Your Surroundings

The Dovecote Barns are restored 18th century traditional barns based at Manor Farm, Kelfield. Your welcoming hosts are Brigita and Richard Bramley.

Manor Farm is located on the edge of a rural village by the river Ouse. The farm is adjacent to open countryside playing host to a multitude of diversity including rare bird species and wildlife.

There is a direct bus route from the drive end into York city centre which takes 35 minutes. If travelling by car, it takes approx 20-25 minutes to drive to the city centre. In addition, a park and ride system operates from the York Designer Outlet which is a 10 minute drive from the farm.

We are ideally situated for easy access to York Racecourse via the A64.

Walking
We are a working arable farm but have cut off the commercial farm from your environment. We have 450 acres of fields for you to explore and spot the birds on our checklist, and maybe find some new ones!

We are situated adjacent to a shallow bend of the river Ouse. The river walk brings you to Cawood, once the seat of Cardinal Wolsey. The gatehouse of his castle still stands.

Cycling
There is a cycle path into York town centre and numerous routes around the area.

Skipwith Common
Nearby, within cycling distance, is Skipwith Common, an area of over 500 acres of lowland heath and one of the last remaining such areas in the North of England. This is a nationally important nature reserve.

Wildlife
Birds, badgers, deer, bats and more...

Over 80 species of birds have been identified on the farm, 54 of them alone during a 12 hour RSPB survey carried out in 2004. 10 of them on the BTO red list. Come and try to spot them.. We'll provide the list.

The wood beside the farm plays host to wild deer which are frequently seen around the farm. We have encouraged bat nesting by placing bat nesting boxes around the commercial farm buildings. Approximately 7% of the farms area is specifically managed for the benefit of wildlife.

Richard has been selected as one of 3 finalists in the National Farmers Weekly Awards for Countryside Farmer of the Year 2009.

Dining
You will have everything to hand in your barn, however, you may fancy a stroll along the riverbank to the 17th century Inn serving food all day. We are happy to accept a supermarket delivery prior to your arrival.

If you wish to venture further afield, there are wonderful restaurants and pubs close by offering everything from Thai and Indian food to traditional English carvery.

Alternatively, you can catch the bus, or drive, to Selby or York and experience the diverse nightlife and dining that York has to offer.