So many reasons to stay!

Discover the Forest of Bowland

The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a truly special place. In the Forest of Bowland there are so many things to discover: wild, remote fells and gentle, riverside rambles; fascinating wildlife and intriguing heritage; welcoming villages and mouth-watering local produce. The Forest of Bowland AONB provides some of the most peaceful and remote walking, cycling, wildlife-watching and star-gazing in the country. Explore some of the many unique villages steeped in history, while away your time observing some of the rare and enigmatic birds and wildlife, or simply indulge in afternoon tea in some fantastic cafes, tearooms and inns.
For a year-round calendar of events in the Forest of Bowland follow the link below.

Forest of Bowland Events

Star Gazing in the Forest of Bowland

The Bowland night skies are recognised as some of the darkest in England, there are five designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the AONB. The Barn at Eldroth House is proud to be associated with The Forest of Bowland AONB, a stargazer's paradise. A budding astronomer or just interested in our night skies, then The Barn offers a great spot for viewing.

Star Gazing in the Forest of Bowland

Walking in the Forest of Bowland

The Forest of Bowland offers very beautiful and remote walking, from the isolation of the moorland hills to the undulating lowlands with woodland cloughs and river valleys. The contrasts with the tranquillity of the area makes it a walker’s delight whatever your walking goal.

Walking in the Forest of Bowland

Cycling in the Forest of Bowland

Whether it’s the quiet Lancashire lanes that appeal to you as you spin away the miles whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings, or the variety of forest trails or glorious gravel for mountain or gravel biking, Forest of Bowland AONB and Gisburn Forest has it all.

Cycling in the Forest of Bowland

Discover the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales has many faces with many moods; it can be wild and exposed, or it can be calm and tranquil. It is one of the most picturesque places in the country (we might be a bit biased). The maze of ancient stone walls and barns dotted across the countryside define the Dales’ landscape. It’s home to: dozens of spectacular waterfalls, the best examples of limestone scenery and with farming a long tradition in the area, it is deeply interwoven into the community and local life. There’s always something to do no matter how long your stay.

Yorkshire Dales

Walking in the Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is a wonderous place to walk, whether it’s a riverside stroll or a long-distance hike across the fells. There’s so much more to go at than the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks, there’s something for everyone and every ability. Here’s the link to everything you need to know about The Yorkshire Three Peaks whether you want to reach the top of at least one or conquer all three!

Walking in the Dales

Fell Running in the Dales

Running is free and with the many trails and fells in the surrounding area, there’s no better place to get that feeling of exhilaration. Don’t forget to pack your running shoes and sense of adventure. We just ask you to leave your muddy fell shoes outside!
To find out more go to follow the link below:

Fell Running in the Dales

Cycling in the Dales

2014 saw the ‘Grand Depart’ of the Tour de France, and cyclists now come from every corner to cycle in The Dales as it offers some of the best cycling in the country, whether that’s road, MTB or gravel.

Cycling in the Dales

Caves and Potholing

The Yorkshire Dales has the most extensive caving in the UK. The area around Ingleton happens to be, among other things, the premier caving area in England, including the world-famous Gaping Ghyll. Yorkshire Dales Guides offer caving courses locally. They range from a few hours, to days, half days, evenings or weekends.

Caving in the Dales

For casual visitors, there are three excellent tourist caves in the area, where experienced cave guides will give you a tour:

Settle to Carlisle Railway

The Settle to Carlisle Railway is one of the most scenic and impressive railways in the UK, with viaducts, tunnels, wild scenery and the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
For the railway enthusiast, a steam train journey on the Settle to Carlilse Railway will take some beating.

Settle to Carlisle Railway

A little further away

THE LAKE DISTRICT

The gateway to the Lakes, England’s largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is less than a 40-minute drive away from Eldroth House.

SKIPTON

Known as the gateway to the Dales the market town of Skipton with its cobbled streets and historic buildings provides an atmospheric backdrop to a spot of shopping.

At the top of Skipton’s High Street stands the impressive towers of Skipton Castle. Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England and is worth a visit any time of the year.

BRADFORD

A little over an hour away is The National Museum of Media and Photography, Bradford and is a good rainy-day option. Perhaps combine it with Salts Mill, Saltaire a UNESCO Heritage site, a huge, converted textile mill where culture and commerce come together. There’s an interesting art gallery – David Hockney originals/exhibitions are a favourite given his birthplace is Bradford; an exhibition centre; learn of Sir Titus Salt and his utopian workers’ vision and there’s plenty of bustling shops and restaurants too…

Beautiful days out can be had at Bolton Abbey, Fountains Abbey, the historic 17^th century manor house Riddlesden Hall and of course the spectacular Malham Cove.

Places to eat, shop and be entertained

There are numerous quality cafes, bars, restaurants and take aways just a short drive away – see our recommendations in the Eating Out section below.

The nearest shop is in Austwick (3.5miles), it is a small, village convenience store and post office. Other ‘bigger’ shops are located in Settle, such as Booths and also two Co-ops. There is also a Co-op in the centre of Ingleton and a bigger Booths in Kirkby Lonsdale.

For the very best in bread (check your welcome pack), sandwiches, pies, pasties then Season’s Bakery at Ingleton is the place to go to.

The Courtyard Dairy is Settle’s Cheese heaven, just off the A65 between Settle and Austwick. You can see it from The Barn. You won’t be sorry if you call in, well your purse might! They have also recently opened Rind, a pizza restaurant.

There are numerous cafés around and about. Elaine’s Tearooms at Feizor provide hearty home-cooked food during the day if you’re out and about as does the Old Saw Mill at Clapham.

For something a bit special to have back at base, why not try Lekker Wines at Austwick, they have a fantastic selection of quality wines.

If entertainment is what you are after, then be sure to check out our local theatre. Named in memory of the iconic Countdown host, the Richard Whiteley Theatre is the cutting-edge arts hub for the Yorkshire Dales and hosts top quality cinema, music and theatre from acts across the UK and beyond.