The Black Swan

Ravenstonedale, Cumbria

Holding court in the centre of Ravenstonedale, ‘twixt the Lakes and the Dales, The Black Swan has the hallmarks of a much-loved village inn: home-cooked food, cheery atmosphere and comforting bedrooms. More

Good Hotel Guide Review

Holding court in the centre of Ravenstonedale, ’twixt the Lakes and the Dales, The Black Swan has the hallmarks of a much-loved village inn: home-cooked food, cheery atmosphere and comforting bedrooms. The Victorian building, run with warm efficiency by Louise Dinnes for 17 years – ‘staff couldn’t have been more helpful’ – has a reputation for its food. Classic dishes are given a creative twist in delicious dinners such as baked scallops with chorizo followed by lamb saddle with salsa verde. You can eat either in the dining room with sage-green dado panelling and bold bird-and-floral wallpaper, or in the jolly bar with exposed-stone walls, tartan carpet and copper jugs. ‘The chicken schnitzel was very good.’ Comfortable refurbished bedrooms are ‘charming, lovely’ with homely furnishings – including the odd antique – and ‘nice armchairs for reading when the rain kept us in!’ Some are more compact or there are dog-friendly annexe rooms plus glamping tents, the latter in the riverside beer garden. A snug lounge with panelling and fire beckons for a late-night tot, while cooked-to-order breakfasts – ‘scrambled eggs were to die for!’ – set you up for the day. (Bill Wood, CT)

Hotel details

Address

Ravenstonedale
Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria
CA17 4NG
England

Telephone

01539 623204

Bedrooms

16. 6 in annexe, 4 on ground floor, 1 suitable for disabled, 3 glamping tents.

Open

all year except first full 2 weeks of Jan and of Oct, kitchen closed Tues, Wed (continental breakfast only) but ring to check.

Facilities

2 bars, lounge, 2 dining rooms, in-room TV, beer garden in wooded grounds, tennis/golf in village, public rooms wheelchair accessible.

Background music

in public areas all day, but optional.

Children

all ages welcomed, extra bed £30.

Dogs

in 4 ground-floor annexe rooms (£15 a night, welcome package), not in restaurant.

Credit cards

MC, Visa.

Prices

B&B doubles/singles from £125. À la carte £35.