“We had an amazing time! The cottage is beautiful and cosy. Thank you for a great stay. Helmsley is a lovely village, can’t wait to come back.” (LN & J - Nov 2022)
“Thank you David and co. This has been a wonderful stay. The cottage has been perfect for our needs and thanks for the Welcome Pack, really useful. Forge Cottage is comfortable and cosy and Helmsley is a superb base. We have thoroughly enjoyed walking and car exploration if this beautiful area.” (S & W - Sep 2022)
“What a lovely cottage - a real home from home! Kids adored the bedrooms and exploring the cottage. Perfect location for exploring.” (E&RD - Aug 2022). “We have had an extraordinary week in Forge Cottage and if I’m being honest I didn’t want to leave today, I loved the bread and butter you left us, it was the best bread I have ever tasted. (ED - Age 9). “I’ve really enjoyed my time here. The pond was really nice along with the rest of the garden. I like the bedroom designs and I hope to come back soon.” (SD - Age 11)
“We have really enjoyed our week at Forge Cottage, it has, been a real home from home. Our two kids and our dog have loved the space and the garden. Great location and we have had some great days out.” (MQ - Aug 2022)
“Now on our sixth visit to this delightful hideaway, albeit after a prolonged break due to the pandemic … Local walks, York and Moors and the coast, with Forge Cottage always welcoming us back at the end of each outing.” (R&PG - Jun 2022)
“We have had a lovely week at Forge Cottage, it is so comfortable and homely … Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed playing in the garden and the location of the cottage is perfect, so close to all the shops / cafes etc. in Helmsley yet so peaceful.” (DC&MR - Jun 2022)
“We have had a great stay again, loved the extras, really great. House fab as normal. Thank you so much.” (T&JD - Apr 2022)
“What a fantastic 5 days we’ve had. We love the cottage. Very cosy and everything we needed was here. We can’t wait to come back. Thank you for making it toddler friendly. Out two year old loved playing in the garden. (B - Feb 2022)
“Fab, Fab stay as always, what can we say apart from we really didn’t want to go home this time - cottage spotless, clean (very) as always.” (Anon - Dec 2021)
“Marvellous cottage! One of the best we have stayed in!” (A&BH - Oct 2021)
“Had a lovely stay as always. Great location and amazing hygiene levels. Had everything needed. Great garden for our furry friend and almost all places in Helmsley, Thirsk and Whitby were amazing and great for fish & chips.” (D - Oct 2021)
“Helmsley is a great base for expeditions around and the village itself is full of interesting things to do - shops and pubs and restaurants. Appreciated the welcome pack of assorted teas, coffees and sugar - especially the inclusion of fairtrade clipper tea & sugar - but no fairtrade coffee?? Also recycling made much easier with box assortment - bravo with eco credentials.” (DASA & R - Aug 2021) - [Note from owners - we really appreciate the comment regarding the coffee, we have now sourced fairtrade coffee to compliment the fairtrade tea and sugar.]
“Thank you for another lovely stay in your charming cottage the weather has been perfect, the cottage as always comfortable and clean, the location is perfect too. Really enjoyed the garden and the very friendly tame birds.” (R&JH - Jul 2021)
“Our fourth stay at Forge Cottage. That says it all.” (G - Jun 2021)
“Our third enjoyable stay at Forge Cottage. Great weather. …The garden is a great place to relax in the evening. Hope to come back soon.” (MD & L - June 2021)
“Lovely cottage in a perfect location. It has been fantastic to be able to walk into lovely Helmsley. Lots of local attractions and great walks … We have all really enjoyed this holiday and no doubt we will be back in the near future.” (H - Apr 2021)
“Comfortable well appointed cottage. Owner obviously attended to detail - much appreciated. Lovely house.” (Anon - Apr 2021)
“It has been such a treat to be back at Forge Cottage after a year of lockdowns and we were lucky to have beautiful skies all week, despite frosty mornings. The garden was a highlight with spring bulbs and blossom.” (PS - Apr 2021)
“We have absolutely loved staying in the cottage. The town is lovely with plenty of shops and places to eat. It’s been great spending quality time with the family playing games in the evening and scenic walks during the day. We would love to come back next year.” (A & M - Nov 2020)
“We had a really enjoyable time here, a wonderful and relaxing break. A great location for heading to the Moors or the coast.” (NCKM & B - Oct 2020)
“We had a wonderful time here in North Yorkshire. Helmsley was a good base for Whitby, the Moors and Mother Shipton’s Cave. Forge Cottage was homely and inviting and a pleasure to come back to each day.” (IR & C - Aug 2020)
“Wonderful stay at Forge Cottage, during the heat wave. Great convenient location. Lots more to do and see here in this area, so we will be back.” (KIOEL & M - Aug 2020)
“How fabulous to have a change of scene after 4 months of covid lockdowns. The cottage was an excellent base for us to meet family and we really enjoyed the beautiful garden. Supremely comfortable beds and spotlessly clean. The cottage is so well equipped and we have stayed in many all over the country. Lovely days out at Robins Hood’s Bay, Hutton-le-Hole and a great rainy afternoon at Eden Camp. Thank you for a truly relaxing break. We would love to come back.” (RNA & L - Jul 2020)
“Thank you David for a great cottage!! Have had a wonderful week at Forge Cottage. Breakfast with the sun streaming in to the kitchen, evenings in the conservatory, cooking on the Rayburn - all the simple things after 6 months of covid!! Had some great walks in the local fields (used the OS maps) and great days out at Pickering, Whitby Thirsk and others. An ideal location too for visiting family in Leeds. Would love to come back again and do the other things we didn’t get to.” (SFK & E - Jul 2020)
“The cottage met with our expectations and more! Well located for access to the village … plenty to explore in the area and we could have done with another week.” (BVD & R - Feb 2020)
“A beautifully furnished and decorated homely cottage to which we will return. Everything as it should be.” (NK - Feb 2020)
“We have been coming here since 2016 and still love it. Could only manage the weekend this time but hope to get back in Feb or March for longer.” (DS & D - Jan 2020)
“Lovely cottage with everything you need and more. Helmsley is beautiful … a fantastic short family break away.” (R & M families - Dec 2019)
“We’ll be back! Lovely relaxing stay” (PSL & R - Nov 2019)
“Another very enjoyable stay at Forge Cottage.” (MD & L - Oct 2019)
“A brilliant location and a warm and welcoming cottage.” (JA - Sept 2019)
“Had a lovely week in your delightful cottage. Never had such a good selection of maps, books, games etc. Felt at home!” (KA & T - Sept 2019)
"A beautiful cottage in a perfect location. We had a lovely relaxing week." (TA - Aug 2018)
"We've had a lovely week - thank you :-) ... recommend the walk to Rievaulx. The cottage was very comfortable - we spent a lot of time relaxing in the garden." (TJ - Aug 2018)
"This is our first visit to Forge Cottage and what a pleasant surprise on arrival. Spacious and well equipped with pleasant garden." (TJ - Jul 2018)
"Had a fantastic first time stay in this cottage after our sixth stay in Helmsley. Had a lovely time. Cottage very spacious and suited us all. Loved Kirbymoorside Golf club Carvery again !! A nice relaxing time. Will defo be back." (L - Jul 2018)
"We had a very comfortable stay in Forge Cottage. ... Helmsley is a lovely town with a very interesting history. Nunnington Hall garden is on of the best in the country. Sad to leave - we hope to return." (RB - Jul 2018)
"Had a lovely stay. ... Such a fantastic cottage. Thank you." (TM - Jun 2018)
"Our second visit to Forge Cottage. We had a wonderful time again. And Cinnamon Twist makes the best bread we've ever tasted." (TG - Jun 2018)
"Another wonderful stay at Forge Cottage! Have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves up on The Moors, by the sea and of course in Helmsley. Had some wonderful meals locally, Gepetto's Restaurant, The White Swan at Ampleforth and the Fox & Hounds at Sinnington. Look forward to our next stay." (AS - Jun 2018)
"A welcome return to Forge Cottage! ... we will certainly return." (PG - Jun 2018)
"Had another lovely stay at Forge Cottage. ... Thanks David and Team, nothing too much trouble. See you soon." (SP - May 2018)
"We have greatly enjoyed our second visit to this comfortable and intriguing cottage ... we are still enjoying exploring the area especially the walks by the river Rye." (P - May 2018)
"Lovely cottage in a great spot - clean and comfortable." (S - Apr 2018)
"We have enjoyed the cottage for our second stay and hope to come again" (PS - Apr 2018)
"Great spot for a cottage holiday. Helmsley is a lovely town and we enjoyed our stay. Thank you." (CR - Mar 2018)
"Lovely cottage, all home comforts, very well equipped. Would love to return." (S - Jan 2018)
"Thank you so much for a lovely stay in Helmsley. The cottage really cosy and very well equipped, we've has a great time seeing all our family" (JW- Dec 2017)
"Lovely comfortable cottage in a beautiful area, Very cost=y and everything you could need to be comfortable. ... Staithes, Whitby and Fountains Abbey are good days out." (S - Nov 2017)
"Great week in a lovely cottage. Beautiful area superb for walking". (DO - Nov 2017)
"Another lovely week in Forge Cottage. Visited Robin Hood Bay which was very enjoyable". (A - Oct 2017)
"Another lovely holiday at Forge Cottage". Great to relax in cosy cottage after the day's activities." (D - Oct 2017)
"Exceptionally enjoyable time here at Forge Cottage". (C - Sep 2017)
"What a fantastic cottage, so welcoming and the location is great". (LD - Aug 2017)
"The cottage is probably the most well equipped we've stayed in and very comfortable. Sad to go home." (B - Aug 2017
"Forge Cottage is an extremely well equipped, supremely comfortable and outstandingly well positioned cottage. We were very impressed with the cleanliness and the cosiness of the place and the heating systems was extremely efficient. We all really appreciated the selection of DVDs, especially the two Dad's Army discs. The TV instructions need adjusting as the HDMI lead was found in with the PS3 console but, what about that? A PS3 console supplied!! How thoughtful and how useful for the youngsters who enjoy gaming on a wet day. The internet connection is reliable and fast. this is the best accommodation we have stayed in in the UK for a long time. Thank you very much." (C - Jun 2017)
"We have had a lovely stay at Forge Cottage, surely one of the best self catering properties that we have stayed in. Everything you need to a relaxing week is here and more." (J - May 2017)
"Thank you for a lovely holiday in your beautiful home. We had a great week and will be recommending Forge Cottage and Helmsley to all our friends." (K - Apr 2017)
"Another delightful week in this spotlessly clean and beautifully maintained cottage. God's county looking as wonderful as ever." (R - Feb 2017)
"We immediately felt at home in this lovely warm and cosy cottage with everything we needed." (C - Dec 2016)
"Fab cottage - everything you need, warm and cosy - we will be back." (D - Nov 2016)
"Loved it. Separate staircases to both double rooms make the property especially suited to 2 couples or family and grandparents." (SB - Nov 2016)
"We had a wonderful holiday in Helmsley. the cottage is beautiful - warm comfortable and very well equipped." (TM - Oct 2016)
"It is an excellent Cottage!!!!" (Mrs O - Aug 2016)
"Forge Cottage was super and very pretty. A home away from home. It felt as if a friend had lent us his cottage for a week. We loved the books and all the guides and maps. And the Rayburn, although it was a bit hot in the kitchen due to the beautiful weather. I even succeeded in making complete meals on the Rayburn. The garden and sunbeds were also much appreciated. Helmsley is a lovely village with great food, in shops and restaurants. We had a great holiday!" (JV - Aug 2016)
"This was one of the best self-catering cottages our family has stayed in. Extremely comfortable and clean, with plenty of room for everyone to spread out in for the week. Children loved their bedroom with its arched entrance and sloping ceiling. Kitchen was very well stocked indeed and the rayburn made cooking an interesting adventure rather than a holiday chore! Thoughtful little extras like a couple of tablets for the dishwasher and the washing machine make a huge difference - those are the things that you often forget to pack. Overall, felt much more like a home than a holiday rental and we definitely hope to be back." (CD - Jul 2016)
"Great cottage and very cosy. Good communication with the owner, and kept very clean. It is in a good position not far from the market square.Lots of places selling good food in the town everywhere within walking distance." (Anon - Jun 2016)"Forge Cottage is set up to a high standard. We stayed as a party of 5. The conservatory and useable sized garden make it all the more pleasant in the summer. It's only a few minutes walk into town and you do have direct access to country walks and cycle rides from the door. A great choice if you are looking for a plush let for the week." (EK - Jun 2016)
“What a beautiful cottage, everything we needed to celebrate my husband, dad and granddad 60th birthday. Thank you so much for letting us stay here.” (SP – Jan 2016)
"What a lovely cottage. This is the third time we have stayed in Helmsley and this was by far the best accommodation we have had. It was wonderful to walk into the kitchen after a long drive and find it snug and warm from the Aga. A tea tray was ready for us and Christmas Carols were playing on the radio. On going through to the lounge the Christmas Tree and decorations were an extra bonus. The cottage was spotlessly clean and very well equipped and furnished. The beds and bedding were of the highest quality and soooo comfortable! I didn't attempt to get to grips with the Aga ( I had no intention of cooking anyway !!) as you are spoilt for choice eating out in and around Helmsley. For the second year on Christmas Day we went to the Blacksmith's at Hartofft and as before we had a wonderful meal. The weather wasn't great but we still got out and about and it was lovely to come back later and light the coal fire. - we payed a second visit to Castle Howard and it was truly magical with all the Christmas decorations in place. We would definitely recommend this cottage and hope to return ourselves this year." (JT - Dec 2015)
"From the moment we walked through the door we were taken a-back. Lamps were lit, the Christmas tree lights were twinkling and Christmas carols were softly playing on the radio. What a welcome ! A tea tray with biscuits was waiting on the kitchen table. The cottage was just like the photos and more. So cosy and homely made even better by the log fire. High quality comfy furniture. Highly recommend this cottage for a perfect stay in a beautiful village in a stunning area." (Anon - Dec 2015)
"Lovely cottage , very welcoming feel with everything and more that you would need for a self catered get away. For me though the best of all was the comfort of the beds , pillows and bed linen. Great location too with everything you need on the doorstep. Would definitely recommend and hopefully will return again next year." (DC - Dec 2015)
“Enjoyed our stay very much. Lovely well equipped cottage. Wish we could have stayed longer. We would like to return.” (LP – Nov 2015)
“We had a lovely stay at Forge Cottage for my dad’s 70th birthday. Our children absolutely loved the cottage. It’s a real home from home and we’ll hopefully visit again.” (A – Nov 2015)
“We had a wonderful stay at Forge Cottage. What a little gem. Celebrated mum’s 70th birthday. Met friends in Helmsley, what a quaint sociable place. Enjoyed cooking lovely meals in fab kitchen then relaxing in comfy lounge. Can’t wait to visit again. Loved it.” (KT – Oct 2015)
“What a great weekend we have all had. I’ve enjoyed my birthday, hope to come back to this lovely cottage in the future. Accommodation perfect. Thank you.” (PA – Oct 2015).
"This is a lovely comfortable cottage just a short walk away from the town centre. Everything seems to have been thought about as the property is extremely well equipped. We enjoyed the sunny conservatory and found the lounge cosy and inviting - particularly as it is carpeted and has nice soft sofas and chairs (both a must for us when selecting a holiday property!). Easy off-road parking ticks another box. Hate the Rayburn but hate cooking so great excuse to eat out at the many local hostelries! We plan to re-visit at a later date." (SB - Sept 2015)
"Forge Cottage is a real home from home. We had a wonderful stay and wanted for nothing. The kitchen is well equipped and the garden is a real bonus for the children and for eating out (weather permitting). The furnishings are all high end and we enjoyed the open fire. Location is also fantastic - parking and the walk to town takes 5 mins and there are many excellent pubs and shops. All in all a brilliant place to stay!!!" (AC - Jul 2015)
"We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful cottage - 4 adults and one toddler and then was plenty of room for all. Extremely well equipped with everything we could need, well decorated in keeping with the style of the property. Lovely linens and towels. Everything very clean. Wifi worked a treat. Particularly good stock of dvds, and books and cds as well. The conservatory is a lovely light place to sit and enjoy the summer evenings (when you're not enjoying it on the patio of the huge garden). Great location just a short walk from the centre of Helmsley. We hope to return!" (Anon, July 2015)
"A beautiful cottage with a lovely garden. We were very lucky with the weather during half term, which meant we could make the most of the garden (deck chairs provided!). A perfect size for six of us, with plenty of rooms for everyone to chill out. The cottage genuinely felt like home for the week, with everything you can think of provided. We had a nan, 15, 6 and 1 year old with us and the accommodation was ideal for all age groups, not mentioned on write up is two lobby areas, one by bedroom 2 and one on first floor landing which are ideal for travel cot (provided), also doors on each stairwell therefore no need for stair gates. Would happily recommend to anyone." (TB - June 2015)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Forge Cottage. It was one of the best equipped self-catering properties we have stayed at - we wanted for nothing. Cooking on the Aga however did prove a bit of a challenge, but we mastered it - and there was always the gas hob if we admitted defeat!! The weather was pretty mixed and one day was so wet we didn't want to go out, but that didn't matter. The cottage has an excellent supply of books, DVD's and board games, and a riotous session of 'Articulate' passed the time admirably. There is plenty of room - a dining kitchen, a lounge diner and a large conservatory, so space for everyone to 'do their own thing'. The cottage is well situated for everything Helmsley has to offer and there is lots to see within a reasonable driving time. Try The Feathers or Gepetto's for your evening meal. Both very good!!" (P - May 2015)
"From the moment we arrived and saw the pretty, tidy garden, I knew Forge Cottage was going to be such a good standard - and it was! The smart, warm kitchen, heated by an Aga, was very well stocked and even had a sensible wine-bottle opener. A welcoming tray was waiting for us and the fire in the cosy lounge was made up ready for us to light. Plenty of firelighters, wood and coal were provided. The kitchen cupboards had plenty of bin liners. It was all so thoughtful - it seemed as though the owner had just let us use his own home. The bed linen and towels were very high quality, and the standard of cleanliness was excellent. Forge Cottage is easy to find and just a short walk into Helmsley, with good shops and restaurants. We treated ourselves to lunch at the "Star" in Harome. My family and I were sad to leave and hope to return." (XX - March 2015)
"We stayed in the cottage for a weekend for my Grandpa's 80th birthday. The cottage itself is wonderful and very homely and modern. The bedrooms are ample size for 6 adults and both bathrooms are well equipped. It is very close to Helmsley village, around a 10 minute walk at the most and this takes you directly into the market square. Its an ideal location for the North Yorkshire Moors and Helmsley itself. The payment and organisation of the key was swiftly dealt with and any questions were answered promptly. The cottage was well equipped to cook and tea/coffee/fruit tea/milk/biscuits were all there for our arrival as well as bits and bobs we assumed were left by other guests. We would come back without hesitation, its a beautiful well equipped cottage." (NM Feb 2015)
"Lovely property. Clean, well equipped and spacious. Will definitely be back." (AT - Jan 2015)