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Bracken Fern, Aldbrough St John

Visitor Rating
Rating
Exceptional
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Bracken Fern is a romantic shepherd's hut in North Yorkshire that sleeps two guests. This cosy retreat features a private hot tub and welcomes pets. The property sits in peaceful countryside perfect for couples wanting to escape everyday life.

The North Yorkshire location offers rolling hills and quiet lanes. You'll find traditional market towns nearby alongside open moorland. The area is known for its walking routes and country pubs.

The accommodation includes one bedroom with a double bed and one bathroom. The open-plan living space combines a kitchen area with comfortable seating. A wood burner keeps things warm whilst large windows let in natural light.

About Bracken Fern

Bracken Fern is a romantic shepherd's hut in North Yorkshire that sleeps two guests. This cosy retreat features a private hot tub and welcomes pets. The property sits in peaceful countryside perfect for couples wanting to escape everyday life.

The North Yorkshire location offers rolling hills and quiet lanes. You'll find traditional market towns nearby alongside open moorland. The area is known for its walking routes and country pubs.

The accommodation includes one bedroom with a double bed and one bathroom. The open-plan living space combines a kitchen area with comfortable seating. A wood burner keeps things warm whilst large windows let in natural light. Outside you'll find a private deck with the hot tub plus outdoor furniture and a fire pit for evening relaxation.

Visit Aysgarth Falls (12 miles, 20 minutes) for dramatic waterfalls. Bolton Castle (8 miles, 15 minutes) offers medieval history. The Yorkshire Dales National Park boundary sits just 6 miles away (12 minutes). Middleham Castle ruins are 4 miles distant (10 minutes).

Bracken Fern works brilliantly for couples wanting a proper countryside break with outdoor living and stargazing opportunities.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

More Glamping With Hot Tubs You May Like

Local Insights: Bracken Fern

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Aldbrough St John, Yorkshire

Weather & Local Conditions

10°C

Overcast

Updated: 22 Aug 2026, 2:51am

🌡️
9.90°C
Temperature
💨
8 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
86%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
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Rainy Day Tip: A cosy glamping stay comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bracken Fern sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
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4
5
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7
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9
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Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Property

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
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Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

101m

(331 feet above sea level)

Bracken Fern sits in a peaceful Yorkshire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a glamping escape.

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101m
Elevation
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Aldbrough St John
Nearest Village
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Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
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Driving Note: The roads to Aldbrough St John are typical Yorkshire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.5082940° N | Longitude: 1.6962614° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Aldbrough St John (Saturday, 22 August 2026):

4:54am

Sunrise

6:25pm

Golden Hour

7:25pm

Sunset

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4:54am
Sunrise
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7:25pm
Sunset
📸
6:25pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
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Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:25pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Aldbrough St John, you have approximately 14.52 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the property.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Bracken Fern.

Mobile Phone Signal

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Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

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Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Yorkshire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 22 Aug 2026 | Location: 54.5082940, -1.6962614

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at Bracken Fern

Private Hot Tub

Soak under the stars in your own hot tub on the private deck with countryside views all around you.

Wood Burner Warmth

The wood burner creates a cosy atmosphere on cooler evenings whilst you relax in the compact living space.

Fire Pit Evenings

Toast marshmallows and enjoy outdoor evenings around the fire pit with your favourite drinks and snacks nearby.

Pet-Friendly Retreat

Bring your dog along to explore the surrounding countryside walks and enjoy the outdoor space together.

Peaceful Location

Wake up to birdsong and countryside views with no traffic noise or light pollution disturbing your stay.

Romantic Setting

Perfect for couples wanting quality time together with outdoor living and starlit evenings in complete privacy.

Getting To Bracken Fern

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Bracken Fern by car, take the A1(M) to the A684 towards Leyburn. Follow signs through Wensley and continue to the property near Harmby. Off-road parking is available directly at the shepherd's hut.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Northallerton, approximately 18 miles away. From there, you'll need a taxi to reach the accommodation in the North Yorkshire countryside.

Off-road parking at property
Northallerton station (18 miles)
Accessible via A684 from A1(M)

Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff to see & do on your glamping break!

Aysgarth Falls
Distance: 12 miles
DL8 3TH
Bolton Castle
Distance: 8 miles
DL8 4ET
Middleham Castle
Distance: 4 miles
DL8 4QG
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Distance: 6 miles
DL8 3
Jervaulx Abbey Walks
Distance: 5 miles
HG4 4PH
Penhill Beacon Trail
Distance: 7 miles
DL8 4TZ
Leyburn Market Town
Distance: 3 miles
DL8 5AS
Hawes Creamery Shop
Distance: 15 miles
DL8 3RN
Masham Market Square
Distance: 10 miles
HG4 4DX
Leyburn Bus Services
Distance: 3 miles
DL8 5AS
Northallerton Station Taxis
Distance: 18 miles
DL6 2PS
Local Bike Hire
Distance: 3 miles
DL8 5BG
Aysgarth Falls
Distance: 12 miles
DL8 3TH
Bolton Castle
Distance: 8 miles
DL8 4ET
Middleham Castle
Distance: 4 miles
DL8 4QG
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Distance: 6 miles
DL8 3
Jervaulx Abbey Walks
Distance: 5 miles
HG4 4PH
Penhill Beacon Trail
Distance: 7 miles
DL8 4TZ
Leyburn Market Town
Distance: 3 miles
DL8 5AS
Hawes Creamery Shop
Distance: 15 miles
DL8 3RN
Masham Market Square
Distance: 10 miles
HG4 4DX
Leyburn Bus Services
Distance: 3 miles
DL8 5AS
Northallerton Station Taxis
Distance: 18 miles
DL6 2PS
Local Bike Hire
Distance: 3 miles
DL8 5BG

Is Bracken Fern Right For You?

Is this hot tub glamping retreat best suited to couples or families? What standout glamping features and private hot tub can you look forward to? And is it a dog-friendly getaway? Discover if this short break is the right for you.

For Families
This shepherd's hut is designed specifically for couples and sleeps just two guests in one double bedroom. There are no specific facilities for children and the compact layout suits adult guests best. The hot tub and outdoor fire pit require supervision. The peaceful countryside setting works better for romantic breaks than family holidays with young children.
Glamping Features
The outdoor living space makes this shepherd's hut special. Your private hot tub sits on the deck with uninterrupted countryside views. A fire pit provides evening entertainment for toasting marshmallows under the stars. The wood burner inside creates a cosy atmosphere on cooler nights. Outdoor furniture lets you enjoy breakfast outside or evening drinks. Large windows connect the indoor space with the surrounding landscape throughout your stay.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Bracken Fern with direct access to countryside walks from the property. The enclosed outdoor space lets your pet relax safely whilst you use the hot tub. North Yorkshire offers excellent walking routes including trails through the nearby Yorkshire Dales. Local footpaths start close to the accommodation. Remember to bring bedding and bowls for your pet during the stay.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Bracken Fern

The Sandpiper Inn

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL8 4HX

The Cover Bridge Inn

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL8 4TJ

Yorebridge House Restaurant

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL8 3JG

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Bracken Fern

Is Bracken Fern pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at this shepherd's hut. The surrounding countryside provides excellent walking opportunities for your four-legged companion.
How does the hot tub work?
The hot tub is ready for use throughout your stay on the private deck. You can enjoy it any time with complete privacy and countryside views.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The shepherd's hut has one bedroom with a double bed sleeping two guests. The compact layout maximises space whilst maintaining comfort for couples.
Is there heating in the shepherd's hut?
A wood burner provides heating throughout the accommodation. Logs are typically provided for your stay to keep the space warm and comfortable.
What cooking facilities are included?
The open-plan living area includes a kitchen space with essential cooking equipment. You'll have what you need to prepare meals during your stay.
Where can I park my car?
Off-road parking is available at the property. You'll park close to the shepherd's hut for easy access to your accommodation.
What outdoor facilities are provided?
The private deck features the hot tub plus outdoor seating and furniture. A fire pit is available for evening entertainment under the stars.
Can I use the fire pit?
Yes, the fire pit is available for guest use during your stay. It's perfect for toasting marshmallows and enjoying outdoor evenings in the countryside setting.

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Bracken Fern Reviews

After a difficult two weeks with parental health issues we went here for some rest. It was the most peaceful break we've ever had. The area that bracken fern is in is so peaceful and calm. The place it's self has everything you could possibly need for a short break. It's spotless clean and warm and the bed is very comfortable. We loved it so much we rebooked straight away. I'd highly recommend it.
Matthew
What cant i say about this place it is amazing so private and peaceful this is ... What cant i say about this place it is amazing so private and peaceful this is the best cabin i have been too the cabins are not close together giving you that privacy and all you can hear is the wild life in the woodland the hot tub was so relaxing and easy to use everything was just perfect for a stress free and relaxing weekend i would recommend to anyone i will 100 book again
What a lovely lodge in the woods, not a sole to be seen. Honestly, felt like I was walking along a path to Miss Honey's cottage in Matilda. A surprise getaway for my other halves birthday. He said he couldn't have wished for anything better. Ziggy our cockapoo loved it. Plenty of space for him on his 10mtr lead. We woukd love to revisit and recommend to anyone who wants just them time.
Very relaxing. Fantastic place. Immaculate, so clean
Jessica
This is our second stay at Bracken Fern, as we really fell in love with it the first time round. Perfect location, cabin and hosts. We'll definitely be back for another peaceful weekend getaway. Such a little hidden gem!
Samantha
The accommodation was really clean, good shower and comfy bed. The only down point was that there wasnt anywhere comfortable to sit inside if it was cold. The kitchen was adequate for couple of nights but I wouldnt have wanted to be there for a week unless I was really good at cooking on open fire as it only has microwave and hob. It also wasnt as private as it could have been being able to view the neighbours. But it was a very relaxing place to be. Hot tub was amazing though, dressing gowns was also a nice touch.
Nichola
Lovely place to stay so relaxing. The 'hut' was super clean on arrival and very welcoming. The scenery and setting is perfect for total relaxation thank you for a lovely stay.
Melanie
We had a lovely time and would likely come again, only issues were that the pictures in the listing show a full sized round hot tub however when we arrived it was more an outside bath. The neighbouring hut was closer than we expected so we did see the other people staying a few times wasnt as private as expected, however we still have a lovely time and found the hut every comfortable and clean.
The cabin was great although the bed was a bit small me and the wife had to top and tail it otherwise we wouldn't fit. The facilities and cleanliness was great, the owner was very friendly and the area is lovely.
Georgina
Amazing little woodland break away to escape from life for a few days! So quiet and relaxing to spend quality time with my partner
Brilliant Stay, Loved every minute of it. It was very cold outside we were kept warm with the log burner and electric heater. Excellent stay and would highly recommend
Lovely location , very cosy cabin , lovely welcome pack , brillant place if you want a bit of piece and quite would highly recomend to every 1. Would like to return in.the summer to see the differnce. And its only 1,5 mile walk to local pub which is a lovely country pub
Helena
We have had a fantastic holiday
A delightful secluded hideaway with all the facilities needed for the most relaxing and enjoyable refreshing break you could ever wish for ! ! Surrounded by tranquil woodlands, this beautiful shepherds pod retreat has an amazing wood fired hot tub, outdoor space with fire pit and superbly appointed functional inside space topped off with a super comfy bed What more could you ask for, if a quiet, comfortable place is what youre after to recharge or simply escape the day to day life then this is for you ! Amazing place and will be looking to revisit as soon as possible !
Joanne
Beautiful cabin, amazing location! It was so nice to disconnect from the world for a couple of days and just enjoy the moment. Also Monty the dog loved spending 4days surrounded by the woods, he now decided he only eats his breakfast outside!! Thank you for the most wonderful stay.
Andrew
Absolutely perfect, thank you
Bracken Fern was just amazing. For the first time in a long time, we were able to switch off from reality. Everything was just perfect. It was more than we expected. Every little detail had been taken care off. The cabin was immaculate and the bed was so comfy. Bella our little dog loved her treats and she loved exploring outside. Waking up in the morning and sitting outside with a cup of tea, listening to the birds and wildlife was just wow! We will definitely be coming back. Thank you for such a wonderful experience, it was out of this world x
Very tranquil, clean & everything we needed for our 3 nights stay.
Absolutely stunning. Perfect get away.
Oliver
Lovely little cabin in the woods with everything you need for a relaxing weekend. Only met the owner once and they were very friendly and helpful.
Andrew
Perfect woodland area very rural, I just sat around the fire pit every night with Vinnie, Paul and Laura was very helpful with anything, already booked again.
Natasha
What a beautiful peaceful break. Laura is so Helpful and there is nothing she hasnt thought of. 5
Loved this sheperds hut in the woods so peacefull. Has every thing u need but there only a microwave and gas hob or firepit with griddle so id take a airfryer as we did or ull b limited to ready meals perfect for a weeks holiday with dog can walk for miles. dog was in her element and exhausted every day would recommend u try it 5 we will book again for next year
Michelle
Gorgeous little cabin in woods, could hear occasional car on main road but otherwise felt like was out in wilderness, sure in Summer when trees in full leaf will feel more secluded. Only issue was no other comfortable seating available inside cabin and stools at breakfast bar were a little wobbly so had to sit on bed most of time there but was cozy especially with fire on and had everything needed to cook and prepare food! Hot tub was lovely but took far too long to heat up so only used once during stay, would definitely return for another visit when weather nicer! x
Stacey
The most amazing time ever, gorgeous little cabin, beautiful location, amazing customer service, the best and most relaxing week i have ever had, I will definitely be back !
Geoffrey
This will be the second time we have been here, last time was September 23, the place is just stunning, relaxing. As we remembered it. Cannot fault ot in anyway. Amazing place if you just want to relax and switch off l.
Jessica
We had a beautiful weekend at Bracken Fern. Super clean, cosy and private! A perfect little space to relax and rejuvenate. The owner Laura was so attentive to all our needs and you can tell there is a lot of love put into this place. We was sad to be leaving and missing the hot tub already! We'll definitely be back
Beautiful stay, amazing hosts, very helpful, so clean and tidy great location Would definitely recommend
My partner and I went to Bracken Fern this weekend to celebrate her Birthday. The cottage was absolutely stunning and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It was in a lovely rural area that was so quiet and very private, so perfect for a peaceful getaway. The cottage was in immaculate condition when we arrived, it was very clean and tidy, and smelled lovely. The cottage had everything we needed, and there was a lot of storage for belongings. The hot tub was a great feature, and the cottage was so well heated even at night so we were cosy throughout our whole stay. Despite its rural location, the cottage is a short drive away from both Darlington and Barnard Castle, so there was plenty to do whilst we were away. It was great that we were able to bring our dog Pip with us also, she had a great time. Laura was such a lovely host, and made our stay as perfect as possible. She kept in regular contact and helped us with everything we needed throughout our stay. Thankyou Laura for such an amazing trip! We have been telling our family and friends all about our stay and advising them to visit. We will certainly be returning to experience it during summertime.
OUTSTANDING! !! THE perfect retreat over Xmas nestled right in the heart of wonderful secluded and peaceful countryside. We enjoyed listening to the wildlife and seeing lots of birds whilst sat comfortably on the outside decking Very cosy and clean and clearly a lot of thought, love and attention by the owners to give guests an unforgettable experience. Already looking at booking again for the Spring to see a different landscape as the woodland changes with the seasons. Thankyou for our lovely break and memories Alan and Jane xx
Charlie
Amazing place to stay for a peaceful getaway. Hosts were amazing provided everything we needed and more!
Samantha
Very nice setting in the woodland. Hot tub was lovely once it reached the desired temperature, but would be useful to have some lights rather than rely on a solar powered spotlight, which was ineffective. Otherwise, all good. Other facilities were great and a lovely powerful shower too.
Heather
Fantastic place, perfect size for 2 people, bed extremely comfy. Would definitely stay here again. Owner was very quick to bring us more wood when we requested it, even though it was a Sunday Would suggest a few extra lights along the path and at the archway to and from the carpark, as on a night it is pitch black and difficult to see
Howard
We really loved our stay at Bracken Fern. The property was well presented our only suggestion would be to have a mirror in the bathroom and maybe usb charging ports on the sockets. Instructions on how long the logs last on the hot tub log burner would be beneficial as we have never experienced this before. It was a bit of trial and error on our part. But overall we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend break. Thank you
Stephen
Had an amazing stay, beautiful location and property. So peaceful and relaxing just what we needed to unwind! We will be back and recommending to everyone!
We had a brilliant time at Bracken Fern. A quirky little place to stay in a beautiful, quiet location. The property was very clean, had everything we needed and the right amount of space for me, my adult daughter and our dog. Thankfully we had good weather and were able to sit outside a lot. The cabin bed was cute but small so a tall person would struggle to fit in it. The mattress was a little lumpy too. We managed fine but it wasn't easy to get out of bed through the night, trying to climb over my daughter to get to the bathroom! It did give us a laugh though. We loved how wild the plants were around the property was but thought the areas around the paths and hot tub could be cut back as there were a lot of nettles. We'd definitely go back and we loved the area.
Lauren
Wow. I have no words for how stunning this place is. Just gorgeous, everything is thought of and clearly so much love and care has gone into creating this special place. Comfy, cosy, beautiful, calm. If you're wondering whether to book on... just do it. You won't regret it. Thanks for having us x
Rachel
We had a lovely stay last week. Bracken Fern is situated in a gorgeous place, so peaceful. We have stayed in similar places before and this was equally as good. Couple of things it could do with Few more kitchen utensils, slotted spoon for lifting eggs. Salt and pepper The bed is quite narrow, but was very comfortable. Thank you for the welcome wine and Ernie enjoyed the dog treats.
Rebecca
If you're looking for a quiet, beautiful, getaway this is the place to go. It's secluded, and just breathtaking. Perfect amount of space for two and a dog. Multiple walks near by, that made us feel refreshed and recharged how can you not feel such a way when getting to relax in a woodfired hot tub.
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