Bespoke designed glamping pods away from it all, yet only 20 minutes drive away from the wonderful City of York. A beautiful setting for a beautiful getaway.
Ravensdale Glamping Retreats is a unique gem of a place to stay. Surrounded by the peaceful North Yorkshire countryside it really is a place to go to, relax and also to explore from.
During my stay I really did get that sense of quiet isolation, and yet there were some gorgeous, quaint villages within both walking and driving distance. Plus for walking and the dogs there were plenty of options in every direction.
Inside The Unique Pods
In a mini paradise of their own, there are 2 2-room, exclusively designed pods in their own area overlooking a pond and grassed area with quaint pathways.
This is one of the things that strikes you. There is no cramming in of pods. The architecture and layout of both the pods and the grounds they are on has obviously been thought out with customers and their peace in mind.
As you park up in the car you have that real ‘wow this is lovely’ feeling.
As I mentioned, each of the 2 pods is 2 rooms, which is basically like 2 large pods connected together to maximise space. As you head inside you can tell everything has been carefully thought out with your comfort and a bit of luxury in mind.
The front section is the living space with a sofa and kitchen area. The sofa is actually a sofa bed so that means families can enjoy this place too by creating a second bedroom area from the first pod.
There is more on offer here in this room than you get in many hotels or guesthouses with TV, table and chairs, bluetooth speaker, fridge, kettle, toaster, hob, microwave/grill. This is only the start and oh have I mentioned the lovely underfloor heating yet?
The back pod contains an extremely comfortable double bed with an en suite shower, toilet area with heated towel rail and more. In fact, what I noticed is that for self catering there is not much you need to think about bringing yourself.
They supply so much for you. Bathrobes, a hair dryer, towels, toiletries, shampoos, soaps and so on. No need to worry about any of that.
I also loved the welcome basket on arrival, full of snacks and beverages.
Outside The Pods
The care and thought for people staying doesn’t end indoors. Outside the pods you have a large terrace to relax on with lots on offer for you to enjoy.
You have your own private hot tub, a BBQ, and a lovely table and chairs. Then, if you want to cook a bit differently there is a wonderful fire pit with crafted tree stumps to sit on. Cooking under the big North Yorkshire skies? Bliss.
Beyond the two pods there is a lovely pond with picnic tables and pathways all around. I can only imagine how glorious this must look in the height of summer.
Location
So where is this idyllic luxury then? Well it is 20 minutes drive north of the City of York and 10 minutes from the lovely town of Easingwold. Close by the you have the pretty villages of Stillington, Sutton on Forest and Huby.
Huby has the closest shop, a lovely well stocked Post Office that has quite a charm about it. There is also a pub, The Mended Drum, and a Cantonese Restaurant if you want to eat out without a big drive.
Things To Do
Right, where do we start with things to do around here? With York being close by you have the wealth of things there on offer. From York Minster to a walk of the city walls.
Then, only 15 miles to the east, you can be at Castle Howard. A glorious place to explore.
Another great place to visit from Ravensdale is the White Horse at Kilburn. With its interesting shorter-than-you-think history, it is spectacular to walk up and over.
Or why not take a short journey to discover the history and grounds of Beningbrough Hall.
Here at Ravensdale, you are also basically at the gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors with wonderful walks like the Hole of Horcum, or up further to Roseberry Topping and then onto the magnificent North Yorkshire coast with Robin Hoods Bay and Whitby.
And after a day out adventuring you have that gorgeous warm glamping pod and hot tub to look forward to!
Local Walks
Even f you do not want to drive you can walk straight out of the pod and onto many of the local pathways. This is fantastic as many dog owners who travel will know.
There are pathways off through the fields in each direction. Every day you can explore further afield or a different path.
You can even take the paths all the way to Easingwold or Sutton In Forest to enjoy some car-less exploration.
Conclusion
One thing I haven’t mentioned yet are the fabulous hosts, Charlotte and Richard. It is they that have created this special place and it is they that make sure you are happy during your stay. Always available if you need anything or have any question at all.
Ravensdale Glamping Retreat, I can quite honestly say, is unique, luxurious, enchanting and set in a beautiful part of the world.
Whether you are looking for a brief weekend hideaway, or a gorgeous base for your exploration of North Yorkshire then you really need to check it out.
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