With the iconic Dales and much-fabled Moors as its neighbours to the west and north respectively, The Yorkshire Wolds are often overlooked by visitors to 'God's Own Country'. But more's the pity for them, for what beckons is one of England's great landscapes – an alluring blend of picture-postcard villages, undulating pastures, untamed moorlands and the charming seaside towns of the East coast. Just ask David Hockney – this romantic setting the muse for the Bridlington-based painter's latest artistic renaissance. Smack bang between Hockney's East Riding residence and the Edwardian coastal resort of Filey (some five minutes from the stunning beach at Hunmanby Gap) lies the lovely Dale Farm.
When Liz Halliday and family acquired Dale Farm they wasted no time in restoring the 200-year-old farmhouse to its former glory. With true Yorkshire grit, hard-graft, and a keen attention to detail, Liz and husband Paul created the three gorgeous glamping cabins that nestle amongst the farm's woodland, to augment the main self-catering cottage and studios. These charming, timber-beamed lodges, perched atop a spacious deck, make for a perfect romantic retreat. Though fully-insulated and double-glazed, the cabins are bright and airy. Kitted out with cute interior touches and everything you could need for your stay, the wood-burning stove transforms these into a cosy cabin of loveliness – we'd love to stay here under a blanket of snow.
In addition is the über-luxurious Summerhouse, ingeniously converted from an old cowshed by Paul, and a romantic 'treehouse' cabin for two in the trees (which features en-suite faciltiies and a quirky outdoor kitchen with deck, barbecue, sink and seating). The treehouse is fully insulated, double glazed and fitted with a log burning stove so you'll be warm and cosy all year round. Enjoy a breakfast picnic on the balcony and chat to the woodpeckers. Finally, the most recent addition to the clan is the aptly named 'Big Yellow Caravan', a German-built wagon from the 1970s. It has a thoroughly retro feel inside, while outside there's a pizza oven and a nice deck where you can sip your sundowner.
The grounds are lovely, with a pond, meadow, courtyard and gardens (including a kitchen garden for all your veg and herbs) which guests are positively encouraged to explore. Fires aren't allowed but there are chimineas and braziers dotted around, as well as a massive communal firepit. At night the lack of light pollution makes for unspoilt star-studded skies, soundtracked by the hooting owls in the copse canopy. Stake your claim to hammock to soak up this tranquil twilight scene.