Swallow

• A single-storey converted barn in the North Yorkshire countryside

• Walk to Fountains Abbey, where you'll have out-of-hours access to the grounds to watch the sun set over the abbey ruins

• It's only a short drive to Harrogate, full of boutique shops, famous tea rooms and independent restaurants

Swallow has been converted from an 18th-century farm building, which was originally used as a cow shed to house a dairy herd. The cottage has been restored using traditional materials and retains its original character, with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and a brickwork fireplace with woodburner. 

The cottage is just a mile away from Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage Site. You'll have free entry here and to other National Trust places during your stay – there's even a special key for the West Gate entrance for out-of-hours access to the grounds. Explore the largest abbey ruins in the country, which are almost 900 years old and make a unique backdrop for a picnic. There are miles of trails around the abbey, through the deer park and alongside the ornamental lakes and temples of Studley Royal garden, one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England.

It's a perfect base for a walking holiday, with much of the Yorkshire Dales National Park within an hour's drive of the cottage. Reach the giant rock formations and panoramic views at Brimham Rocks in a 15-minute drive, or take the 7.5 mile Monk's walk trail from Fountains Abbey's West Gate.

The spa town of Harrogate is only nine miles away. It's full of places to eat and drink, and is known for its 16th-century mineral springs, historic Turkish Baths, Victorian architecture and famous tea rooms. York city and its minster, ancient city walls and medieval shopping streets are also within driving distance.

Swallow is one of five holiday cottages at How Hill. There's also Lapwing (sleeps six), Curlew (sleeps six), Lark (sleeps four) and Wren (sleeps two). Multiple cottages can be booked together for a group stay.