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Foxes Retreat, Bedale

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Foxes Retreat is a spacious holiday lodge in North Yorkshire that sleeps up to eight guests. The property sits in the peaceful countryside near Ripon and offers excellent group facilities including a games room with pool table and table football. The open-plan living space makes it perfect for families and friends gathering together.

The surrounding area showcases classic Yorkshire countryside with rolling hills and traditional market towns. You're close to the historic city of Ripon with its famous cathedral and weekly markets.

The lodge sleeps eight people across different configurations. The large open-plan kitchen and living area provides plenty of room for group meals and socialising.

About Foxes Retreat

Foxes Retreat is a spacious holiday lodge in North Yorkshire that sleeps up to eight guests. The property sits in the peaceful countryside near Ripon and offers excellent group facilities including a games room with pool table and table football. The open-plan living space makes it perfect for families and friends gathering together.

The surrounding area showcases classic Yorkshire countryside with rolling hills and traditional market towns. You're close to the historic city of Ripon with its famous cathedral and weekly markets.

The lodge sleeps eight people across different configurations. The large open-plan kitchen and living area provides plenty of room for group meals and socialising. The games room adds extra entertainment space for all ages.

Fountains Abbey lies just 3 miles away (8 minutes). Ripon Cathedral sits 4 miles distant (10 minutes). Lightwater Valley theme park is 6 miles away (12 minutes). The market town of Masham with its breweries is 8 miles away (15 minutes).

Foxes Retreat combines countryside peace with brilliant group entertainment facilities. This lodge works brilliantly for multi-generational families or friend groups wanting space to spread out whilst staying together.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Foxes Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bedale, Yorkshire

Weather & Local Conditions

15Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:11am

🌑️
15.30Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
1 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
98%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Foxes Retreat sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

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5
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9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

110m

(361 feet above sea level)

Foxes Retreat sits in a peaceful Yorkshire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
110m
Elevation
πŸ“
Bedale
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Bedale are typical Yorkshire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.2639700Β° N | Longitude: 1.63917Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bedale (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:05am

Sunrise

6:10pm

Golden Hour

7:10pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
5:05am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
7:10pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
6:10pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:10pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Bedale, you have approximately 14.07 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Foxes Retreat.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

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Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Yorkshire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 54.2639700, -1.6391700

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Foxes Retreat

Games Room Entertainment

The dedicated games room with pool table and table football keeps everyone entertained throughout your stay together.

Spacious Open-Plan Living

The large kitchen and living area means your whole group can cook, eat and relax in one sociable space.

Perfect for Eight Guests

Four well-appointed bedrooms and three bathrooms provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for larger family groups and friends.

Peaceful Countryside Setting

The rural North Yorkshire location offers tranquil surroundings whilst keeping you close to major attractions and towns.

Close to Fountains Abbey

Just eight minutes drive to this World Heritage Site makes day trips incredibly easy for your whole group.

Near Ripon's Amenities

The historic city of Ripon with shops, restaurants and markets sits only ten minutes away by car.

Getting To Foxes Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Foxes Retreat by car, take the A61 towards Ripon then follow signs for Winksley. The lodge sits in the countryside near Ripon and offers convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Harrogate, approximately 12 miles from the property. From there, a taxi will take you through the Yorkshire countryside to your lodge.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Harrogate station (12 miles)
Accessible from A61 via Ripon

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Fountains Abbey
Distance: 3 miles
HG4 3DY
Ripon Cathedral
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1QT
Lightwater Valley
Distance: 6 miles
HG4 1TT
Studley Royal Water Garden
Distance: 3 miles
HG4 3DY
Ripon Canal Walk
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1LE
Hackfall Woods
Distance: 5 miles
HG4 3DE
Ripon Market Square
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1BP
Sainsbury's Ripon
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 2BQ
Masham Market Place
Distance: 8 miles
HG4 4DX
Ripon Bus Station
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1SJ
Ripon Racecourse
Distance: 5 miles
HG4 1UG
Newby Hall Gardens
Distance: 7 miles
HG4 5AE
Fountains Abbey
Distance: 3 miles
HG4 3DY
Ripon Cathedral
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1QT
Lightwater Valley
Distance: 6 miles
HG4 1TT
Studley Royal Water Garden
Distance: 3 miles
HG4 3DY
Ripon Canal Walk
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1LE
Hackfall Woods
Distance: 5 miles
HG4 3DE
Ripon Market Square
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1BP
Sainsbury's Ripon
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 2BQ
Masham Market Place
Distance: 8 miles
HG4 4DX
Ripon Bus Station
Distance: 4 miles
HG4 1SJ
Ripon Racecourse
Distance: 5 miles
HG4 1UG
Newby Hall Gardens
Distance: 7 miles
HG4 5AE

Is Foxes Retreat Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The games room with pool table and table football provides hours of entertainment for children and teenagers. Lightwater Valley theme park sits just 6 miles away offering rides and attractions for all ages. The large open-plan living space gives kids room to play whilst parents can supervise easily. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal offer fascinating historical exploration that engages curious young minds.
Groups Will Love...
The dedicated games room at Foxes Retreat transforms group holidays with its full-size pool table and table football. This separate entertainment space means different generations can enjoy their own activities simultaneously. The games room keeps teenagers engaged whilst younger children play elsewhere. Evening tournaments become a highlight of your stay. This facility proves invaluable during rainy Yorkshire days when outdoor plans change unexpectedly.
Pet Friendly
Foxes Retreat welcomes dogs so your pets can join your group holiday in the Yorkshire countryside. The rural location provides excellent walking opportunities straight from the door. Nearby Studley Royal and various woodland trails offer dog-friendly routes for daily exercise. The property's spacious layout means pets have room to settle comfortably. Remember to check specific pet policies and any additional charges with the owner before booking.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Foxes Retreat

The Royal Oak Ripon

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HG4 1LT

Bruce Arms Masham

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HG4 4EN

Lockwoods Ripon

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HG4 1LE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Foxes Retreat

How many people does Foxes Retreat sleep?
The lodge sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms with three bathrooms. This makes it suitable for larger families or two families holidaying together.
Is Foxes Retreat pet friendly?
The property welcomes pets so your dogs can join your group holiday. Check with the owner regarding the number of pets allowed and any additional charges.
What entertainment facilities are available?
The games room includes a pool table and table football for group entertainment. The open-plan living area provides additional social space with comfortable seating.
How far is Fountains Abbey from the property?
Fountains Abbey World Heritage Site is 3 miles away taking approximately 8 minutes by car. This makes it an easy day trip for your whole group.
What sleeping arrangements does the lodge offer?
The property has four bedrooms configured to sleep eight people comfortably. Three bathrooms throughout the lodge prevent morning queues for larger groups.
Is there parking at Foxes Retreat?
Off-road parking is available at the property for multiple vehicles. This proves particularly useful when travelling as a group with several cars.
What is there to do nearby for groups?
Lightwater Valley theme park sits 6 miles away whilst Ripon city centre is 4 miles distant. The market town of Masham with its breweries is 8 miles away.
How accessible is the property by public transport?
The nearest railway station is in Harrogate approximately 12 miles away. A car is recommended for reaching the lodge and exploring the surrounding North Yorkshire area.

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