The Willows - Great Ayton

Nestled amid stunning Yorkshire countryside, this cosy cottage offers the perfect rural retreat for couples and small families looking to explore the Yorkshire Moors National Park and the Yorkshire coast. Set just outside Great Ayton, childhood home of Captain Cook, this dog-friendly cottage has glorious country views and a public footpath opposite leading directly to Captain Cook’s monument (around 1 mile). Fully refurbished in a warm, contemporary style, it’s an ideal base to rest and recharge after active days on the moors.

Set within a row of terraced cottages, this homely abode radiates a sense of cosiness. Original fireplaces, high quality furniture and local artworks contribute to its warm and welcoming ambiance, while contemporary comforts ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Enter this delightful cottage via the rear boot room, which gives you a convenient spot to shrug off muddy boots, wipe down damp paws and hang up leads and coats before entering the main living space. The galley-style kitchen has heaps of space for storing all the delicious local produce you find at market or in artisan stores, and is fully equipped for preparing home-cooked meals.

Dine inside or out, with an elegant dining room next to the kitchen, and a table and chairs on the patio for al fresco dining with wonderful country views. After long, country walks, you’ll be delighted to sink into the deep sofas in the lounge, wood burner roaring on chilly days, to chat about your day or unwind in front of your favourite TV series.

End the day getting comfy for a good night’s sleep in the two inviting bedrooms on the first floor. Wake up to delightful country view in both the double and the twin bedrooms, before a refreshing shower in the chic shower room, which features a large walk-in shower. This property benefits from convenient on-street parking opposite.

• 2 bedrooms - 1 double and 1 twin
• Shower room with walk-in shower and WC
• Electric hob/oven, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, and microwave
• Wood burner (first basket logs provided)
• Smart TV
• South Facing patio with outdoor furniture
• Off road parking to the rear
• Great Ayton Train Station 0.7 miles - Esk Valley Line, which runs between Middlesbrough and Whitby via Nunthorpe
• Pub and shop less than 2 miles
• 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.

This gorgeous cottage sits just outside Great Ayton, close to Captain Cook’s monument and the Great Ayton railway station on the Esk Valley line, which runs between Middlesbrough and Whitby.

The attractive village of Great Ayton has a wonderful village vibe. With a selection of pubs, restaurants, cafes and tearooms, you could eat out every night if you wanted to. As home to a young Captain Cook, there is also the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum which allows you to explore his early life in the surrounding area. If you love to walk, from Great Ayton you can walk up to Roseberry Topping (2 miles); a prominent hill with lots of walking trails that lead up to the distinctive summit and cliffs.

The vibrant little village of Osmotherley (15.5 miles) is well known as a starting point for walkers and cyclists. This gorgeous little place is real picture-postcard stuff. It also offers excellent facilities including a cafe, village stores and a fish and chip shop. If you're a bit of a foodie, this part of Yorkshire is packed with fantastic gastropubs, restaurants and delis. Situated within the western reaches of the North York Moors, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1987, Osmotherley has close proximity to lush pastures and woodlands. The western moors play host to grand country houses, atmospheric ruins and handsome market town and the views from here are simply stunning, and there are walks and cycle routes in every direction. You are very close to the famous Cleveland Way as well as many more well-known and picturesque moorland walks, some of which lead all the way to the sea.

Great Ayton’s position at the northern end of the North York Moors means the coast is easily accessible from here. To breathe in the fresh, sea air, head to the seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea (12 miles) with its pier, cliff tramway, golden sand and clean surf.