Welcome to The Birch Tree Cottages Luxury self-catering holiday retreats.

Address –The Birch Tree Holiday Cottages, Lupton Bank, Wilsill, , , HG3 5EA

Thank you for choosing to stay at The Birch Tree Cottages, we hope you enjoy your holiday in beautiful Nidderdale. We have provided guest information to help you make the most of your time here in the breath taking countryside of North .

Polite Notice

Please make sure you leave the cottage the way you find it!

Check in after 16:00pm Check out on / before 10:00am

All of our Holiday Cottages are maintained to an extremely high standard and we respectfully remind guests to take due care and attention when staying in the property.

We would be appreciative if you could leave the holiday home as you found it with all…

-Furniture replaced to their original locations

-Kitchen surfaces clean and tidy

-All rubbish placed in the outside bins

-Dish washer filled & set going

-All pet hair removed from furniture / carpets

-All used bed linen, towels and dressing gowns placed in the laundry bags provided

We appreciate that most of guests will leave our cottages clean and tidy, this is just a polite reminder.

On Your Departure Please Return The Key To The Lock Box & Be Sure To Twizzle The Numbers So The Code Is Not Left Visible!

Thank You Once a local rustic public house, The Birch Tree Inn has now been lovingly renovated into three seriously seductive self-catering retreats & a cosy bar and restaurant not far from the award winning “village of the year 2017” Pateley Bridge and the historic spa town of Harrogate.

We have made every effort to make these holiday cottage as welcoming and as well-equipped as possible so please make yourselves at home. Have a good look around and familiarize yourself with the contents of the property.

It has been cleaned to the highest standard with luxury linens on the beds and fresh towels in the bathrooms, if you find anything not to your satisfaction please inform us as soon as you can so we can resolve the problem and your stay can be as comfortable and as relaxing as possible.

Emergency Contacts Our numbers – Kim 07971358162 | Mark 07779006453 Feastfield medical centre Pateley bridge – 01423 711369 – HG3 5AT A&E Harrogate general hospital – 01423 885959 - HG2 7SX Pateley Bridge dental practice – 01423 712799 – HG3 5HL Pateley Bridge Pharmacy – 01423 711329 – HG3 5AL Oak Beck Veterinary Hospital – 01423 561414 - HG2 3HU

Petrol & Convenience store - The Dales Market Corner Pateley Bridge – HG3 5HQ Turning right down into Pateley Bridge drive down the high street, over the bridge and on your right you will see The Dales Market Corner & petrol station. Open every day Winter 7am -10pm / Summer-6am – 11pm.

Pateley Bridge – Has lots of stores that stock local produce and is open daily.

The nearest supermarkets are in central Harrogate or Ripon.

Waitrose 92, station parade, Harrogate, HG1 1HQ – 01423 501333 Sainsbury’s 55, Leeds road, Harrogate, HG2 8AY – 01423 873822 Asda Bower Road, Harrogate, HG1 5DE – 01423 524243 Morrisons Harrogate road, Ripon, HG4 2RU – 01765 600827

The main supermarkets deliver here so why not do an online order and get it delivered to the door (see address above).

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is locked by a password; you can connect to The Birch Tree Cottages using this case sensitive password which you will find listed inside the property.

Smoking is not allowed inside the apartments, but feel free to smoke outside & please dispose of all cigarette ends accordingly.

One parking space is allocated for each cottage apartment in the car park!

Kitchen & Lounge

In the kitchen you will find your welcome items. Dry goods will be displayed on the sideboard and perishable items will be in the fridge. Also in the kitchen will be some essentials to get your stay off to a start such as tea, coffee, sugar a clean cloth and sponge washing up liquid, dish washer tablets, a spare bin liner & kitchen roll. You will also find salt and pepper please feel free to make use of these during your stay.

Our appliances are fairly simple to use however, should you need instructions for any of them please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

You will also find an airier, iron, ironing board and vacuum cleaner inside the apartment.

Our smoke detectors are very sensitive and during your stay I’m sure you will shout “IT’S JUST TOAST” more than once! If you do happen to slightly overcook anything keep it well ventilated by opening the doors and windows the alarm will turn off on its own. However, in an emergency call 999.

The hot water is always on so you can enjoy a bath/shower at any time of the day! During the cooler months an ambient temperature will be set for you, if you would like it warmer or cooler you can use the up and down buttons on the thermostat.

Bedrooms In the bedrooms you will find large comfortable beds and pillows, dressed in clean fresh linen & a hair dryer for you to use during your stay. In the bathrooms you will find a few toilet rolls, clean fresh towels and complimentary soap.

Breakages We understand that things can get broken! Please let us know of any so these can be replaced for the next guests. Any major damage/breakages will have to be paid for.

Candles – if you would like to light the candles please only use them with the correct holder’s and make sure they are fully extinguished after use and never left unattended.

Visit Harrogate is a great website to take a look at with recommendations of places to eat and visit as well as an extensive events calendar. www.visitharrogate.co.uk. Alternatively, there is a tourist information centre in Pateley bridge who have great knowledge and maps of walks and hikes in the area.

Recommendations

Places to eat…

The Wellington inn 01423 780362 – Darley HG3 2QQ Only a short drive away, this is a great classic pub with the traditional tap room, that has a variety of quality local cask ales and traditional bar meals served daily. You can also book into the restaurant which has stunning views across the valley and a mouth-watering selection of dishes using mostly, locally sourced Yorkshire ingredients.

The Timble Inn 01943 880530 – Timble LS21 2NN The Timble Inn is an 18th century grade II listed coaching inn offering a more intimate dining experience. All the dishes are prepared fresh using the finest quality locally sourced ingredients & the wine menu is quite extensive. Lunch and dinner are served Wednesday – Sunday booking is highly recommended.

The Sawley Arms 01765 620642 – Sawley HG4 3EQ The Sawley Arms is a characterful & charming traditional English village pub. The dining areas are relaxed and comfortable and are open every day of the week for lunch and dinner, the menu is complimented by a varied wine list, cask ales and a well-stocked bar. Booking is not needed.

The Yorke Arms 01423 755243 – Ramsgill HG3 5RL An 18th centaury coaching house is home to the Yorke arms. The site was a monastic cheesier as far back as the 11th centaury, before becoming a coaching inn. Francis and her husband Bill became the owners in 1996 and the restaurant won a Michelin star in 2003 which it holds to this day! A place to immerse yourself in relaxation and let the bountiful larder provide a glorious treat for your taste buds. Booking is recommended.

The Sportsman’s Arms 01423 711306 – HG3 5pp Somewhere to enjoy great food in a relaxing atmosphere, attended by long-serving staff who want to make it a welcoming experience you’ll want to remember and repeat. With a menu that includes a wide range of game – much of it shot within a mile of the restaurant and an extensive selection of wines to complement any dish.

Harrogate Harrogate town offers a wide range of places to eat and in many different cuisines, from chain eateries and bar meals to finer dining at the many independently owned restaurants.

Things to do during yours stay…… www.visitharrogate.co.uk - is a great site to look at with an up to date events calendar for the local area.

Stray FM 97.2 – is the local radio station with great music, news and offers for the local area.

Love the Outdoors – A visit to Pateley Bridge Tourist Information Centre is a must!

Eat The local area offers everything from traditional tea-rooms and quaint cafes to a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant. You will find no shortage of excellent gastro pubs and restaurants in the area. § The Timble Inn - http://www.thetimbleinn.co.uk/ § The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill - www.yorke-arms.co.uk § Olley’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Pateley Bridge - www.olleyspizzeria.co.uk § The Sportman’s Arms, Wath - www.sportsmans-arms.co.uk § Craven Arms, - www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk § The Sawley Arms, Sawley - www.sawleyarms.co.uk

Or you could venture a little further afield and try some of the other top restaurants and gastro pubs across the Dales. We’ve listed just some of our favorites below...

§ Yorebridge House, Bainbridge – www.yorebridgehouse.co.uk § The Blue Lion, East Witton – www.thebluelion.co.uk § Samuels, Swinton Park - www.swintonpark.com/menus/food_wine.html § The Burgoyne, Reeth – www.theburgoyne.co.uk § Wensleydale Heifer, West Witton - www.wensleydaleheifer.co.uk § The Angel Inn, Hetton - www.angelhetton.co.uk § The Burlington, Bolton Abbey - www.thedevonshirearms.co.uk/burlington- restaurant.cfm § The Punch Bowl, Low Row – www.pbinn.co.uk § CB Inn, Arkengarthdale - www.cbinn.co.uk

If you prefer to eat at home, Bluebell cottage has a well equipped kitchen and dining area.

Nearby Pateley Bridge is the hub of a proud dales farming community; with fierce competition between the two local butchers, supported by an excellent baker, fruit and vegetable shops, delicatessen, wine, cigar shop and a couple of general grocers, you’ll find everything you need just a couple of miles away. We recommend going local however you can find plenty of supermarkets in Harrogate or Ripon. There are also regular farmers markets held at many of the local towns and villages.

What not to miss...

There is so much to see and do in the Yorkshire Dales, but try not to miss the following:

Introducing Mother Nature This isn’t just countryside, this is Yorkshire Dales countryside. Without doubt, the number one reason for visiting the Dales is to soak up the stunning scenery. Nidderdale is perhaps the most luscious landscape in the Dales; with its lakes, ancient broadleaf woodlands, single arch barns and neat patchwork of stone edged fields that sit beneath open moorland stretching as far as the eye can see. Cold stone Cut is just a short drive away; a wonderful viewing point and art sculpture it affords the best vista of Nidderdale and the surrounding area. Across the dale, Brimham Rocks is an extensive enclave of bizarrely formed rocks that cast an interesting silhouette on the landscape and have been a favorite playground for generations of kids young and old. Close by to Bluebell Cottage is, How Stean Gorge is a deep limestone ravine with the river Nidd at its base, cris-crossed by a vertiginous path and a number of dramatic pedestrian bridges. Stump Cross Caverns sits atop the hill between Nidderdale and , whose extensive passages, formed millions of years ago, feature the remains of Wolverine and Bison. Or why not hunt out some of the more famous geographically remarkable sites on foot:

Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside The great Three Peaks of Ribblesdale; a Mecca to walkers and photographers alike. At around 700 meters high, climbing to the top of these peaks is no walk in the park, so if you feel like the challenge make sure you’re well prepared: www.3peakswalks.co.uk The Ingleton Waterfall trail nearby provides fantastic views of Ingleborough, and at less than 5 miles is not so taxing: www.ingletonwaterfallswalk.co.uk

Aysgarth Falls & Hardraw Force Two of the best loved waterfalls in the Dales, both found in Wensleydale. The subject of a Turner painting, Hardraw Force has the longest free drop of any waterfall in (above ground anyway) and is particularly spectacular after heavy rainfall. Film fans may recognise the spot where Kevin Costner takes a dip in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves; Aysgarth’s charms lie not in height but in width, and the magical setting of ancient woodland.

Malham Cove A 250-foot limestone cliff face, cut from the ground by an ancient waterfall long since gone. It’s a steep climb up the man-made steps to the top but the fabulous view over the moorland and remarkable limestone pavement below is your reward. The half-mile walk to the Cove is signposted from Malham village: www.malhamdale.org.uk

Village life There are countless attractive villages and small market towns dotted about the Dales, so you don’t have to look far to find one. Some are prettier or more interesting than others though, so it’s worth making a special effort to get there:

Grassington Just over hill and into Wharfedale; is the perfectly formed small Dales town with its picture postcard cobbled square and myriad of cafes, artisan shops, pubs and tightly packed rows of pretty stone cottages. Gentlemen should not leave without visiting Robert Bunny’s outfitters; the perfect place to try a tweed cap, the must have souvenir of a break in the Yorkshire Dales.

Middleham Supposedly the smallest town in the Dales, Middleham in Wensleydale packs a weighty punch in terms of visitor attractions. The epicenter of racehorse training in the North, you’ll often spot a stable lad leading his thoroughbreds through the town. It’s possible to tour some of the stables in the area for a behind the scenes look at this industry. It also boasts two market squares, some of the best tea-rooms around and a castle to boot.

Skipton The self-styled ‘gateway to the Dales’ it’s one of the bigger market towns with its popular street market, www.skiptonmarket.net . It also boasts an impressive castle, bustling canal basin and a plethora of heritage buildings, placing it neatly between the past and the present.

Kettlewell The most significant village in upper Wharfedale, it consists of an enchanting collection of 17th and 18th Century houses with several inns and Tea-rooms to refuel.

Dent Set in the beautiful valley of Dentdale close to the Settle to Carlisle Railway line, Dent is an impossibly pretty cluster of whitewashed cottages and cobbled streets. Its inherent good looks means it can be chaotic during the summer months, but we think it’s worth braving the crowds for.

Sedbergh Although technically in Cumbria, Sedbergh is the largest town in the Dales. Its status as England’s Booktown means it’s bursting with book shops and literary events, with many second hand special edition prints to be hunted out.

Clapham Lifted straight from a chocolate box cover and pasted onto the foothills of Ingleborough.

Muker Originally a Norse settlement, Muker is one of the more remote villages in the northern Dales, it has a certain secluded appeal. Features a village shop and tea-rooms, craft shop / art gallery and an excellent pub.

Reeth A lovely village set around a large village green. The Swaledale Museum is here as well as several great pubs, an art gallery and a cute ice-cream parlor.

West Burton Just off the beaten track from Wensleydale to Bishopdale, West Burton is another one of those villages which just define the word pretty. A large village green flanked with old stone cottages is the center point, with a waterfall and packhorse bridge to finish the scene.

Leyburn An archetypical slice of Dales market town life, Leyburn’s traditional shops, pubs and cafes are centered around the town square which hosts a busy market every Friday. It’s also home to the biggest auction center outside of London, if you fancy picking up a bargain. The nearby town of Richmond is similar in many ways, and has a lovely setting along the River Swale.

Masham A pretty little market town where grand Georgian buildings huddle around the central square. Lots of lovely restaurants, shops and cafes to choose from and it’s also home to two breweries..

History Lesson People have lived in the Yorkshire Dales for over 10,000 years, so as you would expect the place is teaming with historical sites. Conquered at various points by the Danes, Romans, Norsemen, Angles and Normans, all have left their mark on this primordial landscape. From Roman roads to ruined Abbeys, the Dales are indelibly printed with the past so if you enjoy a spot of heritage hunting, try not to miss...

Richmond Castle One of the oldest Norman stone fortresses in the UK: http://www.richmond.org/guide/castle.html

Bolton Castle A spectacularly well preserved medieval fortress in the heart of Wensleydale, dating back to the 1300s. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here in 1569: www.boltoncastle.co.uk

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden Just outside Ripon, this World Heritage site is deservedly one of the National Trust’s most visited locations. As well as the magnificent ruins of a 12th Century Cistercian abbey, the grounds are home to an Elizabethan Mansion, a medieval deer park and some of the most romantic vistas in the country: www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

Bolton Abbey Owned by the Duke of Devonshire, the Bolton Abbey estate is just off the main Skipton to Harrogate road on the banks of the River Wharf. The ruins of a Priory built by Augustine monks in the 12th Century are the centerpiece in over 80 miles of beautiful riverside and woodland walkways: www.boltonabbey.com

Jervaulx Abbey Situated about halfway between Masham and Leyburn, Jervaulx Abbey was once a great Cistercian Monastery. The enchanting ruins, covered in striking wild flowers tell the tale of this harsh life of prayer, meditation and hard labour: www.jervaulxabbey.com

Eat, drink and be merry There’s more to food up North than Yorkshire Puddings and gravy; according to Harden’s UK Restaurant Guide 2009, Yorkshire has more good quality restaurants than any other English county. Check out our recommendations above for the best dining options across the Dales. But it’s not just restaurants and gastro pubs here which tempt the taste buds:

Brymor Real Dairy Ice-cream Where Jersey cream gets the Yorkshire treatment. Produced on High Jervaulx Farm in Wensleydale, it’s one of only a handful of UK ice-cream manufacturers who use only the milk from their own pedigree Guernsey herd. The working farm has a large ice-cream parlour attached allowing you to try this creamy sinfulness on site. www.abmoore.co.uk

Booze trail The sleepy Dales town of Masham is home to one of the most loved beers in the North: Black Sheep. Only 16 years old, this brewery’s origins lie in the fiercely independent spirit of a Yorkshire man, Paul Theakston - a fascinating tale and one you can learn all about on a tour of the brewery: www.blacksheepbrewery.co.uk The bigger, more commercial Theakstons brewery is here too: www.theakstons.co.uk If you prefer a Pinot to a pint, pop along to Yorkshire Country Wines in Pateley Bridge. This family run business have been bottling traditionally made wine for years, all using local fruits and flowers like gooseberries and Elderflower. : www.yorkshirecountrywines.co.uk

10p mix-up anyone? Indulge your inner child - take a step back in time to the sweetshops of yesteryear. ‘The Oldest Sweet Shop in England’, housed in a 17th Century building in Pateley Bridge is the real deal. The sweetshop dates back to the early 1800s and little has changed inside since then: www.oldestsweetshop.co.uk Joneva on Masham’s market square is another little gem, full to the brim of traditional sweets and handmade chocolates: www.joneva.com

Cheese ‘n biscuits As indicative of this region as flat caps and dry stone walls, a spot of Wensleydale cheese is a must whilst you’re here. You’ll find it for sale in most delis and supermarkets, as well as on the cheeseboard of most restaurants, but if you want to get up close and personal you can visit the creamery in Hawes where it’s made: www.wensleydale.co.uk And don’t forget about the lesser known but equally delicious Swaledale cheese, made for centuries in the beautiful northern Dales: www.swaledalecheese.co.uk

Fresh from the farm With a host of farmer’s markets happening across the Dales most weekends it’s worth tracking one down for a taste of rural Yorkshire life. Take a stroll around to soak up the atmosphere and eye some traditional Yorkshire produce. Check out www.yorkshiredales.org or www.ndfm.co.uk for details of the main markets in the region.

Anoraks Ahoy! Do your bit for carbon emission; leave the car at home and travel by train for the day. Not that you’ll feel you’re making much of a sacrifice; the train journeys across the Dales are sheer bliss:

Settle to Carlisle Line Calling itself ‘England’s most scenic railway’, it’s certainly a contender for the title. Taking in some of the most dramatic views of the Dales, the 72 mile stretch from Settle to Carlisle runs over the striking Ribblehead Viaduct as well as stopping at a number of pretty towns and villages en route: www.settle- carlisle.co.uk

Wensleydale Railway At present passenger services operate on the 17 miles of line between Leeming Bar and Redmire. There are some lovely views of Wensleydale on offer as well as several interesting stops: www.wensleydalerailway.com

Embsay and Bolton Railway Train travel the old fashioned way; a lovely route from the historic Embsay Station near Skipton to the Bolton Abbey Estate. Steam trains operate most Sundays and there are a number of special services throughout the year, including the delectable summer evening strawberry specials. You can even charter your own train: www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk A note of warning – the website is a little bewildering, so best to call and double check times and services etc.

Family fun There are lots of things to keep the kids amused in and around the Dales.

Hazel Brow Visitor Centre A 200 acre organic livestock farm famous for its beautiful Herriot scenery and wildflower meadows. Enjoy an interactive tour of the farm, meet & feed the animals, try some of the delicious home produced fare such as ‘haytime lemonade’ and ‘Swaledale Shepherds Pie’ in the café and gift shop. Then watch and take part in the Swaledale crafts and skills. Take a walk on the nature trail along the banks of the River Swale. www.hazelbrow.co.uk

The Forbidden Corner Voted best children’s attraction in Yorkshire. A labyrinth of follies, tunnels, chambers and surprises – must be pre-booked. www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk

Thorp Perrow Arboretum One of the largest collections of trees and shrubs in the North of England, set in 85 acres. Also hosts a Bird of Prey and Mammal centre doing daily demonstrations. Other on-site attractions include ‘party in the park’ style evening entertainment. www.thorpperrow.com

Big Sheep Little Cow An all-weather farm attraction, cuddle goats & bath a pig! www.farmattraction.co.uk

Adventure Point Fun filled destination for younger children, themed play activities – a good choice for a rainy day. www.adventure-point.co.uk

The Bright Lights The Spa Town of Harrogate is less than 15 minutes’ drive away. Encircled by its famous ‘Stray’ or ‘1,000 acres’ of horseshoe shaped grassland, Harrogate has a bright and breezy open air feel and is characterised by its impressive floral displays. And as you would expect of such a bustling upbeat town, Harrogate boasts over 300 bars and restaurants together with all the shops, swimming pools, cinemas, parks and gardens you could ever wish for.

Attractions include...

§ The Royal Hall and Harrogate International Centre - www.royalhall.co.uk § RHS Gardens at Harlow Carr - https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr § The Turkish Baths - www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk § The Pump Rooms – www.yorkshire.com/view/attractions/harrogate/royal-pump-room- museum-125960/ § The Mercer Gallery - www.harrogate.gov.uk/musm/Pages/mercerartgallery.aspx § Betty’s Tea Rooms - www.bettys.co.uk § Harrogate Flower Show - www.flowershow.org.uk/ § Harrogate Theatre - www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/ § The Yorkshire Showground - http://eventcentre.co.uk/

Some of these places to visit are further afield! We have plenty to see and do locally. You will find a number of leaflets inside the cottage and mother nature is right on the doorstep!

The tourist information centre in Pateley bridge also has a plethora of knowledge of everything local.

Fire & Emergency Notice

Please familiarise yourself with the information on this sheet for your own safety.

Please take a few minutes to read this important Fire Safety issues

• This holiday home has been inspected under the “Fire Safety Order 2005”. • The risk of fire occurring is similar to your own home. • This building has been assessed using the principle of an early warning of a fire, via smoke detectors, and a quick evacuation of the building. • Our local Fire Protection officers have set out some important Fire Safety Issues for you to follow.

Fire Safety Measures • Where possible, keep all doors closed at all times • Where possible, electrical appliances should be isolated at the switch/socket • Take care with smoking materials/candles – please smoke outside the building • Keep all heaters clear of combustibles • Know the fire routine procedure • Never leave cookers/irons unattended

Fire Emergency Routine Procedure – in the event of a fire in the building • Stay calm • Put out the fire if it is safe to do so – do not take any risks • Get everyone out of the building • Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Brigade or relevant service giving them the full, correct address including post code as shown below • Stay out

The address of the property (including postcode) is: - The Birch Tree Inn, Lupton Bank, Wilsill, Harrogate, HG3 5EA

In the absence of a mobile phone signal, the nearest public phone / land line can be found at: - The Birch Tree Inn Pub, Lupton Bank, Wilsill, Harrogate, HG3 5EA

THE FIRE ASSEMBLY POINT FOR THE BIRCH TREE COTTAGES IS THE FRONT PUB CAR PARK

Emergency evacuation procedure

In case of fire all guest should evacuate the building by the nearest exit, making their way to the fire assembly point and call 999.

Cottage Manager Details – Mark Cooper & Kim Hampson 07779006453 | 07971358162