The Women’s Holiday Centre is a co-operatively run space, which has been providing women and children with affordable holiday accommodation since 1980, especially for families on low incomes. We offer “3 nights for the price of 2”, or 3 people stay for the price of 2 (cheapest stays free) mid-week during term time on request (excluding Friday and Saturday). The Women’s Holiday Centre is based in t
he tiny Yorkshire village Horton-in-Ribblesdale, and is the only collective, not for profit, co-operatively run holiday centre for women and children in the UK. The holiday centre was set up in 1980 as a charitable co-operative, by women involved in feminism and the women’s liberation movement. Since then, this volunteer-run women’s co-op has been making a difference to the lives of thousands of women and children from all over the country, by providing affordable holidays with a sliding scale for payments according to income. We aim to keep the lowest charge for one night, including food, at the daily rate of benefit entitlement. Other low-cost holiday options, such as renting a caravan or camping, can leave a woman feeling more isolated and vulnerable than she does at home, as there are many practical tasks to manage in a smaller space. In contrast, the Women’s Holiday Centre provides a uniquely supportive and laid-back environment, where women staying often socialise, cook and share meals together. The Women’s Holiday Centre is for women, with or without children, on their own, or with friends. Women from all walks of life are welcome and visit regularly. The house offers a safe and friendly environment, where women and children can feel at home and get to know each other. Items such as towels, toiletries, and both adult and children’s spare coats/hats/gloves/wellies etc. are kept at the house so that those using public transport have less to carry. The part B&B, part hostel style accommodation consists of a mix of private and shared bedrooms, plus two sitting rooms, a large playroom, large kitchen and garden. There is a very relaxed and informal self-catering arrangement, with vegetarian and vegan food provided. During mid-week term-times, the house can offer a quiet place that can be ideal for women recovering from various illnesses or stresses. Disabled access is very basic at the moment, and we are currently working to improve this. Please contact us to discuss any particular requirements. If you’d like to know more about what is happening here and how you can get involved, contact us for our newsletter! This is sent out by email approximately once per month and contains details of all the exciting goings on at The Women’s Holiday Centre!
