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Old Dame School

(Ref. 914127)

Bainbridge, Yorkshire Dales - North Show on map

4.8

Tourist Board rating Tourist Board ratings icon Tourist Board ratings icon Tourist Board ratings icon Tourist Board ratings icon

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

Features

  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Sky TV
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (43)
  • lovely (23)
  • everything (20)
  • well (19)
  • village (19)
  • stay (18)

53 Customer Reviews

  • "We had a fantastic time in this beautiful quaint cottage it was warm and welcoming beds were comfortable and everywhere was so clean."

    Only one small problem was the low door frame to bathroom and kitchen but after a few knocks we soon got used to ducking down. The area had a lovely tea room opposite and a pub just a short stroll up the road. We will definitely book this cottage again

    Thanks for your kind feedback Fay. The low door frames unfortunately reflect the age of the cottage which is over 200 years old and with internal walls 3 feet thick could not realistically be altered; but they are part of the authenticity which we have tried to preserve. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Fay5.0Jul 2024

  • "A great well equipped cottage in a good location."

    Fantastic shower. Loads of walks right from the door.

    Thank you for the kind feedback. We love walking in Wensleydale. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Jun 2024

  • "Excellent holiday venue, and convenient for us attending the Swaledale Festival"

    Reviewed by Damian5.0May 2024

  • "We really enjoyed our stay at The Old Dame School."

    Arriving on a cold day it was nice to feel the heat as we entered. Everything was spotless and the facilities were first class . Overall would not hesitate to recommend and we are planning a return

    Thank you William for your positive comments. We will be delighted to welcome you back. Property Owner

    Reviewed by William5.0Apr 2024

  • "Really lovely cottage, decorated in keeping with the age of the cottage."

    Absolutely spotless clean and very well equipped - wood burner was even laid up to light. Didn’t need to use the car at all, our walks all started and ended at the cottage, good meal at pub 5 minutes walk and lovely breakfast at cafe across the road on day of departure. Would have preferred a 3/4pm check in. A lovely stay and the sun shone too.

    Reviewed by Peter4.7Mar 2024

  • "We spent the New Year weekend here and it was amazing!"

    The house was decorated lovely for Christmas and was very welcoming. We loved everything about it, it was so cosy. The folder with the history if the cottage and instructions on everything within the house was fantastic. Bed was comfy, en-suite shower was powerful and felt great! Highly recommended and would love to return!

    Thanks Kerry We love to receive such great feedback and have just redecorated the house so it’s nice to know it’s decorated to a standard that our guests appreciate. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Kerry5.0Dec 2023

  • "A lovely cosy cottage with an interesting history in a ideal location for exploring the Dales."

    The kitchen was very well equipped and had everything we needed. It was too warm for the log burner but it would be really cosy for cooler evenings! Care does need to be taken with the low beams/doorways but that is to be expected in an old property. There are great walks from the cottage and further afield.

    Thank you for your kind comments Julia. We have recently updated our description to emphasise the low doorways. In a traditional Dales cottage which is over 200 years old and with internal walls 3 feet thick, we are restricted in what mitigations we can make. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Julia4.7Sep 2023

  • "The lintels were very low."

    On day one of us banged against a low lintel. It took three days to recover from that. All our reservations reflect the hazards implicit in the low lintels.

    Thank you for the feedback. Although the restricted height was mentionned in the narrative, following your comments, we have amended the description to make the height restrictions more explicit. In our restoration of this 200 year old dales cottage we have endeavoured to maintain the character and authenticity of the property but this does mean that there are low ceilings and doorways. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Roderick4.1Sep 2023

  • "Comfortable cosy cottage in a lovely village."

    Spotlessly clean and well equipped. Would definitely stay again.

    Hi John, Thank you for your kind comments, we would love to see you again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by John5.0Aug 2023

  • "The Old Dame School is a delightful property - well appointed and clean."

    The owners have taken great care to give many prompts to traveller for walking, touring historic landmarks, eating well and enjoying all that Yorkshire has to offer. The walks to Askrigg and beyond are outstanding! The property could use a few hooks for wet jackets upon entry, but otherwise so many little-things were carefully considered. The new Tea Shop across the road is a wonderful virtue, though it does make parking a bit tense at peak times.

    Hi Neil. Thanks for your kind comments. Your comments on hooks for wet jackets is helpful, there are four hooks for wet jackets in the pantry just inside the dining room. Sorry you did not notice these. We will put a note into the visitor book and website to inform future guests. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Neil4.7May 2023

  • "An utterly delightful cottage, oozing with charm and perfect for exploring the beautiful Yorkshire Dales."

    Exceptionally well equipped, especially the compact kitchen arrangement. Bainbridge is a delightful village and the newly refurbished Tea Rooms directly opposite are a real bonus. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the owners could not have been more helpful.

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0Apr 2023

  • "Very comfortable and well equipped cottage in lovely village."

    We were there for New Year and cottage was nicely decorated for Christmas, and village looked very pretty with its decorations.

    Reviewed by Marion4.4Dec 2022

  • "We had a fantastic stay at this jaunty angled, quirky, cosy, authentic, genuine Yorkshire Dales cottage."

    It is located in an excellent position for lots of walks and easy access to surrounding villages. Very well equipped, clean and comfortable. Highly recommended!

    Reviewed by Richard5.0Oct 2022

  • "I have said it all in the visitors book."

    Great facilities and of a good standard. Very clean upon arrival and a nice touch when owners became aware (from previous visitors)of a wasp problem that they immediately contacted us to see if we were OK. We were and did not require their attendance at the property.

    Reviewed by Terry4.4Oct 2022

  • "We really enjoyed our stay at this quirky little cottage."

    It is in an ideal position directly opposite the excellent village tea shop and only a 2 minute walk to the hotel/pub. We also enjoyed the short mile and a half walk along to the lovely village of Askrigg. Lots of nice walking from the door too. The cottage was very comfortable with everything you could need and the two showers were great, especially the beautiful, modern one upstairs. The only outdoor seating is basically outside the front door which was ok for sitting out with the odd cuppa. The bottle of "fizz' on arrival was a lovely touch, Thanks. Would recommend this cute little cottage.

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Jun 2022

  • "Absolutely gorgeous cottage, quirky but provided everything we needed, the host has thought of everything that one might need during their stay."

    Very comfortable & clean & in a perfect setting.

    Reviewed by Anna5.0Jun 2022

  • "The property was very clean and comfortable and in a great location."

    Reviewed by Richard5.0May 2022

  • "We really enjoyed our week in the Old Dame School cottage with it’s quirky, quaint, homely atmosphere."

    All the facilities had full, simple instructions and the two showers were excellent. The cottage is situated in an ideal spot with lovely views down the village green and out of the way of passing traffic. Parking is right outside the door and the superb Corn Mill tea rooms an added bonus just opposite. My wife and I walked every day, most of the beautiful walks were from our doorstep. There are two doorways with rather low headroom but after the second day we didn’t bump our heads once. We would wholeheartedly recommend the cottage and I do hope we return sometime in the future.

    Reviewed by Adrienne5.0Mar 2022

  • "Beautiful, quaint, traditional, cosy cottage in a great location, central to the village."

    The cottage is more than well equipped with everything needed for your stay. Traditional stone floors but the heating kept the whole place nice and toasty! Comfy beds, spacious showers, lots of wardrobe/cupboard space too! Our Christmas here has been amazing. Thankyou so much to the hosts for keeping us informed of everything before and during our stay. (Reading about the history of the house in the welcome book was a lovely touch too!☺️). Highly recommended for a superb place to stay! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Reviewed by Lucy5.0Dec 2021

  • "A very pleasant and cosy cottage in a lovely village."

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Oct 2021

  • "There are a number of doors with restricted head room where you might require to stoop to avoid hitting your head."

    The stair is very steep with narrow treads and no continuous handrail. Care is required when carrying luggage up and down stairs. Added improvements could be a small foot stool for resting tired legs and a smaller size non stick frying pan.

    Reviewed by John4.7Sep 2021

  • "Found the doors fairly noisy especially if using facilities at night!"

    The downstairs shower was very hot and difficult to regulate. We really enjoyed staying at the cottage, which is in a wonderful area of Yorkshire. The Cornmill tea room just across the road is very good, but not for the waistline!!! Would be very happy to stay in this cottage again.

    Reviewed by Susan4.4Aug 2021

  • "The cottage was very clean and had everything we needed for our stay."

    This is an ideal location for walking and exploring the Yorkshire Dales. We liked it so much we’ve booked it again.

    Reviewed by Diane5.0Aug 2021

  • "We had a lovely week and the house has everything you need."

    Thank you. I think it would be nice to have carpet in the living rooms as floor is a bit cold.

    Reviewed by Maggie4.7Jul 2021

  • "The cottage was gorgeous, really homely & comfy & had everything we needed."

    Bainbridge is a lovely village & we found some some lovely walks & really enjoyed our stay, thank you

    Reviewed by Sheran5.0May 2021

  • "The cottage has everything required for a wonderful stay and more."

    The fizz on arrival was lovely. The location was ideal for walks (Semer Water Aysgarth, Bolton Castle all close), ice cream shop opposite, park for the kids and pub for the grown ups. Parking no problem. Situated in 'God's own country'. Will be booking again.

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Apr 2021

  • "Please could you let the owner know that the en-suite shower head needs tightening as it did not stay in the holder."

    The cooking equipment was great with many cooking dishes etc. Plenty of plates and cutlery. Spotlessly clean and nice touch having Christmas decorations up.

    Reviewed by Jane5.0Dec 2020

  • "Perfect cottage, tasteful renovated, perfect location which made for a very relaxing time."

    Reviewed by Andrea5.0Oct 2020

  • "Exceptionally clean and immaculate, very impressed with comfort and quality of all the furnishings etc in the cottage."

    Felt very relaxed in the surroundings. Lovely position in the village, which is a pretty village.

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Sep 2020

  • "We really enjoyed our stay in this lovely cottage in the beautiful village of Bainbridge."

    The cottage had everything we needed for our holiday.

    Reviewed by Karen4.4Sep 2020

  • "Great cottage in a fab location."

    Good communication from property owner. An ideal base for exploring Wensleydale. Enjoyed sitting out in the sun on the village green and there’s a lovely play park and football goals for the children. Visited the local tea shop and enjoyed fish and chips from the mobile van. Cottage was lovely and had everything we needed. Very comfy beds. Clean and well-kept.

    Reviewed by Rachael5.0Aug 2020

  • "Bainbridge is fabulous place to stay, so many great days out in the area and the best walking routes & views anywhere."

    The Old Dame School is a beautiful cottage and we were fascinated to read about it's history in the information we were sent. The contents of the cottage has been carefully considered & everything is of a very high quality. The table in the dining room was set beautifully & included a welcome bottle of fizz. Thank you for all the extra touches which were so much appreciated & made our stay extra special.

    Reviewed by Marie4.7Jul 2020

  • "Excellent cottage in a beautiful village."

    Close to everything you need but a quiet location. Walk and cycle from the front door. Arrive back to ice cream from the tea shop.

    Reviewed by Chris5.0Jul 2020

  • "The cottage had everything we could possibly need."

    It was cosy and convenient we received a really appreciated welcome pack. We had a wonderful break.

    Reviewed by Barbara5.0Dec 2019

  • "Cottage was well appointed with good facilities."

    Some low door entrances but all in keeping with the style of cottage. Some nice touches with welcome bottle of fizz and very comprehensive instructions and manual for all equipment.

    Reviewed by David4.4Oct 2019

  • "Very much enjoyed staying at the Old Dame School."

    A really good location in the Dales and in the Village. The cottage managed to combine an authentic charm with great comfort and all mod cons. Everything was extremely well equipped and immaculately presented. There was also the best 'cottage handbook' I have ever seen - contacts, how to work all the equipment, places to go, places to eat .... the works.

    Reviewed by John5.0Oct 2019

  • "Perfect cottage in a perfect location."

    Everything we cold have wished for and more.

    Reviewed by David5.0Jul 2019

  • "A lovely cottage ."

    Bainbridge is well situated for exploring the Northern Dales and there are a number of walks in the immediate area.

    Reviewed by John5.0May 2019

  • "Excellent cottage, very well equipped, a real home from home."

    Bainbridge a quiet, peaceful village but with good amenities to hand. Some lovely walks from the cottage.

    Reviewed by Judy5.0Apr 2019

  • "This is a lovely cottage in a great location."

    It is very well equipped and comfortable and met all our needs. Showers are spacious and powerful which is often not the case in holiday accommodation. Bainbridge is a pretty village close to plenty of places to visit. Cafe directly opposite is very friendly and does a very good breakfast.We would stay there again if in the area

    Reviewed by Susan4.4Apr 2019

  • "The Old Dame School was a perfect place to use as a base for walking in the area."

    It was. Also really comfortable and cosy to come back to.

    Reviewed by Nicky5.0Feb 2019

  • "This is a wonderful little cottage, very comfortable as well as being full of charm."

    Well equipped and positioned to enjoy the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

    Reviewed by Lynn5.0Dec 2018

  • "We had a great time in a cosy cottage, everything provided to make our stay stress free."

    ..lovely village of bainbridge...

    Reviewed by Sylvia5.0Oct 2018

  • "Since we started using Sykes to book our holidays we have enjoyed every single booking."

    Our recent week staying in the old dame school in the yorkshire dales was exceptional. The cottage was an absolute delight as was the village and local ameinaties. The quality of the fixtures and fittings and of the furnishings was beyond reproach. Every little detail had been thought of to make the stay even more enjoyable. 10 out of 10 is not a flattering score for the quality offered in this lovley cottage. Thank you; David, Margaret & Kirsty Hughdie.

    Reviewed by David5.0Sep 2018

  • "WE LOVED STAYING AT THIS BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE, IT WAS EVERYTHING WE HOPED IT WOULD BE."

    VERY WELL EQUIPED, THE BEDS WERE COMFORTABLE. LOVELY VILLAGE. JUST REMEMBER TO DUCK YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU GO INTO THE ON SUITE!

    Reviewed by Eric5.0Aug 2018

  • "A lovely, clean cottage in a perfect location for walking the Dales."

    It would be difficult to find a more picturesque village where all the properties have been restored to such an excellent standard in this area of outstanding beauty. The cottage is also within easy walking of the local hotel where the staff are extremely friendly and ensure you have a good night out.

    Reviewed by David5.0Jul 2018

  • "A cosy comfortable cottage ."

    Tastefully renovated - it retains some quirky features yet has all the clean modern kitchen and bathroom fittings one would expect. Great location for a walking holiday in a very scenic,interesting part of the country.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Dec 2017

  • "Very nice cottage, perfect, with everything we needed for a relaxing break - Had some near misses on the low door openings - very entertaining!"

    Reviewed by Ian4.6Oct 2017

  • "Great location and cottage was really well equipped."

    Reviewed by Rosalind4.6May 2017

  • "This cottage is fabulous."

    It has been renovated to a high standard, it is well equipped, very clean and well located.

    Reviewed by Simon4.8Apr 2017

  • "Lovely cottage in great location."

    Very clean and beds extremely comfortable.

    Reviewed by Jonathan4.6Apr 2017

  • "We did not go to the cottage in the end due to family illness."

    Reviewed by Peter3.8Oct 2016

  • "This is a very well kept cottage with every piece of equipment you would wish for on a holiday."

    A central location for touring the Dales.

    Reviewed by Gavin P5.0Oct 2016

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Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x twin
  • Ground floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Dining room
  • Sitting room with woodburning stove.
  • Electric hot water central heating with woodburning stove
  • Electric cooker, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, TV with basic Sky, radio, WiFi
  • Power and starter pack for stove inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Roadside parking outside cottage, further parking on green just across the road, both of first come first served basis
  • Front bench, side courtyard garden with furniture
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shops 1 min walk, pub 3 mins walk
  • Note: En-suite accessed via small height-restricted doorway up three steps from bedroom
  • Note: Slightly reduced headroom in some areas of the cottage.

The property

A picturesque, 200-year old, stone-built detached cottage, overlooking the village green in the centre of the pretty Dales village of Bainbridge.

Fully renovated by the current owners, this historic property is full of character and charm, and seamlessly combines many of the original features, including old ceiling beams and flagged flooring with luxurious modern touches to provide a first class holiday home.

Every effort has been given to maintaining the character and authenticity of this traditional cottage, but this does mean that there are low ceiling and doorways.

This is a great space and location for a romantic break, somewhere to invite friends along to or simply enjoy a family break.

The ground floor features a delightful sitting room with stylish leather furnishings, a cosy inset woodburning stove, Yorkshire stone flooring and a lovely set of ceiling beams, totally at home in a cottage of this style and grand old age.

A modern well-equipped kitchen and a cosy dining room ensure that guests have a great place to enjoy evening meals before curling up by the fire and making the most of this wonderful cottage.

The main bedroom features a king-size bed and a modern en-suite with spacious walk-in shower, whilst the second bedroom offers twin beds, and access to a lovely bathroom.

Outside, the south-facing frontage has a lovely bench to relax and soak up the sunshine, and to the side of the property is a small enclosed yard, suitable for sitting out and enjoying the view out across the village green.

There is fantastic countryside to all sides, with Wensleydale often described as one of the most beautiful of the Yorkshire Dales.

The walks from the doorstep are not to be missed, and guests can enjoy a circular walk to the surrounding villages, with many half-way watering holes scattered along the way!

Historic and sightseeing opportunities abound from the cottage, with the castles at Bolton and Middleham nearby, as well as to Hardraw Force, England's highest single drop waterfall.

This cottage is an ideal getaway for exploring Wensleydale and Swaledale; a first-class holiday home, with all the character and charm of a 'reight proper' Dales cottage.

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About the location

BAINBRIDGE

Hawes 4 miles.

The picturesque Wensleydale village of Bainbridge is situated in truly beautiful countryside just a mile and a half from Askrigg, known to millions as Darrowby in James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small", and four miles from the market town of Hawes, the home of Wensleydale cheese. Bainbridge boasts an extensive village green, which comes with its own set of stocks. This is an excellent holiday location for walkers, offering a great base from which to explore both Wensleydale and Swaledale, with beauty spots in the area including Aysgarth Falls, Semerwater, castles at both Castle Bolton and Middleham and of course, Hardraw Force - England's highest single, unbroken, drop waterfall at 99ft! There are also lots of interesting market towns and villages to visit, including Leyburn and Middleham, to name just a couple.

View more holiday cottages in Bainbridge

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas