Nearly ten years have passed since Jake Dinsdale, at just 26 years old, purchased this striking stone manor hotel on the edge of Wensleydale, embarking on an ambitious renovation journey. The outcome is an intriguing mixture of traditional elegance and contemporary charm: walls adorned with stag heads and saddlery, lively tunes accompanying breakfast, and a terrace featuring both peacocks and a hot tub. The guest rooms are lavishly decorated, complete with gold bathtubs, chandelier lighting, and dramatic drapes that frame stunning views of the surrounding fells. While the service may not always reach perfection, the relaxed atmosphere is undoubtedly appealing.

Accommodations

Rating: 8/10Simonstone Hall boasts 19 distinctive bedrooms, predominantly located along a winding corridor on the first floor, retaining much of their Victorian charm from the days when notable figures like Lillie Langtry and Randolph Churchill were guests. The impressive 10-foot ceilings and original stone mullions add a sense of grandeur—some rooms feature Delft-tiled fireplaces and decorative still-life paintings in ornate frames. Modern flair is evident with contemporary amenities such as bedside bathtubs in some rooms and marble bathrooms adorned with gilt fittings. If you’re looking for an upgrade, consider reserving one of the Principal rooms with breathtaking views of the lush Wensleydale hills, and make sure to leave the curtains open for a majestic sunrise.

Culinary Experience

Rating: 8/10The hotel’s dining area, named Tine—referring to part of a fork or antler—creates a memorable dining atmosphere with its baby grand piano and elegant silver candelabras. The creative menu features local ingredients, including dishes like honey-whipped goat’s cheese with linseed and nasturtium and lamb rump paired with chicory marmalade and ewe’s milk yogurt, showcasing the bounty of the estate’s surroundings. Diners can enjoy locally sourced venison from Wensleydale and cheese from the nearby Curlew micro-dairy in Leyburn, with lamb sourced from a neighboring farm.

Breakfast highlights local produce, with eggs from the hotel’s own hens (available for purchase), creamy farmhouse milk for porridge, and homemade compote served in Kilner jars. The hearty English breakfast is a comforting staple, while lunch options range from an 8oz ribeye steak, humorously named the Clarkson Special after a notable incident in 2015, accompanied by a cheeky plaque by the bar that reads, “Here lies the BBC career of Jeremy Clarkson.”

Amenities and Activities

Simonstone Hall offers a unique experience rather than a spa retreat; for those seeking adventure, hiking to the summit of the wind-swept Stags Fell behind the hotel is a must. The property features a charming log-fired outdoor hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring, often accompanied by the antics of resident red squirrels. The panoramic terrace is equipped with fire pits and fairy lights, ideal for enjoying summer evenings, and guests can visit the on-site farm animals, including chickens, ducks, and pigs named Pat Butcher and Piggy Mitchell. Wine tastings are available in a designated wine cave upon request.

Location

Rating: 8/10Nestled in the heart of the Dales, Simonstone Hall is within walking distance to the picturesque market town of Hawes, which lies just a mile across the River Ure. This charming town features quaint cafés and independent shops, with even the petrol station being community-owned. Several walking routes begin at the hotel, including a scenic path leading to Hardraw, home to the Green Dragon pub, the cosiest of country inns. Behind the pub, discover a trail that leads to Hardraw Force, a stunning 100-foot waterfall famously featured in “Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.” For indoor activities on rainy days, visit the Wensleydale Creamery for live cheesemaking and a photo opportunity with Wallace and Gromit, or explore the Dales Countryside Museum, which focuses on local history, including lead mining and bonnets.

Price: B&B doubles from £176, Restaurant mains from £25, Family-friendly: Yes, Accessible: Yes, Dog-friendly: Yes

Vincent Crump stayed as a guest of Simonstone Hall.