Kemps Yard Retreat

4.4★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Off road parking
Garden / Patio
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

25 Customer Review(s)

Jane
September 2024

“Kemps Yard is a lovely, clean and cosy cottage, and the cleaner who lives close by was very helpful with information.”

However, it has to be pointed out that to advertise this cottage as having ' onsite parking' is ridiculous. Most cars will struggle to access the very narrow lane beside it. I tried many times to speak to someone at Sykes before our stay about this issue. Eventually I had a WhatsApp conversation but it was obvious that the company have never seen the property.

However, it has to be pointed out that to advertise this cottage as having ' onsite parking' is ridiculous. Most cars will struggle to access the very narrow lane beside it. I tried many times to speak to someone at Sykes before our stay about this issue. Eventually I had a WhatsApp conversation but it was obvious that the company have never seen the property.

- Jane, September 2024
Catherine August 2024

“Absolutely lovely little cottage 90second walk from the centre of Thirsk.”

The property had everything we needed (apart from a jug in the kitchen) the adjoining neighbour was extremely friendly and gave us the use of a single garage to store our bikes. The so called off road parking was completely unacceptable, the vehicle access was dangerously close to a wall and the front of the property - an inch at best either side of the car with no room for error. (Renault megane size vehicle) Larger height vehicles or bikes on roof etc would not pass under the arch way from the road either! The front neighbours also blocked access by parking in front of their garage door in a way that made it impossible to get by for the majority of our visit. The cottage does provide a parking permit to allow roadside parking when it’s available. This is not ideal when you have a dog and bicycles etc to move to and from the cottage. If you have a tiny car and are brave enough the cottage has a type of off road parking, if not, its roadside only. In my opinion it should be clearer about the parking situation. The cottage is lovely apart from that!!

- Catherine, August 2024
Susan June 2024

“Absolutely loved this property.”

There was everything we could have needed and more ,the location was fantastic with loads of amenities in Thisk from pubs and restaurants to really nice shops. We would definitely stay here again and would be really happy to recommend it to anyone. If I had to be really really a negative nelly about any thing (and this is me being extremely picky) ,It's the drive way down to the cottage is really tight and not very easy for parking but please believe me this would not put us off staying there again .Just glad we had a small car .

- Susan, June 2024

Thank you very much for your wonderful review! Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay and all that Thirsk has to offer, and we'd be very happy to welcome you back to Kemps Yard Retreat at any point in the future! All the best Property Owner
L April 2024

“Our second visit to Kemps Yard, excellent location for the world of James Herriot, visits to the moors York, a good train service.”

Only observations last year there were 2 parking permits for on street parking , this year I could only find 1. This was no problem as we only had one car. Overall an excellent cottage

- L, April 2024

Thank you very much for your wonderful review! Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your second stay with us and all that Thirsk has to offer once more. Unfortunately, the change to the permit situation has been made by the local council and is out of our control - but hopefully between the offering of that pass, and the access to parking area for smaller sized vehicles, it will accommodate for most needs. Hope to welcome you back again in the future! Thanks again Property Owner
Janice April 2024

“What an absolutely stunning cottage!”

My sister and I have stayed in quite a few holiday cottages over the years and this one is the best ever! The cleanliness and decor was second to none and everything you needed was there. So handy for the Market Square and buses to various places. Love Thirsk as a whole, the people there are so friendly and welcoming as was the next-door neighbour, Shane. I hope, whoever stays there in the future, enjoys the cottage as much as we did! Certainly home from home!

- Janice, April 2024

Thank you ever so much for your wonderful review and kind words on the cottage! That's truly excellent to hear! Really pleased you enjoyed your stay and all that Thirsk has to offer, and we'd be very happy to welcome you back to Kemps Yard Retreat at any point again in the future! All the best to you both Property Owner
Lyn February 2024

“All in all a great stay but niggly bits croped up to dissapoint us.”

.. Only a telly in the lounge area, no radio anywhere... Seating not possible for 4 adults in the lounge area, we took 2 camping chairs... Heating not on for our arrival (beginning of February), no simple instructions for Heating, oven and hob, toaster only works for 2 not 4... Entrance is indeed tight but manageable with care, enjoyed leaving car parked up and enjoyed short walk into town..

- Lyn, February 2024

Thanks very much for your constructive feedback and we will take note to improve on those areas wherever we can. All the best! Property Owner
Rachel December 2023

“Fantastic location in the heart of Thirsk and to access many other areas of interest.”

Directions provided made everything very easy to find, fantastic information pack with information of the local area. We had a warm and comfortable stay. As previously mentioned access is tight but we had no issues once we went through the first time. Shame there is no garden to speak of other than the little seating area but we would definitely stay again.

- Rachel, December 2023

Thank you very much for your wonderful review! Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay and all that the market town of Thirsk has to offer. We'd be more than happy to welcome you back to Kemps Yard Retreat at any point in the future! All the very best Property Owner
Gwen December 2023

“Lovely cosy place to stay- very warm and great location.”

So quiet too. Just a couple of suggestions would be that as the cottage is for 4 people it would have been useful to have had a larger coffee cafetiere and tea pot! We found the visitor parking permit really useful as the passage way was tight for our car and we had a roof box on! Thank you.

- Gwen, December 2023
Jill November 2023

“Such a lovely cosy cottage, suited our purposes perfectly, and thank you for letting Poppy cat stay, she loved sitting on the window ledge behind the TV, watching anything going passed!”

Just to give other visitors an idea of the narrow gap for cars, I have a VW T Cross which just squeaked through!! I would recommend and definitely return when I'm back in the area.

- Jill, November 2023
Brenda October 2023

“I have already submitted a survey on this property, sent to you the week following our visit.”

- Brenda, October 2023
Jim October 2023

“A clean cottage, very convenient for the centre of Thirsk and its attractions.”

Not sure though why it deserved its 5tick rating by Sykes :we have stayed in much better standard Sykes 4 tick properties It wasn't a particularly welcoming cottage and had none of the homely touches we have found in other Sykes cottages (initial tea /coffee etc , cleansing materials, books, games,etc) , parking access was awkward with the narrow gap and cobbles, the parking area itself overgrown , it was a dark dingy cottage , the lighting was not well thought out for practicality either upstairs or downstairs, the lounge seating was Ok for 2 adults but not 4 (see other guest comments) , the outside sitting area for 2 was basic and close to the waste bins, the beds weren't particularly comfortable or warm, we had to buy our own hair dryer (normal provided in Sykes cottages) , no laundry basket provided, some sort of divider/curtain for the opening between the kitchen and lounge to reduce the noise when using eg the washing machine would have been appreciated, the kitchen/diner layout was not ideal use of space and the oven /microwave both quite complicated to work out how to use, the washing up bowl wasn't large enough to fit the dinner plates ,the cloakroom downstairs was quite cramped ................

- Jim, October 2023
Susan September 2023

“A clean and warm cottage in a very quiet location and only a 5 minute walk from the town centre.”

The thing that let it down were the very uncomfortable settee, too soft and too low. If we had been a party of 4 adults there was no comfortable seat for the forth person. A useful addition in the bathroom would be a squeegee for use in cleaning the shower. The driveway leading to the cottage is cobbled so probably not ideal for any one with mobility problems. Did notice that the light on the bathroom mirror didn't work nor did the extractor fan over the hob. We would like go thank Shane for his help The Thai resturant is very good as was the golden fleece which is card only. Car owner need to get aware that the space between the cottage and the neighbouring wall is ver y tight, a skoda octaves just fitted

- Susan, September 2023
Thomas Gerald September 2023

“Absolutely gorgeous place to stay.”

Everything was exactly as described. We felt completely comfortable within hours of arriving. Neighbours were very friendly. The driveway was a bit narrow but presented no difficulty for us in a medium sized SUV. The location was perfect, so near to the centre of a beautiful interesting town.We would definitely recommend this place to have a relaxing holiday.

- Thomas Gerald, September 2023
Julian August 2023

“Although described as having a garden, there is no garden at all, Only a small decked area right next to the wheely bins and a disrepaired brick wall beyond.”

Steps down to the back door not mentioned in description. No 'views' at all. Gernerally, the accommodation was very tidy and clean. The ony seating in the sitting room is a modern sofa which is very uncomfortable for any length of time. There is a space under the stairs but not really useable as seating. Sitting room has two window areas that are easily overlooked. Lace curtains would be useful. People pass directly outside the window. Narrow cobbled road, bad to walk on. A very good plus is the location, right in town.

- Julian, August 2023
Elle August 2023

“Lovely stay, super clean and all of the essentials there.”

Parking was hard for us but we have a big car, the neighbours were super helpful and lent us their permit so was quickly resolved. Only downside was the beds ( the 2 singles) they are laid on a sheet of wood so are abit uncomfy/ hard but didnt ruin our stay.

- Elle, August 2023
Dawn July 2023

“Lovely cottage , very clean and the bed linen smelled amazing , It would of been a squeeze in the living room for seating if our daughter didn't sit on the cut away under the stairs .”

Very quiet and peaceful

- Dawn, July 2023
L May 2023

“Kemps Yard was excellent, had all we needed, clean and comfortable.”

We came to Thirsk to see The World of James Herriot, it is just across the road. Access by car mention in other reviews could be a problem for cars larger than my Astra, however on street parking using the permits provided was easy , we always found a space. We enjoyed our stay and explored the North York Moors and coast, hopefully we will have a return visit to Kemps Yard

- L, May 2023

We're really glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Thirsk and thank you very much for your excellent feedback! Happy to welcome you back to stay again in the future! All the best Property Owner
Alison April 2023

“Lovely cosy, well equipped cottage in a quiet area but close to all the amenities, there’s a Tesco Extra and Lidl a short walk away.”

It made an ideal base for exploring the area, we were lucky to be there when Thirsk races were on, also a short walk away. Would benefit by having Wi-Fi though.

- Alison, April 2023

Thank you very much for your wonderful review! Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay and all that Thirsk has to offer! Also for your feedback on WIFI - which we’re pleased to say has now been added to the property since your stay. Many thanks again Property Owner
Valerie February 2023

“First time at this lovely little Cottage and Will no doubt return next year when my caravan closes down.”

Cottage was immaculate throughout it had everything we needed as the kitchen is well stocked. Decor and furnishings are lovely and beds are comfortable. The neighbour, Shane and his wife were most helpful and welcoming when I struggled to set heating, nothing was a bother for Shane. I would recommend a stay at this cottage, it was perfect.

- Valerie, February 2023

Thank you for your very kind review - we’re delighted you enjoyed your stay at Kemps Yard and would look forward to welcoming you again in the future! Property Owner
Susan December 2022

“Stayed in cottage waiting to complete on a new build.”

Lovely warm, clean, comfortable cottage. Well stocked kitchen with lots of cleaning materials. Very helpful caretaker. Downside, it would benefit from having a tumble dryer and broadband. Off road parking is a bit tricky, but owner supplied a resident pass to park in the street. Very central for shops and visiting local attractions. Would definitely recommend it.

- Susan, December 2022
Joanne October 2022

“Parking an issue could not get down the side of cottage with vehicle.”

No hair dryer.

- Joanne, October 2022

Sorry to hear you had an issue with your vehicle. Please note though that the maximum access width of -2m, if using the off-road parking area, is indicated within the property listing summary / notes. Property Owner
Alison September 2022

“Beautiful cottage in an ideal location furnished to a high standard.”

We booked the cottage for three nights and would definitely stay again.

- Alison, September 2022

We're really glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay and thank you for your excellent feedback! Happy to welcome you back to Thirsk anytime! Property Owner
Richard September 2022

“Wonderful cottage and great place to visit.”

- Richard, September 2022

We're really glad to hear you enjoyed your stay and all that Thirsk has to offer! Thank you for your feedback :-) Property Owner
Marlis August 2022

“A stunning cottage, superbly decorated in a very good location in Thirsk (perfect for our visit to The James Herriot visitor centre!”

) We loved everything about it, just found the access to park our Seat Arona car a bit tight. The washing machine was sadly not working when we stayed, which was a bit disappointing- as I was hoping to keep on top of our family of four holiday washing! The man who lives next door was super friendly too and offered us lots of tourist information. Overall we had a lovely week and would come back again in the future!

- Marlis, August 2022

Thank you for your feedback - delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay and the attractions on offer in Thirsk! We're really very sorry to hear that the washing machine wasn't working during your stay though and for the inconvenience that this caused - note this issue has now been rectified with a brand new one now installed. Happy to welcome you back anytime! Thanks again Property Owner
Elaine August 2022

“Lovely cottage, tucked away down a cobbled lane but so close to the centre of Thirsk.”

We had a lovely week here. Cottage is beautiful, loved the decor and the table set ready for us to sit down to our evening meal on arrival was so nice. Very spacious bedrooms and gorgeous bathroom. Getting the car in and out was a bit tight for us with a bigger car but the lovely owners of the Cross Keys next door let us park in their car park. Fab xxx

- Elaine, August 2022

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Summary

Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
Cloakroom with basin and WC
Kitchen/diner
Sitting room
Central heating
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher
Smart TV
Wifi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
private parking spaces off road for maximum of two cars and nearby public car park
Front garden with decking and furniture
One well-behaved pet welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 0.1 mile
Note: There is a step up to the decking, please take care
Note: The alleyway/drive to the parking places is very narrow, maximum 2m width

The property

Kemps Yard Retreat is a hidden gem of a cottage, just a stone's throw away from Thirsk market square in North Yorkshire.

Located a short walk from the Herriot Museum, concealed behind the gardens of the Friends Meeting house, down a 17th-century cobbled street and with private and roadside parking, Kemps Yard is the perfect stay for those looking to be central to Thirsk while enjoying unrivalled peace.

As you arrive, make your way into the sitting room, home to contemporary furniture, a feature fireplace and a Smart TV so you can unwind after a day of exploring.

From here, the spacious kitchen/diner offers all you need to cook up a storm for your loved ones, along with dining seating for four guests to enjoy meals while planning another fun-filled day out.

Completing the ground floor is a handy cloakroom, while the full shower room can be found on the first floor.

Get some rest in one of two beautifully presented bedrooms; choose from a plush king-size, or a twin which is ideal for the children.

Warmer months can be spent in the garden with a glass of wine in-hand; the decking area hosts a bistro dining set, making dining alfresco an inviting option.

If you need a break from cooking you will find a wealth of dining options just a short walk away, from takeaways and pubs to delightful restaurants and cafés.

For a day involving local culture, make your way to Thirsk Museum, or take advantage of your location and enjoy an afternoon of racing at Thirsk Racecourse.

Head to the cathedral city of Ripon, known for its rich history and pretty architecture.

Another popular city within driving distance is the stunning city of York, known for its impressive York Minster and a variety of buildings built throughout the centuries, and not forgetting the fantastic selection of pubs and eateries.

Further afield you can enjoy a day of walking, cycling, or just simply exploring the picture-perfect North York Moors National Park.

Book a memorable North Yorkshire adventure with a stay at Kemps Yard Retreat.

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About the location

THIRSK

Northallerton 8.6 miles; North York Moors National Park 5 miles; York 23.7 miles.

With the gateway to the North York Moors National Park to the east and Yorkshire Dales National Park to the west, the bustling town of Thirsk boasts a quaint market place, splendid Georgian buildings, a Norman church and excellent pubs, shops, restaurants, a cinema and a leisure centre. Visit the World of James Herriott Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the town’s own famous vet and author or explore the surrounding rolling countryside and Hambleton Hills, offering excellent walking and cycling opportunities. The cathedral city of York and the beautiful East Coast are within easy driving distance.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Thirsk, North York Moors & Coast (Ref. 1104586)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Kemps Yard is a lovely, clean and cosy cottage, and the cleaner who lives close by was very helpful with information.”

“Absolutely lovely little cottage 90second walk from the centre of Thirsk.”

“Absolutely loved this property.”

“Our second visit to Kemps Yard, excellent location for the world of James Herriot, visits to the moors York, a good train service.”

“What an absolutely stunning cottage!”

“All in all a great stay but niggly bits croped up to dissapoint us.”

“Fantastic location in the heart of Thirsk and to access many other areas of interest.”

“Lovely cosy place to stay- very warm and great location.”

“Such a lovely cosy cottage, suited our purposes perfectly, and thank you for letting Poppy cat stay, she loved sitting on the window ledge behind the TV, watching anything going passed!”

“I have already submitted a survey on this property, sent to you the week following our visit.”

“A clean cottage, very convenient for the centre of Thirsk and its attractions.”

“A clean and warm cottage in a very quiet location and only a 5 minute walk from the town centre.”

“Absolutely gorgeous place to stay.”

“Although described as having a garden, there is no garden at all, Only a small decked area right next to the wheely bins and a disrepaired brick wall beyond.”

“Lovely stay, super clean and all of the essentials there.”

“Lovely cottage , very clean and the bed linen smelled amazing , It would of been a squeeze in the living room for seating if our daughter didn't sit on the cut away under the stairs .”

“Kemps Yard was excellent, had all we needed, clean and comfortable.”

“Lovely cosy, well equipped cottage in a quiet area but close to all the amenities, there’s a Tesco Extra and Lidl a short walk away.”

“First time at this lovely little Cottage and Will no doubt return next year when my caravan closes down.”

“Stayed in cottage waiting to complete on a new build.”

“Parking an issue could not get down the side of cottage with vehicle.”

“Beautiful cottage in an ideal location furnished to a high standard.”

“Wonderful cottage and great place to visit.”

“A stunning cottage, superbly decorated in a very good location in Thirsk (perfect for our visit to The James Herriot visitor centre!”

“Lovely cottage, tucked away down a cobbled lane but so close to the centre of Thirsk.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

THIRSK