Family Glamping at the Black Swan

The family friendly glamping yurt in the woodland next to the Black Swan

Family Friendly Glamping at the Pub… Who’s In?

If you’ve visited the Black Swan at Ravenstonedale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park you will be aware of its incredible reputation as a family run gastro pub with award winning food. BUT… did you know that hidden away in the woodland right next to pub are these glamping yurts?

Even if you knew about the yurts, I’ll bet you had no idea that one of them was family friendly too?!

If you’re looking for family friendly glamping in a stunning spot in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, that feels like you are truly off grid (but within handy reach of some luxury comforts) then this is the blog for you.

Oh, and did I mention it was next door to the park as well?

Read on to find out more about our experience, what’s in store and what you can explore from this super base.

We were kindly invited to stay at the Black Swan as part of our social media channels.

Warming up after a rainy walk in Ravenstonedale. The perfectly cosy spot for cards!

Let’s hear more about the Black Swan…

We love the Black Swan! We first ventured here way back in 2017 when we were visiting family who were stopping at the nearby campsite and were wowed by the awesome food on offer. That meant this family run pub quickly went down as one of our must visits whenever we were in the area and has meant we have paid multiple visits since, for a quick drink, lunches, tasty dinner and even to stop overnight (a birthday treat for me!)

So whilst I have already said we were kindly invited along to help promote the glamping yurts available, the Black Swan was already firmly in our ‘favourite places to go’ list and already features in our walks with family friendly pubs section!

I’ll admit that despite being a regular visitor, we weren’t aware the the yurts on site, were part of the pub and nor did we realise that one was suitable for families too! And that’s exactly why we’re telling you!

A super addition to the woodland around the yurts, a tree swing is always a win!

The Glamping Yurts

Stepping across the wooden bridge that spans Scandal Beck, you’ll find yourself within peaceful woodland and that’s where you’ll find the Black Swan’s yurts! The three wooden framed and canvas covered spaces are well distributed along a rhododendron lined winding pathway that leads you through the woodland. The last yurt you reach is number 20 and it’s this one that’s capable of being made family friendly.

Each yurt is equipped with a log burner, king sized bed and unique antique furniture. The family yurt has an additional double bed that can be set up inside. The yurts have been thoughtfully decorated to make them feel cosy, and to create a thoroughly back-to-nature vibe with comfy cushions, a wooden floor and scattered rugs. Our yurt had a window which faced Scandal Beck and you can hear the trickle of water as it runs alongside. It’s also got a clear section of roof to enable you to see up to the stars at night (and to give you a natural wake up call in the morning!)

You will really get a sense of being off grid, as there is no electricity in the yurts. But whilst you might appreciate the lack of electronics, the pub will also provide you with a Jackary power pack, so you can turn on the fairy lights at night or charge your phone (if that’s what you want to do!)

The kids’ bed with a window looking out on the beck.

Each yurt also has a stable door, which can let in even more light and fresh air whilst still maintaining that sense of privacy. Outside, you’ll find your own outdoor space with picnic bench and a fire pit where you can enjoy the great outdoors whilst seamlessly moving from outside to inside.

During our stay, we had TORRENTIAL rain so sadly weren’t able to fully appreciate the outdoors space, but what we really did appreciate was the cosy log burner!

Whilst there is no electricity, the log burner created a welcoming space that was toasty at bedtime (when it was a tad… ahem… damp on the outside!) We also appreciated the abundance of hanging space at the door, which meant the wet was contained, but which also gave us plenty of space to hang up and dry sodden waterproofs!

The log burner also provides you with the means to boil water and there is a cast iron kettle provided, which you can use to boil up a brew or grab your morning caffeine fix! Tea and coffee making facilities were provided as was an urn of water.

There is no running water to the yurt, so to really take it back to the old school, you have a large wash bowl and jug, which you can use to wash in.

The log burner, the perfect place to dry out!

What facilities are available whilst staying in the glamping yurt?

Residents of the yurts will get access to the eco-toilet and there is a private shower cubicle too, which has heated water. But not only that, you will also be able to use some of the indoor facilities when the hotel is open and there you’ll find Wifi and a hairdryer in the women’s toilets.

Each yurt is provided with bedding, towels, fire making materials, tea and coffee making facilities, water and washing facilities. You are able to get more water and firewood from the hotel (additional firewood comes with a charge)

Parking is available on site at the hotel as well and a super yummy breakfast inside the hotel is included in the glamping package.

Playing cards on the king sized bed.

Eating at the Black Swan

The joy of being next door to the pub…. IS BEING NEXT DOOR TO THE PUB!

And an award winning pub at that! The food at the Black Swan has always been excellent, and they offer a great variety of top quality gastro pub food, including a children’s menu!

The food and the service is one of the reasons we keep returning to the Black Swan, so if you do choose to stay in the yurts, we would definitely recommend that you book a table for the evening or lunch.

The menu continues to change throughout the year, so head to the website to check out what’s on the menu!

The breakfasts provided are super tasty and again you have a great range of options to choose from as well as fresh juices and coffee or tea as well.

Can confirm, the sticky toffee pudding was delicious!

Where can you explore from Ravenstonedale?

Do you know where Ravenstonedale is? Well it’s in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but ALSO in Cumbria which actually makes it the perfect spot to explore both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District!

But never fear. You won’t actually even need to leave the village to be able to explore mountains, dales and more because Ravenstonedale is nestled at the bottom of the stunning Howgill fells, so what more could you want?! With direct access to the Howgills without even having to move your car, this is a great place to begin an adventure up one of the Yorkshire Dales’ mountains.

But if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, why not try the walk to Smardale Gill Viaduct which begins and ends in the village, where you’ll also find the play park too.

The perfect way to work up an appetite for that delicious award winning dinner!

The secluded Yurts

What else is nearby?

You will not be stuggling for things to do!

A ten minute drive away is Kirkby Stephen, a market town that’s packed full of history and legend! Within the church, you’ll find the Loki Stone, one of the only of its kind in Europe, you’ll also find the spooky bridge haunted by Jangling Annas. Try doing the poetry trail at Stenkrith Park or heading a little further afield to Brough Castle, where you’ll also find an ice cream parlour and play area.

In a 20 minute drive, you’ll find the country’s tallest cascade waterfall Cautley Spout which is a super spectacular waterfall walk, and a little further from that, you’ll come to Sedbergh which has plenty of play areas and super walks too. Why not try Winder which is a great mini-peak to bag with the kids.

Intent on visiting the Lake District? You can reach Ullswater in just over 30 minutes and Keswick in 45 minutes.

So. You deifinitely won’t get bored!

Swinging on the monkey bars at the play park.

Fancy a Trip?

When booking your stay, tell the Black Swan upon ringing that you heard about them HERE for a discount!

We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did ours!