We have just recruited a second live-in worker, Sam! Sam has enjoyed visiting the house as a guest before and is now learning the ropes!
We are open for individual bookings, small group booking and closed house bookings.
If you are concerned about sharing a communal bedroom with another guest from a separate party to your own booking, then please raise this at the time of booking, and we will try and accommodate you in the smaller rooms.
We look forward to welcoming you to the house!
Fancy coming mid-week? We offer “3 nights for the price of 2”, or 3 people stay for the price of 2 (cheapest stays free) mid-week during term time on request (excluding Friday and Saturday nights).
The Women’s Holiday Centre is based in the quaint Yorkshire village Horton-in-Ribblesdale, and is the only collective, not for profit, co-operatively run holiday centre for women and children in the UK.
The holiday centre was set up in 1980 as a charitable co-operative, by women involved in feminism and the women’s liberation movement. Since then, this volunteer-run women’s co-op has been making a difference to the lives of thousands of women and children from all over the country, by providing affordable holidays with a sliding scale for payments according to income.
We aim to keep the lowest charge for one night, including food, at the daily rate of benefit entitlement. Other low-cost holiday options, such as renting a caravan or camping, can leave a woman feeling more isolated and vulnerable than she does at home, as there are many practical tasks to manage in a smaller space. In contrast, the Women’s Holiday Centre provides a uniquely supportive and laid-back environment, where women staying often socialise, cook and share meals together.
The Women’s Holiday Centre is for women with or without children, on their own, or with friends. Women from all walks of life are welcome and visit regularly. The house offers a safe and friendly environment, where women and children can feel at home and get to know each other. Items such as towels, toiletries, and both adult and children’s spare coats/hats/gloves/wellies etc. are kept at the house so that those using public transport have less to carry.
The part B&B, part hostel style accommodation consists of a mix of private and shared bedrooms, plus two sitting rooms, a large playroom, large kitchen and garden. There is a very relaxed and informal self-catering arrangement, with basic vegetarian and vegan food provided. During mid-week term-times, the house can offer a quiet place that can be ideal for women recovering from various illnesses or stresses.
Disabled access is basic at the moment, and we are hoping to raise funds for substantial improvements. In the meantime, we are committed to making smaller changes to remove barriers. Please contact us with any ideas or feedback, or to discuss any particular requirements.
If you’d like to know more about what is happening here and how you can get involved, contact us for our newsletter! This is sent out by email regularly and contains details of all the exciting goings on at The Women’s Holiday Centre!
Privacy Notice: Horton WHC will not harvest details from any other organisations or share/pass on/sell your details to anyone else. Any details you give us will only be used for the purposes stated, and you can email us to ask for them to be deleted at any time.
What women say about the WHC
Here are some of the comments left by our visitors:
I’ve had a lovely weekend in this fabulous house, which is really welcoming and friendly with incredible views.
I always love my stay at the WHC, have bought other people here (clients) from (BWA) and would recommend WHC. This time I came with friends and really loved being here.
We have had a wonderful cosy time as usual. The bed and bedding were fantastic. Thank – you.
I had a very enjoyable stay.
As a young LGBTQ+ person it is awesome that I have older people leading the way.
Great as usual. Welcoming, easy going and comfortable.
Warm and welcoming as always. HWC is a very special place.
Lovely place to retreat and have a few days away from day to day work! It feels like a second home. Love the communal feel and everybody is friendly, helpful and responsible. I feel safe here and in good hands.
Wonderful weekend – very relaxed and friendly with added benefit of massage and relaxing therapies. House was warm and workers greeted me in a friendly and welcoming manner. A lovely stay.
The house is looking very clean and tidy with good labelling to help us all work together. Both the environment and the workers were very welcoming for a relaxed weekend.
I was particularly thankful for the inclusive attitude of the workers, who invited me to participate in activities and helping around the house, cooking and evening activities. It was lovely spending my last night doing a jigsaw with the workers and a volunteer.
Coming alone to the WHC is great as you never feel alone. There’s always people around and activities to do, but it’s ok to spend time alone if that’s what you want.
I’d like to do volunteering – but not heavy lifting, I’m particularly interested in the project re the history of WHC .
A house that soon feels like home thanks to the combined efforts of all the women present, past and future!
Lovely place to stay, very nurturing, good vibes, beautiful setting, had some lovely days walking in the countryside.
Lovely, welcoming, relaxed homely atmosphere.
Very pleasant mini-break in good company. Warm comfortable room. Delightful countryside and no problem getting here by train and a short walk from Horton station.
A wonderful, beautiful, friendly communal place, an opportunity for women on low incomes to have precious rest and recuperation.
Absolutely amazing stay. The worker was so approachable and accommodating. It is a stunning location and felt at home immediately. Loved it! Thank you.
Absolutely brilliant place for people with chronic pain.
Lovely calm space to just ‘be’, welcoming and friendly people. It was good to feel it was ok to take space on my own and mix when felt comfortable. Felt I learned about myself in the process.
Love coming here!! Long may it last.
Always nice to come to Horton and refresh, meet other interesting women and socialise.
AMAZING! The place is a gem!
An absolutely fantastic stay with family and a friend. Made to feel very welcome. Beautiful staff members that engaged & took time out – on occasion reading, dancing & chatting to my children. Loves the whole ethos of the place & how it is run.
As always it feels like I’ve come home. I love this house, it has a peaceful soul. The workers are excellent.
Thanks to the worker for being a great host, super friendly and a laugh.
Was fantastic, lovely set of women, very relaxing. Women running it are very friendly and welcoming.
Great stay, great staff. 6th visit, will be returning.
A home away from home.
I brought my daughter (13) for her 1st visit and we had a lovely time.
The house was really clean and tidy. The workers are really nice and we enjoyed it.
Enjoyed my stay. Loved the books. Looking forward to returning.
Every time I come I feel renewed and nurtured by the spirit of the house and the women in it. I love it, thank you to all who keep it going.
Fantastic place to bring the children very relaxed and friendly perfect location, some places have a special kind of magic about them and this is one of those places.
Fantastic time and space. Even better to have ended up with the crochet ladies. I learnt a new skill.
For me it is a sense of safety and freedom of action that I find here that is a refuge and an opportunity for some restoration of my spirit. ‘Thank you’ is insufficient to express my gratitude.
Great first visit! Very welcoming and friendly and will definitely visit again!
Great space for kids.
Had a fantastic time. Great location and homely feel. Great value for money. Lovely workers.
Has helped me feel calmer and more relaxed, a great atmosphere and lovely old house. Everyone is so friendly and kind, thank you.
I arrived worn out after driving from Southport without the postcode of the house and only Settle coded into my sat nav. Big mistake on my part. On coming through the door there was a great feeling of home. The worker had been waiting and the kettle was on!
I love this house! it is a huge part of my childhood and it is a lovely place to stay.
I have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and found it inspiring to be in a group environment with only women. Much love.
I loved it here, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I automatically felt like part of a family.
Nice and hospitable staff, interesting events, wonderful atmosphere to relax and let the everyday stress go away.
Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, I immediately felt at home.
It is a unique place in beautiful countryside which provides comfortable, friendly accommodation. I’ve had a lovely time here and will come back.
Thank you so much to the worker for all your help, we’ve had an amazing time, long live the WHC.
It was great! lovely and cosy room, great atmosphere. Super happy!
It was really nice to share a communal space again.
Its a lovely and calm home away from home. I came here to escape from my life for one night!
Just lovely. Welcoming. Relaxed. Abundant. Generous.
Love being here – such a relaxed and nurturing environment where I feel safe.
Loved it, very peaceful, great ethos and way of managing the space, keep up the excellent work.
Lovely, welcoming, fun, well resourced – great that there were spare wellies, rucksack, towels etc.
My daughter and I have had much needed time together in a peaceful, relaxed and cozy environment. Thank you very much.
Our stay was perfect, relaxing and welcoming.
Peaceful and pleasant as usual, friendly staff and fellow visitors. Enjoyable stay again.
Really enjoyed staying absolutely worthwhile, lucky to find the other women really grounding + friendly.
Really lovely place. Relaxing vibes. Cosy like a house.
Relaxed warm friendly place. Great atmosphere, feel safe and good company.
Relaxing space. Safe and friendly. No pressure. Everything you need is here. Part of a community. Thanks so much!!
The worker made me feel very welcome and I enjoyed having a good natter. It is a brilliant place with a lovely atmosphere. Also well equipped.
Really appreciate the existence of an affordable accessible women only holiday centre.
Such a lovely place to stay, welcoming and safe. A great idea.
Such a welcoming, relaxing, safe environment. Thank you and just what I needed.
Horton WHC remains a wonderful place.
Really enjoyed staying here – relaxed – chilled atmosphere in beautiful surroundings.
Such a wonderful, friendly place to stay, my daughter (14) and I have loved staying here. A great place for mother-daughter bonding.
A welcoming, warm, friendly and creative environment – it’s been a nurturing weekend.
Thanks to the workers for a lovely peaceful stay, exactly what I needed! Am leaving feeling refreshed & relaxed.
The house has a really special atmosphere – safe and exciting. The staff are always approachable and friendly.
The group workshops are brilliant. Love this place.
The reason I’ve kept coming back is the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the easy-going way of the house and all the women I’ve met over the years here.
V welcoming & cosy. I don’t see well at night, so stair light was v welcome.
Very relaxed, light hearted stay so cosy and warm. Wonderful workers.
Very warming, homely and cosy. We felt comfortable, enjoyed the company and linked the way the house operates. We will definitely come back again, good escape from the city.
Warm & welcoming – lovely staff and a really special place.
We enjoyed stay, loved the company of other house guests. My daughter made friends and was kept nice and busy playing with them.
We had a fantastic stay, loved how family friendly and accepting it was.
What a fantastic place – it’s been the perfect place to celebrate my birthday.
What a lovely place and people – a gem of a find. First visit of many.
What a special place, thanks for the space.
Wonderful, welcoming, safe, beautiful place to stay. Thank you.
Can YOU help promote this amazing unique space?
We have had two wonderful volunteers from Bradford and Brighouse who have helped to publicise the centre around Bradford and the district by sending out and hand delivering leaflets, visiting women’s groups in the local area and visiting community centres, schools and daycare centres. If you know of anywhere in your local area who would benefit from staying at the women’s holiday centre, please contact us for leaflets, our YouTube promotional video and our power point presentation so you can pass on this information either via post or in person. If you have to travel to get to a particular group, we can reimburse your travel expenses.
I really hope some of you take up this amazing opportunity! I often come here for a lovely stay in exchange for some work, as it helps the centre tremendously. Please pass this information on to anyone who might be interested. Thank you!
Is there somewhere you could put up a poster or some leaflets for Horton?
For leaflets please send a stamped, addressed envelope to the centre, or email us if you are unable to do this.
Please click on the links below to view and print our basic posters:
With our limited budget, it’s always difficult to reach new women, so we rely on your help to spread the word about this amazing, unique space.
Please help spread the word by sharing comments and photos of your visit on our facebook page, or by sharing our facebook page to your friends and family. You could also tweet about us!
Our Biomass Carbon-neutral boiler! expensive, but well worth it in the long-run!
Horton Women's Holiday Centre 
I stayed at the centre many years ago ..with my daughters ..i was having some issues in my life. My stay at the centre helped me to focus and decide what to do. The environment is relaxing ,welcoming and the scenery is fantastic. The centre will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope to return one day.
I came with a group of women and we had a reading weekend where we read to each other and talked about what we read, interspersed of course with walking. It was brilliant! Such a beautiful place, and lots of positive vibes seeping out of the walls from all those woman who have stayed over the years.
I too stayed at the centre many years ago, and yes it was during a painful time of my life. The environment and the people I met there, that little moment (I was there for just two nights), made all the difference and I was able to leave with a clearer head. Centered and stronger. I too have always promised myself I would go back. Don’t ever close your doors ..please
it was simply great! had spend a weekend there! and i could feel my life coming back on track! was happier, joyful and lot more relaxed. maybe its the fact that we are living there as a community with other woman that makes it so special!
Amazing place, in beautiful surroundings. Great place to get away from it all & back to nature, whilst the kids have fun too!
Lovely place, last stayed in 1998. Will come back one day xx
I have had some wonderful holidays at the women’s centre and met some great women and children. I love the relaxed atmosphere and the children mixing having fun in the garden or park, beautiful walks and the countryside is amazing !!
The women’s holiday centre is something special. Not only is it unique in what it offers i,e, a women only environment but it gives a warm welcome to all in a homely environment based on sharing and co-operation. If you have never been – you have to give it a go and I tell you this much – once you have been, you’re going to keep going back time after time after time. Tell your friends and family.
Horton is an amazing place, just to watch the video brought back great memories. I brought my daughter here many times when she was young and she can still recount every time! I havent managed to get up for quite some time, but seeing the video made me realise that everyone needs some horton time and I will be making a visit soon. If you havent been then I urge you to do so, its just unique!
Congratulations to Cheryl who started working at Horton this week! Looking forward to visiting the house and getting some great Horton hospitality from a very special talented woman, good luck Cheryl xx
I stayed at women’s holiday centre and really enjoyed it. I’ve also met some friends and wish to visit the place again this summer. It’s very affordable too.
Do you take dogs? I have a well behaved dog I’d like to bring.
Hi Josie,
Sorry for the delay! Only support dogs can come, so maybe contact us on management@hortonwhc.org.uk if you’d like to discuss this. We are due to review the policy soon, so will post any updates on the website if this changes. Thanks
We’re a midwifery group, (practising, retired, students). Each year, in September, we have a Retreat week together, self catering. Average attendance – between 15/20 persons, some for full week, others for a day or two. Could we book for a week, exclusive to our group?
Many thanks
Ishbel Kargar
Hi Ishbel,
Assuming it would be all women, I would imagine the house would be a perfect venue for your group 🙂
For a closed house booking, there is a minimum of 12 people staying, but if you are booking for a whole week with an average of 15-20, then that would be fine. We offer 3 nights for the price of 2 mid-week during term-time too, so you would get a free night included in your stay. It’s best to email the house on info@hortonwhc.org.uk or phone on 01729 860207 to confirm dates as soon as you can.
Hi just passed your centre today, would love to come with our women’s walking group sometime. Is it possible to book whole house for a weekend? There are usually 10 to 15 of us, generally in march or September, what would it cost?
Hi Emma
Yes, you could book the whole House for a weekend, as long as it’s outside the school holidays. You’d need a minimum of 12 people and the minimum cost is £180 per night (which is also the required deposit) but the cost depends on 1) whether your group is funded or unfunded; 2) how many women come; 3) the income of each woman. We have a Sliding Scale for payments (which you can find under ‘Prices’ on this website) and that still applies. If you’d like to give us a call we’d be very happy to answer any questions and could work out the exact cost with you, if that would help. Our number is 01729 860207.
Hi Just to let you know I will be arriving with my friend around tea time
Best wishes
Penny
Thank you for letting us know, Penny.
Hi. I might be interested in booking a possible closed house next year. Do you currently have any free weekends for March or April? 2017?
Thanks
Hi Alison, thanks for your message. Yes, we have the weekends of 17th/18th March and 25th/26th March. If you would like to book please do call us on 01729 860207 or email info@hortonwhc.org.uk.
Yes put me in touch with Marie
Hi Sharlene I’m going to send you an email, please look out for it!
Hi, I would like to fundraise for this amazing charity. My friend told me about it and it looks like a very friendly and comfortable home, and I hope I can visit one day. I was thinking of doing a cake sale or something else when I have free time. Please could you tell me whether it would be ok to post the money in some sort of way, as I prefer not to do it online over paypal.
You are doing great things !
Also do you have a newsletter? If so could you sign me up please
Hi Flo – that would be fantastic! You are welcome to either post us a cheque, or you can email us nearer the time (info@hortonwhc.org.uk), and we’ll send you our bank details for a transfer? Thanks so much 🙂
Oh – and I’ll ask for you to be added to the email list for the newsletter 🙂
The women’s holiday centre has just provided me with a lovely space to rest up and have some much needed time out and quality time with my mum. It was lovely to be in such a beautiful setting in the lovely special place. Many thanks to all the women past, present and future x
Just back from another wonderful holiday at WHC. The house is looking so good and was comfy and cosy as ever. I had delightful company and much fun and laughter every day =great.
Can you please add me to the e mail list to receive your monthly newsletter judibevan@outlook.com Also I could share info with so end groups of you would like to send me poster or leaflet Thank you for most enjoyable holidays a y years ago 💝
Hi Judi,
thanks for getting in touch, we will reply by email 🙂
Hi ,
Please can you send me a copy of your monthly newsletters.
This place sounds amazing and thinking of booking for a couple of nights maybe next month.
Would love to bring some leaflets back home with me and share them out to the women in the Lancaster area.
Kind Regards,
Carrieann 😊
Hi Carrieann, you are on the newsletter list now.
Look forward to meeting you!
Hi please check out our Facebook page
Period Power @alallbutt
Cam we help with a donation to be spent on sanitary pads and or tampons.
Hello Linda
Thank you. We would be happy to receive a donation for sanitary products.
Hello Linda
Thanks for your message.
We always welcome donations and would gladly receive something towards sanitary wear.
I replied when your message came, but it seems to have been eaten by the website!
warm regards
The Women’s Holiday Centre
I stumbled across the details of this wonderful concept admittedly by chance. Since believe it was fate!! What a wonderful idea and resorce. Restored my faith in humanity and only reaffirmed how amazing women are!!
I telephoned for a bed on the off chance and Amy was very informative, supportive and well humoured making the journey exciting to arrive. To then arrive and be greeted with such care at the late hour in the dark was heartwarming.
I stayed as did the 3 peaks challege for charity and it was exceptionally difficult. The ladies in this residence went over and above to assist me upon return and I can not thank them enough. Laura even managed to jump start my car for me to enable me to leave…. had she not I’d have willingly stayed.
Shall definitely return again and shall take my children as I feel it’s a warm, exciting and educational place to stay.
Thank you for the opportunity to embrace such hospitality and experience.
Love Michelle (bad blister, broken car lady 😂)
Thanks Michelle, So glad you enjoyed your stay 🙂 Hope your feet recover soon. Would you mind if we shared this comment on facebook? Many thanks, Amy
Hi all, Horton keeps appearing on my news feed and every time it does I keep thinking I would love to come and either work with you or volunteer but the time has never been right it is now. I first heard of Horton from my friend who has been on holiday with her children and she has sung your praises. Can I come down for for a visit and speak to you about applying for a job or volunteering, or could you email me an application form. Warm regards lori
Hello Lori,
You will need to email the management committee for an application pack, their contact email is on the website.
Please ring the house if you want to book a visit or discuss any volunteering opportunities.
Warm regards
Claire
Hi Lucy
That weekend is currently available.
If you wish to book it then please be aware we require a deposit of £180. within 7 days to secure the house. The total it would cost you would depend in the income scale of your guests, as there isn’t a flat rate.
Best to talk about it on the phone or email.
The maximum capacity for the house is 20 and you can also have a few camping.
speak soon
Claire x
Hi I’m molly, I’m interested in the lesbian weekend 11 the October. Could I book a space please ?
yes Molly – please call the house or drop us an email to book
I had a memory triggered today. It is 2020. Many years ago, I spent a fabulous 4 days with my dearest friend Shahidah Janjua at Horton. We walked, climbed, laughed,and left behind many bad things to enjoy a wonderful weekend there. It was one of the safest, most welcoming places I have ever stayed. Shahidah died on 27th March this year – a loss to all women and society in general – and the only comfort for my own loss of her has been such wonderful memories we shared. I am so so glad you are still there and that women and children have such a wonderful place to retreat to. Well done. Dorothy
Thank you for your lovely heartfelt message. I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you will be able to come again to enjoy your memories when we can reopen. All the best. Carly – house sitter
Hello I don’t no how you going on in lock down I’m struggling only place I coming is Horton for a few night
Hello Sharlene. I’m sorry but the house is closed due to COVID-19. We are not sure when we are going to reopen yet, but we will announce it on the website and on facebook ‘hortonWHC’ group and ‘the womens hoilday centre’ page. Thank you for thinking of us in the difficult time. We hope that you will be able to come when we have reopened. All the best. Carly – house sitter
Hi. I’m wondering if you can make use of about 15 single bedding sets, (duvet covers, pillow cases and sheets) and many towels? They are all in very good, clean condition and have probably been used only a handful of times.
Hi Rachel, Sorry – we’ve been reliant on volunteers while closed, so hadn’t spotted this til now. I think we’re OK for bedding and towels at the mometn, but thanks for thinking of us, Jill (volunteer)
Are you a registered charity? I am enquiring on behalf of someone interested in making a donation, but it has to be to a registered charity
Hi Al, Apologies for the delay in responding to this. We’re not a registered charity, but are registered with HMRC as being “charitable”, meaning we can claim Gift Aid etc, so I’m not sure whether that will meet the criteria? Please email us if it would be useful to discuss this further – management (at) hortonwhc (dot) org (dot) uk Thanks, Jill (volunteer)
I would like to ask a question Wii you soon be in the process of getting volunteers to help refresh the house and garden really for visitors when the house reopens again.
Hi there, our next Gardening Week is 11th July – 14th July 2022. Get in touch at info@hortonwhc.org.uk if you’d like to join us. Thanks
Hi I’m in desperate need of a short getaway I have 2 small friendly dogs. Would you allow them to come with me. I need to get away from my life. I need a safe haven
Hi Christine, We’re still closed at the moment, and we have a “no dogs” policy, so you wouldn’t be able to bring them with you when we do reopen. Hope you manage to find a safe haven for a break, Jill (volunteer)
I am so looking forward to when you can open again. To have space for women only, and children if women have them, is so valuable for women who like the space to come too and be themselves without any pressures on how they should look according to societal pressures. It is also a great place to heal for those who need this.
Thank you for keeping this place as women only and long may this continue.
My name is Maryann moore and I’m
Looking for some help to take my 5 young children away for a few days I’m a single parent
Hi Maryann, Please email info@hortonwhc.org.uk to get in touch with a Worker to arrange a booking. Thanks
Hi, I have been to Horton several times, and love the place and all it stands for.
A meditation group I am part of are looking for premises for a spiritual, residential, meditation, retreat, in April 2023, the duration is usually 3 or 4 days.
Men will be included.
Are there any circumstances in which Horton can be “hired”- the entire building,- for such purposes???
Obviously a worker(s) would be on site, and very welcome.
The group would provide its own, totally vegetarian catering.
I only suggest it because the environment is so perfect for meditation purposes, and walks etc.
Please advise, many thanks.
Hi Cathryn,
Thanks for your message. Apologies for the delay in getting back to you! We don’t check the web comments as often as emails and facebook messages.
Unfortunately we cannot offer a venue for a paid event and we don’t allow any men to stay as guests, even if a closed house booking. I know there are a few campsites and B&B’s in the area which you could look into if you’re looking for somewhere in the Horton area.
Broad Croft (has a couple of glamping pods)
Horton Villa B&B
The Knight Stainforth
Holme Farm
King William Fourth Guesthouse
I hope this helps!
Katie x
Thanks so much for the info, Katie. As always, I’m still grateful and encouraged that HortonWHC exists and that people like you work hard to ensure it does.
All the best, Cathy
Can’t wait to visit Horton again