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Wild Swimming at Eavestone Lake | Yurtshire

Cold water. Open skies. Total clarity.

Wild swimming at Eavestone Lake is one of those experiences that sounds simple but stays with you. Our private lake sits in ancient woodland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and it’s one of the most beautiful, and undiscovered, places to swim in the north of England.

What to expect

Eavestone Lake is a natural, spring-fed lake set within the 100-acre Nidderdale woodland site. The water is clean, cool and clear year-round. Swimming sessions aren’t guided, so you’ll need to be a proficient swimmer.

Swim sessions run throughout the week and include:

• Access to Eavestone Lake for a 1-hour swim session
• Use of our changing facilities
• A warm space to recover and warm up afterwards

Add a Sauna & Ice Bath for the full contrast therapy experience, our wood-fired sauna sits right at the lakeside, making it one of the most atmospheric places in Yorkshire to do a proper hot-cold cycle.

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Why cold water?

Wild swimming isn’t just beautiful, it’s genuinely good for you. Regular open-water swimmers report better sleep, reduced anxiety, more energy, and a stronger sense of calm that lasts days after a swim. The science backs this up too: cold-water immersion triggers the release of dopamine and noradrenaline, giving your mood a powerful, natural lift.

A few of the benefits:

• Mental clarity: cold water forces you into the present moment in a way very little else can
• Reduced stress and anxiety: the parasympathetic nervous system response to cold immersion has a measurable calming effect
• Improved circulation: the contrast of cold water and warming up afterwards gets the blood moving
• Better sleep: many regular swimmers report significant improvement
• A genuine sense of achievement: it sounds small, but it isn’t- it’s a big lake!

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The Swim, Sauna & Ice Bath experience

For the full Yurtshire wellness experience, combine your swim with a session in our lakeside sauna and an ice bath. This is contrast therapy, moving between heat and cold, and it’s one of the most effective ways to reset your nervous system, reduce muscle tension and simply feel brilliant.

£20 per person | Minimum 2, maximum 4 people

It’s also a brilliant thing to do with a friend, a partner, or a small group. Something about facing cold water together is oddly bonding.

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Book your swim

Sessions must be booked in advance. We keep numbers small to protect the experience, and the lake.

Book a Swim Session — £10

Book Swim, Sauna & Ice Bath — £20

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Combine it with a stay

Wild swimming is even better when you don’t have to rush home afterwards. Stay in one of our lakeside yurts, light the fire, and let the rest of the day unfold at whatever pace feels right.

View our Eavestone Lake yurts and availability

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Questions? Call us on 01423 740783 or email info@yurtshire.co.uk We are happy to help you plan your visit.

Why Yoga is Great for Beginners

Yoga is an ancient practice that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility, or simply find a new way to get active, yoga is an excellent choice – especially for beginners. If you’re new to the practice, you might feel intimidated by the flexibility and strength required, but the beauty of yoga is that it’s accessible
to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience.

Here’s why yoga is great for beginners:

Yoga is Adaptable to all Fitness Levels
One of the main reasons yoga is great for beginners is that it’s incredibly adaptable. Yoga offers a
are variety of styles and poses that can be tailored to suit your ability. You don’t need to be flexible or super strong to start; in fact yoga helps you develop these skills over time. Whether your working on a simple child’s pose or advancing to more complex postures, theres always a way to modify movements to your body.

Yoga Builds Strength and Flexibility Gradually
Yoga is perfect for beginners because it helps build both strength and flexibility at your own pace. Most beginners start with basic poses and progress gradually, increasing their flexibility and endurance as they go. Poses like downward dog, cobra, and warrior help strengthen the muscles while also promoting gentle stretching to improve flexibility. As you continue your practice, you’ll
notice improvements in both your physical health and mental well-being.

Yoga Promotes Mental Clarity and Stress Relief
Yoga isn’t just a physical workout; it’s a mental one too. The practice emphasises mindfulness
and breath work, helping you become more aware of your body and thoughts. This focus on breathing and staying present in the moment has been show to to reduce stress, anxiety and even improve sleep. For beginners. yoga provides an opportunity to unwind, relax. and disconnect from the daily pressures of life.

Yoga Can Be Practiced Anywhere
Another benefit of yoga for beginners is its accessibility. Yoga doesn’t require fancy equipment or a gym membership. You can start your practice at home with just a yoga mat or towel and maybe a few props like blocks or straps to support your poses. Whether you’re in a studio, at home, or even outside, yoga can be practiced virtually anywhere. With online tutorials and apps available you can follow along with instructional videos and take your practice with you on the go.

Yoga Encourages Body Awareness
Yoga teaches you to listen to your body. This is especially important for beginners who may not yet be familiar with their body’s limits. Poses in yoga encourage alignment and proper posture, helping you become more aware of how your body moves and feels. This increased awareness can also carry over into daily life, leading to better posture and fewer injuries.

Yoga Helps Improve Balance and Coordination
Yoga is known for its ability to enhance balance and coordination. Through a senes of poses that focus on grounding and stability, beginners can improve their proprioception (awareness of body position in space). As you continue practicing, your ability to balance on one foot or hold more challenging poses will improve, which can have a positive impact on dally activities and overall
physical stability.

It’s a Non-Competitive exercise
Unlike many other types of exercise, yoga is non-competitive. There’s no pressure to perform or keep up with others. This aspect makes yoga an incredibly welcoming practice for beginners. You can take your time, modify poses as needed and focus on your own progress. Yoga is about personal growth, not competition and that makes it a safe and supportive environment for those new to fitness.

It Provides a Strong Sense of Community
Yoga classes, whether in person or online, often have a strong sense of community. As a beginner, this is incredibly encouraging because it allows you to learn in a supportive, non- judgmental environment. Many yoga communities prioritise inclusivity, creating a space where people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds feel welcome. Joining a yoga class can be an
excellent way to meet new people and be part of a group that shares the same goals of self-care
and wellness.


Whether you’re looking to build strength, increase flexibility, reduce stress, or improve your mental clarity, yoga has something to offer. It’s adaptable, non-competitive, and promotes a well-rounded approach to health that encourages body awareness, balance, and mindfulness. So, if you’re considering starting a fitness routine, give yoga a try-you might just find it’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle!

Book your Yoga class during your Yurtshire stay today. You can find our Yoga schedule here.

Whats on this Easter

Easter is fast approaching, and there’s no better time to explore the vibrant
charm surrounding Yurtshire! From scenic countryside strolls to exciting local events, this Easter promises
something special for everyone.

Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, there’s a treasure trove of activities to enjoy in and around this picturesque region. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable Easter adventure right here in Yurtshire!

Here are some Easter highlights in the surrounding area for 2025:

The Magical Kingdom Adventure Easter Trail at Newby Hall
From April 18 to April 21, 2025, embark on a journey through the Magical Kingdom at Newby Hall.
Families can explore the wood and walk, meet the King and Queen of the Fairies and participate.

‘Hop Aboard!’ Easter Cruise with Ripon Scenic Cruises
Experience a themed cruise along the Ripon Canal from April 18 to April 21, 2025. Suitable for all ages, the cruise features spotting bunnies, solving quizzes, and winning prizes. Family tickets are available, and the boat is both wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly.

Easter Wonderland at Mother Shipton’s Cave
From April 5 to April 21, 2025, Mother Shipton’s Cave transforms into an Easter Wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a woodland trail with Easter-themed scenes inspired by “Alice in Wonderland including photo opportunities with characters like the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.

Springtime Live On April 5, 2025
Springtime Live offers a hands-on experience with farm animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, and more. It’s a fantastic event for families looking to connect with nature and learn about rural life.

Easter Egg Hunt & Trail at Murray Park
On April 12, 2025, the Murray Park Trail Bunny Hop event featured an Easter egg hunt organised by the Ripon Carly Bird Kiwanis, followed by an interactive trail walk with booths offering goodies for Easter baskets. The event started at 10:00 am at Elizabeth Murray Park.

Easter Adventure at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
From April 5 to April 21, 2025, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal offer a family-friendly Easter
adventure with activities suitable for all ages.

Enjoy the Easter activities this Easter in Ripon! Stay in a Tree-Yurt at Eavestone Lake.

How Can A Visit To The Sauna Aid My Slumbers?

Set to the beautiful backdrop of nature, Yurtshire is a haven of peace and wellness. Besides
the calming impact of seeking sanctuary in the great outdoors, our new glass-fronted Kirami
Outdoor Sauna and Spa Treatment Yurt now also offers a myriad of well-being benefits.

People have explored the benefits of saunas for over 3,000 years – dating back to when the
Mayans in Central America used ‘sweat houses’ in order to induce religious experiences and
increase their health. In fact, historians have found that almost every ancient culture has
used heat for some form of relaxation throughout the centuries – from Native American sweat
lodges to Roman baths.

So why are saunas so good for our health and wellbeing – and how can they help me
sleep?

Saunas are renowned for their many health benefits. They assist with stress reduction,
improve heart health, aid in recovery after exercise, flush toxins and improve brain health.
Research has also shown that the use of a sauna can induce a deeper sleep. In addition to
the release of endorphins (which are known to aid sleep), body temperatures that become
elevated in the evening will fall at bedtime. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key to
facilitating sleep – the perfect relaxation tool before heading off for a night of deep dreaming.

What’s more, our luxurious spa treatments, which take place in the unique Spa Yurt, are
designed to rejuvenate the senses and relax the body and mind. They vary from a full-body
Swedish massage – with your choice of pre-blended oil – to a reflexology treatment, featuring
a relaxing lower leg and foot massage.

We also offer a variety of yoga classes each week; helping guests to move, breathe and
relax. Spend time unwinding in the cosy Yoga Yurt, with the opportunity to meet other like-
minded yogis while escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Find out more about our Yurtshire wellness facilities, or book your spa treatments today.

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