Rewild Mind & Body in nature at Broughton Sanctuary
“I've seen all of the significant rewilding projects in England and Wales in my 45 years so far in conservation. Broughton Sanctuary is the most rapidly transformational of the lot”. Alistair Driver, Rewilding Britain
Head to Yorkshire for a nature-based gathering or family holiday at Broughton Sanctuary this summer. Stay within 3,000 acres of beautiful historic parkland and enjoy a true connection to our ancient land. From young professionals to families or empty nesters, Broughton is an ideal escape for those intentionally seeking a retreat in a raw, off-grid setting wrapped in sophisticated comforts.
Located in stunning Yorkshire countryside, Broughton is home to one of the UK’s leading nature recovery projects with over 350,000 trees - including 15 native broadleaves - planted in the last three years, which equated to the biggest tree planting scheme in England in 2021.
Kelly Hollick, Project Manager at Broughton, explained, “Ours has been a rewilding model that focuses on 'letting nature take the lead,’ so that natural processes can re-establish and a complex mosaic of different habitats can be created. This will help to increase biodiversity, sequester carbon, reduce flooding downstream as well as clean up our soils, water and air.”
Among the wildlife spotted at the sanctuary are breeding pairs of curlew, as well as barn owls, kestrels and the Wall Butterfly, which has declined by 87% across the country in the last 40 years. Kelly added, “We’ve already seen a significant increase in the bio abundance of wildlife at Broughton since the project started three years ago.”
The sense of sanctuary at Broughton is further emphasised by a carefully curated selection of outdoor activities which blend therapy with nature exploration, gorgeous accommodation and energising natural food. On the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales, immersive experiences include cold water swimming, a woodland sauna, forest bathing, ice bathing, sweat lodge, bike tracks, foraging and woodland dining in the Cosmic Garden. Borrow a bike, take your dog for a hike or plunge into one of many cooling wild swimming spots.
A heated outdoor pool is open throughout the summer and there is a tennis court ready to use. Guests can also book to use the facilities at the innovative Avalon Wellbeing Centre, including the indoor pool, sauna and steam, plus wellness classes, holistic therapies and treatments. Expect food which is as good for you as it is for the planet at the walled garden bistro, ‘Utopia’, which serves plant-based delights for breakfast and lunch. Or choose to dine at the Bull Inn pub on site. The bustling market town of Skipton is just 3 miles away; famous for its winding canals, splendid castle, many independent shops and a growing dining scene.
Combining privacy and peace with all the perks of hotel living and an authentic well-being thread, Broughton Sanctuary sets a new benchmark on the British rental scene.
FROM HANDSOME PET-FRIENDLY COTTAGES TO AN ICONIC ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE Broughton Sanctuary offers over 130 beds, ranging from the luxurious 16th Century Hall itself (the location for numerous acclaimed films and TV serials) to an off-grid ‘Hermit Hut’ and cosy ‘Sanctuary Homes’. Guests can also choose from 19 beautifully restored holiday cottages, which offer over 130 beds across the sanctuary and within Broughton village. Sleeping between 2 and 11 guests, they include:
- Poverty Hill Barn (4-bed, sleeps 7) - latest addition to the Broughton holiday home portfolio; a modern and minimalist barn conversation with open-plan living area
- Higher Scarcliffe (3-bed, sleeps 6) - a romantic and welcoming 17th century farmhouse with views of the Three Peaks
- The Manse (4-bed, sleeps 8) - a newly renovated, luxurious 4-bed rectory house with sunny conservatory
- Yellison (4-bed, sleeps 8) - on the edge of an ancient woodland, this former goat farm has been lovingly refurbished into a fabulous holiday home
- Eden (6 beds, sleeps 11) - spacious, stylish and packed full of fun things to enjoy
- Chapel Flat (3-bed, sleeps 6) - recently refurbished apartment that sits within its own private wing of the historic Broughton Hall.
For a full list of the cottages visit the website here.
Dating back to 1597, Broughton Hall offers 17 bedrooms, including 13 en-suites, so is an ideal exclusive use venue for multi-generational breaks, ‘conscious weddings’, wellbeing retreats and private parties. As a filming location, this English Country House has featured in the likes of Gentleman Jack, All Creatures Great and Small and the recent Brontë Biopic EMILY starring Emma Mackey.
Holidays at Broughton Sanctuary start from £520 for three nights in a 1-bed cottages, on a self-catering basis.
