Accommodation Review
Hewn Yorkshire is an adults only escape from hectic daily life. Sheltered from the wind in a historic quarry are 12 luxurious cabins offering wood fired wellness and authentic Finnish sauna bathing. It sounded just my sort of place so off I went to experience it for myself.
Location:
Hewn Yorkshire sits at the border of County Durham and North Yorkshire. Nestled in a quiet, yet convenient location just 8 miles from Richmond and 4 miles from the Scotch Corner junction with the A66 and junction 53 of the A1M.
Arrival and check in:
Three days before our arrival we received an email providing details of everything we needed to know about our stay and suggestions of what to bring with us. An important thing to note was that we should put Hewn Yorkshire into our Satnav and not the postcode as this would take us elsewhere. We followed the advice given, travelling along country lanes as we approached our short break hideaway.
Check-in time is between 3.00 – 5.00 p.m. and on entering the office, we were warmly welcomed by Kelly, the site manager. It only took a matter of minutes to complete formalities and for us to book a one hour sauna session for the following day. We were booked into one of the newly refurbished Quarry cabins and Kelly pointed out where we should park to drop off our luggage and then where to move our car to after we had unloaded everything. There was hardly any distance to walk so don’t be put off that you can’t actually park next to the cabins.
The Cabin
The cabins are illuminated by fairy lights which twinkled in the fading afternoon light, making our arrival feel extra special. On stepping indoors, the Scandi style interior was even more attractive than we had imagined. It might have been cold outdoors but staying in one of these luxurious cabins felt very warm and cosy.
There was an L-shaped seat upholstered in plush red velvet that surrounded a handmade dining table.
A fully equipped kitchenette came with high quality utensils, pots and pans. With a twin hot plate halogen hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge there was everything needed to prepare evening meals for ourselves cocooned in the cosy cabin.
The double bed was dressed in Egyptian cotton bed linen and with a lighter than air duvet and luxuriously soft pillows, we were both asleep in seconds. The layout of the cabin had been well thought out as the sleeping area was quite spacious with bedside tables at each side of the bed and ample storage and hanging space for our belongings.
Moving into the en-suite bathroom, this was again much bigger than I had expected. With a large rainfall shower, designer stone wash basin, heated towel rail, bathrobes and fluffy towels we felt very pampered.
There was also a wall mounted television, two wall heaters to keep us nice and snug and ample power and USB sockets to charge our devices.
Dining:
As mentioned above, the well designed kitchen corner offered ample space to store our groceries and to prepare meals on both evenings. It was good to find glass jars containing teabags, coffee and sugar and on the other side of the worktop, salt, pepper and oil. Small things like this are very helpful when self catering. Also provided were dishwashing liquid, tea towels etc.
On both mornings we woke to scrambled eggs on toast and fresh coffee which was simple to prepare and this set us up for the day ahead.
The Facilities:
There are twelve cabins in total, split into two locations. We were located amidst the craggy carved out walls of the unique quarry, sheltered perfectly from the wind. At the other side of the estate dotted between the trees are the Foxwood cabins. These are furnished in a different but equally attractive style. Dogs are welcome in these cabins making them ideal for a walking holiday along the North Yorkshire / County Durham border.
Each cabin has a large patio with a picnic table for alfresco dining on warmer days. To the side of the cabins wood fired Finnish hot tubs have been installed. These are heated ready for arrival time and are positioned in such a way that they are private from other guests.
It was so relaxing bathing in the warm water and then sitting on the Nordic deckchairs around the fire pit afterwards. The fire pits come with a supply of kindling, logs and matches and we found it quick and easy to light despite the breezy conditions. With a swivel top cooking grid I wished I’d brought some sausages along with me but even though I hadn’t, it was lovely and cosy sitting around the fire with my glass of fizz and book. A plentiful supply of logs are provided but if you need more for heating the hot tub or fire pit then these can be purchased from the office during daytime hours.
Finnish Sauna
Located up a woodland slope in a secluded position stands the Finnish sauna. I highly recommend reserving at least one session as it’s one of the best saunas I’ve experienced (and there have been many, both in Finland (the home of the sauna) and elsewhere.
The sauna has a glass wall overlooking the countryside, an outdoor drench cold shower, changing room and terrace relaxation area. Do bring a powerful torch along if you book a sauna on a winter’s evening as the path is unlit and with the shade of the trees, was very dark.
In addition to a standard cabin reservation it’s also possible to include optional extras of sauna use and/ or have a bottle of Prosecco chilled and waiting for you when you arrive.
Out and About:
Hewn Yorkshire sits at the border of County Durham and North Yorkshire, making it ideally located for lots to see and do. We decided to spend our time visiting attractions in nearby County Durham and below you can find my suggestions:
Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland is a market town located 12 miles south west of Durham and the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham. The town has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years with much to see and do.
The Auckland Project is a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland centred around the heart of Bishop Auckland. Tickets to individual attractions can be obtained or for better value I recommend purchasing the all inclusive Bishop’s Key which allows unlimited access for one year to Auckland Palace, The Faith Museum, The Spanish and Mining Art Galleries and a series of gardens. The Auckland Project.
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England and is located in the River Tees close to the small town of Middleton-in-Teesdale in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The waterfall spectacularly drops 70 feet (21m) into a plunge pool below. Access to the northern bank is via a private footpath from the High Force Hotel for which a £3.50 fee is charged. High Force Waterfall
Raby Castle
Raby Castle is one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England and was constructed in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family. It has a long history as Cecily Neville was mother to two kings of England. The castle was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and was a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.
The castle is characterised by its vast medieval towers, terrace and curtain walls dating back to the 11th Century. The expansive grounds boast picturesque parkland, lakes and wild roaming deer. Enjoy a one hour guided castle tour before strolling through the grounds. Raby Castle.
The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is located on the edge of Barnard Castle and is an impressive French style building built in the late 19th century by John and Josephine Bowes and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. The museum houses a vast collection of European fine and decorative arts and is regarded as one of the most significant museums outside London. The Bowes Museum.
Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle is a historic market town which takes its name from the castle around which it grew. The ruined castle is an English Heritage property and was named after its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by Richard III whose boar emblem is carved above a window in the inner ward. Enjoy a stroll around the castle ruins followed by a walk through the attractive town which boasts a good selection of independent shops and cafes. Barnard Castle.
Overall
I’m not a camping person and glamping has to be luxurious for me to consider booking a stay. I had no worries about Hewn as everything about the cabin and its facilities were top notch and we left feeling totally relaxed surrounded by nature.
Please note that the cabins do not have Wi-Fi making a stay perfect for a digital detox. However, I was able to access my data to stay on-line. Coverage was a bit patchy as the cabins are located in a remote area but most of the time I managed to get up to 4G which was adequate for my needs.
There is a zero tolerance policy for any outdoor music which I think is very sensible as I’m certain most guests prefer a tranquil, undisturbed stay. I’d love to return in the summertime when the trees are all in leaf but for a year round hideaway, Hewn is hard to beat.
Details: Hewn Yorkshire, Forcett Grange, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 7SQ.
We were guests of Hewn and Visit Durham and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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