Romantic Retreat with Hot Tub near York

Shepherd’s hut in East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by The Darling Woods Of May
  1. Superhost
  2. 2 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

30-min drive to North York Moors National Park

This home is near the national park.

Unwind in the hot tub

This is one of the few places in the area with this amenity.
🌱Limited-time spring price drop on selected dates. No cleaning fee & we cover guest service fees.

Escape to The Darling Woods of May and stay in The Heartwood – a luxury adults-only shepherd’s hut in private woodland on a peaceful alpaca farm near York.

Meet the alpacas, wander woodland and wildflower meadows, then relax in your private wood-fired hot tub under the stars (heated for your arrival).

A romantic hideaway designed for couples to slow down, switch off, and reconnect with nature.

The space
The Heartwood is designed for guests who enjoy privacy, peaceful surroundings, nature and cosy cabin living.

Arrive to a hot tub already heating.
Wander through the meadows to meet the alpacas. Light the log burner and cook dinner together.

Enjoy slow mornings watching the alpacas from your meadow and peaceful evenings soaking in the wood-fired hot tub under the stars.

Inside, enjoy the warmth of a log-burning stove, a king-sized bed with luxurious bedding, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a fully plumbed modern en-suite with sink, toilet and rainfall shower.

Outdoors, relax in your private garden with peaceful meadow views and alpacas grazing nearby, complete with a swing seat, outdoor dining area, hot tub, BBQ and firepit.

Designed with luxury and comfort in mind, The Heartwood is equipped with everything you need for a peaceful and relaxing retreat:

✨ Private wood-fired hot tub for two – heated for your arrival. Relax and soak under the night sky.
🔥 Log burning stove – Stay cosy and warm whatever the season.
🛏 King-sized bed – With luxurious bedding for a restful sleep. Extra pillows and blankets provided.
🚿 Modern en-suite bathroom– Fully plumbed - hot water, modern rainfall shower, sink and flushing toilet.
🍳 Kitchenette – Gas hob, fridge and well equipped with herbs, spices, cookware and utensils.
🔥 Outdoors – Relax in your own private garden with swing seat, dining area, hot tub, BBQ and firepit.
🔋 Power points to charge devices– Perfect for phones and small electronics.

Your stay also includes:

✔ 1 basket of logs, kindling, firelighters and matches
✔ Gowns and slippers
✔ Luxury bedding and towels
✔ Complimentary toiletries
✔ Hot tub ready on arrival

**Location highlights:**

📍 Just 20 minutes from York and 5 minutes from Pocklington
📍 Explore 12.9 acres of woodland, meadows and alpaca paddocks, including our secret outdoor woodland library
🦙 Alpaca experiences available to book
🚕 A list of local taxis is provided inside the hut (Uber also operates in the area)
🍕 A wide range of takeaway and delivery options nearby

Whether you're exploring the nearby historic city of York, strolling through the charming market town of Pocklington, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings, The Heartwood is a magical escape.

Perfect for -

Romantic getaways

Anniversaries

Proposal trips

Digital detox weekends

Nature & animal lovers

Guest access
Self check-in with a lockbox code.

The Heartwood is situated in a private, adults only, 2-acre fenced meadow within our 12.9-acre woodland and alpaca farm. You’ll have unlimited access to wander the meadows, explore the woodland, and visit our friendly resident alpacas.

Use the nearby free car park just a 1 minute walk away. The retreat area is adults only, ensuring a peaceful and intimate atmosphere for our guests.

Other things to note
Please read this information carefully before booking to stay -

Adults only. No pets.

🚕 Uber operates in the area. The cost for a taxi in to York is around £25.

Optional Extras – Enhance your stay:

🍾 Celebration package – £20 (Includes decorations & prosecco on arrival)
🔥 Extra log bundle – £15. Please note - you do not have to buy our logs. You are more than welcome to bring along your own logs to use and there is a Jet garage less than 2 minutes drive away that sells everything you may need too.
🦙 Alpaca Experience – £25pp (A guided 1-hour alpaca woodland walk.)

Simply message us after you book and we can discuss any optional extras you may need.

📌 Important to know before booking

• No TV or Wi-Fi (but excellent 4G/5G reception).
• Charging points available for phones and small devices.
• Hairdryers and irons cannot be used due to the power system.
• The hot tub is traditional wood-fired (no electric jets or controls).
• The hut is heated by a wood-burning stove which requires manual lighting. Full instructions are provided.
• Fridge only. No freezer

🌿 This is a remote countryside retreat on a private alpaca farm, not within walking distance of shops, restaurants or town. A car is essential. The hut is designed as a peaceful, off-grid countryside escape, so it is quite remote and best suited to guests looking for a quiet, nature-based stay.
Perfect for guests who are looking to switch off, slow down, and enjoy nature - not for those seeking a busy location.

Electricity is supplied by a large solar and battery system rather than mains power, allowing the cabin to run comfortably while keeping its environmental footprint low.

🚫 No Dogs Policy
To protect the wellbeing of our animals and the safety of all guests, our site is strictly dog-free.
No dogs are allowed anywhere on site - including in cabins, vehicles, or outdoor areas.

Why this is important -
Our alpacas are the heart of our farm. They are particularly vulnerable to stress, especially when pregnant. The presence or scent of dogs can cause them serious harm and may risk the loss of a pregnancy. For their safety, and to protect our livelihood, we must enforce this rule without exceptions.

Thank you for helping us keep our alpacas safe and healthy! 🦙

We look forward to welcoming you to the Darling Woods of May!

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Valley view
Garden view
Free parking on premises
Private hot tub - available all year, open 24 hours
Private backyard – Fully fenced

Accessibility features

This info was provided by the Host and reviewed by Airbnb.

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Rated 4.99 out of 5 from 89 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 99% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 1% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

East Riding of Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Neighborhood highlights

We are just a 20 minute drive from the City of York or if you drive the opposite direction - we're just 40 minutes to Hull. Although you're surrounded by open fields & farmland - it's just a 5 minute drive to the pretty market town of Pocklington where you'll find lots of lovely pubs, restaurants, gardens, shops & supermarkets.

If you love water - we're just a few miles away from Pocklington Canal & Allerthorpe Lake -and less than an hour drive to the nearest beach!

If cycling is your cup of tea - you'll be pleased to know that we're on the Yorkshire Wolds Way cycling and walking route.

You'll be spoilt for choice with stuff to do - places nearby include - The Deep, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Bridlington Beach, Castle Howard, Flamingo Land, The Northwood Trail, The Buddhist Centre & York Minster to name a just a few!

You're surrounded by fabulous places to eat and drink - some of these include The Balloon Tree - a popular farm shop and café in nearby Stamford Bridge.

If you fancy a good ol' country pub - there's the Boot & Slipper just 2 miles away.

We also recommend The Buddhist Centre which has a lovely café with the most beautiful surroundings and walks.

Burnby Hall gardens is also a great place to visit - they have a nice café too and gorgeous gardens and fish ponds.

Meet your host

Superhost
202 reviews
4.99 out of 5 average rating
2 years of hosting
Hi, I’m Sophie, your host at The Darling Woods of May. Eight years ago, we restored 13 acres of forgotten woodland into a peaceful wildlife haven, which later became home to a friendly alpaca herd. Tucked away in nature, this secluded escape is all about quiet, privacy, and slowing down. Expect birdsong, sun-dappled trees, and space to truly unwind - far from the noise of everyday life.

The Darling Woods Of May is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
Not suitable for children and infants