We have visited several luxury Country House hostels in North Yorkshire in the North of Britain and trust the following will help in your hunt for appropriate exclusive Country House hostels in this stunning agricultural part of England.  This area of the country has many old English market cities and hamlets located in the state Parks of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. 

The following Country House hostels all have our private recommendation:-

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – found by the brook Wharfe at Bolton Abbey Nr Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales.  The hotel is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.  A hearty welcome awaits-your baggage will be taken for you from your car to your bedroom that will be fantastically appointed.  We stayed in a room in the original part of the hotel which had a pony racing theme.  Fires burn in inclement weather in the entrance hall and the lounges.  The Michelin starred cafe serves beautiful wine and food and there is also a superb eaterie for informal dining.  The spa is found across the road in what appears to be a converted barn and includes a small gym.  The staff are very charming providing a top ~ first ~ firstclass service with nothing being too much trouble.  Having borrowed an umbrella and wellington boots which are provided by the hotel by the front door for your private use we took a short walk by the brook Wharfe in the snow to the ruined Abbey and then crossed the brook by way of the stepping stones.  Returning to this superbly allocated Country House Hotel we enjoyed tea and scones in front of a roaring fire in one of the lounges.  If you are visiting the Yorkshire Dales you should stay at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – you will not be disappointed.  Actually dogs are warmly welcomed the hotel having 2 resident dogs who will appreciate sharing your biscuits! 

Lastingham Grange – located in the beautiful hamlet of Lastingham a few miles from the market city of Pickering where the North Yorkshire Moors train line is located.  This Country House Hotel has been owned and run by the same family for many years with many guests returning time after time.  Set in many acres including beautifully maintained gardens you can walk out of the front door of the hotel and within a five minute walk be on the North Yorkshire Moors enjoying spectacular views.  We were tenderly greeted upon arrival and taken direct to our room which was well allocated.  We enjoyed tea and scones in the lounge which had a roaring fire-the Darjeeling tea is the best we have tasted.  Dinner was memorable with the food being of a high standard as was the extremely private service – it was like staying in someone’s home.  You cannot fail but to relax in this classic Country House Hotel.  Dogs are welcome. 

Alan Hope and his better half Anne have stayed at numerous other exclusive Country House hotels in Britain.

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