The story of Catgill is one of profound diversification and family legacy. Since 2014, husband-and-wife team Oliver and Cat Barker, guided by the wisdom of Oliver’s grandfather Ken, have breathed new life into a 60-year-old North Yorkshire dairy farm whilst also raising a family. The humble beginnings of a simple camping field within the Bolton Abbey estate have flourished to such an extent that the grounds now boast a series of high-end glamping pods. This isn’t really camping – it’s more like staying in your own private boutique lodge whilst still being at one with nature.
The welcome
At the entrance to Catgill Farm is a pair of vintage milk churns sitting on a stand that’s built into the farm’s perimeter wall. Beside them is a sign that pays homage to Ken Barker, the man who worked the land long before ‘glamping’ had even joined the local lexicon (interesting fact – the word didn’t actually make the Oxford English Dictionary until as recently as 2016). A nearby sign invites you to imagine the early mornings and sheer grit required to move milk from udder to community – a grounding reminder that, while you might be there to relax, it’s a land that’s always been defined by honest toil.
We turn into the farm where signage clearly directs us where to check-in. Today, the old milking parlour serves as a sleek reception and, before we know it, we are being transported up the hillside, along with our luggage, to our accommodation. No trudging through muddy fields with a wheelbarrow at Catgill!
The accommodation
We are given a personal introduction to The Stag, one of the site’s Luxury Timber Pods.
Architecturally, it’s a marvel of spatial efficiency, somehow managing to house a plush double bed, recessed bunks at the rear if you are travelling with family, and even a sofa bed, all without ever feeling cluttered.
And it doesn’t stop there. There’s a kitchen area that is surprisingly robust, featuring a two-ring electric hob, microwave and even a popcorn pan for late-night movies on the wall-mounted TV, as well as indoor dining space. There are thoughtful touches such as dedicated hot tub ‘glasses’ (more on the hot tub and outdoor space shortly) and a proper coffee machine for that essential morning kick.
The interior design strikes a balance between “scandi-chic” and “country warmth” and, with the pods being exceptionally well-insulated and supported by a radiator, heated towel rail and fan heater, you can ensure the ‘great outdoors’ stays strictly outdoors even during the wildest of Yorkshire weather.
The en suite is a crisp, modern affair, featuring a powerful shower, a basin with a heated mirror, and a WC. In a nod to the farm’s sustainable ethos (over 300 trees and 500m of traditional hedging have been planted at the site), toiletries are from the Yorkshire-based refillable Miniml brand, designed to eliminate single-use plastics.
The exterior is where the pod truly expands. The entrance is flanked with wooden sun loungers, and beyond there is a patio with a firepit – which doubles as a pizza oven – surrounded by wood-carved ‘mushroom’ stools. And let’s not forget the wood-fired hot tub – perfect for a warm soak during the day or for stargazing at night.
The Stag is also one of three dog-friendly pods (the others being The Pheasant and The Duck) and so comes with an enclosed garden – an extensive sanctuary for dogs to roam safely.
The facilities
Catgill has successfully curated a mini-village atmosphere. The reception doubles as a well-stocked shop, and in season there’s a coffee shop and pizza kitchen.
For those with a penchant for the eccentric, the resident alpacas provide a delightful focal point, while a dedicated dog-walking and playing field ensures every member of the family gets their steps in.
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The location
Geography is Catgill’s greatest asset. Each pod is oriented towards the east, meaning you are woken not by an alarm, but by the gradual, golden spill of the sun rising over the Dales. Located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park Dark Sky Reserve, the nocturnal views are equally spectacular on a clear night.
For the restless, the options are limitless. I ran from the accommodation up Embsay Crag and was rewarded with stunning panoramic views on what proved to be a glorious Spring day.
The proximity to Bolton Abbey and Skipton means you are never far from a bit of history or a high-quality pint. Popular pubs include The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey and The Fleece at Addingham, whilst the sugar-inclined will want to stop at Tea on the Green and the Love Brownie Barn at Barden.
For walks, there’s a QR code you can scan in the in-pod manual, to access maps for the Barden Moor loop or the iconic Strid River Wharfe walk, among many others.
Other nice touches
There’s no shortage of extra special touches that turn a stay at Catgill Farm from “good” to “memorable”. Fresh milk in the fridge and a couple of chocolate brownies on arrival set a welcoming tone.
And dogs are included with their own treats, too!
Binoculars and a curated library of books (on birds, insects, etc.) provide the perfect opportunity to connect yourself with the environment, whilst at the same time the Ultimate Ears portable speaker allows you to completely disconnect if that’s what you prefer.
There’s also firewood and kindling supplied. For the full rustic experience, the farm’s DIY pizza kits are an absolute must-try. All the hard work is done for you – you just need to allow the dough to rest at room temperature, roll it out, add your toppings. and put it in your firepit oven.
The cost
While prices fluctuate depending on the season and the specific pod, Catgill sits firmly in the “attainable luxury” bracket, with nightly rates typically in the region of £190 to £275.
The best bit
The “best” part of Catgill is the paradoxical sense of comfortable isolation. You are walking distance from Bolton Abbey and a mere 10-minute drive from Skipton, yet when the firepit is crackling, the hot tub is steaming, and you’re taking in the tranquillity of the Wharfe Valley, you feel in the middle of nowhere, with each pod carefully positioned and shielded from one another so that you are not overlooked. It is camping with the rough edges sanded off—all the soul of the outdoors with none of the damp socks.
The final verdict
Glamping at Catgill Farm is a must try. If you think camping or glamping is not for you, think again. This is the definitive answer for anyone seeking the ‘wow’ factor without the snobbery. A luxury stay of a different kind, but one where the frantic pace of modern life naturally slows and allows you to breathe. By blending the site’s deep agricultural roots with a polished, modern sensibility, the farm has created a sanctuary that feels timeless. Even if you’re convinced you’re not a “camping person”, give Catgill a try… it might just change your mind.
Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Catgill Farm.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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