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The Temple Folly

An Off-Grid Stay for Explorers

Temple Folly offers a rare chance to stay somewhere truly different — an 18th-century, Grade II listed folly, hidden within woodland overlooking Bolton Castle. Completely off-grid and intentionally simple, it’s a place for explorers, walkers and those who enjoy stepping away from modern comforts to experience something more elemental.

Historic, Simple and Unspoilt

Built in the late 1700s, Temple Folly has been carefully preserved rather than modernised. Thick stone walls, original features and a pared-back interior reflect its history and setting.

Off Grid with only electricity and running water. Warmth comes from a log burner and a wood-fired hot tub, and evenings are lit by firelight and candles. This is a deliberately spartan stay, designed for guests who value atmosphere, heritage and location over luxury.

The accommodation is perfectly compact, comprising of two octagonal rooms connected by a stone staircase and outside balcony, and underfloor heating throughout the ground floor.

Set within mature woodland, Temple Folly feels remote and peaceful, yet sits high enough to enjoy far-reaching views across the Yorkshire Dales. The surrounding trees, open skies and changing light create a dramatic and ever-shifting backdrop throughout the day.

It’s a place to slow down, embrace the elements and feel properly immersed in the landscape.

Accommodation

Sleeps 2

Ground floor: A compact studio; comprising a kitchenette, bed and dining area with a large log burner. Shower room and WC in adjoining room.

Spiral stone staircase with access to first floor via an open-air balcony leading to the sitting room unbeatable panoramic views of Wensleydale.

Outdoors: a wood-fired couples hot tub, fire pit and table and chairs.

Who It’s For

Temple Folly is best suited to guests who enjoy adventure and simplicity:

  • Walkers, cyclists and explorers

  • Couples looking for something unusual

  • Guests happy with an off-grid, low-impact stay

  • Those drawn to history, solitude and wild settings

It may not suit those looking for modern comforts or a conventional break.

Pricing

£115 per night

Please note that our temple folly has a two-night minimum stay policy. There are some times of year when the folly is shut; please see the temple folly booking calendar for the most up-to-date availability.

These are guide prices, which may change on special occasions (such as bank holidays). Please visit our booking page for the most up-to-date prices for your dates of interest.

Temple Folly Information

Find the welcome pack for a stay in our temple folly here.

Find the terms and conditions for our temple folly here.