The National Geographic Traveller Cool List 2024 spotlights the top 30 destinations from around the world, celebrating unique and forward-thinking travel experiences. Broughton Sanctuary, nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, proudly earned its spot for its commitment to reconnecting individuals with the wild.

From our nature recovery work in Yorkshire to other remarkable global hotspots, the list encompasses landmark hotel openings, ambitious conservation projects, and cultural wonders. Each destination promises a blend of environmental sustainability, cultural richness, and immersive adventures, making it a curated guide for those seeking extraordinary and meaningful travel experiences in 2024.

Located within 3,000 acres of beautiful historic parkland in the stunning Yorkshire countryside, in 2019 we embarked on an ambitious rewilding mission and have since become one of the UK’s leading nature recovery projects with over 350,000 trees planted in the last three years.

National Geographic Traveller commends Broughton Sanctuary for its rewilding initiatives: “Intensive sheep grazing is being reduced, peat bogs and waterways are being restored and tens of thousands of newly planted saplings will boost tree cover from 6% to over 20%. All this is intended to help boost the area’s biodiversity, which already includes otters, hares and kestrels. The project is a natural move for Broughton, which already offers experiences such as foraging tours, woodland dining and even moon bathing on its grounds.”

Custodian of Broughton Sanctuary, Roger Tempest, said, “We are incredibly proud to be recognised by National Geographic Traveller in their 2024 Cool List. Our work here is dedicated to encouraging the reconnection of our ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ nature, both through the rewilding work and also through the wellbeing programmes and retreats at the Avalon Wellbeing Centre. We are on a mission to heal ourselves and our world”.

From leisure stays and workcations to self-guided retreats and professionally lead transformational retreats, we look forward to welcoming global travellers to Broughton Sanctuary. Guests have the option to stay in one of the 19 recently refurbished holiday homes or within the historic Broughton Hall on a specific retreat, also available for exclusive hire. The ‘Utopia’ walled garden bistro offers delightful plant-based cuisine, while in-house chefs in the historic house cater to every culinary preference.

Broughton Sanctuary has grown in popularity, partly due to being a filming location for various TV shows and films including Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small (as the home of Mrs Pumphrey), BBC One’s Gentleman Jack, Calendar Girls and 2022 biographical drama film Emily based on author Emily Bronte, which Rolling Stone magazine called “A Sensual Portrait of a Brilliant Young Woman Far Ahead of Her Time.”

Broughton Sanctuary’s tourism has grown by 30 per cent over the last year, attributed to a rise in staycations and mostly people coming to witness nature recovery and holidays. For 2024, bookings are looking strong as the Yorkshire Dales has been an increasingly popular destination. Over the next two years Broughton Sanctuary is aiming for another 30 per cent increase in visitors as we increase public access by creating opportunities to stay and experience nature.