Benchmark Cottage

Benchmark Cottage www.benchmarkcottage.com
1-bed cosy cottage hideaway in the North York Moors yet close to Whitby & coast. The perfect solo or couple's village retreat.

Garden, sun patios, EV charger & on-site parking. Unique access to river Esk. 5* rated. Sadly no pets. Fresh Yorkshire air, dark skies, rolling moorland and a homely, restful space await you at Benchmark Cottage in Glaisdale, UK. This gem is tucked away in the vast 554 square-mile North Yorkshire Moors National Park with the historic, maritime town of Whitby an easy 15-minute drive or even a train

or bus hop away. Ideal for the solo traveller or couple, Benchmark Cottage is a warm, well-stocked detached stone cottage in a peaceful end of the village close to the River Esk. A stylishly converted stable, dating back to 1821, this characterful property still retains many original features. Benchmark Cottage sits at Stage 12 of the renowned Coast-to-Coast route. It features a south-facing garden with generous outdoor seating, woodland aspect and on-site parking. You have the choice from the parking bay of stone steps, or you can walk uphill to the cottage entrance, with two patio areas with outdoor seating plus a barbecue as well as a lawned area so that you can chase the sun throughout the day. Stepping inside you are welcomed into the sunroom with a reclining sofa in front of large windows looking out into the garden. This bright and welcoming room leads you through into the beautifully fitted kitchen. A homely kitchen AGA provides extra comfort and a truly country-living ‘feel’ to your stay. High quality appliances throughout ensure that you have everything needed to create meals to delight. The adjoining living area has a corner sofa in front of the large Smart TV, perfect for movie nights in. Exposed sandstone walls add to the aesthetics and the character of this stunning property. A step up leads you to the hallway which branches off to the modern shower room, with a rainforest shower with the bonus of a fold down seat. The bedroom is beautifully presented with a double bed beneath a velux window. The owner has paid careful attention to detail throughout to ensure that you have an exceptional stay. You are in the perfect destination for an active break away, with the coast as well as the national park to discover. Local amenities in Glaisdale include a local village pub, post office, butcher, post office and grocery store and a village railway station a short walk away. Whether dreaming of a romantic escape, a walker’s retreat or simply a base from which to easily explore the North Yorkshire Moors’ unique wildlife and landscapes – with its quaint fishing towns and hamlets dotted along the stunning Jurassic North Sea coast – we want your stay at Benchmark Cottage to be the most relaxing and memorable treat you deserve. A warm Yorkshire welcome awaits at Benchmark Cottage at Glaisdale! Ground Floor:
3 steps to entrance. All on the ground floor. Open plan living space. Living area: With Freeview Smart TV. Dining area. Kitchen area: With Aga, microwave, slow cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. Bedroom: With double bed. Shower room: With shower cubicle and toilet. Underfloor central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot and highchair. Welcome pack. Enclosed rear lawned garden with patio, garden furniture and gas barbeque. Front garden with patio. Bike/equipment store. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Holidays at Benchmark Cottage run from Monday to Monday, with short breaks also available.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS?!! 🤍🐿️Our guests Chris and Jan had the most ethereal visitor at the cottage feeder...
30/05/2026

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS?!! 🤍🐿️

Our guests Chris and Jan had the most ethereal visitor at the cottage feeder this week… and what a magical sight it was! ✨

We were absolutely amazed when this rare white squirrel appeared right outside their window — thankfully they captured the moment perfectly 📸

What a precious addition to the wildlife of the North York Moors 💎

You may have seen albino rabbits or even white pheasants before… but have you ever seen a white squirrel? 👀
🏡💎🐿️ North York Moors National Park

Scorching Sandsend  today ⛱️When a simple coffee with our Best Man led to a wander around Sandsend, packed with memories...
24/05/2026

Scorching Sandsend today ⛱️

When a simple coffee with our Best Man led to a wander around Sandsend, packed with memories as far back as I can recall of building sandcastles and tunnels there with my eldest Sister🪽💖🪽back in the 1970s 👀

Little has changed, except for the lovely boutique shops, woodland walks, lovely eateries and specialty/deli cafés that now feature.

But that’s a post for another day!
Happy Bank Holiday Sunday 🌞

🏡🌊⛱️

TIME TO SIZZLE! 🌞☀️Anyone for Venison?For guests at the cottage,  it’s time to get fresh venison cuts ordered and the ba...
22/05/2026

TIME TO SIZZLE! 🌞☀️Anyone for Venison?

For guests at the cottage, it’s time to get fresh venison cuts ordered and the barbecue lit judging by the forecast! 🔥

Our small village of Glaisdale packs a real punch when it comes to sourcing naturally wild, or sustainably farmed, meat produce - as well as dairy and eggs - straight from our lush pastures & surrounding moorland.

Aside from a village butcher, local sourdough bakery, 3 fresh milk and meat vending machines nearby, grocers and 5 village pubs within an easy walk or 10 minute ride away, Glaisdale has just added an imaginative and truly delicious array of venison cuts to its gourmet repertoire! 🙌🏼

If ordered a few days in advance, James at Esk Valley Venison can prepare wild deer “at source”, on our natural moorland habitat.
No imports, nothing frozen.

Fresh sausages (see if you can handle the “Hot Spanish” ones), steaks, venison haunches, kebabs - as well as melt-in-the-mouth, beautifully seasoned truffles (a luxury burger upgrade) - are delivered by the very friendly James himself straight to the door!

So aside from getting the drink in, this week’s definitely the weather for our guests to kick back and let the good farmers, gamekeepers and store owners of this Esk Valley idyll do the legwork!

As for us, we’ll be sure the barbecue gas tanks are full, it’s deep-cleaned and ready for switch-on! 🍗🔥😋

(Photo Credit 1&2 ; 3 is my own 😋)

🏡🌞🦌

              🏡🌳🌷
19/05/2026

🏡🌳🌷

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow… 💕Saying goodbye is always the hardest part of hosting.Today, our lovely Dutch guests, Tine...
16/05/2026

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow… 💕

Saying goodbye is always the hardest part of hosting.

Today, our lovely Dutch guests, Tineke and Joke from Utrecht, left us with a thoughtful parting gift that made me smile — especially Pete, who has already declared that I’m to keep my hands off it until he returns from sea! 🙄⚓

They’re currently enjoying an incredible six-week adventure through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and we were delighted to provide the first week of their journey — a chance to relax and soak up the beauty of this stunning moorland corner of North Yorkshire.

We’re sorry to see them go, but moments like these remind us that the very best part of what we do is the wonderful people we meet along the way. 💖

Meanwhile, a Stroopwafel warmed over a hot cup of coffee ☕️😋

Cheers, Pete! 😁


🏡🇳🇱🌷

If you’ve ever wondered where fairies go for tea and cake when they’ve finished dancing underground, then this is it –th...
11/05/2026

If you’ve ever wondered where fairies go for tea and cake when they’ve finished dancing underground, then this is it –the Yorkshire Cycle Hub at nearby Fryup.

They’ve got great taste. This unique cycle centre/café, with breath-taking panoramic views across two dales, sits just below the mythical Fairy Cross Plain - and is a true mecca for serious walkers and cyclists alike.

For me, it was a perfect place to unwind after a day of spring cleaning back at home - and where it’s easy to marvel at the vast, ancient beauty of the North York Moors. And at our tiny presence within it.

Sadly, no fairies had magically finished the cleaning when I got back 🧚‍♂️✨

What3Words location? crackles.defender.reviews
Distance from cottage? only 5.3 miles 🙂
🏡🍰🚲 Yorkshire Cycle Hub

What do you think about the latest RSPB guidance on bird feeding? 🐦At home, we’re trialling their recommendation to offe...
02/05/2026

What do you think about the latest RSPB guidance on bird feeding? 🐦

At home, we’re trialling their recommendation to offer mealworms and suet from May through to October 🐛

At the cottage, though, it’s business as usual for now — with regularly cleaned sunflower feeders still drawing in an incredible variety of birds!

With help from our guests, we’ve counted up to 15 different species visiting the feeders! It’s what makes watching from the cottage windows such a special experience — and sparks so many lovely conversations too.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on how both approaches compare over the coming months… balancing bird welfare with the joy of attracting them.

We’d love to hear your thoughts — here 👇 or during your stay!
🏡🌲🐦🪶

29/04/2026

Herein lay today’s dilemma…
catch the early Esk Valley Line train from Glaisdale to collect my car from the garage in Lealholm… or take the slower route and walk the dog instead? 🤔

I’m so glad I chose the walk.

There’s a reason Glaisdale’s train route is known as “The Pretty Line” — and a bigger one when you glimpse it through a woodland carpet of bluebells 💙🪻🌳

The train trundles 35 miles between Whitby and Middlesbrough, meandering through the Esk Valley and stopping at a string of rural villages — each one a gateway to some of the most beautiful moorland walks.

And the best part?
You don’t have to go far to find moments like this… they start right from the cottage doorstep ✨
🏡🪻🚂 North York Moors National Park

26/04/2026

Life at the cottage… it’s not always what you’d expect 😳

Yesterday evening, our guests nearly found themselves drafted in to help guide a flock of sheep past the cottage — as our friendly local farmer moved them from the Dale into neighbouring pastures!

Let’s just say… there was a slight risk of a garden invasion 🐏🌿

Apparently, the trick is simple:
don’t look them in the eye 👀

Just another wonderfully random moment that makes a stay here that little bit more unique!
🐏🦄🐑

🌳🏡🦄

Book Your 2nd August “Double Indulgence” Yorkshire Day!Imagine air-conditioned transport direct from the cottage to Gros...
24/04/2026

Book Your 2nd August “Double Indulgence” Yorkshire Day!

Imagine air-conditioned transport direct from the cottage to Grosmont for an indulgent Ploughman’s Afternoon Tea aboard the iconic North York Moors steam train.

Your complementary pick up will transport you back to your cottage haven straight into the arms of that lovely, soft leather sofa in the sun room to help you reflect on a day well spent - and to plan more adventures ahead!

We have a few remaining days from the 2nd August - so get in touch with Joanna on 07979 415817 - and start planning your moorland escape today 🚂🏡💖
🚂🏡🌳

Celebrate Yorkshire Day in style on the 1st & 2nd August! 🌳

Gather friends and family aboard the North Yorkshire Pullman for a hearty Ploughman's Afternoon Tea.

Departing from Grosmont at 12:35pm, tuck into a spread of local favourites as the countryside rolls by. As you travel through the spectacular landscapes of the North York Moors National Park, savour good food, good company and a journey that feels every bit as special as the occasion itself. 💭

On your outbound journey begin with a refreshing welcome drink before enjoying our delightful Ploughman's Lunch, featuring finger sandwiches, local pork & apple pie, pork & chorizo scotch egg, and chef's homemade sausage & black pudding roll, or the Vegetarian Option, offering sandwiches, vegetarian quiche, mini mozzarella balls & cherry tomato skewers, and a cheese and onion roll. 🥪

Round off your experience with a freshly baked fruit scone with jam & cream, and a selection of cakes and sweet treats. Tea or Coffee will be served throughout and you'll receive handmade speciality chocolates to finish your experience.

Secure your spot by visiting https://www.nymr.co.uk/north-yorkshire-pullman-yorkshire-day-ploughmans

📸 John Hunt

Address

Underhill, Glaisdale
Whitby
YO212PF

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Benchmark Cottage posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share