles, seeing tiny hands reach for yours, or being greeted as the absolute hero who produces biscuits on demand. But let’s be honest: the endless rounds of hide and seek, the constant “Grandma, watch this!” and the Lego pieces that appear underfoot at the worst possible moments… well, they can leave even the most patient grandparent feeling a little frazzled.

Add to that the fact many grandparents are also helping care for elderly relatives, and you have a generation caught in the middle — always caring for others and rarely pausing for themselves.

Sometimes, the best gift you can give your family is to take a little time to recharge your own batteries.

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Why a Short Break Works Wonders

You don’t need to book a two-week cruise to feel rested (although if someone’s offering, do take it). Sometimes just a couple of nights away is enough to reset the balance. A change of scenery, a slower pace, and a chance to sleep without keeping one ear open for midnight bathroom trips or early-morning demands for cartoons — it’s amazing how restorative that can be.

That’s exactly what Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton offers: a cosy bolthole right in the heart of a bustling Yorkshire market town, where you can escape the noise, slow down, and actually hear yourself think.

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What You’ll Find at Thisledo Holiday Cottage

At Thisledo Holiday Cottage, we’ve made sure everything is set up for comfort, relaxation, and that all-important feeling of home-away-from-home.

Here’s what you won’t find:

• Sticky fingers on the furniture.
• Toys that sing when you step on them in the dark.
• A chorus of “Grandad, watch me!” on repeat.

And here’s what you will find:

• A charming stone cottage, dog-friendly and perfectly located in Skipton town centre.
• Peace and quiet, broken only by the sound of the kettle boiling or birdsong outside.
• The luxury of space to read a book, linger over a cup of tea, or simply do nothing at all.

Because sometimes doing absolutely nothing is exactly what you need.

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Skipton: Your New Favourite Playground

Instead of searching under beds for grandchildren, you can wander through cobbled streets, explore Skipton’s famous market, or take a gentle stroll along the canal towpath. Peek into independent shops, hide away in a cosy café, or seek out a slice of homemade cake. It’s hide and seek, but this time the only thing you’re looking for is peace, relaxation, and maybe a new favourite pub.

And if you do fancy stretching your legs a little further, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is right on the doorstep. Rolling hills, breathtaking views, and fresh air that clears the cobwebs — it’s a tonic for anyone feeling worn thin by daily responsibilities.

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Time to Press Pause

A short break at Thisledo Holiday Cottage isn’t about running away from your family duties — it’s about pressing pause. It’s about returning refreshed, recharged, and ready for the next round of bedtime stories, school runs, and games of hide and seek that somehow last all afternoon.

Because let’s face it: even superheroes (and grandparents definitely count as superheroes) need a secret hideout sometimes.

So, if hide and seek has become your full-time job, why not treat yourself to a few nights away in Skipton? At Thisledo Holiday Cottage, we’ll keep your hideout ready and waiting. And don’t worry — we won’t tell the grandkids where you are.

Why Stay in Skipton at Thisledo Holiday Cottage Instead of a Hotel?

13th September 2025

Picture this: you arrive in Skipton, dragging your suitcase through the drizzle, and you have a choice. Do you check into a hotel with identical rooms and chain-brand breakfasts, or do you unlock the door to Thisledo Holiday Cottage and step into something a little… magical?

Here’s why the cottage wins hands down:

1. Space to Stretch Out
Hotels are great if you like paying extra for a room barely bigger than your bed. At Thisledo, you get a whole cottage to yourself. Lounge on the sofa, cook your own meals, or curl up in bed with a book—without worrying about noisy neighbours.

2. Feel at Home
The little touches make all the difference. A kettle always ready, fluffy towels, and a properly equipped kitchen mean you can enjoy your weekend like a local, not a hotel guest numbered “Room 204.”

3. Your Own Schedule
No awkward buffet timings or silent-stare mornings at breakfast. Sleep in, make your tea, and decide whether today’s adventure is exploring Skipton Castle, wandering the Dales, or just staying put and enjoying the cottage comfort.

4. Dog-Friendly Fun
Hotels may politely allow dogs, but Thisledo celebrates them. Bring your four-legged friend, explore nearby walks, and know that both you and your pup are truly welcome.

5. Character & Charm
Hotels can feel a bit… corporate. Thisledo has the warmth of a traditional Yorkshire cottage combined with modern comforts. Every corner has character, from the fireplaces to the cosy décor—no identical beige wallpaper here.

6. Skipton on Your Doorstep
You’re in the heart of town. Morning coffee at a café, an afternoon at the market, or a stroll along the canal—all just minutes away. No taxi fares, no shuttle buses, just Skipton at your feet.

In short, a hotel might give you a bed for the night. Thisledo Holiday Cottage gives you an experience: comfort, charm, independence, and a genuine feel for Skipton life.

So next time you’re planning a weekend escape, ask yourself: do you want a room, or do you want a home away from home in Skipton?

Dales Encounters: The Pub Dog That Chose You

5th September 2025

The Yorkshire Dales has many fine traditions: hearty food, roaring fires, and pubs that feel like the very heartbeat of a village. But there’s one tradition that often gets overlooked in the tourist guides—the pub dog.

You walk in, order your pint, and before you’ve even taken that first glorious sip, you feel the gentle thump of a tail against your leg. A pair of hopeful eyes looks up at you, silently asking, “Are you the chosen one this evening?”

Some dogs guard doorways. Some patrol the bar. But the true pub dog is a master of matchmaking—deciding, entirely on their own terms, which customer gets the honour of their company. And if you’re lucky enough to be selected, you’ll soon find yourself with a furry footwarmer under the table, or a head resting gently on your knee as if to say, “Yes, this human will do nicely.”

Of course, the beauty of staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton is that your evening can continue in perfect harmony. After your pub dog encounter, you can wander back to your own cosy retreat, perhaps still chuckling at the way your new four-legged friend pretended to ignore everyone else in favour of you.

The truth is, in the Dales, you don’t just meet people—you meet characters. And sometimes, those characters come with wagging tails and a talent for picking the best seat in the house.

Dales Encounters: The Sheep That Thought It Was a Tour Guide

5th September 2025

There are many things you expect when you book a stay in Skipton. A cosy cottage (tick). A cracking pint (tick). Maybe even a scenic canal walk or a trip up to the castle (double tick).

What you don’t expect, however, is to be escorted along a footpath by a sheep with a sense of purpose.

On a recent wander just outside Skipton, one of our guests reported that a particularly confident ewe decided they were clearly in need of direction. Step for step, gate for gate, the sheep kept a careful pace ahead—pausing occasionally to check they hadn’t wandered off the “correct” route (or stopped to admire the view for too long).

Now, we can’t guarantee that every guest will get their own woolly guide, but it’s a reminder of what makes the Yorkshire Dales so wonderfully unpredictable. Around here, encounters aren’t just about the scenery—it’s the characters, both two-legged and four, that make the adventure.

Back at Thisledo Holiday Cottage, there’s plenty of space to laugh about your day’s encounters—sheep, cows, or the occasional pheasant that thinks it owns the road. After all, every ramble deserves a cosy ending.

So, lace up those boots. Who knows? Your next Dales encounter might just have four legs and a better sense of direction than your sat nav.

All Aboard for Beer, Diesels, and a Jolly Good Time!

29th August 2025

Skipton may be known as the “Gateway to the Dales,” but sometimes it feels like the “Gateway to Beer and Trains” – especially this August Bank Holiday when the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is hosting its Beer Festival & Diesel Gala (29th – 31st August).

Yes, you read that right. Diesel. Beer. And more timetable action than a German trainspotter’s dream diary.

Now, you might be thinking: “But aren’t heritage railways all about steam, soot, and small boys in flat caps pretending to shovel coal?” Well, not this weekend. This one’s for the diesel lovers – those who can tell their Class 37 from their Class 20 without even needing to squint at the number plate. And for the uninitiated, don’t worry – after a pint or two, you’ll be happily cheering on D7076 Hymek as though you’ve been a diesel devotee all your life.

Here’s what to expect:

• A bumper timetable (translation: lots of trains going chugga-chugga at impressively regular intervals).
• Guest loco D7076 Hymek alongside the home fleet of Class 37, 20, 31, and shunters (the unsung heroes of the railway world).
• More photo opportunities than a royal wedding – only with fewer hats and more hi-vis jackets.
• A beer festival, because frankly, what’s a gala without ale?

And the best bit? After a day of admiring shiny diesels and sampling the local brews, you can toddle back to Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton. No sleeping on a platform bench, no trying to fold yourself into a luggage rack – just a comfy bed, a cosy stone cottage, and maybe even a takeaway on the way home.

So, whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast, a beer lover, or just someone who thinks “gala” sounds like a fine excuse for a weekend away, this bash is the perfect excuse to combine a stay at Thisledo with some good old-fashioned railway fun.

Because let’s face it – you don’t need steam when you’ve got diesel, ale, and a guaranteed comfy cottage bed at the end of the line.

🚂🍺 Book your tickets, pack your camera, and let the diesel times roll!