Last updated: June 17, 2024
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on a dog friendly staycation, then the beautiful Weslayan Chapel is the perfect place – one of Devonshire Hotels’ collection of luxurious bolt-holes in the Yorkshire Dales.
Located on the Bolton Abbey Estate surrounded by acres of rolling hills with the sheep your nearest neighbours, Weslayan Chapel sleeps up to eight guests in four beautifully appointed double bedrooms on the ground floor.
Accessible from the road with the kitchen and lounge area on the first floor, the original chapel built in the 1800s has been renovated to the highest standard, mixing original and traditional features with new modern pieces – the original vaulted ceiling is a thing of beauty!
With stunning views of the River Wharf from every window, the spacious, light and airy kitchen is fully equipped with all the mod cons – dishwasher, double height fridge freezer, coffee machine and microwave. While there are a number of charming pubs in the area which are well worth a visit, Weslayan Chapel’s kitchen lends itself to sociable cooking – glass of wine in hand and friends sat at the long table or on the high chairs at the central island with it’s quirky colander lighting overhead. You really have everything you could possibly need for making delicious meals for friends and family.
Weslayan Chapel’s huge sitting area displays many antiques and artworks from Chatsworth House, The Hall at Bolton Abbey and the Bolton Abbey Estate while there’s a vast collection of books and games for entertainment.
We loved the feature fireplace and the cosy log burning fire built to separate the comfortable lounge area from the kitchen space, while the vestibule from the front door was the perfect place to store our muddy boots, hang our coats and dry our damp four-legged friends!
Downstairs, each beautiful room takes on its own unique style with four poster beds in two of the double rooms. The back bedroom also has direct access to the outdoor terrace with a seating area directly outside and another right by the hot tub which benefits from the best views wherever you’re sitting in it. There’s something so relaxing about sitting in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by nothing but greenery and feeling at one with nature – the only sound the bubbling of the heated water with the jacuzzi function switched on.
With four gorgeous bathrooms (three are en-suite), It’s difficult to pick a favourite because the interior design is outstanding in each. Shiny tiles, roll-top free -standing tubs, big fluffy towels and the rich luxurious scent of Noble Isle bath products ensure the ultimate in comfort.
The Bolton Abbey Estate is actually owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire who spend a lot of time in this charming area with all of its beautiful walks and activities and while it rained for most of the week we visited, this didn’t spoil our enjoyment one bit.
We took plenty of long dog walks around the estate, one of which was down the road in Burnsall, round the back of the Red Lion pub and right along the river before enjoying a pint in this cosy local which is also pet friendly.
Everyone who stays on the Devonshire Estate also gets access to the spa facilities at the Devonshire Hotel and you should absolutely make sure you visit. Housed in an old barn in the grounds of the hotel, there’s a state-of-the-art vitality pool, sauna, steam room, rasal chamber and lounge area, while the spa offers spa days, treatments and gym session. In addition, there’s an outdoor village of secret spa sanctuaries for two housed in beautiful bell tents! These private spaces can be hired as your haven for the day and you can order food, relax, take in the views and use the spa facilities when you feel like it.
Our five day stay at Weslayan Chapel passed by quickly and we spent our time planning our hikes in the hills, playing board games, cooking massive feasts for the whole family, and relaxing outdoors in the hot tub (it really doesn’t matter that it’s raining when you’re toastie warm at 39 degrees!)
There really are some gorgeous routes where you can take in the stunning scenery from Cavendish Pavillion and walk all the way up the river to Barden Bridge and back, plus of course the dramatic ruins of Bolton Abbey, or in the nearby Strid Wood.
Devonshire Hotels have a range of fabulous bolt holes of all different styles and sizes from cottages to farmhouses and barns to towers – the Hunting Tower is next on our list!
We loved our time on the Bolton Abbey Estate – it’s such a relaxing, charming part of Yorkshire ticking every box when it comes to time away with family or friends, and of course your dog will enjoy it just as much as you!
Pick your bolthole and check availability on the Devonshire Hotels website.
