Cabins in yorkshire

Your Local Guide to Sun Hill Farm

Staff Picks: From Those Who Know Sun Hill Best

The team at Sun Hill has put together their favourite places that they suggest you visit during your stay in the cottages and lodges at Sun Hill Farm. These recommendations come straight from the people who know the area best, giving you the best insider’s guide to making the most of your time here. Discover hidden gems, great pubs, and must-see spots that help you experience this Yorkshire Dales accommodation like a local.

Meet Ann & Carly

If you’ve stayed at Sun Hill before, you may have met Ann and Carly, the friendly on-site team who are happy to answer any queries during your stay. They’re full of brilliant local recommendations for the best places to visit, having lived in the area for so long.

Sun Hill Lodges
At a Glance

Ann's Recommendations

Meet Ann Duffield, the owner of Sun Hill Farm, who transformed part of the grounds of her well-known racehorse training yard into luxury log cabins and stunning country cottages. Passionate about showing off some of Yorkshire’s best bits, she created a stylish retreat with sweeping views of Wensleydale, and recommends a day trip within an hour to explore the region.

  • Brimham Rocks – Explore unique rock formations on a walk that’s both scenic and a little adventurous, perfect for all ages. Sits between Harrogate and Fountains Abbey.

  • Visit Harrogate – A lively spa town famed for its elegant gardens, boutique shopping, and the iconic Bettys Café Tea Rooms.

  • Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring dramatic monastic ruins set within stunning water gardens and expansive parkland which is home to 300 wild deer.

Ann's Perfect Day Out

Sun Hill Lodges

Breakfast with a view

Ann loves welcoming guests to her Yorkshire Dales accommodation and savours a peaceful start to the day. For a truly memorable morning, follow her tip and enjoy a leisurely breakfast while taking in the stunning views over the paddocks and rolling Yorkshire Dales hills beyond.

harrogate

Visit Harrogate

Just a short drive from Sun Hill Lodges, Harrogate is a vibrant spa town renowned for its elegant gardens, historic architecture, and boutique shopping. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Bettys Café or a sumptuous dinner at The Ivy Harrogate Garden.

local pub for a group getaway at Greenbank Barns

Local Flavours

Ann recommends dining at The Wensleydale Heifer, a short drive from Sun Hill Farm. Known for its exquisite dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, and particularly its fish dishes including seafood pancake, it’s a perfect spot to end the day before returning to your luxury lodge.

Log cabins with hot tubs
At A Glance

Carly's Recommendations

Local to the area, Carly loves to explore all the best spots nearby on her days off. Whether it’s a favourite walk in the Dales or a hidden gem in Leyburn, ask Carly how to make the most of your stay.

  • Thorp Perrow Arboretum – Wander through one of the UK’s finest arboretums, featuring beautiful gardens all year round and a fascinating bird of prey centre.

  • Aysgarth & Harmby Waterfalls – Discover two of the Yorkshire Dales’ most picturesque waterfalls, ideal for scenic walks and family adventures.

  • The Forbidden Corner – A whimsical labyrinth of tunnels, follies, and hidden surprises, offering a magical day out for visitors of all ages.

Carly's Perfect Day Out

Explore Yorkshire

Kickstart your day

Carly loves starting her mornings with a bit of adventure. She’s often up early, heading down to the nearby waterfalls before most people are awake. For a fresh start to your day enjoy a breakfast on the go, picking up something from Campbell's of Leyburn en route.

Yorkshire Holiday Cottages

Visit Thorp Perrow

Near Bedale, Carly’s loves a peaceful stroll around Thorp Perrow Arboretum. She recommends wandering through the beautifully landscaped gardens in any season, visiting the bird of prey centre, and taking in the variety of trees and plants.

indian dining

Carly's Comforts

After a busy day, Carly recommends unwinding with home cooked comforts. Keep an eye out, Pradeep’s Curry's will soon be back at Sun Hill Lodges, ready to bring their delicious flavours straight to your lodge or cottage at Sun Hill Farm.

Explore the Local Area

Visit Leyburn

 

Leyburn in our guests' words

Our weekend at Sun Hill was brilliant. We booked a stable tour to see the horses training, which was such a unique experience, and then spent the afternoon exploring the quaint shops and tearooms in Leyburn.
Debra | Sun Hill Guest - April 2025
Our family of four stayed at Sun Hill and loved how much there was to do nearby. We visited The Forbidden Corner which the kids absolutely adored. Afterwards we stopped in Leyburn for ice cream and a wander around the market.
Kerry | Sun Hill Guest - August 2025
holiday at home
Eat Like A Local

Ryan's Top Picks

Ryan lives just a stone’s throw from Leyburn, in Bedale. Known for his great love of food and drink, he’s rounded up his top local spots for laid-back lunches or delicious evening meals.

  • The Sandpiper Inn – Leyburn, DL8 5AT
    A stylish gastropub offering a seasonal menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients, providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere for lunch or dinner.

  • The Wyvill Arms – Constable Burton, DL8 5LH
    An 18th-century farmhouse turned pub, hotel, and restaurant offering a menu of locally sourced produce. The closest spot to Sun Hill Farm.

  • The Wensleydale Heifer – Near Leyburn, DL8 4LS
    A charming boutique hotel known for its exquisite dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, including lobster and steak, all served in a stylish setting.

  • Hansom – Bedale, DL8 1AF
    A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant offering seasonal tasting menus crafted by award-winning chef Ruth Hansom. Highly recommended.

  • The Saddle Room – Leyburn, DL8 5BW
    A converted stable yard with a restaurant and bar by The Forbidden Corner at Tupgill Park, offering high-quality fare for the whole family.

dog friendly log cabins

Gunner's Go To Places

Meet Gunner, Ann’s energetic and lovable dog who knows all the best pet-friendly spots around Sun Hill, Constable Burton and the wider Leyburn area.

Many pubs and cafés nearby welcome four-legged friends, especially in outdoor seating areas. It’s always a good idea to call ahead if you plan to dine inside with your pup.

  • The Bolton Arms – Leyburn, DL8 5BW
    Dogs are welcome, and staff often offer treats at the bar.

  • The Kings Head Hotel – Leyburn, DL8 4HS
     Dogs are welcome, making it a great spot to unwind with your pet.

  • The Pheasant Inn – Harmby, DL8 5LG
    The pub has a cosy interior and a welcoming outdoor seating area for dogs

York Minster
Explore North Yorkshire

Venture Further Afield

Beyond the local charming market towns of Leyburn, Middleham, Richmond and Bedale, Sun Hill is also within an hour’s drive of some of the North’s most beautiful and historic destinations.

To the south, explore the medieval streets of York, or unwind in Harrogate, a stylish spa town famous for the gardens at Newby Hall, the stylish boutiques, and Bettys Tea Room. Head north to Barnard Castle, known for its castle ruins and the impressive Bowes Museum, or to Durham, with its striking UNESCO-listed cathedral and historic charm.

Craving sea air? The Yorkshire Coast is within easy reach- wander the clifftops of Whitby or enjoy the nostalgic charm of Saltburn-by-the-Sea with its pier and cliff tramway.

Fancy A Closer Look?

Explore Sun Hill

If you love what you see in the area, why not take another peek at our luxury lodges and cottages at Sun Hill in Constable Burton, North Yorkshire. Whether you’re planning ahead or just curious, our stunning Yorkshire Dales accommodation is ready to welcome you whenever you’re ready.