Rowan Cottage: Guest Comments

A View of the Esk Valley

Our Guest Feedback

We welcome guests from all over the country, and indeed from other parts of the world too. We have catered for all ages from young babies, to people in their 90's. On this page we have copied extracts from our cottage guestbook reflecting their feedback left to us.

Our Guest Feedback

5/8/11 Northumberland : Excellent cottage, the provision of so many "extras" make it the best equipped we have ever stayed in.  We love the area so no doubt will return.  Have no hesitation in recommending the cottage to others (have already done so!).  Vivienne is providing a 5 star service, well done!

29/7/11 Carlisle : Fantastic cottage in a great setting.  Rowan Cottage is very cosy and comfortable and has been an excellent base for our week's stay in the area.  The biscuits, milk and fresh flowers were much appreciated on our arrival.  All in all, the cottage has been perfect and we will be sorry to leave, although certain to return in the future.

23/7/11 London : Very well situated house for moors, coast and the Esk Valley and very well equipped with comfortable beds, sofas and accessible shower - to get all of these is a first in our experience.  Welcome pack very helpful on arrival.  Great stay, thanks!

9/7/11 Sheffield : Lovely comforable cottage, well equipped, every facility for young children including toy tub, much appreciated by Max.  Thank you for a lovely holiday at Rowan Cottage.

2/7/11 West Yorkshire : A fantastic second visit in this beautiful cottage.  We have had a great holiday.  Our baby son had a first holiday to remember.  The cottage had everything we needed for him which helped a great deal.  We hope to be back next year.  We visited Whitby, York and Scarborough as the cottage is ideally located.  Highly recommended for families and couples alike.

25/6/11 Macclesfield: Here again for our second year running.  Lovely new playground in Pannett Park, Whitby.  Beach at Sandsend great for children with 'stream' down to sea and parking very near for carrying the million and one things down to the sand!  We'll be back!

17/06/11 Derby: Lovely cottage well equipped with all the home comforts, nice touches with complimentary drinks and milk on arrival and fresh flowers.  Lovely view over the Esk Valley, excellent location for exploring in and around Whitby. 

11/6/11 Northern Ireland: A very pleasant and welcoming house to spend a good holiday in.  All our needs provided for.  Having spent four previous holidays in this area it was a delight to find somewhere as good as here to stay.  ...Thanks again for providing us with the means to enjoy our holiday break. ...The children had great fun with the "new" toys.  Thanks again. 

04/6/11 Bath: Haven't been here for three years but cottage is still as wonderful as ever.  We've had a great time here. ...Viv has made us very welcome and more!  We're already wondering when we can manage to come and stay again.  Thanks for a wonderful holiday!

30/4/11 Kent : Superbly presented and equipped cottage with stunning views conveniently situated for both moorland villages and coastal areas.  Really appreciated the little touches like vase of flowers, milk and hot drink items already in - and loo rolls!  ... Loads to see and do in the area. 

09/04/11 Argyll, Scotland : Thanks Viv for a lovely third time back to stay with you in Sleights.  What more could we ask for!  Weather fantastic, sunny, warm and dry all week.  Yet again lovely home from home, very sad to leave this lovely area.  My heart is always in this beautiful part of Yorkshire.  Hoping to return again next year (if not before). 

03/04/11 Snodland and Maidstone, Kent : Superbly presented and equipped cottage with stunning views, conveniently situated for both moorland villages and coastal areas.  Really appreciated the little touches like vase of flowers, milk and hot drink items already in - and loo rolls!  The Plough up the hill is most welcoming and food good and reasonably priced.  Loads to see and do in area. 

20/03/11 Lytham St Annes: Lovely cottage - excellent location.  Would recommend walk from Robin Hoods Bay to Whitby.  Caught bus to Robin Hoods Bay.  Would also recommend a visit to Runswick Bay - lovely setting.  Helmsley also a place worth visiting - a small market town with nice hotel, tea rooms and shops. 

06/01/11 - Third time back, as always great.  Best fish and chips, Mr Chips over the bridge.  Thanks again Viv, we will return.

29/12/10 Cottingham: What an amazing place!  Beautiful in every way and so well set up for the four of us to have an end of year "chill out" and relax after a bit of a crazy year!  Despite the snow and treacherous paths in areas (the abbey) we still managed to explore.  So good to return to the warmth and cosiness of the cottage with red glowing cheeks and a day full of good memories.

15/11/10  Leeds: Fantastic, well equipped cottage, a must for all parents with young children, will be coming again... Wonderful comfy colttage with everything thought of... Thanks for a lovely break. 

18/10/10  Lincoln: Thank you for a very enjoyable stay.  Lovely area and views from the window stunning, especially the sunset we had.  Hope to see you again - Many thanks for all the special touches.  Our boys could learn a lot!!! 

13/10/10  Argyll, Scotland: We have had a lovely weekend break in your lovely cottage.  Everything yet again perfect for us.  Thank you for the welcome pack on our arrival.  Can't wait to return to our favourite cottage and area in North Yorkshire...  See you soon and thanks again Viv! 

2/10/10  Cumbria: A beautiful cottage in a stunning setting.  The cottage has everything you could think of needing, we feel lucky to have found it and hope to return.  Neve has loved watching the rabbits in the garden.  We will certainly be recommending the cottage to family and friends..... A lovely break had by all and we hope to return again soon.  Many thanks for a wonderful stay. 

25/9/10  London and Cambridge: Lovely cosy cottage.  Beautiful view.  Recommend the eccles cakes from the bakery.  All had a great time, especially Anna (10 weeks) on her first holiday!

11/09/10 West Yorkshire: A lovely cosy cottage with excellent views and great location for visiting Whitby and surrounding area.  Really enjoyed watching the wildlife in the garden, the rabbits and robin are a cute sight.  We visited Whitby, Sandsend, Runswick Bay and Scarborough.  We have been really lucky with the weather.  A fantastic holiday and we hope to be back with our first child which will be born Feb 2011.

02/09/10 Netherlands and Norway: What a wonderful stay we had in Rowan Cottage.  Golf in the morning, golf in the afternoon and to finish the day a nice barbeque in the garden.  The weather was unbelievably good (especially for Britain) and the surroundings were beautiful.  Thank you for a lovely stay! 

28/08/10 Been to Sleights two years ago and loved it.  This 2nd visit didn't disappoint.  Perfect location and lovely house with excellent decor!  ...All round fantastic holiday, will be back for the next maths class reunion!

21/8/10 Telford, Shropshire: The cottage is absolutely fabulous, have been in many cottages over the years this is the BEST. Beautiful views over the Esk valley, Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay are fantastic, well worth a visit...One again many thanks for allowing us to stay at your cottage. Definitely coming back next year.

14/8/10 Stoke Ferry, Norfolk: First of all what we well presented and comfortable cottage, we could not have asked for more. Wonderful places to visit, lovely walks etc. Hopefully we will be back. Thankyou for the little touches, much appreciated by us all.

6/8/10 Hessle, Hull: A fabulous stay in an excellent location! The house is extremely comfortable and well presented. Runswick Bay is a hidden treasure; the River Gardens Cafe is a great place to eat; Quayside Fish and Chips is great without the 20 minute wait; Beacon Farm Cafe and icecream is worth a visit.

31/7/10 Berillech, Anglesey: Absolutely fantastic, what a beautiful cottage. Fantastic views, amenities and location. Vivien you have thought of everything (no need to bring so much for Meli next year!) We have had a wonderful week with the weather being kind to us...Enjoyed our week so much we are back next year for 2 weeks!!

26/6/10 Macclesfield, Chesire: We have enjoyed our stay at Rowan Cottage and been v fortunate with the weather. Hot hot hot! have had great days out at Scarborough + Yorl, and visits to Robin Hoods Bay (good for rockpools, Sandsend (peaceful beach) and Pickering on NYMR. Lovely fish + chips from Magpie takeaway in Whitby - same as served in restaurant above but without the queue! Jacob (aged 3) particularly enjoyed rides on 'Elizabeth' the Whitby Steam bus. We hope to return soon.

19/6/10  Cheam, Surrey: Rowan Cottage was lovely from the views of the Moors to the very comfortable interior.  Vivienne has thought of everything to make our stay very enjoyable.  Very convenient for bus into Whitby and Pub for meals up the hill.  Excellent local shops for local food. 

Epsom Downs, Surrey: Vivienne must be credited for creating such a homely atmosphere with Rowan Cottage.  Beautifully decorated with all the amenities you could possibly want.  Ideal holiday base for touring the Yorkshire Moors.  Thank you. 

9/6/10 - Thank you for a wonderful relaxed stay at Rowan Cottage.  Although we live locally it was great to come here and spend time doing all the activities and sights during the day and relaxing at night.  Would recommend the Grosmont/Pickering Railway, the boating at Ruswarp and Go-Ape at Dalby Forest.  Thanks for all the finishing touches such as the hot drinks, chocolate and all the info, will highly recommend your nice cottage!

We have had a fantastic 5 days here!  Loved the feel of the cottage, was like home!  Beds amazing, slept like a log after wedding madness!  Will spread the word about Rowan Cottage.  Thanks again.

3/6/10 - Marton-in-Cleveland: Thanks for a lovely stay in a fantastic cottage, beautiful area.  Equipped excellently. -

3/6/10 - Bramhall, Cheshire: Thanks for allowing us a quick wedding change and a lovely weekend in your excellent cottage. -

3/4/10 - Bingley: A lovely Easter break.  The house is great and we'd be happy to recommend it.  We've been very lucky with the weather so have been outdoors most of the day, every day.  Thank you!

29/3/10 - Hull: Thank you for a lovely stay, the cottage was very comfortable and beds very comfy.  Thank you for the chocolate and fairtrade goodies!  weather changeable but had a lovely break.  Coal fire lovely!!  Hope to be back soon!

8/2/10 West Yorkshire: Third time here for us - because we love the house and its comforts for us and our 2 young children (2 and 4 yrs!).  Thanks again to Vivienne for keeping everything to such a high standard and for all improvements done since last time we came, not that we thought it needed any as we've always loved it here!  We'll be back (god willing).

29/12/09 Abthorpe, Towcester: Second time here, the cottage is great, so homely, had lots of snow and did a fantastic steam train ride from Whitby to Battersby all through the snow, it was really beautiful, thanks Viv for letting us stay in your lovely house, we will be back later this year.

27/12/09 Leeds: Quite simply the best holiday cottage we've stayed in. Lovely warm cottage, fantastic real fire and generally superb equipment and furnishings. A wonderful white Christmas was had by all and Whitby on Christmas Eve is hard to beat. We got into the Magpie no problem so winter visits recommended and had a lovely meal at the patisserie opposite the wool shop on the abbey side of the bridge. Enjoyable day trips to Saltburn and surrounding area, a lovely stretch of coast. We hope to come back in the not too distant future and big thanks to Viv!"

23/11/09 Warrington & Norwich: "The cottage is perfect and the views are beautiful. This is a lovely part of the world. Also thanks especially for our anniversary kindness." "Great warm comfortable home to come back to after days of being blown about on the front."

Nov/09 : Closed for installation of new double glazing.

31/10/09 Bury, Greater Manchester: "Fantastic and 5 star.  All that you could need and more.  So much to see in the local area.  Hope to be back soon."

19/10/09 Lincoln: "5 star - many thanks hope to return soon."

3/10/09 Bath: Thank you we had a wonderful break in this lovely, very comfy cottage.  A fantastic spot with an excellent fish shop in Whitby, a cook's paradise for fish lovers. I simply must add that, as you already know, Vivienne is a star.       

18/09/09 Wolverhampton & Clitheroe: Thank you very much for an excellent week.  The cottage is first class and reall home from home.  Excellent location for our 'touring'.  Will certainly recommend 'Rowan' to our family and friends and look forward to seenig you again.  Many thanks.

14/09/09 Beverley: We enjoyed our return visit.  The cottage was as comfortable as ever.  Look forward to next year.  Thank you again.

04/09/09 Aberdeen: A lovely cottage to stay in.  It is such a shame we were only here for a weekend.  We enjoyed the welcome pack especially the chocolate which was much enjoyed when we arrived late on Friday night.  Would definitely consider coming to stay again.  Thank you. 

15/08/09 Bristol: A really comfortable and well-equipped holiday cottage which makes a real difference to the enjoyment of the break.  We really enjoyed our stay here and had much better weather than we were expecting (and contrary to the daily forecasts!)  We visited Falling Foss and the fantastic tea gardens, York, Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and Sandsend as well as various places on the Moors by car and steam train.  We also discovered Runswick Bay for the first time which is very beautiful - make sure the tide is out!  Our boys have had a great first experience in Yorkshire and we'd all love to come back.  Thanks very much for everything. 

08/08/09 Newcastle-Upon-Tyne: "Thankyou for a lovely holiday!  The house is beautiful! Comfy and cosy! The boys slept well!! 'Treats' appreciated!"

01/08/09 Richmond: "Lovely cottage, a real home from home.  Great weather.  So many things to do and see, but ran out of time as took advantage of sunny weather so at the beach.  Thank you very much, hope to come again."

18/07/09 Derbyshire: "A perfect base to explore the area and a week of sunny, windy days make for a great break away from work.  We can recommend Eden Camp and the NYMR plus so many lovely walks around the area.  Thankyou very much."

04/07/09 - Steinhagen, Germany : "Every three years in the UK - this time in Yorkshire (the first time).  After mixed experiences in the past with British holiday accommodation. we are absolutely delighted with this holiday cottage - it definitely surpasses all our expectations - beautifully clean, lovingly decorated, superbly fitted.  So many welcoming touches...  We have really felt so very much at home and have appreciated being here.  So many memories and impressions will accompany us as we return home - the sunset across the valley, the birds (and squirrel!) feasting as we ate our meals, the stone built houses of the villages, the winding lanes, above all the coastal landscape and the sea with all its changing faces.  Our walks along the Cleveland Way have really presented us with the beauty of this area!..."

27/6/09 Crinan, Scotland : "What a lovely comfortable house, we found everything we needed (and more)...Weather fantastic all week.  We love Sleights and all the surrounding area, which we visit every year.  Lovely to be back amongst the friendly Yorkshire people.  We will highly recommend a stay here! Thank you."                  

25/6/09 Beverley : "What perfect accommodation!  Although on a main road it is so quiet.  We shall certainly come back later this year.  Thank you." 

22/6/09 Mold : "We have returned!  Everybit as clean, cosy, comfortable and well equipped as last time.  The beds were lovely and the welcome pack was a lovely gesture."

14/6/09 Morpeth : "Rowan Cottage has been perfect for us this weekend.  A treat to find somewhere so clean and so homely!  With beautiful views thrown in!  We love this area and can never fit in all that we want to do.  We must come longer next time.  Thank you." 

9/6/09 Sheffield & Leeds : "Thanks for letting us stay in your lovely cottage.  Very comfy sofas!  Nicely decorated and had everything we need.  We will come again." 

29/5/09 Liverpool : "Thank you for a lovely cottage...We recommend Sandsend Beach, Falling Foss - but walk there!... I'd love to come again, once again thank you.  A gorgeous cottage in a fantastic location,  Thank you." 

22/5/09 Durham :  "A short but very enjoyable stay in Rowan Cottage for this Bank Holiday weekend.  We loved the cottage and its decor; the views from the back are pretty amazing too!  We christened the BBQ as the weather has been so lovely... Hope to be back."

15/5/09 "This was a second visit for us because we loved the house and location so much first time round.  We've had a wonderfully relaxing week with all the comforts and luxury of a true holiday.  Our children love staying here and so a special thankyou to Vivienne for all the family friendly extras (toys, best ever beds and cot, bowls and plates, potty, stair gates etc etc!!!).  We will most definitely be back, hopefully in 2009."

25/4/09 Sheffield : "A really lovely holiday home with everything you could need for a restful stay.  Accomodation is very good and reall well finished.  Our stay was very comfortable and local amenities are very good.  The area is beautiful with plenty to do with children (Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay etc).  This is definitely a house we would come back to and recommend to friends.  Many thanks."

18/4/09 Dorset & Barnsley:  "Had a lovely week although thr weather could have been better.  Cottage very well situated and well equipped for all generations.  All the little extras were very welcome."

27/03-03/04 Northants : "Have been coming to Ruswarp and Sleights for past 9 years, this is the best house so far, we have loved it and will come back, thanks for all your help." 

21-27/03 Derbyshire -"We enjoyed our stay in this very homely, comfortable cottage ....  The cottage was great for our first family holiday, the highchair and hooded towel great touches.  We recommend Fortune Kippers in Whitby, and the butchers and bakers in the village (all the ingredients for a good fry-up!)  Even the windy weather didn't spoil things - we loved our week here.  Thanks." 

06/03/09 - Hull - "Thank you for making our stay so relaxing and homely.  The accommodation is beautiful and the views fantastic - lovely property and will recommend to others.  Surrounding area lovely and our little boy enjoyed every minute, the house is definitely equipped for toddlers.  Will definitely be back!!  Thank you again - also the finishing touches were lovely - teabags, milk, soap etc.  Hope your business continues to be successful."

20/02/09 - York - "Thank you so much for the excellent accommodation.  We all loved it - and no complaints!  We found the house very homely and warm.  It is a very nice location with excellent views.  Thank you so much for helping us all relax!"

16/2/09 - Hertfordshire "...We arrived and expected much and Viv delivered in every way!  What a comfortable place that feels like home, in an area that offers everything except time to stand still..."

14/2/09 - Grimsby "Where do I start!  What a beautiful cottage.  So warm and cosy.  The welcome pack was a surprise and very grateful.  Coal fire was super, what a focal point!  The Cottage was everything; you wanted for nothing; everybody slept well..."

New Year 09 - Liverpool - "Warm, well furnished and comfortable accommodation.  Well placed for visiting the area as well as some good eating places.  Thank you for being so welcoming - we'd recommend the cottage to others!"

Christmas 08 - "What a lovely house to spend Christmas in.  Warm, welcoming and excellently equipped - and so comfortable!...Butcher, baker and the Spar shop which sells everything (even good fruit + veg) strongly recommended.  Staithes is even nicer than Robin Hood's Bay - both offer free parking in the winter!...Thank you for all the extra touches and the entertainment of birds at the feeder station."

31/10/08 Bristol - "We had a great time here.  The house is nice and its comfy and warm too.  It is a great place to be even when our car broke down.  There are lots of walks up on the moors that are easily accessible and the beaches are fantastic."

18/10/08 West Yorkshire - "A luxury home from home with some quality touches and plenty of great extras.  Its been a delight holidaying at Rowan Cottage as its rare to come across somewhere so well equipped for a young family and so spotless too!...We feel pampered too as parents thanks especially to the lovely coal fire, that divine chocolate and the wonderful kingsize.  Thank you for everything we have every intention to return."

16/09/08 Suffolk - "A very enjoyable holiday had by all, so much to do in this beautiful area.  Eden camp was most enjoyable.  I think this area quite easily meets everybody's needs."

23/8/08 Herts - Plenty to see and so. 'Radfords' the butchers and 'Bothams' the bakers a must for delicious goodies.  Rowan Cottage: Very comfortable with everything you could possibly want."

22/8/08 Northampton - "Despite the rain we had a lovely week here.  Cottage outstanding and welcome was warm and friendly everything you could ask for!!  Cottage is situated in the right area for many local attractions."

16/08/08 Sheffield - "We were very impressed with the standard of accomodation and facilities within the cottage...loved the rear cottage views, occasionally saw and heard the steam train..."

09/08/08 Bristol - "We've had a fantastic time staying at Rowan Cottage.  There was everything that we expected - and much more besides...We have had a brilliant holiday, and much of it down to the location and setting of Rowan Cottage.  We hope to return again..."

20/07/08 Doncaster -  "A beautiful house with stunning views.  Were very impressed with all facilities, cant wait to return.  Thank you."

07/07/08 Cornwall - "... a wonderfully decorated house - great location."

30/06/08 North Wales - "Beautiful house, lovely beds we enjoyed our stay here and had a great time in the area."

30/05/08 Sheffield - "The house is beautiful and the views stunning...we are sure to return."

26/04/08 Derby - "A beautiful house in a beautiful location...Vivienne went out of her way to ensure we had everything we needed for our little ones (2 under 3 years old)."

17/03/08 Manchester  - "beautifully decorated cottage with all the facilities you need, so well presented.  The perfect base..."