Thornton Park Escape

Escape to a very special area of hills, moors and river valleys and take time to re-set in gorgeous natural surroundings. This high-quality lodge, located on a working farm (hello horses!) has wonderful views over the Calder Valley and a play area that’s perfect for little ones. Whether your interests are cultural highlights or outdoor activities, it’s a great base for couples and families looking to make a Yorkshire escape.

Set over a single storey, the lodge has a light-filled, elegant interior that immediately sets a calm and relaxed tone for your getaway. The living space is open plan and its floor-to-ceiling windows give it a bright and breezy feel. Cooking is straightforward in the glossy kitchen, which has integrated appliances and plenty of cupboard space.

Linger at the adjacent dining table, admiring the views, and then step across to the lounge area, where plenty of comfortable seating awaits. One of the sofas is also a sofa bed for two children, which gives you flexible sleeping options. Open the two pairs of glazed doors to connect directly to the courtyard outside or, if you feel like a cosy night in, close the blinds and stream a movie on the Smart TV.

At bedtime, you have a king-size bedroom with a built-in wardrobe and a twin, both with Smart TVs – lazy mornings in bed, here we come. The family bathroom is sleek and boasts a shower for a refreshing rinse and a separate bath for those who prefer a long soak.

The enclosed courtyard is the perfect spot for a delicious BBQ or simply an evening in the fresh air, chatting while the stars come out. And children will love the cute play area, with swings, a slide and a playhouse on stilts. Right next to it is a picnic bench so you can keep an eye on them while admiring the tranquil rural landscape.

• 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size and 1 twin
• 1 bathroom with bath, separate shower cubicle and WC
• Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, Tassimo coffee machine
• Utility room with washer/dryer
• Welcome pack
• Travel cot and highchair available on request
• Smart TV in lounge and both bedrooms
• Enclosed front patio area with furniture and charcoal BBQ
• Large lawned garden with picnic benches and children's play set
• Private parking
• Pub 1 mile, shop 2 miles
• Please note, there is a sofa bed in the lounge to sleep 2 children
• Arrival: 16:00 onwards
• Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
• 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
• There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

You’re less than a mile from a traditional country pub with a cosy fire and a good restaurant, and only 2 miles from the conservation village of Ripponden, which is known for its 16th-century packhorse bridge and 14th-century inn. Halifax, 7 miles, is a thriving market town and was once the centre of the wool trade in Victorian England, which blessed the town with wealth and good fortune. Many of the opulent buildings and monuments from this time can still be seen as you walk around the town, including Piece Hall, a magnificent Georgian building which was once the place where weavers sold their cloth. Nowadays, it’s a fabulous place to grab a tasty bite to eat or peruse the independent shops and boutiques, as well as catch some outdoor performances.

Other impressive buildings include Halifax Minster, the town’s Gothic church; the Grade II-listed Halifax Town Hall, created by the same man who designed the Houses of Parliament; and Shibden Hall, a 15th-century historic home surrounded by a glorious park, once home to the ‘first modern lesbian’, Anne Lister, who wrote her secret diaries there. The parkland is an excellent place to spend a day, where you can walk beside the pretty flowerbeds, row across the Mere or ride on the miniature train which will delight any children in your party. Kids will also love Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, which is sure to capture their imaginations with its 400 interactive exhibits.

If you enjoy food, make sure to visit Halifax’s Borough Market, which is a stunning Grade II-listed building hosting an award-winning covered market throughout the week. Sample some local produce and pick up a tasty treat to enjoy back at your holiday cottage.

There is enough to do in Halifax itself to fill a whole holiday, however, if you want to venture further afield, Huddersfield and Bradford are both within 15 miles of the lodge, or you could set out to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, 31 miles away.