The Old Back Kitchen in North York Moors, Helmsley | Must-See Yorkshire Hot Tub Cottage

About The Old Back Kitchen

The Old Back Kitchen is a historic 1707 stone cottage at Bonfield Ghyll Farm in the North York Moors near Helmsley. This off-grid working sheep and beef farm sits high on the moors with no close neighbours. The cottage forms part of the National Trust's Bransdale Estate.

The remote location offers complete privacy and tranquillity. Miles of open access moorland stretch from your door. Walks lead through woodland past streams onto the moors. Wildlife watching and birdwatching opportunities abound here.

This one-bedroom cottage sleeps two guests in a galleried double bed (4ft 6in). The ground floor features a living room with woodburner, kitchen with gas oven and hob, plus shower room. Eco-friendly power comes from solar panels and natural spring water supplies the cottage.

Helmsley market town (7 miles, 15 minutes) offers pubs, restaurants and shops. York Minster lies 25 miles away (45 minutes). Castle Howard sits 15 miles distant (25 minutes). Rievaulx Abbey stands 8 miles away (18 minutes).

Perfect for couples seeking peace and nature. The homemade wood-fired hot tub provides relaxation with stunning valley views. The Old Back Kitchen delivers an authentic rural escape with modern comforts.

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Need To Know

✓1 bedroom
✓1 bathroom
✓Private wood-fired hot tub for 2
✓Freeview TV in the living/dining room
✓Woodburner in living room
✓Gas oven
✓Gas hob
✓Microwave
✓Fridge/freezer
✓Shower cubicle with heated towel rail
✓Garden with sitting-out area
✓Garden furniture
✓BBQ and firepit
✓Bike store
✓Private parking for 1 car
✓Pets welcome (maximum 2, must be kept on a lead)
✓Welcome pack provided
✓Central heating included
✓Electricity included
✓Bed linen included
✓Towels included
✓Fuel for wood-fired hot tub included in summer
✓Fuel supplement in winter
✓Accessed via rough track
✓Natural water supply from a spring
✓Low doors throughout the property
✓Stone steps for entrance
✓Exposed beams in the entrance hall
✓Quarry tile floors in living room
✓Original water trough in shower room forming shower tray
✓Eco-friendly power generation from solar panels and hydroelectric
✓Low voltage hair dryer and travel steamer
✓Board games and card games available
✓Binoculars and bird books provided
✓Stunning views across the valley from hot tub
✓No smoking policy
✓Close to walks and cycling routes in the National Park

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What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to The Old Back Kitchen

Homemade Wood-Fired Hot Tub

Relax in the unique homemade hot tub with stunning views across the valley and surrounding moorland.

Complete Privacy and Tranquillity

Enjoy total seclusion on this remote working farm with no close neighbours or traffic noise.

Historic Character Features

Experience authentic 1707 stone cottage charm with original features and low beams throughout the property.

Direct Moorland Access

Step straight from your door onto miles of open access North York Moors for walking and exploring.

Eco-Friendly Off-Grid Living

Experience sustainable living with solar panels, natural spring water and eco-friendly power systems throughout.

Cosy Woodburner Atmosphere

Warm up by the traditional woodburner in the living room after days exploring the moorland.

Getting To The Old Back Kitchen

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old Back Kitchen by car, head towards Helmsley and follow signs to Bransdale. The cottage is accessed via a rough farm track at Bonfield Ghyll Farm. Private parking for one car is available on arrival.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Thirsk, approximately 20 miles away. From there, you'll need to arrange taxi transport or car hire to reach this remote moorland location.

Private parking for one car

Thirsk station (20 miles)

Access via rough farm track

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Helmsley Castle

Distance: 7 miles

YO62 5AB

Rievaulx Abbey

Distance: 8 miles

YO62 5LB

Castle Howard

Distance: 15 miles

YO60 7DA

North York Moors National Park

Distance: 0 miles

YO62 5BP

Cleveland Way

Distance: 5 miles

YO62 5BP

Bransdale Mill

Distance: 2 miles

YO62 5BP

Helmsley Market Square

Distance: 7 miles

YO62 5BL

Kirkbymoorside Market

Distance: 12 miles

YO62 6AA

Pickering Market

Distance: 18 miles

YO18 7AA

Thirsk Railway Station

Distance: 20 miles

YO7 1PZ

York City Centre

Distance: 25 miles

YO1 7HH

Whitby Harbour

Distance: 35 miles

YO21 3PU

Helmsley Castle

Distance: 7 miles

YO62 5AB

Rievaulx Abbey

Distance: 8 miles

YO62 5LB

Castle Howard

Distance: 15 miles

YO60 7DA

North York Moors National Park

Distance: 0 miles

YO62 5BP

Cleveland Way

Distance: 5 miles

YO62 5BP

Bransdale Mill

Distance: 2 miles

YO62 5BP

Helmsley Market Square

Distance: 7 miles

YO62 5BL

Kirkbymoorside Market

Distance: 12 miles

YO62 6AA

Pickering Market

Distance: 18 miles

YO18 7AA

Thirsk Railway Station

Distance: 20 miles

YO7 1PZ

York City Centre

Distance: 25 miles

YO1 7HH

Whitby Harbour

Distance: 35 miles

YO21 3PU

Is The Old Back Kitchen Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

This cottage is not ideal for families with children. The galleried bedroom is accessed via steep ladder stairs with handrails. Low beams and doors throughout pose head-bumping risks. The remote farm location with sheep and cattle requires constant supervision for safety.

For Couples

Perfect romantic retreat for couples seeking complete privacy and tranquillity. The wood-fired hot tub offers intimate relaxation with stunning valley views. Cosy woodburner creates atmosphere while the remote location ensures no interruptions. Historic character and eco-friendly features add special touches.

Pet Friendly

Two pets welcome but must stay on leads due to working farm environment with sheep and cattle. Miles of moorland walks start from your door. Natural spring water and outdoor space provide perfect conditions. Remote location means dogs can enjoy peace without traffic concerns.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old Back Kitchen

The Crown Inn Helmsley

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: YO62 5BJ

Black Swan Hotel Restaurant

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: YO62 5BJ

Cocoa Joe's Chocolate Shop

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: YO62 5BH

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old Back Kitchen

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

Yes, The Old Back Kitchen features a unique homemade wood-fired hot tub with stunning valley views. Fuel for the hot tub is included during summer months with a supplement charged in winter.

Is it pet friendly?

Yes, up to 2 pets are welcome at The Old Back Kitchen. Pets must be kept on a lead at all times due to the working farm environment with sheep and cattle.

What makes this cottage eco-friendly?

The cottage runs entirely off-grid using solar panels for water heating and eco-friendly power systems. Natural spring water supplies the property and LED lights reduce energy consumption throughout.

How remote is the location?

The cottage sits on a working farm accessed via a rough track with no close neighbours. The nearest town Helmsley is 7 miles away with all essential services and amenities.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

The cottage sleeps 2 guests in one galleried bedroom with a double bed measuring 4ft 6in. The bedroom is accessed via steep ladder stairs with handrails for safety.

Is there parking available?

Private parking for 1 car is available on-site at the property. The cottage is accessed via a rough farm track suitable for most vehicles.

What kitchen facilities are provided?

The kitchen includes a gas oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and original shallow sink. There's also a breakfast table and upcycled dresser for storage and dining.

Are there any access considerations?

The cottage has low doors and beams throughout dating from 1707 construction. Steep ladder stairs with handrails lead to the galleried bedroom above the living area.

The Old Back Kitchen Reviews

Sarah Fagg

16th August 2025

Lovely cottage had everything we needed, it is very rural but it’s what we wanted, if you love walking and quiet this place is a definite, stairs going up to bedroom could be a challenge for someone that has mobility problems, but they was easier than I expected, Dave and Trudy was there If we needed them, local town was amazing with lovely eateries and shopping 4 miles from the cottage

Leave a Review

The Old Back Kitchen, North York Moors

About The Old Back Kitchen

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

What Guests Love

Homemade Wood-Fired Hot Tub

Complete Privacy and Tranquillity

Historic Character Features

Direct Moorland Access

Eco-Friendly Off-Grid Living

Cosy Woodburner Atmosphere

Getting To The Old Back Kitchen

By Car

By Train

Attractions & More Nearby

Is The Old Back Kitchen Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Crown Inn Helmsley

Black Swan Hotel Restaurant

Cocoa Joe's Chocolate Shop

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

The Old Back Kitchen Reviews