Day 34 of The Quirky Tour and Jess and Dom enjoyed a stay at the Eco Arty Bothies in North Yorkshire, England.
Find out more about their visit:
First Impression:
This the real eco woodland deal with glamping appeal but enjoying a solid and spacious space with the best decor ever. You settle into adding a log to the fire, not flicking through your phone - and take a deep breath and relax.
We slept great, we enjoyed hot baths, and we were warm by the fire so all our needs were more than met - and the decor is mindblowing - better than TV!
It was great to meet Christian and Carolyn at last after working together since 2014.
The Accommodation:
Large bothy with terrace looking out to woodland with soundtrack of owl hoots and a bird chorus.
Each bothy has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and large living area with fireplace (dining table, sofa, kitchenette for basic cooking with a double hob, sink, fridge and plates etc). There is a kettle for using on the hob.
Outside you can enjoy cooking using the BBQ on the terrace and eating at the picnic table, whilst taking in the surrounding woodland.
They like to keep the woodland as clear and safe as possible and as such you can drop your luggage off to a certain point and wheelbarrow the last bit of path to the house with cars being kept at the entrance car park.
Jim is on site pretty much all the time and is on hand to be helpful, bring logs or charcoal on request (for a fee).
You can get a phone signal but no wifi. Get into the spirit of the eco owners Christian & Carolyn - who were glamping pioneers and want to keep this woodland experience pure.
Food and Drink:
Bring all your own supplies to self cater. Wood and charcoal can be bought on site for the woodburner and BBQ.
Go for a light lunch or cake just a stroll away at the Northwood Kitchen Cafe - although bear in mind it can get very busy at peak times. This woodland cafe is off grid and generates it’s own electricity.
There are a selection of eateries within a 30-45 minute drive including The Star Inn at Harome and the Black Swan at Oldstead. If you prefer a spicy meal, then there area two local Indian restaurants within 15 minutes away.
Jess' top tip:
Whilst here we took a trip to their sister site just 30 minutes away where we enjoyed lots of woodland activities as you can see in the photo above. Make sure that you bring wellies in case of wet weather, plus a torch too as well as a book and some games.
Christian and Carolyn, owners, work in the The Fairy Trail just down the lane where there is a daytime cafe open from 10-4 where you can have an off grid lunch, cake, tea, coffee, beer etc.
Guests who stay 2 nights or more can take The Fairy Trail without charge - and I highly recommend that you do.
Although children love this woodland walk with story boards and plenty of magical distractions and a labyrinth - do not think the enjoyment is limited to that age group.
Dom and I spent a wonderful hour there - marvelling at the ingenuity and fantasy and creativity involved. End at the Fairy Museum!
A visit to York is also highly recommended - about 20 minutes away. This medieval city has the craziest historic street called Shambles which is dominated by Harry Potter and witch and ghost shops.
There was a LONG queue of perhaps 50 tourists outside a tiny store that sold individually painted ‘ghosts’ in the form of what looked to me to be a salt seller. Someone is on to a good thing there!
You can join a ghost tour or be shown the city by a witch too. There are city walls to walk, or visit Clifford’s Tower or York Minister and climb the 275 steps for the best city view.
Finally whilst here make the most of being off grid and reset your body clock by rising and setting with the sun - so good for you!
Jess' review of Eco Arty Bothies - 11th February 2023
Learn more about the Eco Arty Bothies and enjoy an off grid back to nature experience.
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