The Black Swan, Cumbria

Overview

Nestled on the edge of the dramatic Howgill Fells in the peaceful village of Ravenstonedale is this Victorian, Lakeland-stone inn. Whilst one of the stone walled bars is very much a locals' bar, the other has a more refined pub air with period features, tartan carpet, upholstered wing chairs, copper-topped tables and a roaring log fire - perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or perusing the papers with a pint of locally brewed Black Sheep Bitter.

Expect a cosy, welcoming and traditional feel throughout. For those wishing to indulge in some alfresco dining, across the road is a delightful, sheltered garden with a small footbridge across the local beck - keep a look out for the resident red squirrels.

Rooms from

Doubles: £95

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Parking available
Dog-friendly
Alfresco dining

Outdoor adventures
Located midway between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, The Black Swan is the perfect base for walking and fishing.

Water and waves
In summer book one of the Belle Tents in the riverside garden for a memorable glamping experience.

Scenic and serene
Nestled in a sleepy Cumbrian village, you're a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life here.

Rooms

Rooms ramble across two floors and the handy annexe extension. All are individually designed, some traditionally furnished with old pine and rich floral fabrics and wall coverings, while others have a more contemporary feel.

The refurbished suites have comfortable lounge areas with sofa beds and enjoy peaceful garden or mountain views. The grand four-poster suite has a vast bathroom with roll-top tub and walk-in shower and a log burning stove in the stone fireplace.

Restaurant & bar

Firmly established on Cumbria's culinary map, The Black Swan produces consistently delicious modern pub food, boasting two AA rosettes for quality cooking. Championing Cumbria's best producers and seasonal produce, the menu features pheasant from High Holbeck shoot, meat from Lakes Speciality Food and seafood from Neves of Fleetwood.

To quaff, you won't be disappointed with the real ales on tap - all from local Yorkshire of Cumbrian breweries. The raft of gins and whiskies on the back bar includes gin from the Lakes Distillery near Cockermouth, as well as a delectable range of pre-dinner cocktails.

Things to do

With stunning views across the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, the Howgill Fells are a fabulous area to explore by foot. Spread across Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire, the fells are a walker's paradise - although surprisingly quiet - so you'll have the big skies and undulating hills all to yourself. Or, why not tackle the Dales Way - which runs for 80 miles from Ilkley in West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria, following riverside paths and passing through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

One real local highlight is the Settle to Carlisle Railway, an iconic line which takes riders through jaw dropping scenery in the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells. The railway itself has plenty of Victorian architecture, remote station buildings and huge stone viaducts - but it's still part of the UK rail network.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest station: Kirkby Stephen
Taxi from station: 10min
Drive: 50min from Lancaster, 50min from Carlisle

Address

Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4NG

The Black Swan

From £95 per night