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  • An outdoor patio area with white metal table and chairs next to a small building surrounded by gravel and garden beds with plants overlooking green fields and trees at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn
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An outdoor patio area with white metal table and chairs next to a small building surrounded by gravel and garden beds with plants overlooking green fields and trees at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn An outdoor stone wall and patio with potted plants and furniture beside a small building at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A stone patio with a small white table and two chairs outside a brick building with an open door at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn An open-plan kitchen and living room with a grey sofa and a glass coffee table opening onto a garden at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A living room with a grey couch, orange armchair, glass coffee table, blue patterned rug, and kitchen area at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A living room with a gray sofa and orange armchair next to a glass table with clear chairs at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A living room area with a brown sofa, glass round table with wooden legs, two transparent chairs, a floor lamp, a window with blue patterned curtains and framed abstract art on the wall at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A kitchen and living room area with black cabinets a gray sofa and large windows at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A kitchen with dark cabinets a built in oven a microwave and framed art on the wall at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A bedroom with a bed with blue and white bedding two bedside tables with lamps and a window with blue curtains at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A bedroom with a bed a bedside table with a lamp and a window with curtains at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A bedroom with a bed with white bedding and pillows a window with blue curtains and a wall-mounted television at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A bedroom with a metal bed frame two bedside tables with lamps and a desk at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A small bedroom with a single bed with floral bedding a bedside table with a lamp and a window at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A bathroom with a sink unit, toilet, shower enclosure, and a bath mat at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn An outdoor patio with a white metal table and chairs next to a potted plant and an open door leading to a living room with a gray sofa and a blue patterned rug at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn An outdoor seating area with a white metal table and three chairs a pot with flowers and a watering can at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn An outdoor patio area with stone tiles a white metal table and chairs potted plants and a gravel garden area at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn An outdoor patio area with a metal table and chairs a potted plant on gravel and trees in the background at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A stone patio with a metal table and three chairs outside a lit brick building at night at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A stone wall with plants in front and a light brick house with large windows behind trees in the background at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A stone house and a modern flat roof building behind a stone wall with grass and trees in the background at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A green field with trees and rolling hills under a clear blue sky at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A rural landscape with trees a field a farm with buildings and rolling hills in the background at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn A country road beside a grassy hill with cows grazing and an electricity pylon in the background A rural landscape with green fields trees a stone wall and farm buildings at Priestley's Retreat in Belthorn

Priestley’s Retreat

(Ref. 1159799)

Belthorn, Cumbria & The Lake District Show on map

Customer rating 4.9

How reviews work

A property's star rating is the average of the star ratings received from guests that wish for their review to be published

Sykes rating

  • 3 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets: No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Highchair available
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • views (10)
  • stay (10)
  • lovely (9)
  • great (9)
  • retreat (9)
  • everything (7)

21 Customer Reviews

  • "Absolutely fantastic stay at Priestley’s cottage."

    We would like to thank our hosts who very friendly and on hand for anything we needed. The home had everything we needed and a view to die for (no need for a tv). Very close to a couple of pubs the dog very nice but only served food on certain nights. The grey mayor was a short drive but worth it as the food was very nice and reasonably priced. Thanks again to our wonderful hosts, We would love to come back to this holiday cottage.

    Thank you so much, we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay we would love to see you again if you ever fancy a short break. We can’t guarantee the weather would be as good! ☀️☀️ Property Owner

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0★May 2026

  • "We had a 4 night stay at Priestley’s Retreat - directions were spot on and when you drive down towards the property the views are epic - met by owner who showed us around a very clean and modern building- all mod cons are catered for - WiFi set up and worked well when used - Nice touch from the owners who had left, milk, biscuits and cold water."

    Weather conditions were sunny and HOT (picked a great time to visit) local walk to the Dog Inn pub - food was good and views stunning as were the walk we took to Darwin Tower ( this is the tower you view from the property across the valley ) followed by a cooling pint at the Sunnyhurst pub - we toured the area and visited Gawthorpe hall near Burnley - Blackburn is a 5min drive with many places to eat and several big supermarkets -Priestley’s retreat is in a great location for touring and is surrounded by incredible views- wildlife is in abundance and on our bingo card we spotted from the garden deer, owls, rabbits, woodpecker, cows and sheep - owners are very friendly, have recommended to friends already and would definitely return.

    Thank you for your review it was so lovely to meet you all and we are happy you had such a great visit up North!! We hope your arm is on the mend.. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Duncan5.0★May 2026

  • "A fabulous retreat and highly recommended."

    Thank you very much for your review we are very pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Mike5.0★May 2026

  • "Priestley’s Retreat was an absolutely beautiful place to stay."

    The views from all the windows were amazing. There were so many places to visit, within easy reach, the furthest being 1 hour away. The owners were very friendly and helpful. We highly recommend Priestley’s Retreat.

    Reviewed by Jacqueline5.0★Apr 2026

  • "We had a lovely short break at Priestley's Retreat."

    The cottage is very nice and clean and we enjoyed relaxing in the peaceful surroundings.

    Thank you Mary we are so glad you both enjoyed your break and relaxed. X Property Owner

    Reviewed by Mary4.0★Feb 2026

  • "Spotless accommodation, everything we needed for a lovely rest, great location."

    Highly recommended thank you

    Thankyou for your feedback back Alison it was our absolute pleasure to welcome you here, we are really glad you had a relaxing break. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Alison5.0★Feb 2026

  • "Lovely, well-appointed property situated in beautiful landscape."

    Easy access to the M65 (1 minute!) & nicely decorated throughout. Perfect for our needs. Even better if: a more powerful shower & improved internet connectivity.

    Reviewed by Samantha4.0★Oct 2025

  • "Superb accommodation with fantastic views"

    Thank you for your positive feedback back we are very happy that you enjoyed your say. Property Owner

    Reviewed by John5.0★Sep 2025

  • "A beautiful, clean and well equipped cottage with wonderful views."

    Reviewed by Sean5.0★Sep 2025

  • "What an amazing place and Kerry is a dream she is so friendly and welcoming and her 2 dogs are beautiful!"

    !! Kerry was super helpful and recommended a beautiful village called Downham that we visited and was very special. The accommodation was clean and the view is spectacular you really cannot get bored of the view. The Beds are so comfortable and the whole place is really clean and perfect size. The location was great to get everywhere as you are on top of the motorway so it’s very easy to get around. Overall This is a prefect place to stay and we all loved it there Thank you Kerry was lovely to meet you xx

    It was an absolute pleasure to meet you. I am so glad you visited Downham and loved it as much as I do. Thank you for your feedback, if you ever venture up North again it would be lovely to see you again. Kerry. Xx Property Owner

    Reviewed by Terry5.0★Aug 2025

  • "We had a most enjoyable, peaceful break at Priestley's Retreat and can highly recommend it."

    The cottage, with sweeping views across the countryside, was very comfortable, clean and equipped with everything you need for your stay. Thank you Andy for your kindness and warm welcome - we certainly intend to return.

    Reviewed by Frances5.0★Jul 2025

  • "Beautiful property and area, one of the best appointed places we have stayed."

    The hosts were perfect, providing us with a high chair at late notice as well as providing some excellent local recommendations, friendly and welcoming while never imposing on us or our privacy for a private holiday.

    We really enjoyed welcoming you to Priestley’s it was lovely to have a little one stay, our first baby visitor. Thank you so much for your positive feedback. Kerry and Andy. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Adam5.0★Jun 2025

  • "We had a lovely stay at Priestley's Retreat We had everything we needed, comfy bed, good shower, beautiful views."

    We would definitely recommend staying here. Also Belthorn has a great Community pub Thanks Andy and Kerry, lovely to meet you both

    Chris it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and Simon, thank you for your feedback and advice if you’re ever passing this side of the boarder it would be lovely to see you both. X Property Owner

    Reviewed by Christine5.0★Jun 2025

  • "Great stay with stunning views."

    Had everything we needed.

    Thanks Mark really happy you enjoyed your stay. ☀️ Property Owner

    Reviewed by Mark5.0★Jun 2025

  • "Everything at Priestleys Retreat was superb."

    The only point I would raise are the cattle grids. Both have large holes around the frame, making it difficult to drive over them. Stones or tarmac filling these in would make it safer.

    Thank David we will definitely look to sort this out. We are pleased you enjoyed your time at the house. Thanks Kerry Property Owner

    Reviewed by David5.0★Jun 2025

  • "Excellant property, fresh, clean, basic supplies on arrival, comfy bed, lovely hosts made to feel very welcome."

    Views were great, four legged neighbours were polite & entertaining! wildlife observed. Overall a fantastic relaxed weekend, worth the drive north

    Thank you for your feedback we are glad you enjoyed your stay and I hope your journey home was a good one. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Gillian5.0★May 2025

  • "Wanted to write and say thank you but did not have a pen."

    We had a wonderful stay in such a wonderful house and wonderful views and scenery Thank you

    Hi Andrew thank you for your feedback. We hope you had a great time visiting family and friends and glad you enjoyed the retreat as a base. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Apr 2025

  • "The Retreat was exactly as stated in the listing."

    Very clean, well equiped and in a great location. The welcome pack was well received and the Retreat is ideally situated for walking and visiting the many places in the area. Would recommend it and would return again if ever staying in the area. 5*,s.

    Thank you so much, really glad you enjoyed your stay we look forward to you returning whenever you are staying in the area. Property Owner

    Reviewed by David5.0★Mar 2025

  • "Lovely place for a short stay with an amazing view."

    Reviewed by John5.0★Mar 2025

  • "Great location for a peaceful retreat."

    Great hosts, lovely welcome pack. Definitely stay again if we needed too and would definitely recommend.

    Reviewed by Egidio5.0★Jan 2025

  • "The property was lovely and in a great location with lovely open views yet close to motorway network and brilliant for us visiting family and friends in the area."

    The property was just as described and had everything we might need including a very generous and much appreciated welcome pack to start us off!

    Thank you for your feedback we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay and it was a convenient base to visit your family, we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Adrian5.0★Sep 2024

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Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size with TV, 1 x single
  • Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC
  • Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area, and sitting area
  • Electric central heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, kettle, toaster
  • Smart TV, TV, WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off-road parking for 2 cars
  • Front patio with gravelled area and furniture
  • Highchair available on request
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop 1.2 miles, pub 0.3 miles
  • Note: Check-in from 4pm, check-out by 10am
  • Please note: The property is accessed via steps or a graveled path, which may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues. A series of overnight closures at M65 Junction 5 (Shadsworth/Guide) are taking place from 11 May 2026 to 11 September 2026.Closure Details:Times: Monday to Friday, 9 pm – 6 am.Phase 1 Diversions between these times will be in place.

The property

Priestley’s Retreat is a delightful holiday home resting in the quaint village of Belthorn, Lancashire.

Aptly named, Priestley’s Retreat was once a home-from-home to JB Priestley when writing his England Journey book, now an idyllic escape in a beautiful countryside setting, where guests can retrace the famous steps on an abundance of picture-perfect walks.

Offering guests a single-storey layout, open-plan living space, and off-road parking, this property maximises ease and convenience during your stay.

Inside this single-storey abode, you will be greeted by a spacious open-plan area, thoughtfully laid out to include a kitchen, dining, and sitting room to create an effortless flow between all the main living spaces.

The kitchen is well-equipped with everything you need to prepare some wonderful meals, which can be enjoyed at the dining table or out on the patio in the sun, alfresco style.

After dinner, retire to the sitting room, where a Smart TV awaits for an inviting movie night.

When the sun is out, head outdoors to the patio where a serene spot for morning coffees or evening drinks will always be at your disposal, as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this charming Lancashire village.

When it's time to rest for the night, choose from two inviting bedrooms; a king-size room complete with a TV for those lazy morning lie-ins, and an inviting single room, both offering a tranquil space to recharge for the next day's adventures.

The property also benefits from a sleek shower room, providing a refreshing space to prepare for your day or to unwind with a steamy soak.

Surrounded by countryside but benefiting from easy access to plenty of towns and cities, such as Manchester and Liverpool, Priestley’s Retreat makes a superb choice for both holidays and business travellers looking for a homely base.

For a slower pace, the Ribble Valley is the perfect spot for walking and cycling, with rolling hills and stunning viewpoints.

The Lake District National Park is the place to visit for outdoor adventure while on your trip, or you can venture to the popular town of Blackpool for a day by the seaside.

Alternatively, you can sample the quaint pubs and restaurants in charming villages such as Clitheroe and Skipton, or simply wander the cobbled streets and admire the historic architecture of the picture-perfect regions, all within a scenic drive.

Immerse yourself in all that and more when you stay at Priestley’s Retreat, your gateway to an unforgettable Lancashire experience.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

Where you’ll be staying

View on map

BELTHORN

Blackburn 3.7 miles; Preston 14.9 miles.

The little moorland village of Belthorn is situated to the south-east of Blackburn in Lancashire and is one of the highest villages in the county. The village enjoys stunning views over the moors to the Ribble estuary, Flyde Coast to the west and Pendle Hill to the east. Belthorn was originally a small, traditional coal mining and hand weaving community, but today it is mainly residential, offering an Italian restaurant and a popular pub, The Dog Inn, which also houses a small shop selling fresh bread, milk and vegetables. The surrounding area provides a wealth of walking and cycling routes, and there is a quiet children’s park in the village, perfect for letting the little ones run around. The nearby village of Guide offers greater amenities, including a traditional pub, a post office, a popular Cantonese restaurant and a working men’s club, while further afield rests the industrial town of Blackburn, bursting with history and culture.

Please note: The property is accessed via steps and a slope, which may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
Flexible cancellation terms

If you cancel before midnight , get all of your money back:

  • Rent
  • Extras
  • Fees

excluding the Flexible Cancellation fee and any insurance premium.

There are a small number of circumstances where you can’t use Flexible Cancellation. See the Flexible Cancellation Terms that apply.

How we calculate the "Was" price

Our 'Was' price shows the average price for this property over the last 90 days, so you can see how today's price compares.