Simonstone Hall is a country-house hotel on the hillside above Hawes in Wensleydale, one of the best-known dales in North Yorkshire. Hawes is a small market town, famous for its cheese, its rope-making history and its position at the head of the dale, close to waterfalls such as Hardraw Force and to the high road to Swaledale. A country house in this setting gives you views across the valley and a quiet base away from the busier southern Dales. The hotel is a Victorian building with a traditional style, and it suits visitors who want a comfortable, slightly old-fashioned stay with a restaurant and a bar. Walkers, cyclists and drivers all find the area rewarding, and the Settle-Carlisle railway and Ribblehead Viaduct are within reach. For those who love the film and television connection, Wensleydale features in the Herriot stories and in the countryside beloved of the series. Check the current rooms, dining options and seasonal opening when you book, since smaller country hotels often vary their offer.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on the edge of Hawes, a short drive or a walk from the town. A car is almost essential for exploring the northern Dales, though a few bus services run in summer. Parking is on site.
Rooms
Expect a mix of traditional rooms with views over the dale. Style and size vary, and some rooms may be in older parts of the building.
Who it suits
Couples, walkers, cyclists and anyone who likes a quiet country-house setting. It is less suited to those who want nightlife or a big town.
Good to know
Weather in the high Dales can change fast, and winter roads can be affected by snow. Dinner at the hotel is convenient in a rural area, so reserve a table.
Making the most of your stay
Visit the cheese makers in Hawes, take the short walk to Hardraw Force, and explore the high road to Swaledale and the Buttertubs Pass by car. Cyclists and walkers will find routes from the door, and the dale is quiet enough that you can enjoy it at your own pace.
The Ribblehead Viaduct and the Settle-Carlisle line are a drive away, and the Herriot country is south-east. In winter the dale is dramatic but the roads can be difficult, so check forecasts, while summer brings long evenings and green fields.
Booking tip
A room with a dale view is worth asking for, and in winter it is sensible to check the road forecast before travelling. Reserve dinner when you book, because there are few other places to eat near the hotel after dark, and confirm parking arrangements.
Why stay here
- ✓Views across Wensleydale
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Bar
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Near Hawes
- ✓Walking and cycling routes
- ✓Country-house style
Good questions
Where is Simonstone Hall?+
It is on the hillside above Hawes in Wensleydale, in the northern Yorkshire Dales.
Do I need a car?+
Yes, a car is the easiest way to explore the northern Dales.
Is it good for walkers?+
Yes, it is a comfortable base for walking and cycling in Wensleydale.
