Devonshire Fell Hotel

Perched on the fellside above Burnsall, one of the prettiest villages in Wharfedale - stone cottages, five-arched bridge, riverside walks - and with fine views across the valley, the hotel has an enviable position. Part of the Chatsworth-owning Duke of Devonshire's Yorkshire estate (hence the name), there are lovely walks on the doorstep while the tearooms and 12th-century ruined priory of Bolton Abbey, and market town of Grassington, are both 10 minutes’ drive away. Although solid and Victorian from the outside, the hotel’s interior has been styled by the Duchess with fun and exuberance: fruit-gum-coloured chairs and sofas dot the open-plan bar-reception-lounge, modern art (from the Chatsworth collection) hangs on lilac walls while the dining-room is cool and breezy in blue and white. A lovely conservatory - bag a table here for breakfast - looks straight across the valley. Bedrooms are less startling, with soft, country colours, white-painted furniture and framed modern prints, with feature walls or big headboards to jazz things up. Some can be cosy; the best, and largest, have views across the valley. Food is tasty and unfussy; the afternoon teas lovely on the terrace. A big plus for guests, after a day’s walking, is the free access to the spa of sister hotel, The Devonshire Arms, 10 minutes’ away. For exploring the Yorkshire Dales - whether tough hikes, or village pottering - from a relaxed and friendly base, it makes an excellent choice.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Views
• Lovely river and countryside views
• Child friendly
• Babysitting services are available
• Pet friendly
• Well behaved dogs are welcome
• Restaurant
• 2 AA Rosettes
• Parking
• Free parking
• Wifi
• Room service
• Bar

• Wedding license
• Meeting Room
• Bicycle hire
• Sit-out Terrace
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Disabled access
• Garden

• Other Activities
• Make the most of the pool, sauna and gym, in the sister hotel, as well as treatments and massages for an extra charge
• Great walks
• Bring your dog and head out rambling among rolling hills, country lanes and along the River Wharfe
• Sights nearby
• The UNESCO heritage sights of Bolton Abbey Estate and Fountains Abbey are a short drive away

• Cycling
• Quiet roads and epic scenery make for great cycling, grab and hotel bike and off you go!
• Trekking
• Take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Our guests fall in love with the far reaching views across the Dales, and across the iconic five-arched bridge over the River Wharfe, as well as our fun and quirky interiors which are a far cry from traditional. What is there to do in the area? Walking, cycling and climbing are all key pastimes in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. Bolton Abbey is a local beauty spot, with miles of footpaths so that you can walk easily beside the river, and up into the Dale. Simon’s Seat is a elevated vantage point overlooking Skyredale, which can be reached from the hotel in a day’s return walk, overlooking the pretty village of Appletreewick. The steam train from Embsay to Bolton Abbey is also a must for heritage train enthusiasts, the line which was originally built in 1888 is now run by volunteers – from Bolton Abbey station its a gentle walk of only one and half miles to explore the ruins of the C12th Abbey there. Nearby villages and market towns worth visiting too are Skipton, with its Castle, eclectic mix of shops and four times a week market, Ilkley Moor, a mecca for those interested in flora and fauna, as well as walking, and Grassington, a typical Yorkshire Dales village. What kind of breakfast do you offer? We have a full range of options from a healthy buffet style breakfast choice of cereals, freshly prepared fruits, yoghurts, pastries and cold meats and cheeses, to the traditional cooked breakfast choices with fresh farm eggs, locally made sausages and bacon or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Our breakfasts are open to non-residents too. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Yes we offer lunch and afternoon teas too, afternoon teas are particularly popular taken in the bright, airy conservatory, where the panoramic views of the Dales are wonderful. Lunches are also popular, especially our Sunday roasts with locally reared meats such as Yorkshire Dales beef, lamb and free range roast chicken. For a change of scene The Craven Arms Pub in Appletreewick offers some hearty Yorkshire fair too and a nice warm welcome. Which are your most popular room types, and why? Those which look over the river to the front of the hotel are popular due to the amazing view – so that is river view rooms of course, and our suites .... What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Yes, we offer a kids menu or smaller portions of all our menu items, also we have family-friendly Luxury King Size rooms, and our Fell suite can accommodate two extra children’s beds and even boasts two bathrooms making it ideal for families. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Devonshire Fell is situated in the heart of the Dales, and offers a fun and colourful environment and a warm Yorkshire welcome! It’s a brilliant location with its stunning views and easy proximity to the Bolton Abbey, which our guests get to enjoy free entry to, as well as access to the gym and spa facilities over at our sister property, The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey.