If you’ve been searching for that ‘out of the ordinary’ child and family friendly holiday cottage where you can relax in stylish surroundings with stunning views and there’s bags of space for the children to whizz about in totally private and enclosed gardens, then Crag House Farm barns could be just the place for you and your family.

Two beautiful old Yorkshire barns each with their own 1/4 acre of gardens in Danby Dale, bang in the heart of the glorious North York Moors National Park is a great way to begin the story and your family holiday.  Add to that National Park Design Award winning and Geothermal green credentials and you begin to see that these aren’t just any old holiday cottages.

Toasty warm underfloor heating keeps little toes snug and warm perfect when the little ones are playing with the Brio train track, the Duplo Farm  or riding their own pony around the barn with Mum and Dad right there by their side joining in.

The recent John Lewis delivery of useful baby items will help make the holiday run that bit smoother too. Baby bath, black out curtains, baby monitor, muslins, change mat, night lights, cotton wool, cellular blankets, wipes, nappy sacks some of those little things that are so awkward to pack and even more awkward when you discover you’d forgotten to pack them!  Obviously cots, high chairs, stairgates and fireguards are a given at Crag House Farm.

Outside in the garden a willow wigwam is a good start for the little ones, they’ll be inviting you over for tea and all sorts -tea sets included-.  For those a bit older and with a sense of adventure there is a paddock all ready for the family game of football or cricket!

Children adore the Crag House Farm daily feeding of the doves but don’t just take our word for it.  From the guest book  ” for our young boys (aged 4 and 18 months), the outdoor toys, Brio trains and lego were a bonus… but nothing for them matched the twice daily novelty of feeding the doves…it was the first thing each of them spoke about every morning!”

So just strike up the BBQ, open a bottle of something to your taste and start planning some amazing days out from this little gem of a place you’ve just discovered.

From Crag House Farm The Moors Centre is only a few minutes by car or a lovely 35 minute walk from your door.  The centre is chock full of interesting stuff about the area’s Moors,  Coast,  Forests and Dales.  Places to see,  things to do, explore and enjoy. It’s not only information you’ll find there. Visit The inspired … art gallery, Indoor and outdoor play areas. shop and the Woolly Sheep cafe for Yorkshire tea and cake.

Days out should include:-

The fun seaside town of Whitby with its iconic abbey high up on the cliff top and famous for it’s connections with  whaling, smuggling, the best fish and chips, donkeys, Captain James Cook aswell as Count Dracula!

Read about 5 seaside adventures from Crag House Farm in my blog.  Exciting and some quite unique activities that families can share and enjoy together.

The delightful Yorkshire Market town of Helmsley with its castle, walled gardens, boutique shopping and excellent tea rooms and cafes is an all year round treat.  It is one of my favourites and popular with locals and discerning tourists alike.

Historic York England’s northern jewel and on everyones bucket list!  Your children will love you if you take them to The National Railway museum and and the Jorvik viking museum you’ll have a great time too.

Travelling  through the moors on the North Yorkshire Moors steam railway transports you back in time or even to Hogwarts!  STOP PRESS…The Flying Scotsman is on the line from March 12th – 20th!

Ryedale folk museum in the pretty moors village of Hutton le Hole is a parents dream. Set in 6 acres children can safely roam and explore the rural history and heritage of the area from the Iron Age to the 1950’s.

Flamingoland Themepark, Zoo, concerts, just tons going on, your teenagers will love it!

For the outdoor and adventurous types you can’t beat a day in the Forestry Commission’s beautiful and dramatic  Dalby Forest. Situated at the southern end of the North York Moors. Loads of fun.  Go Ape, bike trails and hikes for all abilities, adventure play ground, paint balling, you might even bump into the Gruffalo, you’re certain to find a stickman.

Have fun!