3 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Festive Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Newfield Hall, Malham

3 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Dec 2026, Dec 2027

2 Itineraries available

Full Board

Grades 1, 2 & 3 details

51kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£669

pp

Members From

£639

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
The Southern Yorkshire Dales set the bar high for seriously good views – so there’s an added magic to walks here during the winter months. Sightseeing greats like Malham Tarn, Janet's Foss, and Gordale Scar all look extra special under a crisp frost or a dusting of snow. And when you’re not out exploring the wintry landscapes of the Dales at a gentle pace, cosy up at our characterful country house in Malhamdale. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and our houses welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.

Accommodation

HF Country House
Looking every inch the baronial mansion, Newfield Hall sits in two acres of grounds near the village of Malham at the southern base of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Given it was this very landscape which inspired Wordsworth to write a sonnet and Charles Kingsley to pen The Water Babies, the countryside views are as gorgeous as you’d imagine. You’ll also have plenty of sightseeing greats within easy travelling distance, most notably Malham Tarn, Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Cove, and The Dry Valley of the Watlowes. And then, of course, there’s Yorkshire’s famous trio of summits: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, collectively known as the three peaks. Stay at Newfield Hall and experience the exceptional service of a VisitEngland ROSE award winner. Find out more about the latest accolade awarded to our country house in the Southern Yorkshire Dales by reading our latest blog.
10692_0009 - Newfield Hall - Exterior

Walking grades and options

This trip is graded Activity level 1, 2 and 3.

This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Yorkshire Dales. The choice of up to three guided walks including a walk of 3 or 4 miles.


What You’ll Love

  • Getting into the festive spirit with a gentle guided walking holiday
  • A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Discovering the stunning landscapes of Southern Yorkshire Dales on foot
  • Staying in our country house near the village of Malham
  • Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
  • A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
  • Mulled wine reception on arrival
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Seasonally themed three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Itinerary

On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice.

Some of our breaks have more than one itinerary. To check which itinerary is running on your holiday date please refer to the Dates, Prices & Trip Notes tab.

Itinerary 2026

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Clapham to Austwick

Distance: 5 miles (7.5km)  

Ascent: 750 feet (220m) 

In summary:From the village of Clapham, we follow an ancient lane before heading to Norber where we can explore a boulder field of glacial erratics.  After descending gently to the village of Austwick, we make our way across field paths to return to Clapham. 

Highlight: Spend time marvelling at the unique landscape of the Norber erratics. 

Option 2 - Ingleborough Cave & Nature Trail

Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)  

Ascent: 600 feet (180m) 

In summary: This circular walk starts in the traditional Dales village of Clapham before entering the Ingleborough Estate to follow a nature trail past the lake and by Clapham Beck. There is also an optional tour of Ingleborough Cave (payable locally).  

Highlights: See how the surrounding scenery of woods, fields, and moors has been shaped over 200 years by the Farrer family and walk through the famous Ingleborough Cave for some 500m beneath Ingleborough, one of the Three Yorkshire Peaks, to view impressive stalagmites and stalactites.    

Option 3 - Gaping Gill

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) 

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) 

In summary: Today’s circular walk starts in  the traditional Dales village of Clapham. Pass through the Ingleborough Estate, to Ingleborough Cave,and ascend the limestone gorge of Trow Gill to reach the huge pot hole of Gaping Gill. 

Highlight: Gaping Gill is awe-inspiring in its scale. This huge pot hole drops 100 metres into a cavern large enough to fit York Minster.

Option 1 - Kirkby Malham Circular

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (200m) 

In summaryThis circular walk takes us through the village of Calton before joining the Pennine Way to take us to the medieval church at Kirkby Malham. We then cross open countryside to reach the 17th century village of Airton before returning by lanes and fields.  

Highlight: Discover plenty of historical interest including an 18th century watermill, the 'Cathedral of the Dales’ at Kirkby Malham and the curious story of a watery grave.

Option 2 - Malham via the Pennine Way

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)

Ascent: 900 feet (280m)

In summaryDiscover the beautiful countryside as we walk north by the River Aire through Malhamdale to reach the village of Malham. We take a circular route to view Malham Cove before returning along the Pennine Way past the villages of Hanlith and Airton.

Highlight: Walk past Aire Head Spring where the river resurges from underground and enjoy close-up views of the dramatic Malham Cove.

Option 3 - Airton and the Pennine Way

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 330 feet (100m) 

In summary: After following lanes to Calton, we cross fields to the Pennine Way and pick up the old mill leat to Airton.  After exploring the village we return to Newfield Hall via Kirk Syke Lane.

Highlight: Visit the 17th century village of Airton and spend time looking for dippers on the River Aire.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Itinerary 2027

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Gaping Gill

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Today’s circular walk starts in  the traditional Dales village of Clapham. Pass through the Ingleborough Estate, with an optional guided tour of Ingleborough Cave (payable locally), and ascend the limestone gorge of Trow Gill to reach the huge pot hole of Gaping Gill.

Highlight: We'll stop for an optional tour of Ingleborough Cave with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Option 2 - Clapham to Austwick

Distance: 5 miles (7.5km)  

Ascent: 750 feet (220m) 

In summary:From the village of Clapham, we follow an ancient lane before heading to Norber where we can explore a boulder field of glacial erratics.  After descending gently to the village of Austwick, we make our way across field paths to return to Clapham. 

Highlight: Spend time marvelling at the unique landscape of the Norber erratics. 

Option 3 - Ingleborough Cave & Nature Trail

Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)  

Ascent: 600 feet (180m) 

In summary: This circular walk starts in the traditional Dales village of Clapham before entering the Ingleborough Estate to follow a nature trail past the lake and by Clapham Beck. There is also an optional tour of Ingleborough Cave (payable locally).  

Highlights: See how the surrounding scenery of woods, fields, and moors has been shaped over 200 years by the Farrer family and walk through the famous Ingleborough Cave for some 500m beneath Ingleborough, one of the Three Yorkshire Peaks, to view impressive stalagmites and stalactites.    

Option 1 - Around Malham

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: We ascend gradually along a green lane and over open moorland up to Malham Tarn and return to Malham past Malham Cove and beautiful Janet's Foss waterfall. 

Highlight: Looking over the limestone pavement of Malham Cove is always an impressive sight.

Option 2 - Malham Classic Circuit

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) 

Ascent: 900ft (280m) 

In Summary: From Malham village we head through Wedber Wood to Janet’s Foss and then follow lanes to Gordale Scar.  An ascending path, the Dales High Way, takes us past ancient settlements up to the top of Malham Cove with views down Malhamdale.  We then pick up the Pennine Way to descend the steps to the bottom of the cove and follow the clear path back into Malham. 

Highlight: Although fairly challenging, this classic walk takes in all the features of Malham limestone country, including Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove. 

Option 3 - Janet's Foss & Malham

Distance: 4 miles (7km) in two sections (4km Malham to Janet's Foss return / 3km Malham to Malham Cove return)

Ascent: 500 feet (160m) 

In summary: From Malham village we walk through National Trust land to view Janet’s Foss waterfall. We then return to explore the village where there are pubs and cafes. The second half of the walk takes us along the Pennine Way to see the magnificent limestone formation of Malham Cove, before returning to Malham village.

Highlights: Section 1. Plenty of time to view Janet’s Foss and enjoy Wedber Wood. Section 2.Malham Cove is truly spectacular. Look out for peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs, and the river emerging from the base of the cove.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Newfield Hall, Malham

Looking every inch the baronial mansion, Newfield Hall sits in two acres of grounds near the village of Malham at the southern base of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Given it was this very landscape which inspired Wordsworth to write a sonnet and Charles Kingsley to pen The Water Babies, the countryside views are as gorgeous as you’d imagine. You’ll also have plenty of sightseeing greats within easy travelling distance, most notably Malham Tarn, Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Cove, and The Dry Valley of the Watlowes. And then, of course, there’s Yorkshire’s famous trio of summits: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, collectively known as the three peaks. Stay at Newfield Hall and experience the exceptional service of a VisitEngland ROSE award winner. Find out more about the latest accolade awarded to our country house in the Southern Yorkshire Dales by reading our latest blog.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

 •  46 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 61 guests minimum   •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm  •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & 2 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Two lounges  •  Garden  •  HF Holidays Heritage Room  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation Visit England - Rose Award 2023

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Newfield Hall has 46 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: The guest rooms spread across the main building and the tastefully converted coach house. Rooms 3 and 6 are both corner rooms offering original features and large bay windows overlooking the gardens and beyond (Room 6 has its own telescope). 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Newfield Hall

Getting here

Address

Newfield Hall
Airton
Skipton
North Yorkshire BD23 4AA

Tel: +44 (0)1729 830235

By train

The most convenient station is Skipton. Gargrave station is closer, but there’s no taxi service from here.  

Check National Rail for routes and times. 

By shared transfer

If you’re travelling to or from Newfield Hall on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Skipton Railway Station.  

2026 prices are £30 per person for a return transfer or £15 per person for a single transfer.

Outward journey: Depart Skipton Railway Station at 16:10; arrive at Newfield Hall at 16:35. Return journey: Depart Newfield Hall at 09:15; arrive at Skipton Railway Station at 09:40.

Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:

HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk

By taxi

Skipton to Newfield Hall is 8 miles, which takes around 25 minutes. 

For pricing, please contact Station Taxis directly.

Station Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Station Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1756 700777
Email: stationtaxis@hotmail.co.uk

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Newfield Hall.

*Station Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By car

From the south, follow the A65 from Skipton to Gargrave. Leave the A65 by Eshton Road, signposted to Malham and pass Eshton Hall on the right. Newfield Hall is approx. 2½ miles further on, on the right and before the village of Airton. There is a stone pillar and a wooden sign at each side of our driveway.  (Please note: The next right turn has a post box at the bottom of the lane and leads to a private farm access ONLY.)

From the north, exit the M6 at junction 36 and take the A65 towards Skipton. In Coniston Cold village take a sharp left into a narrow road between houses, signposted to St Peters Church and Bell Busk and Malham. Pass under a railway viaduct, then after a mile bear right over a small bridge. After a further mile turn right at the junction, cross the narrow bridge, pass a left turn with a post box at the bottom of the lane (which leads to a private farm) and then shortly after, turn left through the gateway onto the drive of Newfield Hall. There is a stone pillar and a wooden sign at each side of our driveway.

There is free parking with the grounds of Newfield Hall.

There is a local road closure that could impact your arrival to Newfield Hall. The A59 is currently closed at Blubber Houses, this is the main road coming from Harrogate to Skipton. There are currently diversions in place which follows the A658 via Harrogate, the A660 via Ilkley and the A65 via Otley which will add an additional hour onto your journey. This affects all guests travelling to Newfield Hall from the North East. The road closure could be in place until the end of March, please check before travelling.

By air

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport. 

From the airport 
Take the bus to Leeds train station from where there are direct trains to Skipton taking about one and a half hours. Check Transdev for bus times and National Rail for train times. 

From Manchester International Airport there are direct trains every hour to Skipton with one change at Leeds. You’ll need to allow 2.5 hours to reach Skipton.  

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but you’ll have a longer onward train journey – about 4.5 hours. From Heathrow, first take the Piccadilly line to London Kings Cross station and from here take a train to Skipton (with one change at Leeds). 

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - Southern Yorkshire Dales Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Essentials

  • Rucksack with a waterproof liner,
  • Thermos flask for hot drink,
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre)
  • Spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar.
  • Small torch
  • First aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed)

Optional extras

  • Walking poles are useful, particularly for descents
  • Insect repellent,
  • Sun hat,
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream
  • Camera

Carbon Footprint - 51kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: MDL03-BEX03

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Dates & availability

3 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Festive Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

27 Dec - 30 Dec 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£669

pp

Members

£639

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£699

pp

£669

pp

2027

27 Dec - 30 Dec 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£669

pp

Members

£639

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£699

pp

£669

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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