Family friendly
Our aim is for guests to feel totally at home at The Old Vicarage and we do our best to anticipate the sort of things that will make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible. For large groups and families, we know that means accommodating little ones, pets, and perhaps a place to work, too.
The layout of the house is perfect for different groups holidaying together. The three fully equipped bathrooms avoid any morning queues and the separate lounge and dining areas, family-style kitchen and cosy snug means that people can get together or enjoy their own space. Here we share details of some of those particulars, from the welcome hamper to highchairs.
Welcome hamper
When you have been travelling, we know how nice it is to be able to make a refreshing drink or snack when you first arrive at a holiday destination. For this reason, we have put together a welcome hamper with our compliments. Typically, this will contain: tea, coffee, cereals, local bread, butter, cheese, jam, chocolates and biscuits, as well as juice, milk, and a selection of fresh fruit. We will also pick some fresh flowers for you.
Catering and household
As well as having a dishwasher, fridge, gas range cooker and microwave, the kitchen is well-equipped with crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. The adjoining utility room has a washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer. We supply washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets and general cleaning equipment but you are asked to bring your own detergent for the washing machine.
Outside catering
Sometimes – especially for a big group – it’s a relief to hand over the catering to someone else, either as a one-off treat or if you are celebrating a special event such as a birthday or anniversary. There are several professional catering firms locally who can serve quality food to meet your requirements.
- Henny's Kitchen - Henny is a freelance chef specialising in private dinner parties and also group lessons, chocolates and fine dining. Tel 07711 016567. www.hennyskitchen.co.uk
- The Yorkshire Party Company – One of the region's top catering companies and known for imaginative food served by professional staff. They provide a tailor-made service and will help you design a menu or party theme. Telephone: 01765 641920. www.yorkshireparty.co.uk
- Lady G - Georgina is a trained cordon bleu chef who specialises in holiday catering. This can be a special lunch or dinner party, cooked and served for you with waiting staff provided or a drop-off service. Telephone: 07957 144467. www.ladygscookery.co.uk
- Edwina's Cakes - Based in Richmond, this shop stocks a range of birthday and novelty cakes and will also create something to your own specifications. Tel: 01748 826622.
- Angel's Share - based in The Station at Richmond, Alex and her team at this award-winning bakery and delicatessen prepare delicious quiches, pies and scrumptious desserts. Great if you don't fancy cooking but you are in a large group. At least a couple of days notice is needed. Food is presented on boards and boxed for easy transportation. Tel: 01748 828261. www.theangelssharebakery.com
Online groceries and supermarkets
We know that when you are packing to go on holiday, the car can get pretty full. This is why some of our guests like to pre-order their groceries using supermarket delivery services. One of the attractions of The Old Vicarage is its rural location but this also means that the nearest supermarkets of any size (Lidl at Richmond, Tesco at Catterick, or Campbells at Leyburn) are 7-10 miles away, although there are smaller local shops at nearby Reeth, where you can buy basic groceries. The nearest large supermarkets are Lidl at Richmond and the Tesco store at Catterick. Campbells at Leyburn is also a useful independent grocers and has a good butchery and an amazing 'off licence' department .
Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda all deliver to The Old Vicarage. If you would like any help organising a delivery service then please call us . Also, usually on Friday (your day of arrival), we can arrange to be available to receive the shopping on your behalf.
Young children and babies
We can provide a highchair and travel cot if you are travelling with a baby, although we ask that you bring your own cot bedding. Please let us know when booking so that we can have items in place for your arrival.
Additional bed
The Old Vicarage sleeps nine but a tenth person can be accommodated on an additional bed on request. The cost for this plus extra linen and towels is £40.
Pets
We have converted an annexe adjoining the utility room into a special pet room for your companion animals to occupy. It opens onto the courtyard which is enclosed on three sides by buildings and a gate, and on the fourth by a wall and bank. This room has a clean linoleum floor, water tap just outside the door, window and secure external door. It is also equipped with a dog basket and heated pad, although owners may choose to bring their own. In the interest of hygiene, please bring your own soft bedding.
We pride ourselves on the fact that The Old Vicarage is beautifully furnished and most of our guests are more than happy to respect our policy of no dogs in the living spaces of the house itself – other than in the room allocated. This ensures that things are kept fresh and allergy free for all visitors. Guests are also respectfully asked to clean up after their dogs in the pet room and outside the property - including the surrounding fields. Failure to clean up after your pet could incur extra cleaning costs. Dog waste should be double bagged and put inside the bin liner in the dustbin that is located in the rubbish/recycling shed. Thank you for helping us to keep The Old Vicarage clean and hygienic for everyone.
Dogs must be properly controlled and supervised at all times and should not be left in the pet room when guests go out.
If you would like to bring another type of pet then please discuss this with us at the booking stage so that we can advise you on whether or not the accommodation is suitable. A surcharge of £40 per dog applies. We have had many happy dogs at The Old Vicarage, who appreciate the wonderful open spaces and no neighbours!
Please see further information about our pet policy.