Bursting with charm, our Shacks have been inspired by the traditional timber framing revival happening across the country and designed using the round wood timber framing technique pioneered in Sussex. The term round wood is a reference to the wood used for the frames being left ‘in the round’, which not only cuts out the wasteful industrial process of squaring the timbers but also means our frames can come from coppiced wood (a coppiced tree continually regrows and coppicing is an important part of woodland management) rather than mature larger trees which would have to be replanted and take time to grow back.

On an aesthetic note we feel using round wood timber framing provides our guests with an antidote to the harsh angular structures we’re surrounded by in every day life and reminds us all, that just because its man made, it can still eloquently compliment its surroundings, as if it had come up from the ground it stands on. The frames for the Shacks are Sweet Chestnut, while the rest of the wood used has been locally sourced from the Swinton Estate itself. The Shacks are spread out around the edge of our woodland with sweeping views across the valley and moorland. Surrounded by trees, guests can enjoy these views from the privacy of their verandah.

Inside, our lockable Shacks have a lovingly selected combination of handmade and up-cycled items furnishing them to provide a snug and intimate setting for your Yorkshire holiday - everything from the crockery and oil burning lanterns to the wood fired stoves and antique rocking chairs - all come together to make it feel like your own little house in the woods. The Windy Smithy wood burners fitted in every Shack have a range attached, meaning that our guests can self cater and are perfect for popping a warming stew in before you set off on a relaxing excursion, to any one of the numerous activities accessible from Bivouac Swinton. In combination with the sheep’s wool insulation, the wood burners not only keep the Shacks toasty but with the added back boiler provides hot water for our residences during their stay here.

Each Shack has its own discrete variations providing our guests with a unique Bivouac experience. They do, however all share a similar layout with a maximum capacity of 7 adults. Sleeping space comprises of:

An upper mezzanine with one double bed, this is accessed via a ladder and is definitely one for the more romantic, adventurous and limber! You can also gaze at the stars through the skylight set into each shack ceiling.

Three, full size single beds are nestled in the middle mezzanine, it is about 1.5 metres (5ft) of the ground and feels like the cosiest of places to settle down for the night. Perfect for kids, or big kids alike.

Under the middle mezzanine is a secret hideaway containing a double bed. Don’t expect a full height ceiling under here, think of it like a luxury ‘bottom bunk’. A curtain can be drawn for a little extra privacy.

The rest of the Shack is taken up with an open plan kitchen area, containing the wood burner, sink and shelving for crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Adjacent is a comfortable and homely lounge area where guests can curl up and enjoy the warmth from the fire, or relax together over a delicious meal prepared in the range. A separate room houses the bathroom which comprises of a flushing toilet, shower and sink.

Nestled into the side of our small hill, a short stroll from the site shop and cafe, our small community of Yurts reside in a spacious meadow. On warm summer days guests can sit out on their verandah enjoying the stunning views of our surrounding valley, while in chillier conditions the wood burner will keep it a toasty and snug place to enjoy a hot beverage or cheeky glass of wine.

For those not familiar with Yurts, they are tent like structures based on the Mongolian Yurt (or Ger), the Bivouac Yurts are constructed from clear treated timber (redwood) and waterproof, flame retardant canvas. Traditionally the home of nomads in the steppes of Central Asia, yurts are as easy to erect as most tents but once built much more like a timber framed building. The shape provides good thermal efficiency with only a small wood burner needed to keep it warm. Our Yurts have been made in England and customised to make them just right for our Bivouac site, with moss green canvas we have made sure that they will sympathetically blend in with the surrounding landscape, as well as all being on their own individual platforms to keep them dry and provide a small verandah. All of the Yurts have windows allowing you to enjoy the views from inside and solid wood lockable doors providing you with peace of mind as you head out and explore the Yorkshire Dales.

The interiors, like all things Bivouac are an eclectic mix of hand made and preloved artefacts all coming together to create a genuinely distinctive haven. With an open plan layout, guests have access to their own running cold water, a terracotta cold store and a small wood burning stove which not only keeps the yurts nice and toasty but has the capacity to be used for cooking on the top as well. For more substantial food, internet access, hot showers and toilets our guests can easily wander over to Bivouac’s main area, which is home to the reception, shop, cafe and toilet/shower facilities. It is also possible to arrange for meals to be delivered to your accommodation at reception.

Each Yurt can accommodate up to five adults with a compact sleeping space comprising of one double bed, two single beds and an optional third single pull out bed. Bed linen is provided, as well as a basket of wood to fuel your fire! The wood burner and sink take up one portion of the yurt, while a comfortable living area fills the remaining space providing a calm environment to unwind after an active day out.

For larger groups looking to stay together, or avid walkers looking for a cosy overnight stop while passing through on the Ripon Rowel, our bunk barn offers the perfect place to rest after a long day discovering the charms of the Yorkshire Dales.

Situated above the Bivouac shop & reception, guests staying there have easy access to our cafe, toilets and showers.

The barn houses twelve bunk beds and each one has its own bedside lamp, lockable storage box and bed linen. Whether you want to book the whole room out for a large party or just a bed for the night this centrally heated barn is ideal for guests who are looking for flexible and communal accommodation.