How Stean Gorge is set to build 10 holiday cabins to entice more groups and families.

Currently the gorge, which has been a visitor attraction for more than 100 years, can only accomodate people prepared to camp.

Work is due to start in January 2022 on the first phase of the plan with construction set for completion in April 2022.

The first phase includes six of the cabins and a manager’s cabin.

The second phase can only start when Harrogate Borough Council is satisfied that trees planted as part of landscaping are mature enough not to be affected by more building works.

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It means that the remaining four cabins could be a few years away.

The cabins vary in size. The rustic lodges can sleep up to 10 people but there are also chalets with room for six or four people.

All of them will be built in a log cabin style on stilts with a covered veranda and a log burner inside. The centre is also looking at sourcing hot tubs for the cabins.

Abseiling at How Stean Gorge. Photo: Gerard Binks

Tony Liddy, the head of outdoor education and estates manager, told the Stray Ferret:

“We got a lot of stag dos and hen dos as well as families at How Stean Gorge. Unfortunately for a while now the closest group accomodation has been in Harrogate.

“We are keeping the campsite but that is not always for everyone. So these cabins are going to be a big step forward for the site. It’s very exciting.”

How Stean Gorge is also planning to bring back its Vista Bistro experience where people can dine in a restaurant sat over the drop. Currently it has two dates in the calendar, March 19 and April 2.