Riverdale Rural Holidays bounces back with ambitious investment plans for 2021

The company said it has benefited a great deal from a Business Bounce Back Loan which has enabled it to invest in more luxury accommodation with four new safari tents opening in the 2021 season. The Bounce Back Loan Scheme enables small businesses to access finance quickly during the coronavirus outbreak.

Riverdale also has plans to open five shepherds huts and a luxury villa in 2021.

The small, family-owned and run business, situated in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales on the banks of the River Ure, said it offers a bespoke walking, relaxation and sightseeing experience with luxury lodges nestled amongst the untapped beauty of the 50-mile Ripon Rowel.

Riverdale said it has been providing the perfect rural escape since it started with four luxury lodges in 2018. It was set up by West Tanfield-based husband and wife team, Richard and Daphne Bourne-Arton.

Mr Bourne-Arton said: ”We have ambitious plans for 2021 as the appetite for UK staycations is showing no sign of declining.

“We are investing significantly across our site, with proposals for five beautiful shepherds huts, as well as starting plans for a luxury Yorkshire villa with a pool, which will give us access to a much bigger market.

“We have also invested in marketing to raise awareness of our bespoke packages for people who want to walk the Ripon Rowel and experience the best in local cuisine.”

The rural holiday company has received support from Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond (Yorks), hot on the heels of beating 16,000 dog friendly companies to win the top Northern spot for the perfect dog friendly get away.

Mr Sunak said: “I’m delighted to see a local business doing well in a national competition like this.

“With dog ownership on the rise, catering for visitors who want to bring their dogs with them on holiday makes a lot of sense. Congratulations to Riverdale for meeting this need.”

Mr Bourne-Arton said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us. After this very difficult year and with exciting plans afoot, we’re looking forward to welcoming even more guests and their furries in 2021.

“Dog ownership is on the increase, so winning this prestigious award at the first attempt and as a relatively new business will give us a significant boost, we hope.

“The pandemic and lockdown has hit tourism and hospitality really hard, but by reacting quickly we were able to weather the storm and give people something a bit different for their family and dog friends.

“The Bounce Back Loan has really helped us take the business forward and it’s something we’re looking forward to capitalising on next year and giving our visitors the chance to discover some of the secret spots that we love and know around the site.”

Everyone in the small team at Riverdale is a dog owner and lover, so guests can be confident that their holiday will be dog friendly. There are no breed restrictions and each property comes with its own enclosed terrace or garden and finishing touches include comfy dog beds, dog bowls, toys, treats and towels, plus a fully equipped warm water doggy shower room.

The firm said the complete absence of traffic or roads nearby has led to plenty of five-star reviews, but with easy access to market towns, wonderful walks, handy shops and great pubs, the retreat is also the perfect place for pet-free couples and families to get away from it all.

Other developments in the pipeline include a bespoke walks service. Riverdale said it welcomed a wide variety of four-legged friends in 2020, with dogs in all shapes and sizes, from Cockapoos, Chihuahuas and Westies, to German Shepherds, Bulldogs and Beagles.