4 Night Creative Writing & Walking in the Southern Yorkshire Dales

Newfield Hall, Malham

4 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Oct 2027

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 2 details

Non-members From

£809

pp

Members From

£779

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Combine a creative writing workshop with a walking holiday. Designed to help you become the writer you want to be, these breaks are perfect for both absolute beginners and budding authors looking to build their skills, style, and confidence in the stunning surrounds of the Southern Yorkshire Dales. You’ll enjoy a mix of group writing workshops and one-to-one sessions with a published author followed by guided afternoon walks in the great outdoors.

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

What You’ll Love

  • Group writing workshops 
  • One-to-one session with your writing tutor* 
  • Half-day guided walks with our HF Holidays Leaders 
  • Free time to relax, write, and explore  
  • Sharing ideas with like-minded people 
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)

* To receive feedback from your tutor during the one-to-one session, please submit a piece of writing at least 14 days in advance of your holiday. More details can be found on the itinerary tab.


What's Included

  • 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  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Itinerary

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.

Itinerary

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.

We’ll be diving into the creative writing process with morning workshops exploring a range of themes, such as setting, character building, and plot. Days two and four provide an opportunity to enjoy guided walks in the inspirational landscapes surrounding the house Lake District with an HF Holidays Leader. A free afternoon on day three gives you time to dedicate to writing.   

To receive feedback from your tutor during the one-to-one session, please submit a piece of writing at least 14 days in advance of your holiday. This should be sent to creativewriting@hfholidays.co.uk including the date and location of your holiday in the body of the email. All submissions should be up to 1000 words and sent in Word or PDF format.  

Evenings are varied. You’ll have the option to listen to readings from your tutor, take part in house activities, or simply relax. On our final evening together, there’s the opportunity for you to share a short snippet from your own writing with the group. Guests are asked to keep their readings to approximately 500 words to ensure everyone gets an opportunity.

 

Walk Information

Day 2

Eshton Moor And Haw Crag

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 500 feet (140m)

In summary: This circular walk explores the Pennine Way south before going over Eshton Moor and descending fields to the River Aire, then field paths ascend gently to Haw Crag before the return to Newfield Hall.

Highlight: Good views of the local area, including Newfield Hall, from the top of Haw Crag (677 feet). 

 

Day 4 

Calton

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 400 feet (120m) 

In summary: After walking along a quiet country lane, we pass Calton Hall and visit the hamlet of Calton. We then have the chance to cross open fields near Cowper Cote with views to the south, before returning to Newfield Hall.  

Highlight: Enjoy fine views and learn of the areas links to Oliver Cromwell.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

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

Packing list - Creative Writing & Walking

For writing

  • Paper, pens and/or laptop (and charger) for writing
  • Any source or reference material you may require

To receive feedback from your tutor during the one-to-one session, please submit a piece of writing at least 14 days in advance of your holiday. This should be sent to creativewriting@hfholidays.co.uk including the date and location of your holiday in the body of the email.  All submissions should be up to 1000 words and sent in Word or PDF format.

For walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing. 

Essentials

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip 
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable) 
  • Waterproof overtrousers 
  • Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat) 
  • Rucksack 
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
  • A small torch 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Mobile phone and portable charger 
  • Watch 
  • UV sunglasses 

Recommended 

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve) 
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters 
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat  
  • Spare pair of socks 
  • Energy snacks 
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables 
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace) 
  • Wallet/purse 

Optional extras

  • Walking poles, useful for descents 
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box 
  • Gaiters 
  • Blister kit  
  • Waterproof rucksack liner 
  • Head torch 
  • GPS device 

Carbon Footprint

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

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Dates & availability

4 Night Creative Writing & Walking in the Southern Yorkshire Dales

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

2027

18 Oct - 22 Oct 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£809

pp

Members

£779

pp
Single rooms

£849

pp

£819

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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