Back Overview Features Reviews Days out

Oxbow Lodge, How Stean Gorge

10
1
1
1

Oxbow Lodge is a ground-floor bunk lodge at How Stean Gorge in North Yorkshire. This property sleeps 10 guests and works brilliantly for groups wanting a back-to-basics outdoor experience. The private 10-person hot tub sits right outside your door. Inside you'll find an open-plan living space with a woodburner and dining area.

How Stean Gorge sits in peaceful North Yorkshire countryside near Harrogate. The gorge features rugged cliffs and green valleys. You're surrounded by walking trails and outdoor activities.

The lodge has one bedroom containing five 3ft bunk beds. There's a kitchen area with a fridge and an open-plan living space.

About Oxbow Lodge

Oxbow Lodge is a ground-floor bunk lodge at How Stean Gorge in North Yorkshire. This property sleeps 10 guests and works brilliantly for groups wanting a back-to-basics outdoor experience. The private 10-person hot tub sits right outside your door. Inside you'll find an open-plan living space with a woodburner and dining area.

How Stean Gorge sits in peaceful North Yorkshire countryside near Harrogate. The gorge features rugged cliffs and green valleys. You're surrounded by walking trails and outdoor activities.

The lodge has one bedroom containing five 3ft bunk beds. There's a kitchen area with a fridge and an open-plan living space. Ten shower cubicles and ten toilets are located in the external shower block shared with two other properties. The front garden includes seating, a firepit and a barbecue area. Off-road parking accommodates two cars.

Stump Cross Caverns (4 miles, 10 minutes) offers underground exploration. Brimham Rocks (8 miles, 15 minutes) provides climbing and walks. Harrogate town centre (12 miles, 25 minutes) has shops and restaurants. Fountains Abbey (15 miles, 30 minutes) showcases medieval ruins.

Oxbow Lodge suits outdoor-loving groups and families who want adventure on their doorstep. Book here for hot tub relaxation after gorge walks.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: Oxbow Lodge

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

How Stean Gorge, Yorkshire

Weather & Local Conditions

17Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 12 Jul 2026, 3:04am

🌑️
17.10Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
14 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
88%
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 July 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

Oxbow Lodge 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):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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

50m

(164 feet above sea level)

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

πŸ”οΈ
50m
Elevation
πŸ“
How Stean Gorge
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 How Stean Gorge 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: 54.0924210Β° N | Longitude: 1.512773Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for How Stean Gorge (Monday, 13 July 2026):

3:46am

Sunrise

7:36pm

Golden Hour

8:36pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
3:46am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
8:36pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
7:36pm
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 (7:36pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in How Stean Gorge, you have approximately 16.83 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 Oxbow Lodge.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

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

πŸ’‘
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: 12 Jul 2026 | Location: 54.0924210, -1.5127730

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Oxbow Lodge

Private Hot Tub for Ten

The 10-person hot tub is exclusively yours. Perfect for groups to unwind together after exploring the gorge and surrounding countryside trails.

Woodburner Atmosphere

The woodburner creates a cosy gathering point on cooler evenings. Initial fuel is included so you can light up straight away.

On-Site Adventure Activities

Kayaking, rock climbing and caving are available right at How Stean Gorge. Groups can try multiple activities without travelling anywhere else.

Firepit and Barbecue Garden

The shared front garden has a firepit and barbecue facilities. Ideal for group meals outdoors with garden furniture provided for everyone.

Pet-Friendly for Two Dogs

Bring up to two dogs completely free of charge. The countryside setting and nearby walks make this perfect for pet-owning groups.

Book Multiple Lodges Together

Combine Oxbow Lodge with other properties on site to accommodate up to 53 guests. Perfect for large family gatherings or group celebrations.

Getting To Oxbow Lodge

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Oxbow Lodge by car, take the A59 towards Harrogate then follow signs to How Stean Gorge. The lodge is easily accessible and you'll have off-road parking for two cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Harrogate, approximately 12 miles away. From there, it's a short taxi journey to your countryside base at How Stean Gorge.

Off-road parking for two cars
Harrogate station (12 miles)
Easily accessible from the A59

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Stump Cross Caverns
Distance: 4 miles
HG3 4JL
Brimham Rocks
Distance: 8 miles
HG3 4DW
Fountains Abbey
Distance: 15 miles
HG4 3DY
How Stean Gorge Trail
Distance: 0.1 miles
HG3 5SF
Nidderdale Way
Distance: 2 miles
HG3 5RL
Gouthwaite Reservoir Walk
Distance: 5 miles
HG3 5QA
Pateley Bridge Shops
Distance: 3 miles
HG3 5JZ
Harrogate Town Centre
Distance: 12 miles
HG1 1DP
Ripon Market Square
Distance: 14 miles
HG4 1BP
Pateley Bridge
Distance: 3 miles
HG3 5JZ
Harrogate
Distance: 12 miles
HG1 1DP
Ripon
Distance: 14 miles
HG4 1BP
Stump Cross Caverns
Distance: 4 miles
HG3 4JL
Brimham Rocks
Distance: 8 miles
HG3 4DW
Fountains Abbey
Distance: 15 miles
HG4 3DY
How Stean Gorge Trail
Distance: 0.1 miles
HG3 5SF
Nidderdale Way
Distance: 2 miles
HG3 5RL
Gouthwaite Reservoir Walk
Distance: 5 miles
HG3 5QA
Pateley Bridge Shops
Distance: 3 miles
HG3 5JZ
Harrogate Town Centre
Distance: 12 miles
HG1 1DP
Ripon Market Square
Distance: 14 miles
HG4 1BP
Pateley Bridge
Distance: 3 miles
HG3 5JZ
Harrogate
Distance: 12 miles
HG1 1DP
Ripon
Distance: 14 miles
HG4 1BP

Is Oxbow Lodge Right For Your Group

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

For Families
How Stean Gorge offers brilliant outdoor adventures for children. Kids can try kayaking and rock climbing on site. The gorge walks provide exciting exploration opportunities. Five bunk beds make bedtime fun for younger guests. The firepit and barbecue area work well for family outdoor meals. Stump Cross Caverns sits just 10 minutes away for underground adventures.
Groups Will Love...
The private 10-person hot tub sits right outside Oxbow Lodge exclusively for your group. After a day exploring How Stean Gorge or walking the Yorkshire Dales, everyone can soak together. The hot tub faces the countryside so you'll have peaceful views. It's the perfect spot for groups to gather in the evenings and share stories from the day's adventures.
Pet Friendly
Two dogs stay completely free at Oxbow Lodge. The countryside setting provides endless walking opportunities straight from your door. How Stean Gorge trails welcome dogs on leads. The ground-floor layout means easy access for pets. The front garden with seating gives dogs outdoor space. Nearby Nidderdale Way offers miles of dog-friendly walking routes through stunning Yorkshire scenery.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Oxbow Lodge

The Sportsman's Arms

Located 2.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HG3 5PP

Wildings Restaurant & Bar

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HG3 5HG

The Crown Inn

Located 3.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HG3 5JH

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Oxbow Lodge

Is Oxbow Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes, up to two dogs stay completely free of charge. The countryside location and gorge walks make this an excellent base for groups with pets.
How many guests can sleep at the property?
The lodge sleeps 10 guests across five 3ft bunk beds in one bedroom. All accommodation is on the ground floor in an open-plan layout.
Where are the bathroom facilities?
Ten shower cubicles and ten toilets are in the external shower block. This block is shared with two other properties on the How Stean Gorge site.
What cooking facilities are available?
The lodge has a kitchen area with a fridge. There's also a barbecue and firepit in the shared front garden for outdoor cooking.
Is there parking at Oxbow Lodge?
Private off-road parking is available for two cars. Additional parking is available on site for groups arriving in multiple vehicles.
Can we book multiple properties together?
Yes, Oxbow Lodge can be booked alongside other properties on site. Combined bookings can accommodate up to 53 guests for large group gatherings.
What activities are available on site?
How Stean Gorge offers kayaking, rock climbing and caving. There's also a bike store for cyclists and scenic walking trails start from the property.
Is there a television in the lodge?
No, there is no TV in the living area. The focus is on outdoor activities, group time around the woodburner and hot tub relaxation.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Grassington
5 cottages
Hawes
5 cottages
How Stean Gorge
3 cottages
Ingleton
3 cottages
Kettlewell
3 cottages
Leyburn
8 cottages
Pateley Bridge
3 cottages
Reeth
3 cottages
Selby
3 cottages
Skipton
21 cottages

Oxbow Lodge Reviews

Leave a Review
Been to Oxbow Lodge? Please leave a review and share your holiday experiences.
Name
Month of stay
Year of stay
Review