Pateley Bridge Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Pateley Bridge Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Pateley Bridge sits in the heart of Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town itself has the fascinating Nidderdale Museum (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) which tells the story of local life through the centuries. It's open weekends and bank holidays from 1:30-4:30pm.

Just 5 miles away, Brimham Rocks (HG3 4DW) offers weird and wonderful rock formations that kids love climbing on. The National Trust site scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and has free entry (£6 parking). Open daily from dawn till dusk.

Stump Cross Caverns (HG3 5JL) is a prehistoric cave system 8 miles from Pateley Bridge. It gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and costs around £12 for adults. The caves maintain a constant 7°C so bring a jumper even in summer!

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (HG4 3DY) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 12 miles away. This stunning ruined abbey and water garden scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. National Trust members get in free.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages in Pateley Bridge welcome dogs, often with enclosed gardens so your dog can roam safely while you enjoy the hot tub. The town is brilliant for dog owners with plenty of walking routes straight from your door.

The Sportsman's Arms (HG3 5HJ) and The Crown Inn (HG3 5HL) both welcome dogs in their bar areas. After a long walk, you can grab lunch without leaving your four-legged friend in the cottage.

Brimham Rocks allows dogs on leads throughout the site, while Fountains Abbey has specific dog-friendly areas. The riverside walk in Pateley Bridge is perfect for a quick morning or evening dog walk.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - Yorkshire weather can be unpredictable and muddy paws are inevitable! Many local shops sell dog treats and the pet shop on High Street stocks emergency supplies.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Pateley Bridge

The Oldest Sweet Shop in England (HG3 5BW) is a must-visit. Certified by Guinness World Records as trading since 1827, this tiny shop on the High Street sells traditional sweets from glass jars. The smell when you walk in takes you straight back to childhood! They make excellent souvenirs too. Open daily 10am-5pm.

Nidderdale Way is a 53-mile circular walking route, but you can tackle sections of it from Pateley Bridge. The stretch along the River Nidd is relatively flat and suitable for most fitness levels. The views of limestone valleys are worth every step. One visitor called it "the most beautiful walk in Yorkshire" on TripAdvisor.

How Stean Gorge (HG3 5SF) is Yorkshire's little version of the Grand Canyon - an impressive limestone gorge with caves, tunnels and rock formations. For thrill-seekers, they offer gorge walking, abseiling and caving. A family told me their kids rated it "better than Alton Towers" which is high praise indeed! Adult entry to the gorge is £8.50.

Is Pateley Bridge good for families?

Yes! Kids love Brimham Rocks for climbing and exploring, Stump Cross Caverns for underground adventure and How Stean Gorge for outdoor activities. The riverside park has a good playground and many cottages with hot tubs have family-friendly features like games rooms or large gardens.

When is the best time to visit Pateley Bridge?

September is brilliant - the summer crowds have gone but the weather's often still good. The Nidderdale Show (held on the last Monday in September) is the area's biggest event. Winter stays are cosy with hot tubs being especially magical when there's frost or snow outside.

Can I get to Pateley Bridge without a car?

It's tricky but possible. The 24 bus runs from Harrogate (which has rail connections) to Pateley Bridge several times daily. Once in town, there are local taxi services for reaching attractions, but having a car gives you much more freedom to explore.

Where can I buy groceries in Pateley Bridge?

The High Street has Kendall's Farm Butchers, a bakery and Weatherhead's greengrocers for fresh produce. There's also a Co-op for everyday essentials. For a bigger shop, Harrogate (13 miles away) has major supermarkets.

Are there good places to eat out?

Yes! The Sportsman's Arms serves excellent food, while Willow Restaurant gets great reviews for its modern British menu. For casual dining, try The Crown Inn or Talbot Arms. The local fish and chip shop is a must-try too.

What should I pack for a hot tub cottage break in Pateley Bridge?

Walking boots and waterproofs are essential whatever the season. Bring swimwear for the hot tub and flip-flops for getting to and from it. Binoculars are useful for wildlife spotting and don't forget a torch if you're staying somewhere rural.

Some helpful links:

1. Nidderdale AONB Official Website
2. Brimham Rocks Information
3. Stump Cross Caverns
4. How Stean Gorge Activities
5. Nidderdale Way Walking Route