Welcome to Priory Cottages

We hope you enjoy your stay

Joe Dodsworth Photography

Joe Dodsworth Photography

 
 

We hope you are enjoying your stay with us here at priory cottages

Please find below some useful information with regards to your stay

  1. Background

  2. Location

  3. Welcome Pack

  4. Health and Safety

  5. Fire Safety

  6. Contact Information

  7. Extras

  8. FAQ’s

  9. Local Restaurants / pubs / bars / takeaways

  10. Local Attractions

  11. Postcards

  12. Liabilities of Priory Cottages

  13. Smoking

  14. Complaints

  1. Background

A warm welcome to Priory Cottages, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the historical site of Syningthwaite. Priory self- catering holiday cottages are named as such because of their close proximity to the Syningthwaite Priory are owned by the Rawlings family who have farmed the area since the grandfather of the present David Rawlings rented it from Lord Hawk in 1920. Consequently he bought the farm including the 12C Priory in 1948 and over a period of time his family did live in the Priory itself.

The farm is mainly arable growing wheat, potatoes and oil seed rape, but there are also a few sheep. You can see the harvesting of the oil seed rape at the end of July, the wheat in August and the potatoes in October/November. The cottages are near to the working farm and there is activity as such during these periods, but we are sure that you will find the farming programme both interesting and fascinating to watch.

We have 7 newly built cottages, which are architecturally in keeping with the Priory, which is believed to have been built around 1160. We have named the cottages after Prioresses who ruled the Priory until the dissolution of the monasteries around 1536 when it had 12 nuns in residence. The building and estate was then bequeathed to Robert Tempest by King Henry VIII and is now a working farm.

Creating a new complex of cottages, courtyard gardens, preserving a barn and a Priory has been a challenge but a worthwhile one as we are sure that you will appreciate the peaceful ambience that exists amidst a fascinating mixture of ultra-modern amenities, contemporary furnishings and historical artefacts and architecture.

Priory Cottages are conveniently situated between the best experiences that Yorkshire can offer for a superb holiday break. Go west from the A1 and within 30 minutes you are heading into the Yorkshire Dates National Park, go east and the North York Moors National Park and York City beckons you. Whatever you require from your holiday, may it be walking, shopping, site-seeing or just relaxing and enjoying the fabulous scenery surround Priory Cottages we have plenty for you to see and do – we can safely say you will want to stay longer or return soon.

2. Location

Directions by car:
A1(M) Junction 46 to Priory Cottages approximately 4 miles taking about 7 minutes. From the A1 (M) leave at Junction 46 heading South East towards the B1224 York Road. At the roundabout take the first exit on B1224 York Road. Turn right at the crossroads on Rudgate road. Turn left on to Featherbed Lane, continue up the Lane to the Priory. Nearest train station is Cattal 11 miles from York and 10 miles from Harrogate. Leeds Bradford is the nearest international airport – 19 miles

Priory Holiday Cottages
Wighill Park
Featherbed lane
Nr. Wetherby
North Yorkshire.
LS24 8BL

Please note that CCTV is in operation externally in certain areas on the premises.

The Management respectfully advises that users of the car park do so at their own risk. The venue does not accept responsibility for damage, accident or loss.

Priory Cottage Site Plan

3. Welcome Pack

You will see we have provided you with three complementary jars of Yorkshire Tea, Taylor’s filtered coffee and sugar.

We have chosen to put together this welcome pack because it signifies Yorkshire, with Taylors of Harrogate and Bettys Tea Rooms. Please enjoy!

4. Health & Safety

We take your safety very seriously here at Priory Cottages so it would be great if you could take the time to read through this information.

Firstly, the instruction manuals for all the electrical appliances are located in your cottage in the bottom draw in the kitchen. Please read through these if you are unsure how to use the appliances.

Please be aware that there are tiled floors in the kitchen area, downstairs bathrooms and upstairs bathrooms. Tiled floors can be slippy when wet.

Please ask if you require grip rails, rubber bath mats or an extra cotton floor mat.

Water from the hot taps may be HOT.

There are a variety of domestic cleaning products in the cupboard under the sink. Please supervise children when using any of these products.

There is a water feature in the central courtyard, please supervise children as the water can be deep.

The cottages are open to the orchard/grassed area to the rear and eventually to fields and the farmyard, children must always be supervised in the areas surrounding the cottages.

There are sharp knives in the cutlery draw, please use with caution and please always supervise children.

We are a Grade 1 listed heritage site, paved pathways are uneven, please take caution.

Cleanliness has always been our top priority. It’s even more critical as we all aim to reduce the spread of infection. According to the CDC, it’s possible for someone to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface—like a doorknob or light switch—and the virus may live on some surfaces for several hours or even days. That’s why we make sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often, especially between reservations.

If you notice anything that requires attention please let reception know

5. Fire Safety

The use of candles is not permitted in any of the cottages.

Please make sure you read the fire safety instructions located on the back of the front door in the case of an emergency. Each cottage has an individual fire procedure. Please ensure you read through this information. In the event of a fire please ensure you leave the building via the patio doors. Make your way round the site perimeter to the assembly point in the car park. Each cottage has a fire extinguisher and fire blanket. Be sure to keep fire exits (the main entrance and patio doors) clear of obstructions.

Before retiring to bed, you should know:

  1. The nearest means of escape

  2. The nearest fire alarm, call point and how to use it

  3. All doors to and from corridors are to be kept closed

Any person discovering a fire by DAY should:

  1. Vacate the room ensuring the door is shut behind you

  2. Operate the nearest fire alarm

  3. If you hear the fire alarm go immediately to the nearest fire assembly point using the nearest exit.

Any person discovering a fire by NIGHT should:

  1. Make sure all others in your room are awake

  2. go to the assembly point using the nearest exit

DO NOT RUN

DO NOT STOP TO COLLECT PERSONAL BELONGINGS

DO NOT RE-ENTRE BUILDING UNTIL SAFE TO DO SO

6. Contact Numbers

  • For any maintenance questions please call David on: 07860962033

  • All Emergency Services - 999

  • Tadcaster Fire Station - 01937 832 223

  • Tadcaster Police Station - 0845 606 0247

  • Harrogate District Hospital - 01423 885 959

  • York District Hospital - 01904 631 313

  • Emergency Dentist - 0845 46 47

  • NHS Direct - 0845 46 47

  • Vet - 01937 582 025

Local Taxi’s

  • Veezu (Leeds & Local): 0113 202 2112

  • Blue Line (Harrogate): 01423 530830

  • Elite Taxi’s (Harrogate): 01423 538509

  • Wetherby 8 Seater Minibus & Taxi’s : 01937 222888.

  • Bridge Private Hire: 01937 834126

  • Wetherby Cars: 01937 588611

  • Bramham Private Hire: 07939136978

  • Dougies Door 2 Door: 07795086754

  • Streemline: 01904 656565

7. Extras

Here at Priory Cottages we want your stay to be as comfortable as possible so we have all the items listed below available to borrow complementary during your visit.

Accessible Items

Non-slip mats suitable for baths and showers

Portable grip rails

Children’s Items

Cots and Highchairs

Plastic cups and cutlery can be found in the bottom draw in the kitchen

Footballs and nets are in the field just help yourself!                                                                      

Pets

To ensure your four-legged friends have a comfortable stay with us, we provide water and food bowls, dog blankets and treats. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the bedrooms. Please ensure all dog excrement is cleaned up from the surrounding grounds. When you are in communal areas please keep your dog on a lead.

Other

If you require any tea, coffee or sugar topping up, please just let us know in the office, tea towels and bath towels can also be changed on request.

We provide 2 toilet rolls per bathroom.

8. FAQ’S

Furnishings and Equipment - will our cottage contain everything we need?

All of our holiday cottages are equipped to the same standard. We aim to provide everything you need on a day to day basis that you would use at home. Hence us being known for a ‘home from home’ experience. All cottages also have cleaning products under the sink if you wish to use them. Please note, we do not provide washing powder / washing tablets. Under the sink you will also find tea towels, cleaning cloths and kitchen roll. And also a hoover, iron, ironing board, washing machine (we provide an airer for drying), clothes horse and heating/cooling fan will be found under the stair case/next to the main door. Each bedroom also has a desktop fan which can be found in the wardrobe.

In your kitchen you will find a microwave, toaster, kettle, oven, hob and grill, please use these with care. Manuals for the appliances can be found in the kitchen area of your cottage. Each of our cottages also have an outdoor patio with garden furniture so you are able to relax and enjoy the summer months in your garden.

Is there an electric car charging point onsite?

No. The closest electric car charging point to us is at the Wetherby Services J46 A1(M) https://moto-way.com/services/wetherby/

Are there any supermarkets close by?

The closest food shop to us is a Marks and Spencer’s at the Wetherby A1 services (8 minute drive away). There is a Sainsburys in Tadcaster (10 minute drive away) and a Morrisons, Aldi and Marks and Spencer’s in Wetherby Centre (15 minute drive away).

Pets - Can we bring our pets with us?

Of course! We love pets here at Priory Cottages, all shapes and sizes are welcome. We just ask that they stay off the beds and out of the bedrooms, and to ensure all dog excrement is cleaned up from the surrounding grounds. When you are in communal areas please keep your dog on a lead.

Are there any dog walks close by?

Please ask at reception about dog walks, as depending on the time of year some of the surrounding fields can be used for your dog walk.

Linen - what is provided?

We provide all the cottages with all bed linen and towels. If you require a bed change please let us know and we can arrange this free of charge. If you would like a camp bed in your cottage we can provide this and linen for the camp bed. However we DO NOT provide bedding for travel cots.

Arrival and Departure – what time can we arrive and when do we have to leave?

Check in time is from 3pm. When checking in if you could please park sensibly in the gravel car park. When you enter the courtyard you will find your cottage with the key in the front door. When departing, before 10:30am, if you could please ensure you dispose of the rubbish in the bins in the bin store which is situated in the gravel carpark and leave the key back in the front of the door.

Cottage bins - do you have separate recycling?

Each cottage has 2 bins, if you can use one for general waste and the other for glass and tin. If you then leave in the bin store when you depart we can sort out the recycling.

Is there free wifi we can use?

Yes - please feel free to connect to either

Name: Syningthwaite Password: priory1163 or Name: priorybarn Password: priory1234

Availability – How can I check your cottages are free?

Simply drop us an email or a phone call Serena, Amy or Kat who can assist you with finding a date you would like to stay. Any other questions please don’t hesitate to contact us in the office on 01937 833 900.

Are we allowed to use candles in the cottages?

No. Candles are not permitted inside any of the cottages.

What happens if there is a power cut?

If there is a power cut you will need to re input the time on the oven in order for it to work again.

The fridge also may need resetting which the first port of call is to check the control panel inside the fridge where the light is, if this doesn’t work then you can reset it by the fuse box - switch is labelled fridge.

If you have trouble re-tuning your television, do let us know as we may need to do it centrally.

Can I turn the towel rail on and off in the main bathrooms?

Yes, all of the towel rails are electric. The switch is just outside the bathroom door.

Do you grit the footpaths if it is icy?

We do grit the walkways in the courtyard, if you require any additional grit then this is located under the wooden chair at the entrance. Please help yourself.

Is there more than one key for the property?

There is only one key provided for each cottage.

9. Local pubs / Restaurants / Bars / Takeaways

Food Pubs

Restaurants

Bars

Takeaways

10. Local Attractions

Cinemas / Bowling / Mini Golf

11. Postcards

If you would like some complimentary postcards to send to friends and family, please speak to Serena, Amy or Kat in the office.

12. Liabilities of Priory Cottages

Priory Cottages shall not be liable for the personal injury to any person named on the rental or any other person at the property.

Any valuables left at the property are left at your own risk.

13. Smoking

Smoking / vaping is not permitted anywhere other than in the patio and courtyard areas. It will set off our fire alarms. If you require an ash tray for outside please let us know. Cigarette ends must be cleared away and not left lying around. Take care to extinguish all flames.

14. Complaints

We sincerely hope there won’t be any.

However, we do not accept responsibility for the breakdown of the supply of water or electricity or any general maintenance issues, though we will do everything possible to arrange for any such problems to be resolved with the utmost speed.

Please do inform us of any complaints immediately.