Nestled high on a peaceful hillside above the Swale Valley, Sandpiper Cottage is a traditional Swaledale holiday cottage offering a true escape to the Yorkshire Dales. With sweeping views, cosy interiors, and walking trails starting right from the doorstep, this characterful Dales cottage, which was once a cow byre, combines rural charm with modern comfort. Whether you’re curling up by the wood burning stove or enjoying a glass of wine al fresco with the hills of Swaledale as your backdrop, Sandpiper is the perfect base for couples or small families looking to explore this stunning part of the National Park.
- Sleeps 3
The cottage sleeps three people with a spacious gallery-style king bedroom, with a single bedroom and bathroom accessed through it- ideal for a small family or a couple with one child. A travel cot is also available for guests with a baby.
- Dog-friendly
One well-behaved dog is welcome at Sandpiper Cottage, making it a fantastic choice for walkers with four-legged companions. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly walks on your doorstep, the local pubs and cafes welcome dogs too.
- Peaceful hillside location
Set 250 yards off the road and accessed via a short farm track, the cottage enjoys a prime, end-of-terrace position with spectacular panoramic views of Swaledale’s rolling meadows, dry stone walls, and flower-rich pastures.
- Character features
Steeped in local history, Sandpiper was once home to lead miners and still retains many original features, including exposed beams and traditional barn doors, now cleverly integrated into the open plan dining area with stunning views.
- Modern comforts
Fully equipped for year-round stays, the cottage features super-efficient electric radiators, a wood burning stove, fast WiFi, and plenty of space throughout. It’s the ideal blend of old and new—perfect for relaxing after a day outdoors.
- Open-plan living space
The spacious ground floor includes a cosy lounge with a wood burning stove and plush seating, a well-equipped cook’s kitchen, and a dining area with views you’ll never tire of -especially when enjoyed over a leisurely breakfast or evening meal.
- Outdoor space with a view
Step outside to enjoy your private garden with outdoor seating – perfect for dining al fresco while soaking up the breathtaking views of the dale.
- Practical touches
Secure bike storage, parking to the rear, and all bed linen, towels, electricity, and logs included in your stay.
Local Area – Swaledale at Your Feet
- Low Row village
Just a short walk away lies the peaceful village of Low Row, nestled among Swaledale’s world-famous fells and meadows. The acclaimed Punch Bowl Inn is only a 10-minute walk from the cottage(up/down a steep hill) , serving up superb food, ales, and a warm Yorkshire welcome.
- Walks from the door
Sandpiper Cottage is a walker’s paradise with footpaths and bridleways leading straight from the doorstep into some of the Dales’ most stunning landscapes. The cottage sits along the famous Coast to Coast trail, offering direct access to this iconic route. Nearby, the Old Gang Smelt Mill is a fascinating historical site to explore, adding a touch of local heritage to your outdoor adventures.
- Dales Bike Centre nearby
Just a short drive from Sandpiper Cottage, the Dales Bike Centre in Fremington is the perfect spot for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to hire a bike, book a guided ride, or get expert advice on the best local trails, the centre has you covered. After a day of cycling, be sure to stop by their Cakery for a well-deserved treat—offering a tempting selection of cakes, pastries, and coffee, it’s the ideal place to refuel and relax before heading out for your next adventure.
- Reeth (5 minutes by car)
Just a short 5-minute drive from Sandpiper Cottage, the village of Reeth is a charming and bustling hub in the heart of Swaledale. Here, you’ll find a selection of traditional pubs serving hearty meals and local ales, as well as cafes perfect for a relaxing afternoon tea. The village is home to delightful bakeries offering fresh local treats, and a variety of art galleries showcasing the work of local artists inspired by the stunning landscapes of the Dales. History lovers can visit the Reeth Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the area’s mining heritage. The village green is a wonderful place to unwind, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Swaledale’s hills and meadows, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
- Gunnerside & Muker – Charming Villages with Rich Heritage
Just a short drive from Sandpiper Cottage, the villages of Gunnerside and Muker offer a delightful taste of rural Dales life.
- Gunnerside: Known for its friendly community-run pub, the Kings Head, where you can enjoy local ales and hearty meals. The village is also the gateway to Gunnerside Gill, a stunning natural beauty spot where you can explore cascading waterfalls, peaceful woodlands, and remnants of the area’s lead mining history.
- Muker: A picturesque village nestled at the top of Swaledale, Muker is home to the Farmers Arms, a traditional pub serving locally sourced food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The village also boasts the Old School Art Gallery, a charming space filled with works by local artists, from paintings to hand-crafted goods—offering a true glimpse into the area’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Both villages are perfect for a day out, offering stunning walks, local history, and a taste of Swaledale’s rich culture.
- Leyburn & Richmond within easy reach
Spend a day exploring Leyburn’s market square, independent shops and local produce, or visit Richmond with its impressive Castle, Georgian theatre, riverside walks, restaurants, and more.
Whether you’re looking for adventure on foot or wheels, or simply want to unwind in one of the most beautiful corners of the Yorkshire Dales, Sandpiper Cottage offers comfort, character, and countryside charm in abundance.
Julie –
What a fantastic place to stay beautiful decor and quality furnishings, felt at home instantly, the views were amazing and the peace and quiet was just what we needed.
Rosemary –
Lovely cottage, off the beaten track which we loved. Very clean, everything you could need and dog friendly! Punchbowl Inn nearby, fab food. Hannah very helpful and accommodating.
Noel –
I have stayed here two years running and just booked again for 2024. It is quite simply THE most relaxing place for me and my dog to spend a few days. The views are just a joy to wake up and come home to each day, the star gazing is AMAZING and the peace and quiet are second to none. Hannah and her team keep the place immaculate and the wood burning stove is a real treat in the evenings. And the broadband is good enough to do a bit of work and run a mobile phone from if needed. and the EE signal works really well ! 100% recommend.
Rachael –
We had a lovely stay at Sandpiper, it so cosy and warm with beautiful views . The cottage had everything we needed for our stay .
Charles –
Lovely quiet cottage. Nice, cosy and warm. Great views and walks on the doorstep. Loved it so much booked again for next year. Job done!
Dennis –
Remote cottage in the Dales. Well presented and welcoming – very peaceful.
Pip –
Lovely place, we had snow and sunshine and everything else in between in a week. Great walks from the doorstep. Curlew song can be heard all around, so peaceful and relaxing. Cottage is well equipped and cosy.
Monika –
beautiful secluded cottage perfect for a little hideaway. We loved the decor and the wood burner. the cottage was cozy with lots of ambient lighting and cozy features. comfy bed, new bathroom, good size rooms. There is no shower gel or tea/coffee provided so bring your own. We were given milk and biscuits as welcome gift which was a nice touch! the area is quiet and pretty any time of the year. we were lucky with the weather and could walk from the cottage and explore the Yorkshire Dales on foot. There is a pub nearby (down a steep hill) that serves great sunday lunch with delicious Yorkshire pudding. the host was responsive. Much appreciated! pretty cottage with great views. Happy we booked this place!
Wayne –
Fabulous cottage well equipped
Sue –
The cottage and location were absolutely superb. The cottage was warm and cosy with amazing views from all windows. A perfect rural retreat. Cannot find a single thing to criticise as everything was perfect. This was an occasion when the reality exceeded expectations.”
Abby –
Very peaceful with beautiful views – we had everything we needed. Fantastic location, lots of great walks on your doorstep. We also had a lovely meal at the Punch Bowl Inn which is only a 10 minute walk away and the CB Inn is was also lovely. We highly recommend staying here!
Mike –
Lovely location , excellently appointed cottage ….But sadly head height issues in bathroom and main entrance door as I’m 6’ means sadly we won’t be returning 🥲🥲
Jill –
Great location for walking and exploring Swaledale. Cottage cosy & quiet with stunning views from every window.
Amy –
This is a remarkable historic property in the Swaledale valley, with extraordinary views. And yet the cottage has been painstakingly updated inside, with every comfort and amenity attended to. The bed is comfortable; the bath is modern; there’s a fantastic wood-stove. And the owners have provided wonderful maps and suggestions for walks in the area. You’re just up the hill from the Punch Bowl, a gastro-pub with good food. This is a very special place to stay.
Louise –
The Sandpiper at Low Row is just blissful. Beautiful spot for exploring the Yorkshire landscape. Walks on the doorstep. Beautiful space inside the cottage to relax and unwind. Plus the cottage feels like a total home from home and is very well equipped. Could not fault it. No wonder people return again and again.
Laura –
Enjoyed a very comfortable stay at Sandpiper. Well appointed and cosy, incredible views, remote location but not too far to local amenities and gorgeous walks all around. Lovely enclosed garden and terrace. Really comfortable beds. Owner incredibly helpful in the run up to our stay. Would highly recommend and stay again!
Marisha –
Simply stunning, elevated location, above Low Row, with fantastic views. Beautiful well equipped cottage with all you need, and more, for a cosy, comfortable stay. Great guest info provided by Hannah, including maps, guide books, leaflets and a clear, concise, cottage guide. We highly recommend The CB Inn, and the scenic moor road to get there, for a fantastic meal out. Local walk to ‘Old Gang Smelt’ well with a visit. We look forward to a return visit soon.
Roy –
Lovely cottage on the hillside. nice garden for the dog. great walks all around. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Anne –
Sandpiper cottage provided us we a wonderful break at the end of February. A fantastic walking area and well within reach if lots of lovely villages and towns. The cottage itself is warm and cozy with the most amazing view . It is well equipped and very comfortable. A pleasure to return to each day. Gaining access was easy and the communication we had with the cottage manager was great.
Paul –
Just a wonderful stone cottage above Swaledale. It has cosy high quality amenities and the views are truly spectacular. Throughly recommended.
Alexander –
This is a tranquil and cosy cottage with amazing views of the Dales. Lovely walks, beautiful scenary, very nice food and atmosphere at the local pub- The Punchbowl Inn. The cottage had everything that you would need. It was no hassle checking in and communication was good. Lovely escape from the busy city of London. We will definitely return and do more exploring!
Jonathan –
Hannah was really helpful and the cottage is great and in a great location for hiking the Pennine way. Highly reccomend
Ingrid & Jon –
Hi Hannah, we just want to let you know that we had a wonderful stay. The cottage was lovely and what a fantastic view and place to be. Everybody around was very friendly we went to a number of different places, had a great walks, and ate out once or twice. We look forward to coming back again at some point in the future, meantime wishing you a happy New Year, Ingrid and Jon
Paul –
Hannah is a great host and was super responsive prior to and during my stay. The seclusion of that place was just what I needed after a mad year. Will defo be booking again.
Rachel –
The perfect cottage to stay in the Yorkshire Dales. Very well equipped. Thanks for a lovely stay!
Jason –
A very excellent cottage in a stunning location. warm, cosy and fitted out thoughtfully, carefully and with quality furnishings. would not hesitate to recommend
Peter –
Beautiful place to stay – stunning views. Cosy and quiet, very clean and comfortable. Kitchen equipment excellent and lots of useful information about local attractions etc. Very comprehensive instructions and information about house.
S&S Jackson –
Lovely cottage and location and Hannah at holydayhomesyorkshire was very helpful and efficient. However there are a few ‘buts’ that may not quite suit you. The accommodation is very open-plan; in bed you can hear every spoon being rattled from the kitchen below. The bathroom has lovely fittings but because of the angle of the roof you need to kneel in the bath to take a shower. The second bedroom is very small. You are in close proximity to the 2 adjoining cottages, all but sharing the patio area with your nearest neighbour. Having said all that, if none of that matters it is a very well appointed cottage.
Jess & George, Kent –
Coming from a bustling busy London this cottage and location is the perfect get away from it all. Lovely cottage with loads of character and amazing views. Although the weather has been bad it was still a wonderful and tranquil week away.
David & Margaret, Surry –
Two weeks of excellent weather and fabulous walks. Felt so at peace here and very blessed to be staying in such a lovely cottage. Bowled over by the breathtakingly views. Wish we could stay longer.
Gilly & Keith –
We’ve been visiting the dales for over 27 years and this is by far the best cottage. Beautiful designed and everything needed provided. Excellent appliances and matching cutlery and crockery. This was the cottage with icing on the cake.
Kate & Frank –
This was just what we needed – a beautifully kept comfy cottage in amongst the most beautiful of English countryside. We had a blissful week, fully recharged our batteries. Not looking forward to my own bed – yours is so comfy!
Alison & Peter, Devon, –
Perfect Cottage for us! Beautifully appointed inan idyllic setting with stupendous views. We are both looking forward to staying at Sandpiper again. Thanks so much.
Kelly and John –
Had a fab week at Sandpiper. Cottage lovely everything you could possibly need, plus lovely smelling bed linen and towels when we arrived. We will definitely come again.
Andrew and Mary, Northumberland –
A superbly equipped house. We have had great walks from the cottage in the snow. Swaledale does not disappoint even in foul weather. We hope to return.