Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get to Bowes?

Full details of how to find us are given on our "Find Us" page. There are links on this page to Multimap.com which will allow you to plan your journey by car from anywhere in the UK.

How do we book a cottage?

All bookings are through Sykes Cottages, at www.sykescottages.co.uk. Call them on 01244 356666 and quote reference 1549 (Swinholme Cottage) or reference 1550 (Unicorn Cottage). You can book on-line through this site (Swinholme Cottage or Unicorn Cottage). Keys are collected from Swinholme Farm (telephone 01833 628440).

Where is the nearest telephone?

There is no telephone in the cottage but mobile reception in the area is excellent. There is a coin operated telephone booth in Bowes village, and fax facilities in the shop and Post Office.

Can we bring our pets?

Chickens range freely on our land, we have a herd of Dexter cattle and some pigs. Reluctantly we have therefore concluded that we cannot accommodate pets. We hope you will enjoy the opportunity to try some of our home produced eggs and Dexter beef. Soon we shall have pork too.

What can we do for entertainment in the evening?

The cottage contains various books, videos and DVDs, as well as games and jigsaws. The Ancient Unicorn Inn in Bowes is a short stroll away.

My car is a sports car. Will I have a problem getting to you?

No. The track to the farm is mostly tarmacked, apart from a short stretch behind the farm, and there are no ruts or other problem areas. Off road parking is available next to the cottage.

Why is there a sign saying “No vehicles” and a metal gate at the top of your track?

Many people travel by horse and caravan to Appleby Fair during May, and return in June. The sign is to discourage people camping alongside the A66 at Bowes, and does not apply to visitors to Swinholme. The metal gate is closed and locked from around mid-May to mid-June. A key to the gate will be available to guests at this time. We would ask anyone who books in to Swinholme Cottage in May or June to telephone us in advance to arrange for collection of the gate key.

Do you provide bed linen, towels, dishcloths, soap, washing up liquid?

Yes.

Do I need to open and shut any gates on the track to Swinholme?

The metal barrier should be closed and locked at all times if it is closed and locked when you arrive. Otherwise leave it open. The red gate at the top of the track down to Swinholme is normally left open: only shut it if it is shut when you reach it. The blue gate and the gates to Swinholme itself should be kept shut as there are sheep and cows in the surrounding fields.

Is there a shop in Bowes?

There is a village shopand post office in Bowes selling newspapers and a wide range of fresh and packaged products.

Do you sell beef, poultry and eggs?

We have one or two of our Dexter bullocks professionally slaughtered and butchered each year, and we freeze the meat, mostly for our own consumption. We sell some of the meat to friends and family, and guests who wish to buy some are welcome to do so, depending on what’s available. Our poultry are layers, not for eating, and our free range eggs are for sale. The birds roam our smallholding and are very friendly, although being mindful of avian flu we have an area where they can be kept inside should regulations require this. We also have pigs but none has yet been slaughtered.

Do you sell vegetables?

We produce as many vegetables as we can for ourselves and guests are welcome to purchase what is in season. Please be aware that our vegetables are grown without chemicals and may not always have the perfect shape or appearance demanded by supermarkets, although their freshness will more than make up for this.

May I/our children feed the animals?

Guests are welcome to help us feed and water the animals, so long as we are there to supervise. Please do not feed the animals yourselves without us present as we have to be so careful about what they eat. In the winter you will certainly need a pair of Wellington boots!