Charles and Heather's Guidebook
Food Scene
Pateley Bridge and nidderdale has a range of eating and drinking options. We've done our best to give an honest opinion but we are aware that the challenges of getting and retaining staff in the hospitality industry means that standards can be a bit variable and unpredictable. Hopefully, you will experience nothing but the best that these places have to offer ):
Although this place does do great coffee, the real reason why this has become a local institution (or, much more than local, as people come a long way just to visit it) is how they do hot chocolate - or, even, 'Iced Hot Chocolate' for warmer days - it takes it to new and interesting levels :)
Do check out the reviews on Tripadvisor etc. We've been told they have the best customer review profile of any place in the UK..... and it's here in Pateley.
If you’re visiting York, there is one other (larger) CocoaJoe’s too, but the original is here!
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Cocoa Joe's
41 High StAlthough this place does do great coffee, the real reason why this has become a local institution (or, much more than local, as people come a long way just to visit it) is how they do hot chocolate - or, even, 'Iced Hot Chocolate' for warmer days - it takes it to new and interesting levels :)
Do check out the reviews on Tripadvisor etc. We've been told they have the best customer review profile of any place in the UK..... and it's here in Pateley.
If you’re visiting York, there is one other (larger) CocoaJoe’s too, but the original is here!
Margaret does real home cooked food here but that doesn’t only mean ‘homely’; one of our guests said they had the best cooked rack of lamb they’d ever tasted…. and that takes serious cooking skills. She often has an excellent value 'early bird special'.
She also does breakfast as she runs a BnB; if you want breakfast there, it may be worth letting her know the day before. Other guests have given glowing reviews!
The Willow Restaurant & B&B
10 Park RoadMargaret does real home cooked food here but that doesn’t only mean ‘homely’; one of our guests said they had the best cooked rack of lamb they’d ever tasted…. and that takes serious cooking skills. She often has an excellent value 'early bird special'.
She also does breakfast as she runs a BnB; if you want breakfast there, it may be worth letting her know the day before. Other guests have given glowing reviews!
A gastropub and restaurant, specialising in local food and game, that is a beautiful 40 minute walk along the river, through water meadows. Alternatively, to make it a more adventurous circular walk, we first walk up to the old Scot Gate Ash quarry site by following the footpath stright up the sideof the dale to the northeast, along the old track of the inclined railway (marked 'Dismtd Rly' on the OS map), and then walk NW for 500m to meet Wath Lane and follow it down, with great views up the dale all ahead of us. This takes us about 45 minutes to get to The Sportsman's; then we return along the path following the east side of the river.
It's worth booking to be sure of a table.
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The Sportsman's Arms
Wath RoadA gastropub and restaurant, specialising in local food and game, that is a beautiful 40 minute walk along the river, through water meadows. Alternatively, to make it a more adventurous circular walk, we first walk up to the old Scot Gate Ash quarry site by following the footpath stright up the sideof the dale to the northeast, along the old track of the inclined railway (marked 'Dismtd Rly' on the OS map), and then walk NW for 500m to meet Wath Lane and follow it down, with great views up the dale all ahead of us. This takes us about 45 minutes to get to The Sportsman's; then we return along the path following the east side of the river.
It's worth booking to be sure of a table.
Just 50 yards from our place, this is both really convenient and usually does good pub food. We have had good experiences here ourselves but some guests have reported that, at times, they are clearly short of the right staff and standards can vary
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The Crown
19 High StreetJust 50 yards from our place, this is both really convenient and usually does good pub food. We have had good experiences here ourselves but some guests have reported that, at times, they are clearly short of the right staff and standards can vary
Good, hearty, generous pub grub. Not a posh place but honest and friendly, and with seating outside looking over the dale
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The Royal Oak
B6265Good, hearty, generous pub grub. Not a posh place but honest and friendly, and with seating outside looking over the dale
A lovely short 15 minute walk away; follow the west side of the river (no need to use the road).
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The Bridge Inn
Low Wath RoadA lovely short 15 minute walk away; follow the west side of the river (no need to use the road).
This has both a pub/bar and a restaurant. It's an interesting building and also has seating outside with good views over the dale. It's a 10 minute walk from the door.
Do check opening hours before going as these have been quite variable.
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Harefield Hall
Ripon RoadThis has both a pub/bar and a restaurant. It's an interesting building and also has seating outside with good views over the dale. It's a 10 minute walk from the door.
Do check opening hours before going as these have been quite variable.
Pateley Pizza
2b High StVery good takeaway pizza (and other things like kebabs) really close to our place.
This is sort of hidden away, even though its right on the High St, becasue it's on the first floor; look for the door just to the right of the Pancake House at the bottom of the High St.
It can be very good value because you bring your own booze (and you can buy it at the Spar, right next door) and the set meals are also very good (in our opinion!).
Bengal Cuisine
1A High StreetThis is sort of hidden away, even though its right on the High St, becasue it's on the first floor; look for the door just to the right of the Pancake House at the bottom of the High St.
It can be very good value because you bring your own booze (and you can buy it at the Spar, right next door) and the set meals are also very good (in our opinion!).
20 minutes away, towards Grassington, and situated in a lovely little village, the Clarendon has a top French chef presiding over it.
Clarendon Hotel
B626520 minutes away, towards Grassington, and situated in a lovely little village, the Clarendon has a top French chef presiding over it.
If you really (really) want to splash out, this place if fantastic. It has a choice of restaurants but you can also just turn up for a drink
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Grantley Hall
If you really (really) want to splash out, this place if fantastic. It has a choice of restaurants but you can also just turn up for a drink
This is a beautiful 20 minute drive stright up the dale. Middlesmoor is a unique old village, sitting on top of a hill looking stright down the dale; there's only one road in and one road out.
The Crown is unmissable in the middle of it and is an experience!
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The Crown Hotel
This is a beautiful 20 minute drive stright up the dale. Middlesmoor is a unique old village, sitting on top of a hill looking stright down the dale; there's only one road in and one road out.
The Crown is unmissable in the middle of it and is an experience!
Not just a pizzeria; also other Italian dishes. Always popular so worth booking
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Olley's Pizzeria
Not just a pizzeria; also other Italian dishes. Always popular so worth booking
About 15 minutes (beautiful) drive away; this was recntly Yorkshire Yorkshire Pub of the Year (albeit 2018)..... and deservedly so. Great gastropub food in a beautiful building and lots of outdoor seating with great views.
It is understandably popular, so its worth booking. But there is also the New Inn only 200 yards away if it's too full.
Craven Arms
About 15 minutes (beautiful) drive away; this was recntly Yorkshire Yorkshire Pub of the Year (albeit 2018)..... and deservedly so. Great gastropub food in a beautiful building and lots of outdoor seating with great views.
It is understandably popular, so its worth booking. But there is also the New Inn only 200 yards away if it's too full.
Sightseeing
So so so much better than you might expect from a small place like Pateley (and dare we say: the perfect solution if it just happens to be raining one afternoon :)! )
Nidderdale's largest and finest indoor attraction.
It is housed in a large and historic Victorian Work House, just two minutes walk from your door. They have over 30,000 exhibits arranged through 13 themed spaces, each showcasing a different side of bygone Dales life.
Do check online for latest opening times but it is typically open only 1.30-4.30 daily (exc. Monday) but only weekend afternoons in winter.
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Nidderdale Museum
King StreetSo so so much better than you might expect from a small place like Pateley (and dare we say: the perfect solution if it just happens to be raining one afternoon :)! )
Nidderdale's largest and finest indoor attraction.
It is housed in a large and historic Victorian Work House, just two minutes walk from your door. They have over 30,000 exhibits arranged through 13 themed spaces, each showcasing a different side of bygone Dales life.
Do check online for latest opening times but it is typically open only 1.30-4.30 daily (exc. Monday) but only weekend afternoons in winter.
Spectacular rock formations and wonderful views over the dale. Lots of paths and places to explore. Less than 10 mins drive away and easy parking
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Rocce di Brimham
Spectacular rock formations and wonderful views over the dale. Lots of paths and places to explore. Less than 10 mins drive away and easy parking
A National trust highlight; wonderful grounds, lakes, and the huge, impressive ruins of the Abbey.
15 mins away
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Abbazia di Fountains
A National trust highlight; wonderful grounds, lakes, and the huge, impressive ruins of the Abbey.
15 mins away
Perfect for gardeners and something to enjoy in every season.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
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Giardino RHS Harlow Carr
Crag LanePerfect for gardeners and something to enjoy in every season.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
A lovely combination of old abbey, parkland, river (with stepping stones) and woodland walks.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
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Bolton Abbey
A lovely combination of old abbey, parkland, river (with stepping stones) and woodland walks.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
Spectacular beauty in the heart of the Dales. As well as the cove itself, pop over to Janet's Foss and Gorsdale scar just a mile or so east, as well as Malham Tarn a couple of miles north. Great walking all around.
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Malham Cove
Spectacular beauty in the heart of the Dales. As well as the cove itself, pop over to Janet's Foss and Gorsdale scar just a mile or so east, as well as Malham Tarn a couple of miles north. Great walking all around.
Stump Cross Caverns is a limestone cave system formed around 500,000 years ago. Several fossils have been discovered in the Stump Cross system including prehistoric reindeer bones, and also those of wolverines.
Stump Cross Caverns offer a range of facilities, including a gift shop and tea room as well as the caves themselves. There is also a twenty minute film presentation, informing visitors of the history and development of the caverns within the local area.
See website for Opening Times www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
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Stump Cross Caverns
Stump Cross Caverns is a limestone cave system formed around 500,000 years ago. Several fossils have been discovered in the Stump Cross system including prehistoric reindeer bones, and also those of wolverines.
Stump Cross Caverns offer a range of facilities, including a gift shop and tea room as well as the caves themselves. There is also a twenty minute film presentation, informing visitors of the history and development of the caverns within the local area.
See website for Opening Times www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
58 acres of gardens, woodland, rock garden, wildflower meadow etc.
check out more at rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr.
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Giardino RHS Harlow Carr
Crag Lane58 acres of gardens, woodland, rock garden, wildflower meadow etc.
check out more at rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr.
Shopping
A decent size supermarket, and the largest around without having to go to Ripon, Knaresborough, or Harrogate
The Dales Market Corner
Low Wath RoadA decent size supermarket, and the largest around without having to go to Ripon, Knaresborough, or Harrogate
Kendall T & Sons
34-36 High StWonderful Butcher's ..... and does great pies too!
Great Butcher's ..... and does excellent pies too!
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H Weatherhead & Sons Butchers Ltd
9 High StGreat Butcher's ..... and does excellent pies too!
Excellent little Spar, really close to our place. They have very fine fresh veg and fruit.
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SPAR Chandler
3 High StExcellent little Spar, really close to our place. They have very fine fresh veg and fruit.
Coffee
Proper coffee. They use Colombian arabica beans and have a big Marisa 2 Group coffee machine… and know how to use it!
Despite that, the chocolate drinks are still the stars - although the Mochas are the best anywhere if you definitely need that double espresso somewhere :)
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Cocoa Joe's
41 High StProper coffee. They use Colombian arabica beans and have a big Marisa 2 Group coffee machine… and know how to use it!
Despite that, the chocolate drinks are still the stars - although the Mochas are the best anywhere if you definitely need that double espresso somewhere :)
City/town information
Another pretty Dales town, on the river Wharfe. The cobbled town square is frequently seen in James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small on Channel 5. A good base for exploring Wharfedale
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Grassington
Another pretty Dales town, on the river Wharfe. The cobbled town square is frequently seen in James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small on Channel 5. A good base for exploring Wharfedale
Definitely worth exploring; the view down from the ancient ruined castle to the railway viaduct spanning the deep Nidd gorge is rightly famous. Pretty town centre and nice walks.
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Knaresborough
Definitely worth exploring; the view down from the ancient ruined castle to the railway viaduct spanning the deep Nidd gorge is rightly famous. Pretty town centre and nice walks.
Our favourite side of Harrogate is the old Spa area with its magnificent Georgian architecture.
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Harrogate
Our favourite side of Harrogate is the old Spa area with its magnificent Georgian architecture.
Ripon is a lovely little city (because it has its own magnificent cathedral) only 20 minutes away. Easy parking in the centre.
PS: I had to highlight the cathedral as Airbnb won’t acknowledge the existence of the town itself :)
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Cattedrale di Ripon
Minster RoadRipon is a lovely little city (because it has its own magnificent cathedral) only 20 minutes away. Easy parking in the centre.
PS: I had to highlight the cathedral as Airbnb won’t acknowledge the existence of the town itself :)
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Cocoa Joe's is a real highlight
Sorry to mention it again, but this is a unique take on hot (and iced) chocolate because it is made from any one of their high quality, single-origin, chocolates. See the reviews on line!
Best coffee around too.
We are of course biased, but our opinion seems to be shared by everyone who visits :)
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Nidderdale Museum, only about 150m away
Nidderdale's largest and finest inddor attraction. Don't miss it!
So much better than you would ever expect from a museum in a small town like this; in fact it is very extensive and housed in a historic Victorian Work House. There are 13 themed spaces, each showcasing a different side of Dales life, as well as 14 recreations/dioramas....including the chance to go 'down an old lead mine'.
It's excellent value as the place is all run by a large team of volunteers. Do check the website or google maps for latest opening times.
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Wonderful Walks
There are so many and varied walking options, with loads straight from the door.
The holiday home has the local OS 1;25000 map, as well as lots of walking guides.
There is great variety available, all close to the doorstep; rivers and streams, woods, ancient industrial heritage, moors, spectacular rocks, fields with dry stone walls etc
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Pies!
We have two wonderful butchers on the High St; both do a great range of different pork pies. Freshly made!
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Parking
There is lots of free parking very close to our place. The very closest is the free car park at the top of Back High St but all the roads north of there have some free on-road parking. If it is peak season and filling up, we always try Greenwood road and Greenwood avenue
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King Street Workshops
Only 150 metres or so away from our place, King Street Workshops is home to and a group of highly talented and skilled craftspeople. There is sculpting, ceramics, mosaics, jewellery etc.
See also online for King Street Workshops