Swinton Bivouac
Location: High Knowle Farm, Knowle Ln, Masham, gb
Star Rating: 9.1 Stars
Property Type: Lodges
About this Property
Luxurious Glamping Experience in the Yorkshire Dales
Unique Accommodation Options: Choose between staying in a cozy lodge with a meadow tipi and fire pit or a comfortable yurt with access to a communal hot tub and outdoor seating area.
Outdoor Activities and Relaxation: Enjoy bike hire, horse riding, and falconry nearby, or unwind at the country club and spa. The Druid's Temple just 200 meters away adds a touch of mystery to your stay.
Rustic Charm with Modern Comforts: Despite the off-grid experience with no electricity, the lodges and yurts provide a cooking facility and bedding, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Book now for an unforgettable glamping adventure at Swinton Bivouac!
Important Information
Please note that there is no electricity in the rooms and guests are recommended to bring a torch.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Policies
Check-in: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Health or beauty spa nearby
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- BBQ facilities
- Luggage storage
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Massage services
- Packed lunches
- Non-smoking throughout
- Private check-in/check-out
- Board games/puzzles
- Kid meals
- Shared kitchen
- Kids' outdoor play equipment
- Outdoor furniture
- Fruits
- Pet basket
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Key access
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Access to health care professionals
- Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
- Cooking class
- Snack bar/deli
- Golfing on site
- Playground on site
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Private picnics
- Wine release events
- Japanese garden
- Fishing nearby
- Health or beauty spa nearby
- Horse riding nearby
- Bicycle-friendly property
- Charcoal grill
- Vegetarian menu options available
Rooms Available
-
Studio
1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Twin Beds
Relax - Fireplace
Internet - Free WiFi
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Bathrobes, free toiletries, and towels
Comfort - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and heating
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Bathrobe
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Change of towels (on request)
- Change of bed sheets (on request)
-
Tree House, Valley View
2 Twin Beds, 1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed
65-sq-foot individually decorated room, balcony with valley views
Layout - Bedroom
Relax - Fireplace
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with cookware/dishware
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries
Comfort - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and heating
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Kitchenette
- Bathrobe
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
- Change of towels (on request)
- Change of bed sheets (on request)
-
Yurt
The Yurt can accommodate up to 4 people. It has a double bed and 2 single beds. Yurts have an adjoining en-suite WC with dedicated shower per yurt, located in the shower block. Yurt guests have access to the use of a camping kitchen with power, gas hobs, communal seating and BBQ facilities. Bed linen is provided. Please note that there is no electricity.
Max Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults)
- Bathrobe
- Toilet
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
-
Chalet
This chalet's standout features are the hot tub and fireplace. This chalet includes 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. Meals can be prepared in the kitchenette, which is fitted with a stovetop, a refrigerator and kitchenware. The chalet offers a private entrance, a seating area, as well as an outdoor dining area and outdoor furniture. The unit has 4 beds.
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Kitchenette
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Stovetop
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
-
Tent
This tent's standout feature is the fireplace. This tent has a shared bathroom, a private entrance, a high chair for children as well as an outdoor dining area. The unit has 3 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Bathrobe
- Toilet
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
-
Two-Bedroom Apartment
This apartment comes with 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. Boasting an outdoor dining area, this apartment also features a private entrance, a seating area and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 4 beds.
Max Occupancy: 6 (5 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Bathrobe
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Barbecue
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Sofa bed
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- helena (9/5): - Amazing location Comfortable beds Really handy to have the cafe nearby and kids playground. Nice 3mile walk to hotel. Lovely walk to moors and woodland with bike tracks in the other direction.
- Jo (9/5): - The location is beautiful. We had a nice meal in the café on the first night The communal Hot Tub needs some attention as iIt is available for use 6pm but the fire goes out from 5 pm . Guests are encouraged not to relight it I don’t know why. This was andy disappointing aspect of our day
- Alison (10/5): -
- Michelle (10/5): Beautiful setting in the heart of the estate. - The location of the apartment is excellent with some amazing walks right from the doorstep. The staff were incredibly efficient and welcoming in the cafe. Really comfortable beds and dog friendly facilities. Loved the extra little touches. Dog beds, bowls and treats for the four legged guests and treats for the adults. The small residents lounge with information about the activities such as bike hire and fishing and the children’s play area and animals were appreciated. Access to the activities and hotel is a real bonus. The fishing and guide (Sam) were absolutely outstanding as was the country club and spa. We ate in The Terrace restaurant which was excellent and dog friendly.
- Zilvinas (10/5): -
- andy (9/5): If the shower was hot it would have been perfect - Sunrise Nothing
- Hossein (10/5): -
- Monica (6/5): - Lovely setting, beautiful hut. Nice cafe and common areas. Showers were nice and hot. Overall we had a nice experience and would recommend for a summer stay. For a winter stay, it was not made clear enough on Booking.com that the place has no electricity and that the hot tub is heated by a log fire burner that needs to be kept fed during the day if you want it hot in the evening, which is tricky if you're out enjoying walking or sightseeing. It also means no much light inside during the dark hours so cooking and washing can be tricky with the little battery powered torches. All this is much better explained in their website, but not very clear in booking..com we noticed it the night before arriving which made it difficult to change our plans, so we decided to go ahead and be prepared for the cons, which helped.
- Olivia (8/5): Calm, quiet and ideal - Remoteness Bathroom was cramps and leaky
- Patryk (9/5): -
- Janna (10/5): -
- Helen (9/5): -
- Cheryl (8/5): Magical adventure - The little touches, the rustic feel, the activities and walks, the location It was a bit annoying having mucky feet all the time but it was a rustic log cabin. I’d say that was more of a me problem really
- Mairead (10/5): -
- Marsha (3/5): Wouldn’t go again - Wet leaking bivouac. No lighting onsite. Very poor facilities, nowhere to cook, even after being told a microwave was available.
- Annie (10/5): Simply wonderful. - Unique experience in the most wonderful of locations Nothing
- Martin (10/5): - Lovely stay with plenty of room for our family of 6. Plentiful kitchen supplies. Fantastic walks on the doorstep. Hot tub was fun with the kids - top tip, pay a little extra to have it pre heated for your arrival so you can enjoy it that day.
- Eunice_Yip (10/5): Wonderful stay! - We booked a tent there and we absolutely loved it very much. Brilliant setting and a wonderful location that we can watch the sunrise every morning without any blockings. The shared bathroom is very clean and well-equipped. Views are superb, worth a visit with family :)
- Vincent (8/5): -
- Kristofor (10/5): - Stayed in Poppy the yurt. We had an amazing time dog friendly which was perfect. Staff were amazing. Food from the cafe was perfect. Went a walk round the druids temple. Which with the nice weather was a lovely walk.
- Dean (10/5): Exceptional -
- James (10/5): Exceptional -
- Taylor (9/5): Great weekend get away for the family - a little adventure for the kids - Great location, cosy cabin, nice attention to details
- John (10/5): Exceptional -
- Madeleine (8/5): Beautiful weekend retreat - Beautiful location. Lodge feels really cosy once warm and having a hot tub is an added bonus. The instructions for the hot tub and how long it takes to heat up from cold, especially when it's freezing outside are a little optimistic, but keeping the fires going is all part of the fun. Has the feel of a 'posh' bothy. The breakfast basket is good value and provides plenty of food. Great walking around the estate. It might be good to have cycles to hire from the Bivouac Cafe to help get around. Nothing. It's definitely worth remembering if staying in winter or after wet weather and lodge and the logs for the fires will be a little damp at first.
- Hels92 (8/5): Woodland Getaway 🌳 - It was such a fun place to stay! Unique and very cosy with the fire on, we loved our stay at the Tree Lodge. The Lodge has facilities for cooking on the gas hobs and plenty of crockery. The beds are comfortable, and the hot water bottles are a lovely addition, although we were too hot with the log burner on! Awesome views over the estate and further hills, we unfortunately visited when Storm Bert was happening, but the Lodge felt sturdy and very quiet even in the galeforce winds! Having a proper bathroom and hot water was a fantastic addition to the rustic lodge! The woodland Sauna was also a great addition to the overall experience, with stunning views over the fields! The hot tub was broken. It was just about usable on the first evening as it had been 'fixed' but by the next morning the water had reseeded to an unuabled level and although we topped it up, it didn't warm up enough to used after that 🤔 bit disappointed but due to the storm we only had a small window to use it really so it didn't effect the stay overall.
- Cindy (8/5): Very good -
- Oliver (10/5): Exceptional -
- Caroline (9/5): Superb - It was magical at Christmas, the attention to detail was beautiful, and it felt like a perfect adventure. The craftsmanship in the construction of the lodge made things all the more enchanting. Love that there is such little light so you can see the stars but the signage when reaching the property in the dark would be much better if reflective.
- Debbie (10/5): Exceptional - We have been coming for the past 3 years can't wait to book again for next Coming home
- Loretta (9/5): Superb - We loved the Swinton Estate Carol singers, the Spa and the animals running about. Family time was lovely, spending Christmas with a log burner and a hot tub made it extra special. No electric or cooking facilities
- Howard (10/5): Overall really impressed & a unique experience! Will definitely stay again - Views & simplicity Poor gas hob
- Emma (10/5): Exceptional -
- Katharine (10/5): Earthy break from the norm - Cosy yurt. Excellent shared kitchen facilities. Private toilet. Use of communal hot tub was a bonus Yurt not the cleanest
- Nicola (5/5): Passable - The location was outstanding. The outside aesthetics are gorgeous. The little touches for a welcome packs were very pleasing and great for the children. The onsite cafe was amazing. The mattresses were stained, old and not very comfortable, however bedding was very clean and good quality. The building was freezing on arrival and the bathroom never really heated up. Ceilings were all badly stained after past water ingress and everything was just a little grubby (we didn’t use any of the items from the kitchen) The decking was slippery when wet 4 out of 5 of us slipped in wellington boots whilst walking.
- Lyndsay (10/5): As good as Glamping gets. - Everything ! Location amazing yurts, comfy beds Hot tub broken, disabled toilet bins full and smelly.
- Stuart (10/5): Back to nature Family holiday - A fantastic off grid get away! Our family loved it & wanted to stay longer
- Sally (8/5): Great fun with children. - Great fun for the children, peaceful fan very pretty The Tree House was fab but it’s very hard to get hold of anyone at reception as they dont have a phone to ask any questions before you arrive. I tried to call the main hotel but they took me incorrect information and were not very helpful.
- Elana (9/5): Excellent, cosy and fun! - Everything!! It was so lovely and cosy. Facilities were perfect and exceeded my expectations. That we couldn't stay for longer :(
- Foster (9/5): Most enjoyable time with the Grandchildren - Facilities and location The description of the overall facilities was not correct.
- Carol (8/5): Had a fantastic 2 nights over New year - Location was amazing not enough lighting given 2 rechargeable lights but could have done with 4 of those . 3 bottles of champagne for 2 lodges was a lovely touch for New years Eve. Nothing to dislike but is small for 7 people
- Debbie (10/5): Stunning views, stunning accommodation, perfect stay as always - The staff on welcoming , and a telephone call prior to coming were lovely, friendly , helpful. We have been before so knew what to expect. But the welcome pack and teddy and gift bags for the children were just beautiful. The hot chocolate delivered to the door just a beautiful warm touch. The children cried they had to come home. Beautiful walks. Accommodation speaks fro itself. Just breathtaking . We sat and discussed if there is anything we didn't like, there literally was nothing.. the ONLY thing of our entire stay if we had to really choose something.. is maybe an extra pillow at night
- Maisie (10/5): Perfect autumn birthday break with friends - I booked a weekend in one of the lodges for my birthday with five friends. We had such a great time! The location is perfect with incredible views and walks/towns within a short driving distance. The lodge itself was so pretty and felt so cosy. We were there at the start of November and were a bit worried about being cold but we were always warm enough with the wood burner going and hardly had to wear any of the layers we brought. Facilities are great and the staff were so helpful - particularly the two women in the cafe (didn't get their names, sorry!) who help push our car out of the mud when we took a wrong turn. We were also a bit worried about the light situation but they provide a few lamps and fairy lights and with a couple torches of our own, it wasn't a problem at all. The hot tub was a lovely additon but it took quite a while to get it to a good temperature even after we'd paid for it to be preheated on arrival. Would have liked a bit more easier access storage space in the lodge. Just some empty shelves would have been really useful!
- Caroline (10/5): Amazing short break away, we will be coming back - We stayed in buttercup yurt, 2adults and 1 ten year old. Yurt was clean, tidy and nice and warm when the log fire was in very cosy. My son loved the kite and s’more that were provided by the site. Shower facilities were warm, clean and always had plenty of hot water. We ate breakfast on site in the cafe, which was so nice to start the day. Pancakes and granola were lovely. We didn’t use the outside kitchen but it always looked clean. Hot tub was nice and hot and only a short walk from the yurts. We will definitely be coming back. Nothing not to like.
- Ben (9/5): Superb -
- Suzanne (5/5): Ok staff in the cafe on the Friday so kind and caring, staff on Saturday evening very cold and unhelpful - Cafe, showers, lounge Yurt was tired with matted faux fur chair rugs, hh bottle covers scruffy, cobwebs and beds felt damp. Cleaner could do with using vacuum hose in many areas and decking scruffy. Hard to sleep if windy as strapping on the tent roof constantly noisy. Not told on arrival or in welcome books to book a table for dinner in the cafe and ended up with no diner on our last night 🤷🏻♀️not even offered a takeout. The ceiling in the yurt was filthy on the outside but not nice to look at whilst in bed.
- Nicola (6/5): Fine but just not worth £270 - The lodge was quiet and had a hammock outside which was lovely to lie in and just relax. Inside the lodge there was a sweet little burner to cook / make coffee, a good amount of kitchen equipment and outside was a gas fridge. There was a wood stove and the bathroom was pretty well appointed. The hand wash was lovely. We did have a wood fired hot tub but we didn't use it. The walk to the druids temple was fun and the central facilities by the cafe were great. It had a swing, a cinema room, chickens, a play area and a lounge where you could charge your phone and get a drink. They had these great rechargeable light bulbs which lasted all night and could be swapped at the cafe for newly charged ones. This was a brilliant service. The site didn't answer any questions in advance. I've never had a problem with a hotel / glamp site answering things asked via booking.com but in response to my question when booking I just got a long standard email about facilitates which didn't answer my question. I asked it again in response and received no response. There were bits of rubbish from previous occupants in our lodge which we found when pulling some blankets back on the bottom bed, the tea towel that was with the cleaning items was soaking wet when we got there, we didn't really want to use it as a result. The king bed on the top platform had a thick mattress topper on it that didn't cover the whole mattress so one person had half their side of the bed with a steep topper, and half without, not a great nights sleep. All the beds were uncomfy in all honesty. The hot tub is to the back and on the side of the property and not by the front by the door. I'm assuming this is done for some sense of privacy but really each hot tub has a window of another lodge looking right out onto it anyway. As parents of a small child we didn't feel like we could use the hot tub in the evening because we couldn't see the front door of the lodge from it which was a bit disappointing. I wished we'd known there was a lot of tree felling happening on site due to a fungal tree disease before we booked.
- Emanuele (9/5): Superb -
- Nina (10/5): Exceptional -
- Bayarmaa (9/5): Superb -
- Stephen (7/5): Good - Location was perfect. Facilities were great. Hot tub wasn't full the first night we arrived.
- Maxine (10/5): Beautiful, peaceful place with some stunning walks. - Fantastic place, the whole family enjoyed the stay. The walks, the hot tub and the Sauna! Just beautiful!
- Stephen (10/5): perfect weekend - the setting was beautiful, enjoyed every minute of stopping here, I will be booking again in the summer 🙌 nothing
- Donna (7/5): Unique and different - The chalet was so unique and quirky. Not something i would usually book but loved the experience When your paying over £200 per night for a stay, i expected minimal issues. On arrival we realised the fridge wasnt working. Staff were helpful and gave ice packs. I was uneasy with this as we had raw meat and no way of knowing if the temp was safe. The following day the fridge still wasnt fixed and we were given more ice packs. I believe in self catering accommodation a working fridge is a must. Lighting outside was not sufficient. There were a few slips and trips on the steps while using the hot tub at night time. Definitely needs more lighting. We also took our dog on the holiday, there was no gated area, so we either had to put her on a lead and attach to a tree or lock her in the chalet while we used the hot tub. Would of being nice to have a gated area so she was free to room.
- Mara (10/5): Exceptional -
- Christou (10/5): Exceptional -
- Deborah (10/5): Great cosy place to catch up with friends! - Brilliant place to stay with lots to do and lovely staff.
- June (8/5): Very enjoyable break, would love to stay again! - Lovely location, comfortable bed, lovely warm shower. Appreciated the welcome pack. Hot tub amazing. Staff friendly and helpful. Tea and coffee with wi fi connection in the reception area was great. Check in very difficult. Arrived after dark and signs for directions very poor for the Bivouwac section. No answer on the telephone when I tried to ring for assistance locating the lodges. Cooking area rather small to accommodate 6 people and not a good selection of pans available.
- David (10/5): Magical accommodation in the woods that filled me with childlike excitement. Fabulous! - Everyone connected to the Swinton Estate was helpful and friendly. The tree lodges at Swinton Bivouac were just magical. Candlelight, wood fires and hot tubs under the trees. Loved it! The lack of light as the sun sets takes some getting used to and the lodges do not have a lot of storage space but this is not a complaint just an honest observation. This did not spoil our visit and I would recommend the lodges in a heartbeat. Loved every minute.
- Panpan (10/5): Exceptional -
- Michael (8/5): Very good -
- Ben (10/5): Exceptional -
- Ellis (8/5): Very good -
- Martin (10/5): Exceptional -
- Derek (10/5): Peaceful - Location great in the yurt views and peaceful
- Sue (10/5): Exceptional - Absolutely loved this place. Relaxing and a great place to reconnect with family as no Wi-Fi or distractions. Nothing.
- John (9/5): Superb -
- Peter (7/5): Good -
- Mickg90 (9/5): Superb - Just a beautiful location and an amazing lodge Lighting on a night was a pain but a small sacrifice and not a big deal at all
- Manjinder (10/5): thank you to all staff for making our holiday so relaxing and adventurous! - The cafe was great for food and the Swinton estate is gorgeous. Sophie at the cafe was helpful. The boys enjoyed the adventure of walks, hot tub and the trips to York. Stunning countryside. It is a wonderful place. n/a
- Joanna (10/5): Exceptional -
- Verified traveler (10/5): Great stay! - Lovely stay in the tree lodge, would highly recommend! Can get pretty dark though so advise to take torches for walking and also in the lodge. Plenty of candles and tea lights provided by the venue though, and the complementary s’mores kit was great!
- Paul f (10/5): Tree lodge getaway - Lovely place to stay and get away from the city. Stayed in a tree lodge which are excellent for families. Staff are very friendly and helpful, cafe is great.
- Susan (10/5): A hidden gem! - Fantastic, large yurt with a stove and outdoor toilet which was very good. The staff were excellent and so friendly, showers allocated to each group so we had our own! Logs were free and was able to have as much as we liked! Lovely countryside with walk to local pub with a fire... excellent value for money!
- claire (8/5): - Lovely one night stay to get away from it all. It would have been nice to have some added luxuries, such as tea and milk and towels you didn’t need to rent.
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