Day 2. The Bolton Abbey Estate

On By Little Miss TravellerIn A winter break in Bolton Abbey, North East, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Yorkshire Dales

It was such a peaceful start to the day, being able to wake gently and admire the countryside views as we pulled back the curtains.

Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, Bolton Abbey
View from our room overlooking the Bolton Abbey Estate

Breakfast was served in the conservatory which was bathed in sunlight as we took our seats.  We helped ourselves to some cheese, fruit and yogurt and then chose hot dishes from the extensive menu to set us up for the day.  I don’t know how we managed a full breakfast plus toast and marmalade after the previous evening’s feast but it was all so tasty that we were unable to resist.

Pets are welcome, Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, Bolton Abbey
Pampered pets at the Devonshire

As we past the reception area on the way back to our room, we spotted these two lovely dogs waiting patiently whilst their owners finished their breakfast.  The Devonshire Arms is a dog friendly hotel offering a pet-concierge service and those dog beds looked very comfortable.

Bolton Abbey Village
Stone archway in the village centre

Wrapping up well against the winter chill, we drove the short distance to the Bolton Abbey Estate’s main car park overlooking the river.  After passing through a stone archway, the turn off to the car park is next to the imposing Cavendish Memorial.

Cavendish Memorial, Bolton Abbey
Cavendish Memorial, Bolton Abbey

At the starting point of the walking trails lies the Cavendish Pavilion which includes a large cafe and gift shop.  During the warmer months, this popular beauty spot is filled with walkers and families enjoying a riverside picnic but on our mid-winter visit it was fairly quiet.

Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey
The Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey

We followed the green walking trail through the Strid Woods on the West Bank of the River Wharfe.  This path is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and is a gentle 1.7km (1 mile) walk, taking approximately 30 minutes.

Bolton Abbey
Footbridge at the Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey

It was a pleasant morning stroll through the woods where we found the first signs of spring with clumps of snowdrops along the way.  A variety of birds frequent the woods, including red kites, skylarks, kingfishers and short-eared owls.  Sadly, we didn’t spot any of these but we did see this cheerful looking robin.

Robin on the Bolton Abbey Estate
Robin on the Bolton Abbey Estate

The trail follows the meander of the river with picturesque views, which have inspired many artists including William Turner, who enjoyed painting here.

The Strid, Bolton Abbey
The Strid, Bolton Abbey

Soon, we arrived at the famous Strid which is a narrow and dangerous cleft formed by the river cutting its way through a soft band of limestone.  Here, the river suddenly narrows, forcing water through at great pressure.  The chasm has claimed the lives of people who have tried to jump over it, so we took heed of the warning signs and I used my camera from a safe distance.  We retraced our steps back to the car but for those preferring a shorter walk, there is an additional car park near to the Strid.

Snowdrops in the Strid Woods, Bolton Abbey
Snowdrops in the Strid Woods

Back at the hotel we gathered our belongings together and as we were returning to reception to check out, we were invited to view one of the hotel’s holiday cottages located nearby.

Stank House Farm, Bolton Abbey
Stank House Farm, Bolton Abbey

We were taken in an electric car and learnt that the hotel has four electric vehicle charging points for guest use and was awarded the gold award for Green Tourism in 2015.  Stank House Farm is tucked away in a secluded spot on the estate just one mile from the hotel.  It’s a traditional stone built farmhouse that has been lovingly restored to the highest standards and oozes rustic charm.

Stank House Farm, Bolton Abbey
The Sitting Room, Dining Room and Kitchen

The living room, with its deep filled sofas is perfect for relaxing in front of the fire.  Whilst in the dining room, I could just imagine family gatherings around the huge table.  The property sleeps 6 with each of the three ensuite bedrooms being individually furnished.  As well as using the fully equipped farmhouse kitchen, guests are able to arrange transport in the hotel’s electric car, enabling them to enjoy a drink to accompany their meal out.  Outside, the landscaped gardens even include a hot tub and offer far reaching views across the valley.

Stank House Farm, Bolton Abbey
Interior of Stank House Farm with a view from the hot tub in the garden

We returned to the hotel and decided to make a final visit to the spa before leaving.  After a dip in the pool we had a relaxing time in the steam room leaving us with a warm glow.  Our short winter break at the Devonshire Arms had been the perfect way to beat the winter blues.  We’d enjoyed scenic countryside walks, delicious food and very friendly hospitality.

Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey
The hotel coat of arms

I would like to thank the Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa for arranging our visit.  As always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.

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49 thoughts on “Day 2. The Bolton Abbey Estate”

  1. Pingback: The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey – Love Travelling

  11. I love how the little dogs get those gorgeous beds to sleep on until picked up by their owners…so cute. I would also love to stay in one of those cottages – in winter too with a fire and then strolling around as you did. Another love – that little robin!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Seek the Truth Bible Media Podcasts

    Thanks for your post. I’ve been at Bolton Abbey many times. It is a favourite place for us to go as a couple and as a family. It’s one of those places where you feel you have entered another world and are totally chilled.

    Liked by 2 people

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