Breaks Fold Farm

As seen on TV, you might recognise the verdant fields of Breaks Fold Farm from Channel 4's Carry on Glamping show with Johnny Vegas. This was the original setting for the comedian's Field of Dreams glampsite. Although no longer here, in the original setting are a pair of charming shepherd’s huts to stay in. And from their prime location atop a gentle slope leading down to the peaceful waters of the Thruscross Reservoir, we reckon Breaks Fold Farm is just as dreamy a field as you could wish for.

Set in the Washburn Valley, part of the Nidderdale AONB (rebranded Nidderdale National Landscape), at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Breaks Fold Farm is as authentic as it gets. Situated on a proper working Yorkshire farm, the shepherd’s huts here are as at home in this landscape as the sheep they are named after – Swaledale and Herdwick. They are just as cute too, thanks to a curved tin roof and timber-clad walls. But look closer and you’ll soon spot modern amenities that make these huts much more than the traditional shelter from the elements. They are charming, modern hideaways for two, with everything you need for a comfortable self-catering stay, including a private hot tub outside your front door.

Glamping on this working Yorkshire farm can be a memorable experience. Your view down to the reservoir is across dry stone walls and farmers' fields. Your hosts, Richard and Louise, are fourth-generation farmers, and, inside, Swaledale and Herdwick are decorated for the breeds they honour. But the pictures of sheep on the walls are just the dressing. Underneath the pleasingly playful decor, these huts are dependable and well-designed, each with an open-plan living space combining bedroom, dining area and a modern kitchenette along with a spacious en-suite shower and toilet. They have electricity and running water, and are well insulated and heated enough to be cosy even when there’s snow in the dales. When there’s not, the space outside is where you’ll likely spend much of your time: there’s a small deck with seating, a hot tub, and a fire pit that doubles as a barbecue. The farm is also run with ecology and in mind, having won and been nominated for numerous environmental awards – most recently as a finalist at the Curlew Awards 2023 for their efforts conserving the local wading bird population. They're also conscious of supporting local businesses wherever possible – even those hot tubs are UK-made.

Nidderdale is within the Yorkshire Dales Dark Sky Reserve so stargazing here is pretty spectacular. It’s also on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which puts you in excellent walking country. You’ll find options for that both right here, where the four-mile loop of the reservoir is almost obligatory, and further afield in the park. Bolton Abbey and the pretty town of Pateley Bridge are within 10 miles, with Harrogate and Skipton just a little further. All are good choices for shops and eateries, but the locals would probably send you to Toft Gate Barn Café, just a couple of miles down the road – the views over Nidderdale from here are spectacular and the food isn't too shabby either.