Ickle Pickle Cottage | Thirsk | Old Thirsk | North York Moors And Coast

3.5★

2 Guests
1 Bedroom
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
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Features

Pub/shop < 1 mile
Broadband / WiFi
Pet-friendly

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

26 Customer Review(s)

Heather
May 2024

“Most disappointing and not up to Sykes usual standard.”

Access appalling, squeezing along a narrow alley between the wall and industrial dustbins. The cottage is in need of a thorough clean and update. It smells of damp from the wet kitchen wall. Poorly equipped kitchen, oven sticky, cupboards not clean, stair rail to the first floor is loose, coat hooks hanging off the wall, lounge suite and blankets very shabby. Not confident about using Sykes again.

Access appalling, squeezing along a narrow alley between the wall and industrial dustbins. The cottage is in need of a thorough clean and update. It smells of damp from the wet kitchen wall. Poorly equipped kitchen, oven sticky, cupboards not clean, stair rail to the first floor is loose, coat hooks hanging off the wall, lounge suite and blankets very shabby. Not confident about using Sykes again.

- Heather, May 2024
Gemma March 2024

“Just one thing is the bedroom radiator isn't working other than that all was ...”

Just one thing is the bedroom radiator isn't working other than that all was lovely and will definitely stay again beautiful location exactly what was needed for a weekend away to relax

- Gemma, March 2024
Chris December 2023

“What a great little place.”

Loved it. Chinese across the road was excellent. Will definitely be using this place again

- Chris, December 2023
Fiona November 2023

“The property seems to attract very mixed reviews.”

We thought it was fine - some of the concerns are things the owners can't do anything about, like water pressure (which wasn't too bad anyway). I'd say though that it isn't a four tick property; it's a three at most. It's also very snug, without much storage space and the kitchen isn't well furnished if you want to cook from scratch. All that said, for the price it was fine and it is very central.

- Fiona, November 2023
Paul October 2023

“We were concerned about a previous review before we got there, but we’re pleased to find a nice, comfortable and well maintained property which is ideally located for Thirsk and surrounding area, lovely place.”

- Paul, October 2023
Robert October 2023

“We left a day early, the cottage is dire and not fit to be on Sykes website, we have holidayed through you for years but never been this disappointed.”

I have left the owner two pages of comments plus a reassurance that I am not seeking any kind of refund. Everything seems to have been done on a shoe string. Highlights, or perhaps lowlights included the kitchen window blind falling off the wall, as the bracket screws pulled out and the bathroom shower rail collapsing, being press fit and not fixed to the walls, worst of all the water pressure is so low that if you have the heating on the shower will not run and if you flush the toilet the taps will not run. I have actually photographed the list I left for the owners plus the shower rail and the window blind fixing and am happy to provide these to you. Starting outside and outside the control of the owners is the access, (I have photos of this as well), the alley is uneven, partly cobbled and obstructed with the wheelie bins of residents, it's not well lit either; I recognise that the owners cannot control this but bookers should be aware of the risk of tripping over uneven surfaces or stumbling into an uncovered drain. There is only 1 door key, when loading or unloading a car the door must be locked between each load to/from the boot. The bedroom radiator is inadequate for the size of room, as is the one in the lounge, (the bedroom one needed bleeding as well). There were no wardrobes or cupboards in the bedroom except bedside tables/drawers; there was merely a metal rail for hanging clothes, like market stall rail. There were no tv or cooker/oven or boiler instructions. The boiler had a switch unit which turned but did not turn water or heating on/off, there was no room thermostat anywhere to control overall temperature. With the oven we finally discovered that it would not work unless the timer was set or was turned to the "hand" position although the owners notes suggested this dial need not be touched. Not everybody has the same type of cooker/oven, the same type of boiler or the same tv package, instructions are essential. The lounge was dirty with food crumbes on the settee covers, the floor and dirty glass ring marks on the table. The cooker similarly seemed not have been cleaned, the rack inside the oven was crusted with food residue and the limited cooking pans and untensils that there were did not seem to be properly cleaned. There is no freezer, ok, but there was no freezer compartment in the fridge either. No chopping or cutting board ....there was a shortage of plates and cutlery, overall the impression was that the visitor was expected to eat out, or order in but not to cook for themselves, which we always do. The dining table, in the kitchen, was high level with bar stool type seats, ok for the young and able bodied but not for anyone older or with any kind of mobility problem. There was no bath mat and only 1 tea towel, no hand towel in the kitche/diner but that's not unusual. As I said at the beginning there is a serious problem with water pressure, at least that's what it seems like without a proper investigation, water can go from hot to cold or full on to a dribble depending what other water usage is taking place at the time. The kitchen blind falling off was just because it was a cheap one fixed with inadequate screws. One bannister is coming loose and there is a door missing from half way up the stairs, you can see where the hinges were. In fairness, it should be a lovely location just off the Market Square car park but access is poor and the cottage itself a mass of problems. I can appreciate that without actually staying in it, not all these will be apparent but there were just so many issues and cleanliness should never be an issue. I'm sorry to submit this but I don't want others to be as disappointed as we were, as I say we left a day early. The text on the web really ought to address the access difficulty, the table height, the fact that the bathroom is off the kitchen on the ground floor whilst the bedoom is on the second, although it does have a cramped en-suite toilet.

- Robert, October 2023
Kevin October 2023

“Great location for the middle of Thirsk.”

2 minute walk to the main square. No real issues, water pressure for the shower could do with sorting, little more than trickle. The alley to access was an issue when full of bins. Shame about the litter just thrown on the floor.

- Kevin, October 2023
S September 2023

“There was no hot water for the shower.”

Hot water was really limited and we could not get the heating to work. It is the first property on shows catalogue that was very disappointed to us. I would recommend that you take it off your brochure as it lets you down.

- S, September 2023
Angela September 2023

“Worst place I have ever stayed,had to negotiate rubbish bins and rubbish to get in and out.”

Nothing like advertised wallpaper loose from damp dirty pans and cutlery en suite so small sink plunger didn't work hand towel hung over pipe over toilet brush oven didn't work properly water slow running to take shower no mirror in bathroom. Welcome pack a joke. Blind in kitchen kept rolling down. Hand rail up first flight of stairs loose and unstable.I could go on .Only stayed 3nights instead of 7 paid for had to find alternative .accommodation. Only good thing I can say is bed clothes clean and tv worked.Have complained to Sykes who obviously haven't checked this place. Had to give it 1 star as wouldn't let me put 0.

- Angela, September 2023
Julie May 2023

“Had a lovely stay - decor is really nice - tastful and comfortable.”

. It was clean but in my opinion could have been cleaner - a few cobwebs around. It was very nice to find tea coffee etc supplied on arrival. Its very well placed for town centre but still quiet. Very close to lovely dog walking areas. I do think the parking situation should be made clearer as parking in the car park for the week works out expensive. But I would recommend it all the same. Fab area to visit.

- Julie, May 2023
Michelle April 2023

“I absolutely loved this cottage, it’s quirky and comfortable, me and my dog had an amazing stay here and we have booked again to stay here later on in the year and again next year.”

I had read the other reviews before I stayed here and I think some of the remarks are valid, there were some dust webs but other than that the cleanliness of the property was excellent. The rest were unfair, it’s a lovely cosy cottage that served us well for the week. I have one negative comment, the cups they provided were not big enough but all I will do is bring a bigger cup with next time I stay here. This will be a regular holiday home for me and my dog. Loved it

- Michelle, April 2023
David April 2023

“Very clean and comfortable every thing you need is in the cottage.”

big plus that dogs are welcome that made it for us. and you are very central to most places.

- David, April 2023
Catherine April 2023

“Lovely little cottage in an ideal central setting.”

Warm and welcoming. Very comfortable and good facilities for those wishing to cater for themselves.

- Catherine, April 2023
Mary April 2023

“Enjoyed our stay but could do with a hair dryer, in my experience most places now have theses in the property so we didn’t bring one with us and a security light, coming back in the dark it’s very hard to see with the path being uneven can easily trip.”

- Mary, April 2023
Kevin March 2023

“On entry very cold not at all welcoming.”

Shabby, dirty in some areas, wholes in the wall. Sorry can’t this particular cottage. Came home early from my break.

- Kevin, March 2023
Wayne February 2023

“Excellent lovely cottage great location”

- Wayne, February 2023
Jayne December 2022

“It was very quiet very handy for all shops very cosy”

- Jayne, December 2022
Laura December 2022

“Well I have to start with being honest, I booked this stay without reading the feedback (unlike me) - and after reading the negative reviews I was extremely concerned- especially as this was a Christmas break….”

Well I shouldn’t have worried at all! The whole experience was an amazing one, from the fantastic location- right on the doorstep of the town centre, pubs, restaurants and shops galore, to the property itself with all of the little touches the owners have so thoughtfully put in place- the heating on to warm through for our arrival, the toiletries, cleaning products and staple cupboard items, the oven was so clean it looked brand new, the bedding and towels smelt delightful and the cleaning was absolutely 10/10. The extra treats of having a beautiful Christmas tree and crackers left were so thoughtful, and the handover folder with all of the useful information and all of the extras- books, games, full smart TV access, Wi-Fi access, dog accessories, maps etc just added to an already lovely stay. To say that this is a dog friendly property (we have two) is amazing- there was no trace of other dogs or lingering smells it was immaculate- and to top it off everywhere we visited was so dog friendly too. We had the perfect Christmas and it was largely down to all of the thoughtful extra touches put in place, it was an absolute pleasure to stay here and I would have no hesitation in recommending you along with planing a return trip :-)

- Laura, December 2022
David November 2022

“Positives Well located for town.”

Takes 2 dogs - rare. Near paid parking. Great TV and streaming. Good VFM in November . Quiet. Negatives Bath fine but shower impossible to use. Needs renewing. Situated in a back alley that is unlit. The decorative finish in certain parts of the house need improving to justify the pricing in the peak months.

- David, November 2022
Danny October 2022

“Great little property would definitely stay again”

- Danny, October 2022
Alys October 2022

“When I booked this cottage I did so because I liked the sound of its name and it’s description, and thought it seemed a very fair price for what it provided, and for it’s very central position in the town.”

I then read the five reviews already on the Sykes site afterwards and, encountering only one totally positive one, began to wonder about my choice. I needn’t have worried. We found the cottage to be lovely, perfectly clean, comfortable and exactly as described in the write up. It is small, but the description makes this clear, and it certainly did not feel ‘claustrophobically small’ as described by one person. It was perfectly big enough for us and our dog for the 4 nights we stayed there. I am not sure how the person complaining of no fan or window in the bathroom expected either to be fitted, as it is a very old ‘back to back’ style cottage, with just one door to the outside, which is part of its charm. Short of drilling through to the neighbours behind, such things are impossible in a property like this. We did not find any of this to be a problem, we simply opened the kitchen window and left the bathroom door ajar for a while after using the shower. And yes, the shower is a bit ‘quirky’, they often are in old properties, but usable with a bit of patience. And if you don’t like it, there is the bath instead. With regard to some of the other complaints, I don’t need a large mirror or an ironing board on holiday, and the so called ‘basic facilities’ provided were quite adequate for me. The centre of Thirsk is virtually on the doorstep, a few footsteps away down the little alley, where you can go and get everything if you feel you need it. And my response to the person who complained that not everyone who visits Thirsk has a dog is this. This cottage is advertised as dog friendly, so it is going to get dogs in it. It is one of the reasons why I booked it, because I have a dog that goes wherever I go. There are many more cottages available that do not allow dogs, compared to those that do. If you haven’t got, or don’t take your dog with you, then book one of those, after all, you have a much bigger choice than me. We all, including the dog, thoroughly enjoyed our short stay at Ickle Pickle Cottage, and would happily book it again, and suggest it as an option to others in a similar position to ourselves.

- Alys, October 2022

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this amazing review! It’s really made our day and we’re very pleased to hear you would like to stay with us again! Thanks again for the kind words, it’s really appreciated! Property Owner
Cathryn August 2022

“Very disappointed.”

The property is claustrophobically tiny with very basic facilties, badly finished with peeling paintwork - reminiscent of cheap nasty student accomodation in the1980s let out by greedy landlords. The standard of cleanliness was disgusting - for example the pug hole in the bath was full of matted hair. The shower is a joke. No extractor fan or window in the bathroom. En suite so tiny you can barely close the door and sit on the loo. Nowhere in the bedroom to plug in a hairdryer. Grubby sofa in the living room. The place needs cleaning properly. Its not good enough to change the bedding, hoover round and wipe the kitchen down between guests. The pub across the road has live bands playing which we were able to 'enjoy' from the sitting room. If you want to relax in comfortable clean surroundings avoid this place like the plague.

- Cathryn, August 2022

Thank you for the review Cathryn. I'm sorry to hear you had a disappointing stay. Your comments have been taken on board and will be used to help us to improve going forward. Property Owner
Dean August 2022

“Great little place to stay with our dogs.”

In a good location. We had a great time and managed to explore lots of Yorkshire from there.

- Dean, August 2022

Thank you for your feedback Dean, it’s greatly appreciated. So pleased you and your dogs enjoyed your stay. Property Owner
Jane July 2022

“On arrival struggled to get the fridge and hot water on as the bread board had been placed over the electric switch.”

Tried to phone for assistance but no reply. The cleanliness of the property could be improved eg cupboards and draws in the kitchen. Also sinks upstairs and down. Didn’t do any cooking in the property so oven and hob not used. The 3 pairs of mens socks still in the bedroom draw. Nice carpets, comfy bed, nice clean bedding.

- Jane, July 2022

Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a good stay and found it comfortable. We hope you’ll stay with us again. Property Owner
William July 2022

“General level of cleanliness is very poor.”

Kitchen surfaces, cooker hood, sink, cutlery, mugs and fridge dirty or stained. Scouring sponge in kitchen was disgusting. All surfaces in house dirty and cobwebs around the house. Mirrors not clean and glass top table in living room not clean or been hovered out around edges. No ironing board in house. No decent mirror at a decent height. Sink and taps in upstairs toilet not been cleaned or wiped. Had to bend down when using the shower. Previous visitors, three pairs of mens socks left in bedroom drawers. Do not recommend staying here.

- William, July 2022

We're sorry to hear that you had a bad experience staying with us. I sincerely apologise for the levels of cleanliness, we are looking into this as we also expect a higher standard for the cottage. This feedback is taken on board and we will ensure better standards are met going forward. Property Owner
Kathryn May 2022

“The property was in an ideal location about a 30 second walk to the centre.”

The property itself was not as clean as it should have been, we had to hunt for the instructions on how the cooker worked, there was no note as to which bin belonged to the property and if there was any recycling. If allowing dogs in the property make sure it’s cleaned properly as not every couple wanting to stay in Thirsk has dogs.

- Kathryn, May 2022

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Summary

Over three floors
Second-floor double bedroom with en-suite cloakroom with basin and WC
Ground-floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
Kitchen/diner
First-floor sitting room
Gas central heating
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer
Smart TV, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Paid parking available in The Nursery Car park
Two well-behaved pets welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 0.1 miles

The property

Tucked away in the bustling town of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, is this lovely three-storey house, Ickle Pickle Cottage.

Enjoying a superb location close to amenities and with easy access to the scenic North York Moors National Park, 1 Nicksgate is a wonderful pet-friendly dwelling for a couple seeking adventure, along with their two pooches.

Be welcomed into the well-equipped kitchen, where you can rustle up flavourful meals ready to be enjoyed at the dining table for two over a bottle of celebratory fizz.

Completing the ground floor is a beautifully tiled bathroom, where you can relax amongst the bubbles with your favourite book or freshen up with a hot shower.

Climb the stairs up to the first floor, where you can kick-back and relax on the corner sofa in the stylishly decorated sitting room, as your favourite show plays out on the Smart TV.

As your eyes grow heavy, retreat up to the second floor, where you will discover a well-presented double bedroom, served by an en-suite cloakroom for your convenience.

Explore the local town, where right on your doorstep you will find the welcoming Mowbray Arms, serving a tasty menu and local ales, ideal for those evenings when you don’t feel like cooking!

A wander through the town takes you to the attractions of The World of James Herriott, Thirsk Museum, Thirsk Racecourse, Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club and a plethora of restaurants, shops, and a cinema.

Venture into the North York Moors National Park, where you will find the remarkable sites of Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley Castle and Mount Grace Priory House and Gardens.

Take a scenic drive to the coast, where you will find Whitby, well-known for its imposing abbey and glorious sands, along with its Whitby Museum, 199 Steps and The Cinder Track which leads to Scarborough, where you can enjoy the delights of a castle, Alpamare and Luna Park and Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

For a taste of city life, visit York, home to the National Railway Museum, the impressive York Minister and the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall.

All this and more awaits with a stay at Ickle Pickle Cottage

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £150.

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About the location

THIRSK

Northallerton 8.6 miles; North York Moors National Park 5 miles; York 23.7 miles.

With the gateway to the North York Moors National Park to the east and Yorkshire Dales National Park to the west, the bustling town of Thirsk boasts a quaint market place, splendid Georgian buildings, a Norman church and excellent pubs, shops, restaurants, a cinema and a leisure centre. Visit the World of James Herriott Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the town’s own famous vet and author or explore the surrounding rolling countryside and Hambleton Hills, offering excellent walking and cycling opportunities. The cathedral city of York and the beautiful East Coast are within easy driving distance.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Most disappointing and not up to Sykes usual standard.”

“Just one thing is the bedroom radiator isn't working other than that all was ...”

“What a great little place.”

“The property seems to attract very mixed reviews.”

“We were concerned about a previous review before we got there, but we’re pleased to find a nice, comfortable and well maintained property which is ideally located for Thirsk and surrounding area, lovely place.”

“We left a day early, the cottage is dire and not fit to be on Sykes website, we have holidayed through you for years but never been this disappointed.”

“Great location for the middle of Thirsk.”

“There was no hot water for the shower.”

“Worst place I have ever stayed,had to negotiate rubbish bins and rubbish to get in and out.”

“Had a lovely stay - decor is really nice - tastful and comfortable.”

“I absolutely loved this cottage, it’s quirky and comfortable, me and my dog had an amazing stay here and we have booked again to stay here later on in the year and again next year.”

“Very clean and comfortable every thing you need is in the cottage.”

“Lovely little cottage in an ideal central setting.”

“Enjoyed our stay but could do with a hair dryer, in my experience most places now have theses in the property so we didn’t bring one with us and a security light, coming back in the dark it’s very hard to see with the path being uneven can easily trip.”

“On entry very cold not at all welcoming.”

“Excellent lovely cottage great location”

“It was very quiet very handy for all shops very cosy”

“Well I have to start with being honest, I booked this stay without reading the feedback (unlike me) - and after reading the negative reviews I was extremely concerned- especially as this was a Christmas break….”

“Positives Well located for town.”

“Great little property would definitely stay again”

“When I booked this cottage I did so because I liked the sound of its name and it’s description, and thought it seemed a very fair price for what it provided, and for it’s very central position in the town.”

“Very disappointed.”

“Great little place to stay with our dogs.”

“On arrival struggled to get the fridge and hot water on as the bread board had been placed over the electric switch.”

“General level of cleanliness is very poor.”

“The property was in an ideal location about a 30 second walk to the centre.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

THIRSK