The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

A Winter Getaway in Settle, Yorkshire Dales

07/01/20 ᛫ 10 Comments

Christmas 2019 was amazing. It was the first Christmas we’ve had Theo at home with us and we wanted to make it extra special. Scott took 2 weeks off work and we packed it full of days out and trips to see family. It was everything we wanted it to be, but also it was full on and left us both feeling a little frazzled by the end of it. Luckily, we had the perfect remedy lined up; a couple’s getaway at The Golden Lion in Settle. A bit of quality time for us alongside some fresh air in the Yorkshire Dales was exactly what we needed. Read on to find out more about our experience and book your own January 2020 getaway at The Golden Lion from only £89 with breakfast.

Post sponsored by House of Daniel Thwaites

We stayed over at the Golden Lion in Settle on the 30th December and luckily my parents were happy to have Theo for the night. Baby-free hotel stays are such an exciting treat for Scott and I now that we’ve become parents and the full night’s sleep always seems to do us the world of good.

About The Golden Lion in Settle

The Golden Lion is a boutique Inn located in the quaint market town of Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a 10-minute drive from Horton-in-Ribblesdale which is a popular starting point for climbing Pen y Ghent and doing the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Its prime location on Duke Street is in the heart of Settle, right next to the market square. Inside is a cosy and rustic gastro pub with a roaring log fire, a great selection of ales and delicious hearty dishes (I can vouch for that). It’s part of the House of Daniel Thwaites collective which has unique hotels, inns and lodges all over the UK, from Penrith, Cumbria to Fareham in the south east.

There are a total of 14 rooms which include standard rooms, character rooms and twin rooms. We were lucky to be staying in a character room which was spacious and had plenty of thoughtful touches including luxurious robes, a hot water bottle, fresh milk and chunky shortbread biscuits.  All these thoughtful details made it feel like a home from home. The king size bed felt very luxurious and we had a really peaceful night’s sleep. The only thing I’d say our room was missing was a bath tub.

Afternoon Tea in The Winter Lodge at The Golden Lion in Settle

For Winter 2019 / 2020, The Golden Lodge has created The Winter Lodge which is located through the courtyard in the property’s old stables. Hidden behind a heavy curtain lies a twinkling and cosy festive bubble that has been decorated in a rustic ski chalet style. We checked into our room around 2pm and had our festive afternoon tea booked for 3pm. The friendly server showed us the way to our table and offered us both a hot water bottle which I thought was a really nice touch. I happily took the hot water bottle although it was definitely warm enough inside.

The festive afternoon tea itself included a selection of tasty sandwiches including turkey and cranberry and a selection of cakes and desserts including trifle and Christmas pudding. Of course, it also came with two chunky scones that were served with strawberry jam and a very generous portion of clotted cream. For me, the highlight of any afternoon tea are the scones so I indulged in them and tried a bit of everything else. Everything tasted wonderfully fresh and flavoursome. The festive afternoon tea and the Cheese fondue menu at the Winter Lodge will continue until mid-January 2020.

Dining in the Restaurant at The Golden Lion in Settle

On a cold and rainy December night, we had no intentions of leaving our cosy home from home for dinner. The Golden Lion has its own restaurant which has table service and you can also dine more casually in the pub area if you order at the bar. I was still full from the amazing afternoon tea, so I ordered a ‘small’ fish and chips. I didn’t think I would eat it all but it was so delicious that I cleared the plate. The batter on the fish was perfectly crisp. Scott had a home-made chicken and leek pie with creamy mash which was presented beautifully. He said he thoroughly enjoyed it.

As with the Take it All Inn January room rate, breakfast was included in our stay. The breakfast includes a continental breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, cereal and pastries as well as the option to order a cooked breakfast at no extra cost. We both opted for the eggs benedict as the menu said it was one of the Golden Lion’s signature dish. I am quite fussy with my eggs benedict and I think it can be so easy to get it wrong, but I couldn’t fault this dish in any way. The eggs perfectly cooked and there was plenty of hollandaise. In short we were very impressed by the food offerings at the Golden Lion.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

After all our foodie indulgence at The Golden Lion we went for a walk the next morning to blow off the cobwebs. Although I’d have loved to try and climb Pen y Ghent, we didn’t have enough time so we opted for a shorter walk to Hull Pot near to Horton in Ribblesdale. Our little break reminded me how stunning the Yorkshire Dales are and how lucky we are to have them on our doorstep. Scott and I both said we will return again soon with Theo in tow for some more outdoor adventures.

The Verdict

Our post-Christmas getaway to the Golden Lion was exactly what we needed. It was a chance to (briefly) let go of our parenting responsibilities and enjoy being a care-free couple again. We both hugely appreciated the full night’s sleep and all the delicious food. The bracing walk along the Dales was the icing on the cake and we drove back to Theo on New Year’s Eve feeling refreshed and excited to see our boy.

Thanks to all the staff at the Golden Lion in Settle for such a welcoming and relaxing stay.


Book your own stay at the Golden Lion (or any other House of Daniel Thwaites Inn) this January from only £89 per couple with breakfast. In order to use the offer at other properties, simply browse all Inns on the House of Daniel Thwaites website then book the offer via the individual Inn websites.


This stay at The Golden Lion was provided complimentary as part of a sponsored campaign. All words and opinions are honest and my own. All photos are my own.

10 Comments

Related Posts

  • Staying at Lower Campscott Farm in North Devon
  • Featuring in Expedia’s York Video Guide
  • 5 of The Best North Yorkshire Staycations
« 13 Amazing Things to do for Families in Orlando
Our Stylish and Family Friendly Apartment in Chester »

Comments

  1. Angie Silver says

    20th January 2020 at 11:14 am

    What a lovely getaway for you two!

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      22nd January 2020 at 1:59 pm

      Thanks Angie! It was lovely

      Reply
  2. claire chircop says

    13th January 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Looks like you had a fabulous time! I love hotels like this that have got a bit more character to them… And such a bargain too!!
    Claire.X

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      14th January 2020 at 2:36 pm

      Thanks Claire! We did have a lovely time. I love the characterful properties too. I think we’ve learnt to simplify things for Christmas next year now that we are parents! And then maybe we won’t need a break again 😀

      Reply
  3. thetravelsofmrsb says

    13th January 2020 at 11:06 am

    Looks like such a lovely stay. This are the kind of hotels I Iove, so much character.

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      14th January 2020 at 2:36 pm

      Thanks Laura. It was exactly what we needed. Glad the character came through 🙂

      Reply
  4. Karen Hutzcal says

    10th January 2020 at 7:06 am

    You’re sure right about wanting a fine scone with tea right about now! Your descriptions had me feeling like I was there! You’re lucky to live in such a beautiful area!

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      14th January 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks for your comment Karen. I do feel lucky to live in Yorkshire, but Alberta is beautiful too 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jennie says

    7th January 2020 at 7:26 pm

    Aww it sounds like you had a great time away 🙂 What a dreamy Winter Lodge for an afternoon tea!! I could eat a scone right now 🙂

    Reply
    • Jess Gibson says

      14th January 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks for your comment Jennie! We had a lovely time. So cosy and relaxing! And I could never get tired of eating scones 😀

      Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

Read More

Booking.com

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

5 Alternative European City Break Ideas for 2021

Woolacombe Beach

A Toddler-Friendly Holiday in North Devon

Our Mini Adventures: 5 Family Friendly Days Out in Yorkshire

Follow on Instagram

Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-developme Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-development project. On 1st January I set some new intentions (not resolutions). The main one was to try and start waking up 1 hour earlier (I am not a morning person). But I wanted to make a change to start each day slowly and mindfully; to wake up and put my own needs first. Usually I would roll out of bed and be straight into Mum mode. Now I sit in silence with a hot cup of tea. Honestly, it has transformed my mornings and I can’t believe I’ve not done it sooner. Here are a few things I’ve been doing in my new daily hour of mental self care; 

⭐️1. The 5 Minute Journal - This book has been the greatest gift I have received in a long time. It has helped me to find gratitude in the smallest things, even when the world feels like its falling apart. I start my hour by filling out this journal. @fiveminutejournal 

⭐️2. Affirmations - I bought these beautiful affirmation cards from @lovaine_store on Etsy. Each morning I pick out a new affirmation and write it in my journal. Then I pluck another from my head. They're definitely teaching me to be kinder to myself and make me feel mentally stronger.

⭐️3. Mindfulness - After my journal I practice a guided meditation using the @calm app. 13 days in, I feel a lot more clarity. Tomorrow I’m also starting an 8 week mindfulness cognitive behavioural therapy course with @natalieenglander. I am a novice and I am excited to learn more.

Whilst we all feel like we have very little control over our lives right now, the one thing we CAN still control is our mindset. If you’re feeling frazzled and overwhelmed by the world right now, I really can’t recommend trying things enough ✨ 

What are you doing to look after your mental well-being right now? It’s brutal at the moment. Take care guys 💓
When your knee surgery gets cancelled AGAIN. If I When your knee surgery gets cancelled AGAIN. If I don’t laugh I’ll cry 😅 Another month on crutches for me. At least I got to see my boy experience snow for the first time today instead. Will keep being grateful for the small things ✨
Hey guys! I’ve decided to sign off IG for the fe Hey guys! I’ve decided to sign off IG for the festive period to focus on my family and my mental health. My knee surgery was booked for today but it has been cancelled last minute as the surgeon has tested positive for Covid. Classic. To say I am devastated is an understatement. I’ve cried many, many tears.

This means despite already isolating for 14 days, we need to continue isolating over Christmas in the hope that I can get the surgery on 29th December instead. So like all of you in tier 4, we will also be having a merry ‘little’ Christmas as a family of 3. We’ve spent Christmas before in hospital with Theo in an incubator, so to have him home and healthy is still a big step up from that. 

Still being on crutches after 7 weeks, I am stuck in a very frustrating situation. I am feeling low but trying to pick myself up and focus on the one thing I can control right now: my mindset. I still want to make Christmas special for our little boy despite the unwanted plot twist (shout out to my dad who is currently scouring supermarkets trying to piece together a Christmas food shop for us). 🙌🏼🥴

Merry Christmas guys. What a year. We can only try to make the very best of the cards we’ve been dealt. Stay safe and keep it little. See you all soon ✨🎄✨
⚡️FESTIVE NEWS FLASH ⚡️ 🌟You don’t n ⚡️FESTIVE NEWS FLASH ⚡️

🌟You don’t need matching family pyjamas to have a good Christmas.

🌟You don’t need to make a Christmas Eve Box to be a great parent.

⭐You don’t need expensive Christmas days out to make it magical.

🌟You don’t need to watch Christmas films in a tidy, ambient room.

🌟You don’t need a perfect, colour coordinated Christmas tree.

🌟You don’t need to overindulge if you don’t want to.

🌟You don’t need a sprawling mass of presents under the tree.

🌟You don’t need to cook everything featured on the Jamie Oliver Christmas special.

🌟Hell, you don’t even need to change out of that trusty loungewear set you’ve been wearing all year.

💓 Embrace the chaos and all the things that make your Christmas unique. Stop letting social media trick you into thinking you don’t have it all. Honey, you do 💓

Merry Christmas and thank you for following us this year, love from me and Theo 🎄✨

(Inspired by Bd Blogs)
Hey guys! I’ve been quiet on here as I’m self Hey guys! I’ve been quiet on here as I’m self isolating for 2 weeks for my knee surgery which is just before Christmas. So right now I’m literally just focusing on getting through the days and reaching my op date. 

I’ve torn cartilage and the ACL ligament in my knee (caused by an old sport injury). My knee is ‘locked’ bent and I can’t weight bear on it. I have been on crutches since mid November so in true 2020 style, it’s all been a bit shit. Fortunately, the surgery will instantly unlock my knee, then I have a long physio programme to follow.

Like many others, this isn’t how I imagined the lead up to Christmas would be. If you’re feeling a little disappointed, you’re not alone. It’s not easy isolating with a toddler and an injured knee. It’s taking a lot of mental strength at the moment but my strategy is to just go one day at a time. Gin is also helping 🙃

Bring on January when I can run around like this with my boy again and plan new adventures. I’ll appreciate it all the more now. Do you have any coping strategies to get through a 14 day isolation? I’m all ears 👂🏼🌿 P.S Help 🥴

Photos by @korm87
Hey guys! I’m excited to share some big news. I’ve got a job! It’s an amazing communications role at a national UK charity 🥳

Since 2016, running The Travelista has been my full time job and sole source of income. I have travelled the world through a job that I created, and I could not be more proud of this. However, my life evolved when I became a Mum and suddenly and traumatically (15 weeks earlier than expected) my lifestyle totally changed.

Then Covid came along. My blog earnings took a hit and the summer lockdown with a young toddler was difficult to say the least. I was left feeling burnt out and desperate for a bit of structure. I also craved some financial certainty. I realised what I needed and went looking for it, in the middle of a pandemic.

I am proud to be a working Mum and I am pleased to say I feel like I have designed the ideal working scenario for myself now. But fear not, The Travelista isn’t going anywhere! 

The new job is part time so I work 3 days a week for the charity and have the rest of my week to dedicate to Theo and do bits for The Travelista. I spend some evenings and Sundays working on blog content, but only if I want to. I don’t put any pressure on myself. The result is that I am enjoying my content creation so much more. As a part time employee and a small business owner, I sort of feel as though I now have the best of both worlds. 

I am learning so much in the job and although I work from home, I feel so much more connected to the outside world. Its very nice to be part of a team again and feel like I am making a difference for a charity with a very good cause. So far the job has been very good for my mental health.

After totally losing myself in the first year of motherhood, this is a really positive step for me and one that I thought was worth celebrating. So that’s one good thing to come out of 2020 😊 Essay over!

Now, tell me one positive thing that has happened to you in 2020? ✨

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 10426followers
  • 1850subscribers

Copyright © 2021 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2021 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact