According to The AA Hotel Guide 2018, "this hotel occupies a wonderful secluded position amid trees and waterfalls" in the Cumbrian countryside. Visitors have been coming to the area since the 1800s, when they used to take in the fresh air and bathe in the well waters for their health. Today, this hotel is surrounded by peaceful countryside crossed by bridleways, and woodland that's home to red deer and a colony of red squirrels.
The hotel is 20 minutes' drive from Lowther Castle and Gardens. This ruined country house was designed by Robert Smirke, the architect of the British Museum and has gardens that The Daily Telegraph describes as "glorious". Alternatively, indulge in mint cake at Kendal, which is a 25-minute drive away, or head to Grasmere, which is around 50 minutes' drive away and is popular for its gingerbread and gift shops. The village is renowned for its connections with William Wordsworth; we recommend visiting the poet's forme home, Dove Cottage, and the Wordsworth Museum next door. National Trust property Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, is an hour's drive.
The Birkbeck Restaurant serves à la carte and set-menu dining options, and carvery lunches are served every Wednesday and Sunday from 12:15-2pm. The Art Deco Riverside Lounge and Bar boasts views of the beck and the surrounding fells. You can also unwind in the Salterwath and Fell Bar lounges, or in the hotel foyer with its roaring log fire.
There is a games room with a full-size snooker table, a pool table, and table tennis and darts equipment. You can also use the small gym. Wi-Fi is free.
Amenities
General
Infant cots / cribs
Bar
Gym / fitness center
Restaurant
100% smoke-free
Services
Laundry / dry cleaning
Room service (limited hours)
Room amenities
Central heating
Coffee / tea-making facilities
Sitting area
Flatscreen TV
Internet
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Bathroom
Bathtub
Hair-dryer
Parking
Complimentary parking
Accessibility
Accessible meeting room
Accessible parking
Accessible path of travel
Accessible restaurant
Wheelchair accessible
Policies
Check-in:
Standard Time is 3pm.
Checkout:
Standard Time is 11am.
Children and additional guests:
Breakfast for children is included
Extra guest charges will apply as follows: £7 per night for children aged 3 to 15. Infant's cot/crib are available, free of charge, for children aged 2 and under. Extra beds are not available for older children and adults. Extra beds are on request and must be requested upon booking. Please use the Special Request field to confirm the age of the third guest. Supplements are not included automatically in the total price and will be charged directly by the hotel. See room descriptions and rate policies for information about room occupancy and prices..
Pets:
No pets allowed.
Cancellation:
Cancellation policy & booking conditions vary by 'rate plan'. These will be displayed on the payment page after you have searched for your dates and selected a rate.
Rates may vary by date, are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until your purchase is complete.
The room rates listed are for double occupancy per room unless otherwise stated and exclude tax recovery charges and service fees.
It is the responsibility of the hotel chain and/or the individual property to ensure the accuracy of the photos displayed. Travelzoo is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the photos.
*Unless otherwise stated, Travelzoo-exclusive extras are valid once per stay (based on two adults sharing). Value is an estimate based on double occupancy. Extras are only included with Member Rates and may not be available on all dates. Extras are non-transferable and have no cash value. Total value may vary depending on time of booking and availability. When included, breakfast may be limited to 2 guests per stay subject to hotel’s discretion. Other restrictions may apply; see our T&Cs for details.
Please note: Some amenities and services may not be available in all rooms or may incur an additional charge. All prices stated have been verified at the time of publication and may vary at the discretion of the hotel.
Enjoyed This
(135 Member Ratings)
Ratings & reviews reflect verified member feedback for Skyland Hotels Ltd (t/a Shap Wells Hotel) over the past 15 months.
Lovely family room and attentive staff. Nice food and excellent breakfast.
Other Comments
Only issue was noise coming from heating ventilator on roof right outside our window (Room 110).
Andrew10. Dec 2018Manchester, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location and breakfast.
Other Comments
The corridor door outside our room number 101 was very noisy. Some form of buffer seals are suggested to be installed in order to reduce the banging when doors close.
keith05. Dec 2018Hull, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Importantly it was dog friendly. It was ideally placed for visiting the Lake District.
Other Comments
Don’t expect luxury, but the room was comfortable and the staff were helpful, friendly and made us feel very welcome. Hotel is very isolated, in picturesque countryside and provides plenty of options for walking. Highly recommended if your dog travels with you.
Keith29. Nov 2018Barton-upon-Humber, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The price was excellent
John27. Nov 2018York, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The bar staff were friendly and happy to make cocktails for me. The young man on Reception was very helpful and friendly.
Other Comments
The room was musty and cold and the shower was pokey and small.
Karen27. Nov 2018Aylesbury, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
This was a handy place to go walking to Shap Bothy
Other Comments
Unfortunately our room(38) had black mould right across the ceiling and the bathroom was not very big. Our friends were next door and had a very nice room
RICHARD27. Nov 2018York, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Fantastic value for money, we paid £89 for two nights B&B for two people.
Other Comments
Would not pay the standard rate.
Mary27. Nov 2018Poulton-le-Fylde, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Excellent rooms, well heated and clean we were well looked after.
Barry23. Nov 2018Warrington, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
On the plus side, the 2 course evening meal in the restaurant was excellent.
Other Comments
The whole hotel was very jaded, room 17, the bedroom windows, curtains, and bathroom where coated in mould, there were layers of dust everywhere, the kettle didn't work, pretty shoddy overall. I know we got this on a special promotion via Travelzoo, but how are they going to attract customers back if this is an example of the service they provide.
Stephen19. Nov 2018Chester, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Peaceful location
Clive18. Nov 2018Lytham Saint Annes, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
It's location. We saw red squirrels in the grounds.
Other Comments
Very relaxed atmosphere.
Richard17. Nov 2018Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The breakfast and evening meal where very good and freshly cooked and we weren't kept waiting long.
Other Comments
We would have liked to have a walk round the area near the hotel but the weather wasn't good and it was very wet underfoot.
Jean15. Nov 2018Doncaster, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The breakfasts were really good and serving staff very attentive.
Other Comments
Our 2 night break was excellent value, just a shame the restaurant was a little too pricey and nothing really to tempt us (like a curry night, or a special price steak for 2 or just something that was homely and reasonably priced). otherwise we would definitely have tried the restaurant (it is very remote and basically in the middle of nowhere). We just thought that £15 for a basic scampi & chips was a bit OTT, so we went to the local chippy!
Anne14. Nov 2018Keighley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
the peace and quiet, the red squirrels.
Other Comments
no information folder in room 101
MICHAEL13. Nov 2018Mansfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The breakfast was good with plenty of choices, there was a good selection for the evening meal and what we had was excellent. There was a lovely open fire in a room off the bar, the hotel had a good atmosphere.
Other Comments
When we arrived to check in we sat in the bar and the staff brought us the paperwork which we thought was a good idea. The only downside of our stay was when we went to our room the room was cold as the heating wasn’t on, a few people went down to reception and they said it would be coming on at 6pm, this was at 4pm, fortunately it came on about 5pm, then in the evening when we went back to the room later that night it had gone off again so the bedroom and bathroom were cold.
Stephen13. Nov 2018Poulton-le-Fylde, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Classy hotel with good rooms and excellent buffet breakfast
Michael12. Nov 2018Laxton Nr Newark, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The facilities and peace and quite brought about by being well away from any roads. The red squirrel's were a delight to see.
Other Comments
our room had no information folder ( 101 ).
MICHAEL12. Nov 2018Mansfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Snooker room as weather not very hood
Other Comments
Road down to hotel would have been dangerous in the dark. Food not very good standard.
Philip12. Nov 2018Southport, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Staff were very good. Food also was good
Other Comments
Shower was challenging to get into and out of, and I don’t have mobility issues.
andrea12. Nov 2018Keyingham,HULL, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location
Helen12. Nov 2018Keighley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
No
Other Comments
Emailed complaint.
Gail12. Nov 2018Swindon, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
the food was superb and the whole trip was fantastic value for money
Other Comments
The staff were so attentive and extremely pleasant
Elspeth12. Nov 2018Castle Douglas, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
We were upgraded to the 4 poster bed! Staff were very friendly. Good breakfast. And red squirrels on the doorstep. ...what's not to like!
Jenny10. Nov 2018Harrogate, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Everything. From the atmosphere to the waiting on staff, management and quality.
Other Comments
Very pleasantly surprised with our room with its king size bed and lovely shower, and how we were treated throughout our short stay. We will definitely return.
Linda09. Nov 2018Scunthorpe, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Beautiful decor. Very stylish in public rooms.
Other Comments
Lovely to see the the red squirrels in the grounds.
Anne08. Nov 2018BradfordBradford, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location
Hayley07. Nov 2018LeedsLeeds, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location wild and dramatic scenery
Other Comments
great breakfast waiter 4/5 November room 101
sandra07. Nov 2018Doncaster, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Shap Wells is a hidden gem in the valley
Other Comments
Staff exceptionally friendly from reception - bar - dining room and housekeeping
Beverley07. Nov 2018Chorley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Really helpful, friendly staff.
Jean02. Nov 2018Keswick, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
A good base to explore the lakes with my 13cyear old son.
Other Comments
Breakfast waiting staff on the morning of 31st October could been more friendly, but after all it was Haloween?
Nicholas02. Nov 2018HulL, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The clean room everything you needed was there ,, friendly staff , chill out atmosphere ,location in the hills
Other Comments
The breakfast was excellent “buffet “ everything you want ,even porridge
Excellent over all.
Ian01. Nov 2018York, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
It was a pleasant surprise, everything was perfect
alessandra31. Oct 2018Reading, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Stunning hotel and fabulous location
Colleen31. Oct 2018Warrington, United Kingdom
Other Comments
Hotel omitted to advise on booking that they were hosting a wedding party on the Saturday evening which included very loud music which went on for hours leaving us with very little sleep. The food was average to say the least.
Helen30. Oct 2018Chorley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Relaxed atmosphere friendly staff great food
Stephen29. Oct 2018Richmond, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The price paid through Travelzoo
Other Comments
The main issue was cleanliness of the bathroom, especially the bath. The bathroom needed a really good clean and the bath a good scrub. We actually bought some cleaning products to have a go at the bath ourselves. Another guest was complaining about exactly the same thing on check out. However, for the price we paid I would say we got 3 star accommodation for a 2 star price. Food was very good on the whole although some of the cooked breakfast products were not hot enough. Brett in particular was an excellent member of staff.
Martin29. Oct 2018Bradford, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
No not really
Other Comments
Although The Accomadation was cheap, we wouldn’t go back. The hotel was to isolated for us, the beds were particularly uncomfortable & the shower was inadequate. The food was very disappointing. Just not for us, would rather pay more & have an enjoyable experience.
Mary28. Oct 2018Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Value for money. Friendly staff. Great location
Other Comments
Personal choice but found the pillows too hard.
philip28. Oct 2018Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location
Other Comments
Ratio of money paid to the experience was right.
Margaret28. Oct 2018Mundesley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The setting with red squirrels nearby. Very comfortable and clean hotel with nice bar and restaurant staff. The singer was really good.
Other Comments
The food was really good. I particularly enjoyed the breakfast. Lovely rural setting.
Edith Maureen27. Oct 2018Blackpool, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location, Hotel Character, Decor & Cleanliness
Other Comments
Service could be slow at times
Peter26. Oct 2018Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Visiting the resident colony of red squirrels
Other Comments
Friendly and professional staff
Helen24. Oct 2018Worksop, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location
Other Comments
Good all round service
Bernie24. Oct 2018Lancashirelancashire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Friendly staff and it was very dog-friendly! :-) Great location, nice building, cozy lounge. Great breakfast.
Claire23. Oct 2018Burnley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Location, accommodation,
Other Comments
In a peaceful location, surrounded by wildlife, A place to get away for some r & r
Marie22. Oct 2018Bolton, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Enjoyable break
Derek20. Oct 2018Blackpool, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Red Squirrel
Sandra20. Oct 2018Nantwich, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Plenty of comfortable seating and excellent food
Other Comments
It far exceeded our expectations. From arrival to leaving everything was goid . Good room good food very friendly staff lots of good short walks for those of us not quite so young. Saw red squirrels blue tits and pheasants within minutes on our first walk.
Dennis20. Oct 2018Bolton, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Grounds were lovely especially the red squirrel feeding station. Bar area and dinning room were very nice with an Art-Deco feel. Lovely roaring fire too.
Other Comments
We were on a bed/breakfast deal. Evening meal - 1st night was very good service was good hot plates good food. Option for 1, 2, or 3 courses. Second night I had to send mine back as it was cold. Felt price was high for 2 or 3 courses making each extra course around £7. Breakfast, good choice but luke warm. Asked for skimmed milk was offered soya!! In this day and age all hotels should be catering for dietary needs. Double bed was small, think it was only a 4ft, struggled to sleep well, felt claustrophobic. Bathroom, bath towels were small, not what I would call a bath towel, can't understand why hotels can't provide a lovely big soft bath sheet that actually goes round a person.
'
Toni20. Oct 2018Poulton-le-Fylde, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Seeing the red squirrels they have been on my bucket list for years, I have seen them in captivity but always wanted to see them in the wild so I am very happy.
We had a great visit ,room was comfortable,staff very pleasant the only thing that let the hotel down was the food, there was not a great choice menu wise and it was not very well cooked but it didn't stop us from enjoying ourself . So thankyou
Sandra19. Oct 2018York, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Staff were helpful
Other Comments
Food was poor quality
Room was dated, dirty and noisy
Alison19. Oct 2018Cockermouth, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
It was a lovely location.
Keith19. Oct 2018Stockport, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Hotel brilliant value clean and excellent staff. However I could not in all honesty reccomend the food not good
Derek18. Oct 2018Blackpool, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Good food and great atmosphere
Other Comments
Enjoyed seeing the red squirrels in their own environment
May they long remain
Derek17. Oct 2018NottinghamMansfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Going home
Other Comments
Extortionate bar prices and premium restaurant prices for average food
John17. Oct 2018Saint Helens, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Games room
gillian14. Oct 2018Doncaster, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Good location but the access road ??????
Other Comments
We were not asked for our "mastercard" details on arrival therefore had to pay cash for drinks and bar meal.( you did in fact have our card details since you had already taken the booking payment). The seating at breakfast requires someone at the entrance permanently. We got the impression you are under staffed, The access road from A6 is a disgrace. Our room (109) was extremely noisy due to M/c out side.
Norman13. Oct 2018Kendal, United Kingdom
Other Comments
Very good value for a short break
Joan12. Oct 2018Bolton, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Red squirrels
Martin12. Oct 2018Sheffield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The squirrels
Margaret12. Oct 2018Sunderland, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
It’s a totally unique hotel which ouzes Victorian Elegance!
Other Comments
Watch out for the well over the top bar food and drink prices!
Armed with this forewarning, you shouldn’t go wrong.
Brian11. Oct 2018Stockport, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The location was great and the red squirrels were amazing!!
Other Comments
Recently refurbished but we found the decor very dated. Think they could have modernised it more whilst they had the opportunity. We ate in the restaurant the first night but were disappointed the meal was very underwhelming and the wine was rubbish...we were never asked to taste it...no wonder! The waiter was really miserable! Although the rest of the staff were lovely! Breakfast the first day was great! No where near as good the second day but it was a different chef! On the whole for what we paid it was great and we would stay again.
BARBARA11. Oct 2018Preston, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
It's a heritage hotel that's clean and comfortable.
Other Comments
It's in a great location.
Joyce11. Oct 2018Southport, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Relaxed atmosphere, friendly helpful staff, comfortable rooms, remote and historic location.
Off the beaten track location suited us.
Other Comments
There were plenty of visitors leaflets for Lake District attractions. We would have liked to have been provided with information on the building, history and a plan of the grounds / walking routes.
Excellent WiFi enables us to find the info online.
ANNA10. Oct 2018West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The food and the location
Jim10. Oct 2018Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The location
Other Comments
We were put in the boat house which was away from the main hotel, it was dark and not clean, we did not stay at the hotel, the person who dealt with us on reception was quite rude, we found another hotel that was cleaner and very welcoming
Rae09. Oct 2018Doncaster, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Comfortable. Staff friendly and excellent service. Very well organised.
Other Comments
The food was a complete let down even for the budget price we paid.
The evening meal was cold on arrival at the table. E.g. I chose roast beef dinner on Sunday evening and then meat was fine but the roast potatoes had obviously been sat warming all day and were inedible. The gravy was cold.
The breakfast was not good quality either apart from the scrambled egg
Anne09. Oct 2018Manchester, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Seeing the red sqirrels
John08. Oct 2018Blackburn, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Red squirrels!
Other Comments
Couldn't find fault with anything, fabulous hotel
John06. Oct 2018Buxton, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Good discounted price
Other Comments
Not as bad as the feedback we read . Room had been refurbished and it was a good size
04. Oct 2018yorkshire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Loved the Snooker Room!!
David30. Sep 2018Leeds, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Beautiful location and comfortable room.
Other Comments
Thought the eveningmeal menu was lacking in choice especially on our first evening. Second evening was a better menu but slightly disappointing compated to the overall standard of the hotel.
Geoffrey29. Sep 2018Driffield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Our room was just refurbished
Other Comments
Asked for lovely rooms for sisters birthday were fab hotel will be fantastic once all complete defo visit again
Judith29. Sep 2018Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Sunday nights entertainment
anthony26. Sep 2018barrow-in-furness, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The location was stunning
Other Comments
Staff not friendly, bed was only a 4ft one, parking not adequate.
Corinne26. Sep 2018Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
I requested a special room if they had one and they put us into a room with a fourposter bed, which was lovely as it was our anniversary.
Other Comments
Shap Wells Hotel is set in a beautiful location. We booked it as it was a great deal and as we are trying to save for our wedding, we wanted to celebrate our anniversary but also to go away somewhere too.
The deal on Travelzoo allowed us to do this with the amazing bargain for Shap Wells Hotel. If you book this deal then you get what you pay for. The hotel is a little tired around the edges and needs a good amount of cash to get it up to todays standards but again as I have said it was a bargain and have nothing to complain about. The service was fine, the room ok and the food alright. If you put to much expectation on this hotel then you will be disappointed, but if you go with the flow, it is what it is and we ended up having a lovely time.
Emily26. Sep 2018Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Good location for what we intended to do
Other Comments
My wife and i are vegetarian and we found that the choice in the restaurant was very limited to one. It was stuffed peppers, my wife can not stand peppers. To their credit a vegetable curry was cooked but it was like the sauce had come out of a can, If you are a meat and three veg person you can not go wrong.
Geoffrey25. Sep 2018Keighley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The red squirrels!!
Other Comments
Staff v poor attitude. Food ran out on both days @breakfast. Evening menu very low key
stuart25. Sep 2018lancaster, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The Hotel Was Good, Food Average, Location Out Of The Way, Entertainment None, Staff Good.
Other Comments
The Menu needs Looking At. Prices A Little High.
Robert24. Sep 2018ManchesterManchester, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Good value and staff
Other Comments
Great hotel, just a little isolated on the Moors.
John23. Sep 2018Oldham, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
THE LOCATION & HAVING A LOVELY BREAKFAST MADE FOR YOU, ALSO AS USUAL WE ENJOYED FEEDING THE RED SQUIRRELS AGAIN, LOVELY TO SEE THEM.
Other Comments
ALL STAFF ARE REALLY NICE - JUST ONE MAN ( STOCKY BUILD & DARK HAIR) IN THE BAR WASN'T AS NICE AS THE OTHER STAFF, RATHER ABRUPT & SURLY. THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE OF A CHEAP LITTLE 2 NIGHT BREAK. MUCH APPRECIATED. BY THE WAY MY NAME IS MAUREEN - NOT SIMONE. CHEERIO.
