Gallowgate Cottage, Yorkshire

Gallowgate Cottage in Richmond, North Yorkshire is a stone-built, two-bedroom retreat with serious character. This compact but cleverly designed cottage sits just a ten-minute walk from Richmond's historic centre. The glass-roofed kitchen floods with natural light while the cosy lounge with its wood burner-effect gas fire makes evenings extra snug. Perfect for small families or two couples wanting to explore the Yorkshire Dales.

Richmond offers the best of both worlds - a proper market town with real Yorkshire personality plus stunning countryside right on your doorstep. You won't need your car as everything's within walking distance - shops, pubs, restaurants and beautiful riverside walks. Hudswell Woods and Easby Abbey provide perfect dog-walking territory. After a day exploring, nothing beats sinking into your private hot tub with a glass of something cold.

The cottage sleeps four guests across two comfortable bedrooms with one bathroom featuring a powerful shower (watch out - the water gets properly hot!). Downstairs you'll find a bedroom, making it accessible for those who prefer to avoid stairs. The enclosed garden has both lawned and gravelled areas, plus a patio with outdoor table, chairs and a fire pit for evening drinks or breakfast al fresco.

Richmond Castle (0.5 miles, 10 min walk) dominates the town's skyline and offers spectacular views. The Station (0.7 miles, 15 min walk) houses shops, a cinema and café in a converted Victorian railway building. Easby Abbey (1.5 miles, 5 min drive) provides atmospheric ruins to explore, while Hudswell Woods (1 mile, 5 min drive) offers beautiful riverside trails.

Gallowgate Cottage hits the sweet spot - stylish but not pretentious, practical but full of thoughtful touches. The owners even leave tennis balls for dogs and welcome treats for humans! Who doesn't want cake and prosecco waiting after their journey?