4 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Southern Yorkshire Dales
Stay in the comfort of our characterful country houses and exercise both mind and body with this classic combination. You’ll have a choice of two guided walks a day (one short and one longer) followed by a bridge competition each evening.
What you’ll love
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Playing bridge in a relaxed and friendly environment
- Meeting like-minded people
- Being surrounded by the stunning landscape of Southern Yorkshire Dales
- Evening bridge competitions
- Staying in the comfort of our country house
What’s included
- All bridge-related materials
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Choice of two different-grade daily walks
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Enjoy a choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below.
We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.
Walks information:
Day 2
Option 1 – Kirk Syke Lane
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: This circular walk explores the Pennine Way south of Newfield Hall before taking a pleasant path which descends to the River Aire. The return follows the old green lane of Kirk Syke.
Highlight: Good views including looking back over Newfield Hall.
Option 2 – Otterburn Beck
Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Our walk takes us across fields to Kirk Syke and along lanes to the small village of Otterburn before returning via Bell Busk to Newfield Hall.
Highlight: Discover the hidden history of Otterburn, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book. The village took its name from the beck, "the stream of the otter", which runs through the middle of the village.
Day 3
Option 1 – Along the Wharfe to Grassington
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: We follow the Dales Way along the beautiful River Wharfe first to Linton Falls, then to picturesque Grassington where there will be plenty of time to explore or relax in one of the many tea shops.
Highlight: Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe.
Option 2 – Linton to Grassington
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 700 feet (200m)
In summary: Enjoy great views of Wharfedale as you walk from Linton through the charming villages of Thorpe and Burnsall. We'll then follow the Dales Way along the river, past Linton Falls to Grassington.
Highlight: Explore the unique 12th Century church in Linton and look out for Linton Falls - the largest waterfall on the River Wharfe.
Day 4
Option 1 – Airton & the Pennine Way
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)
In summary: After following fields and lanes to Airton, we explore the village before walking the old mill leat. Our return to Newfield Hall is via the Pennine Way.
Highlight: Visit the 17th century village of Airton and spend time looking for dippers on the River Aire
Option 2 – Kirkby Malham Circular
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 700 feet (200m)
In summary: This 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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Newfield Hall
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.
Rooms
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, and comfortable mattresses.
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, and comfortable mattresses.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. 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.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
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
About your stay
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Newfield Hall
Getting to Newfield Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
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.
2024 prices are £22 per person for a return transfer or £11 per person for a single transfer. 2025 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.
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).
Bridge
All your Bridge stationery and equipment will be supplied. You may, however, like to bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes. EBU Members - don’t forget to bring your EBU membership number to earn Master Points on this holiday.
Walking
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.
Bring a rucksack, a thermos flask for a hot drink, a water bottle (at least 1 litre) and spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar, a small torch (in spring, autumn and winter) and first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed). Many guests find walking poles useful, particularly for descents. Insect repellent, sun hat, sunglasses and protection cream and a camera are all optional extras you may choose to bring.
Newfield Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Julia Davies
Julia has had a long love affair with bridge. In fact, it was through her first ever game that she met her husband. She’s now an English Bridge Union Tournament Director and heads up the junior team of the UK’s most popular bridge club. As an expert tutor on our special interest breaks, Julia will teach you all she knows about her beloved game with a helping of humour for good measure.
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
14 Apr - 18 Apr 2025 4 nights |
Bridge and Walking Single from £689 Double from £689 pp |
from £689 pp |
from £689 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
66Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More