Curiosity is a Wonderful Thing
How a French bread making course reminded us of the joy of learning new skills Emmanuel pressed one finger into the dough. A little later he pressed in a second mark. Then a third. It was such a simple way of keeping track of how many times each loaf had been kneaded,...
The Book That Introduces You to Appleton.
It all begins with one little book One of the most borrowed books at the Long Barn isn't a bestselling thriller or the latest page-turner. It's a slim book called A Baker's Dozen. Written by the Appleton-le-Moors History Group and villagers, it tells the stories...
Behind the Scenes; Changeover Day
The jobs, people and little details that get the Long Barn ready for its next family on changeover day. Head torches on. Portable Dyson in hand. Reading glasses perched on our noses. Every changeover day at the Long Barn ends with one final cobweb check. It might...
Our 12th Visit From Dementia Adventure
Our local choir performing in the West Barn during a Dementia Adventure supported holiday at the Long Barn. Two weeks ago, we welcomed Dementia Adventure back to the Long Barn for the twelfth time. They visit us twice a year, bringing one of their Dementia Adventure...
The Walk That Feels Like Home.
Some walks never lose their appeal, no matter how many times you do them. This is one of ours. When guests arrive at the Long Barn, one of the first things they'll find is our personalised Ordnance Survey map. We had it specially created with Appleton-le-Moors at its...
The Heart Beat of a Community
We almost didn't go. It had been one of the hottest days of the year and the thought of sitting in a packed concert hall wasn't especially appealing. But we'd bought our tickets weeks earlier, so off we went. As we arrived, it already felt like more than just a...
The Decisions that Shaped the Long Barn
As we celebrate 10 years since completing the Long Barn renovation, a combination of the anniversary and the summer solstice has put us in a reflective mood. Old photographs have been popping up on our phones and social media feeds, reminding us of the renovations,...
Why every bedroom at the Long Bar is an En-suite
The First Few Minutes One of our favourite moments of any changeover day happens within the first ten minutes of guests arriving. Cars pull into the courtyard. Boots are opened. Bags are carried inside. Then everyone disappears. Not to the kitchen or the living room,...
The Best Circular Walks from the Door at the Long Barn, North York Moors
We remember the first time friends came to stay after we'd moved to Town End Farm. We headed out for a walk from the village, enjoyed a pub lunch and, as the sun began to set, waved them off home to the city. Then we looked at each other and said, "We live here. How...
The Holiday Where the Cars Stay Parked
When you arrive in Appleton Le Moors, one sign simply says "Slow Down". It turns out to be very good advice. Many guests arrive at the Long Barn with a list of places they plan to visit. Then something unexpected happens. The car stays parked for the weekend, not...
Why We Feel Lucky to Live in the North York Moors
We feel incredibly lucky to live and work in the North York Moors. Living in the North York Moors has completely changed what we value the most. Next week marks 14 years since we moved to Appleton le Moors. Our solicitor Mike chose the 6th June as he felt “D Day” was...
5 Mistakes People Make When Booking a Large Group Stay
Booking accommodation for a large group can feel surprisingly stressful, especially if you’re the person responsible for organising it all. Over the years, we’ve seen just how much thought guests put into choosing the right place for a family gathering, celebration or...
How to choose the right house for a large group holiday
Planning a large group holiday and choosing the right house should feel exciting. But if you’re the person doing the booking, it can quickly become stressful. We've been there ourselves, and feel your pain; check out our Five Tips Blog. You’re trying to find somewhere...
Dog Friendly Large Group Stays in North Yorkshire
Planning a trip with a large group is one thing. Planning one where the dogs are just as welcome is another. At the Long Barn, we see time and again that the best stays are the ones where no one gets left behind. That includes the dogs. If you are looking for a dog...
A Yoga and Wellness Retreat in the North York Moors
Planning a yoga or wellness retreat in the North York Moors? The Long Barn and West Barn offer a flexible, relaxed setting with a dedicated space for practice, comfortable group accommodation and walks from the door.
Booking your First Group Stay in the North York Moors
Planning a group stay in the North York Moors? Two first-time groups share their experience at the Long Barn, from family gatherings to special celebrations.
Where to stay in the North York Moors for a large group
If you’re looking for where to stay in the North York Moors for a large group, the Long Barn at Town End Farm sleeps up to 14 guests across seven generous en suite bedrooms. We designed it for groups who want to stay together in one place, with enough space to relax,...
The Appleton Poultry Partnership, Revisited
Life with our hens at Town End Farm, from fresh eggs and the village egg run to life back out in the field.
A Day at Sandsend from the Long Barn
If you’re staying at the Long Barn, a trip to Sandsend is one of those days that tends to become a favourite. It’s an easy drive across the moors, and within a short time you’re by the sea, with wide open space, fresh air, and a completely different pace to the day....
A Perfect Day at the Long Barn, North York Moors
There’s a rhythm to days at the Long Barn that guests often fall into without really planning it. It starts slowly, without alarms or urgency, and unfolds in a way that feels both simple and special. It’s something we notice time and again. People arrive with plans to...
Wild Daffodils and Spring Walks Near Appleton-le-Moors
The first signs of spring in the North York Moors It was one of those misty mornings last week as we walked down the lane to feed the hens. The sort where the landscape feels wrapped in atmosphere. Because you can’t see quite so far, your other senses seem sharper....
The Ancient Art of Marmalade Making
We’re really proud that almost everything we include in our welcome hamper (other than our coffee beans and rapeseed oil) is made by us and our hens. We know that lots of people probably think we’re mad, but it’s part of what we wanted the Long Barn to stand for:...
10 Ways Staying at the Long Barn Lets You Be a Childish Grown-Up
We recently read a blog by the wonderful India Knight about “proper grown-ups” and why it is actually a good thing to be a childish grown-up. It made us laugh out loud, nod in recognition, and feel oddly relieved. She wittily explained that being emotionally competent...
Appleton-le-Moors: A Village That Truly Gets Under Your Skin
It’s always lovely to see a place you love being celebrated, especially when it’s described as idyllic, peaceful and perfect for recharging. Recently, Appleton-le-Moors has been highlighted by the Daily Express as one of those rare villages that seems to offer a...
Weddings at the Long Barn: Celebrations Just Got Bigger
New for 2026 For the last 10 years, the Long Barn has been a place where families and friends gather to celebrate life’s biggest moments. From milestone birthdays, reunions, to unforgettable weekends away in the heart of the North York Moors. And we've loved welcoming...
In the Shoes of a Guest
We recently took a break from The Long Barn and headed to one of our favourite places: Italy in September. Exploring Southern Italy was wonderful. We experienced the peacefulness of Ischia, the dolce vita of Sorrento, and the beautiful madness that is Naples. We can...
Welcome all generations
We think that the Long Barn is perfect for every generation, and in particular for 3 generations of one family all together. And from guests feedback, it seems that you agree. There’s plenty of space to spread out in, and space to come together in. Three of the seven...
Why we are “Dark Skies Friendly”
Did you know that 80% of the UK population live under light polluted skies? This means that you can only see a handful of stars if you are lucky. Escaping Light Pollution The North York Moors is a designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 19 in the...
Helmsley – the Park’s only market town
Welcome to Helmsley Helmsley just has a lovely feel about it. Maybe it's the strong community spirit, the gorgeous old buildings, or just a town full of happy people. Whatever the reason, this pretty market town (the only one in the North York Moors National Park) is...
A Mindful Escape at The Long Barn: Your September Sanctuary
September is a lovely month to stay at the Long Barn; there is a sense of calm descending in the North York Moors after the peak holiday season. The days are still warm and full of sunshine, but the first signs of leaves starting to turn are showing. The hedgerows are...
Our Digital Guide: A Little Something to Make Your Stay Perfect
How our guide evolved You know those jobs you’ve circled for a while, and then once you finally finish them you think, “I wish I’d done that sooner?” Well, our digital guest guide was exactly one of those. During lockdown, we finally got around to creating it. Before...
Flower and Produce Show 2025
The Show The summer flower and produce show has been a staple part of British village life since the 18th Century. We’re not sure how long our own local show has been running, but we’ve entered every year since moving to Appleton Le Moors. The 2025 Flower and Produce...
What’s on in August?
So, what's on in August? There is just so much to do this month in the North York Moors. The school holidays are in full flow, and the range of activities is fabulous. The heather is in purple flower, the skies are blue and it's the peak of summer. Our top 3...
Kirkbymoorside: The North Yorkshire Gem You Need to Discover
We think that Kirkbymoorside is one of the best kept secrets in the area. It may not be as showy as Helmsley, nor have the tourist pull of PIckering (with its railway) but it is a lovely welcoming little town. Excitingly, Kirkbymoorside has recently launched its...
July in the North York Moors
July is a beautiful month in the North York Moors. With the heat of recent days, the Long Barn courtyard has been full of butterflies enjoying the nectar. We have even seen our first Hummingbird Hawk moth of the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for then; they really do...
Introducing the Long Barn Bedrooms
An introduction We’ve shown a few people around the Long Barn in recent weeks, and it reminded us how if you don’t know the huge space, it’s difficult to work out what’s where. Especially in terms of bedrooms. We’ve just sent some information to a first-time visiting...
Bracken Bashing in the North York Moors
Ready to Bracken Bash A Taste of Visitor Volunteering Today, we took part in a trial visitor volunteering session with the North York Moors National Park. Currently, volunteering opportunities are typically aimed at local residents who donate their time to support the...
Sizzling Summer BBQs at The Long Barn
What a difference a year makes! This time last year, we were all hoping for summer to arrive. Fast forward to today, and we're basking in 30-degree temperatures and glorious sunshine – it's looking like the first proper heatwave of the year here in the UK! Across the...
Guest Spotlight: Memorable Moments at The Long Barn
Big Birthday Celebrations The Long Barn is renowned for hosting truly memorable celebrations, especially birthdays, which have been incredibly popular this year. Our birthday bunting has been much in use over recent months. We love welcoming guests as they arrive;...
Nature and Wildlife at The Long Barn: Your North York Moors Retreat
One of the greatest pleasures of staying at The Long Barn is immersing yourself in the surrounding nature and wildlife. A recent guest review commented on the abundant birdlife in the surrounding countryside. Recent Sightings and Local Wildlife During a recent North...