Local Attractions
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Our village is fortunate to have its very own golf course and tennis course for our guests’ enjoyment. Amazing walks from our door (loan maps and walks available) in our unspoilt and quiet countryside.
Our very own garden boasts a family of otters, red squirrels, foxes and an SSSI river. Relax in our garden hammock, paddle in the river, enjoy a BBQ, or enjoy our range of garden games. The central Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Durham Dales and Scottish Borders are only a short drive away, as are the lovely market towns of Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Kirkby Stephen, Penrith and Barnard Castle. The Carlisle-Settle railway, with regular steam trains, passes only a few short miles from our door. We offer a free pick-up/drop-off service (by prior arrangement). |
The Coast-to-Coast walk passes nearby and we are a very popular stop to rest and refresh! (pick-up/drop-off service available from Kirkby Stephen (by prior arrangement).
We are centrally located for many other popular walks and cycle routes (storage and drying facilities available) For more information see the local Ravenstonedale website. |
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Local Links
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Map reading courses from this pub
Never get lost again with these weekend map reading courses. Get the skills you need to plan and undertake your own walks in the countryside; skills that will last a lifetime. Bespoke courses and hill days available. Instructor: Mark Reid, author of 'The Inn Way' guidebooks. Lake District Guided Walking Offers guided walking in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Howgill Fells. Stone Trail Holidays Horse riding and mountain bike hire. Cumbria Classic Coaches Located very close to the Black Swan Hotel. Offers regular services to a range of destinations in Cumbria and Yorkshire as well as bookings for special occasions such as weddings, day trips etc. Sunsoar Paragliding The UK's premier paragliding school for training in the UK and abroad. |
John Pape
Wild Brown Trout Fishing and Tuition Wild brown trout fishing and tuition in the north of England on the River Eden. Appleby area. Alan Roberts Photography Offers a wide variety of professional photography services including weddings, events, portraits, greeting cards and images for websites. The Eden Angler Offers personalised fly fishing experiences on the Eden and other waters. Artlegarth Country Lodges 3 luxury log cabins each sleeping 4 adults and 2 children. Situated in an exceptional and breathtaking location amid stunning scenery. All lodges are spacious and very well furnished. Fishing on the River Eden View catch returns, daily condition reports and live images of river at Kirkby Stephen. |
Eleanor has put together a “guide to the north” for our guests that is available for you on this page. There are advised attractions (all of which have been personally tested by Eleanor herself and deemed fabulous enough to share. If you have any questions, please ask and we will do our best to point you in the right direction. Brochures for individual attractions are also available in the bar and lounge.
What you need to know before you go exploring:
What you need to know before you go exploring:
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Busses - There are buses run by “Cumbria Classic Coaches” which visit several locations around the north. However, this is not a regular bus service. Please seek a timetable from the bar or a member of staff if this is something you’re interested in.
Kirkby Stephen train station - We can arrange pick up and drop off services from the Carlisle-Settle railway at Kirkby Stephen station. This is a wonderful railway which is highlighted more below. Please ask a member of staff. Taxis - axis are available locally but are very limited. Please ask a member of staff about booking one and leave as much time (ideally days) as possible to make sure your travel is guaranteed. Doctor/ Dentist – Our nearest services are in Kirkby Stephen. There is no accident and emergency very locally. Please ask staff for any information you need. |
Golf and Tennis - There is a tennis court and 9 hole golf course in the village, both can be used for a small fee to the village which can be arranged with reception (£3). We also have some tennis rackets and gold clubs to loan if you would like to have a go.
Walks – We have a booklet of 9 circular walks which start and end at the hotel which are available to purchase from reception at a cost of £3. We also have a booklet called “ A stroll around Ravenstonedale” which highlights the history of the village . These are also available at reception for £3.95. Horse riding – Just up the road is an excellent horse trekking facility at street farm. Ask staff for details. Fishing – Fishing is available at our local trout farm, Bessy Beck, all year. River and tarn fishing is also available locally. Please ask a member of the team for details. |
Within a ten minute drive
Our closest town is Kirkby Stephen, 5 miles East. Kirkby Stephen is a small town but has a variety of shops for gifts, clothes, walking gear and antiques. It’s a lovely little place for a stroll and a coffee. You may notice large parrots flying around up above the high street. No, you haven't gone mad – these are birds who escaped from captivity decades ago and now thrive in the Kirkby Stephen area.
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There are several restaurants and bars such as:
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And some lovely shops to explore (to name a few as there are quite a few):
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Seven miles the to the west is Westmorland farm shop on the M6 services. This has a wonderful café sourced from their own farm and a great shop which sells everything from food to clothes. www.tebayservices.com
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Also to the west is the village of Orton and their fantastic chocolate factory/shop. Delicious and so close!
www.kennedyschocolates.co.uk |
Round trip 1
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Sedbergh – 15 mins
Sedbergh is 12 miles from The Black Swan into The Yorkshire dales national park. This pretty little book town is the home of Sedbergh School once attended by William Wordworth. The town has a small high street with some cute home and book shops. Sedbergh is also home of Bath House soap with their onsite shop as well as Farfield Mill, a craft hub venue for local artists with its own café. www.sedbergh.org.uk - Sedbergh official site www.farfieldmill.org - Farfield Mill www.thebathhouseshop.co.uk - Bath House www.sedberghschool.org - Sedbergh School |
Kirkby Lonsdale – 30 mins
Kirkby Lonsdale is a bigger market town with links with the painter and poet John Ruskin. You can take a stroll around the pretty town, grab an ice-cream, visit the brewery and enjoy “Ruskin’s view” viewing point near its historic church. Kirkby Lonsdale has been used as the setting for many historical movies such as Jamaica Inn and Oliver Twist. Devil’s bridge on the entrance road to Kirkby Lonsdale is also a popular destination for bikers and well worth a visit on your way into the town. www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk - Kirkby Lonsdale official site www.klbrewery.com - Lonsdale Brewery |
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Ingleton falls, Whitescar caves and limestone pavement - 45 mins
Not far from Kirkby Lonsdale is the beautiful Ingleton falls and limestone pavement. The circular walk through the falls should take around 2 hours. The walk itself isn’t difficult but does have steps up and down – not suitable for wheelchair users or people with a disability that would make walking difficult. Whitescar caves are open seasonally and are weather dependant. www.thisisingleton.co.uk - Ingleton official site www.whitescarcave.co.uk - The caves and pavement |
Settle
Settle is a small market town in The Yorkshire Dales national park. It has lots of nice little shops and cafes and is accessible via the Settle-Carlisle scenic railway (which you can catch daily from Kirkby Stephen Railway Station) as well as by road. www.settle-carlisle.co.uk - Settle-Carlisle railway www.yorkshire.com/places/yorkshire-dales/settle – Visit Yorkshire - Settle |
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Skipton and Malham – 60 mins
The town of Skipton is another traditional Yorkshire town with cute shops, a market, lovely cafes and restaurants as well as a beautiful, historic castle. Only another 10 minute drive away lies the idyllic village of Malham. Malham features on Harry Potter and the deathly hallows with views from cove. This walk is very steep but relatively short (40 minutes) and amazing views. Gordale scar and Janet’s Foss walks are also short and withing a 5 minute drive from the cite village. Malham itself also has a working forge where you can take courses in iron work if you book well enough in advance. www.yorkshire.com/places/yorkshire-dales/skipton – Visit Yorkshire - Skipton www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/ - Skipton castle |
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Grassington – 80 minutes
Grassington is a smaller town which has also been used in several movie and tv adaptations due to its traditional market area. Most recently, a remake of all creatures great and small was filmed there - due to be aired in late 2020. Another lovely town for a walk around and a bit of shopping. www.grassington.uk.com - Grassington official site |
Other attractions in the Yorkshire dales and around the Grassington area….
Bolton Abbey – Owned by The Duke of Devonshire: A place of beautiful ruins and family walks. www.boltonabbey.com The Forbidden Corner – Family sculpture park: Amazing sculpture park for the whole family. www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk |
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Hawes – 30 minutes
Hawes is an excellent way to loop back from Skipton, Settle and Grassington or is a lovely place to visit on its own. The home of Wensleydale cheese, favourite of Wallace and Gromit, it’s a great stop off at their cheese factory (not dog friendly). The village itself is full of lovely shops and cafes including a craft church on the high street. Wensleydale creamery – Cheese factory - www.wensleydale.co.uk Hawes official site - www.yorkshire.com/places/yorkshire-dales/hawes |
On your way back up from further in the dales to Hawes itself, you will pass by the Settle-Carlisle railway’s Ribbleshead viaduct (as seen before) which is worth a stop off on the way home.
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Round trip 2
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Staveley – 20 minutes
Kendal is a lovely town and “gateway to the lakes” but the place to hit on the way in is the tiny village of Staveley. This tiny little village has one of the best cafes around for a lunch stop off (and its dog friendly). Wilf’s café does great hearty lunches for the family. You can sit out by the river and eat your lunch then take a wonder over to the Hawkshead brewery across the road. An excellent start to the day. Wilf’s cafe - www.wilfs-cafe.co.uk Staveley official site - www.exploresouthlakeland.co.uk/enjoy/towns-and-villages/staveley Hawkshead brewery - www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk Kendal official site - visit-kendal.co.uk |
Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside – 35 minutes.
All of the towns along the lakes themselves are beautiful. There isn’t one that’s better than the other, its really down to personal taste. It is popular so it will be busy. Ge there early to park up and have a ride on the Lakes Cruises, take a boat out yourself like Swallows and Amazons, visit the Beatrix potter museum (adorable for kids and adults alike) and visit the tiny house in Ambleside. This tiny Bridge house is owned by the national trust and is totally cute. You can spend several days in these little towns exploring all the tourist attractions. A hidden gem however if you want to enjoy something a bit different is Zeffirelli's cinema and restaurant. This traditional 1940’s style cinema serves alcohol, has the comfiest seats, and is all round a little treasure. Their adjoining restaurant serves delicious veggie food and can be combined with a cinema ticket deal. Visit The Lake District - www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting Windermere lakes cruise - www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk Zeffirelli's - www.zeffirellis.com The Beatrix Potter experience - www.hop-skip-jump.com Bridge house Ambleside - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ambleside/features/bridge-house---a-17th-century-survivor |
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Hawkshead and Near Sawrey – 60 minutes
Hawkshead and the tiny hamlet of Near Sawrey are where Beatrix Potter lived and worked. Her actual house which features heavily in her books and drawings is in near Sawrey and is a National Trust attraction. It really is worth a visit but is more for the adult fans. There is little in the way of things for children here and they may prefer the Beatrix Potter experience in Bowness. However, adults will find her home to be well worth a visit. Hawkshead is a lovely little village on the opposite side of the Lake to Ambleside. Park down by the school in the pay and display and have a wonder around the little village,. It’s full of character and has lots of little shops and cafes to enjoy. There is also a cat café if you feel like a change of scenery as well as the little ice cream shop. Also in the area is Grizedale forest and visitors centre. This has a “Go Ape” centre attached, beautiful walks and attractions in the woods for the whole family. There are activities here often so its worth checking their website to see if there is anything special on the day of your visit. Hilltop farm - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top Hawkshead official site - www.hawkshead-village.co.uk Grizedale forest - www.forestryengland.uk/grizedale Kittchen cat café - www.kittchen.co.uk The little ice cream shop - www.thelittleicecreamshop.com/about |
Grasmere and onto Keswick – 90 minutes through the lakes or 35 minutes via Penrith.
Driving up through the lakes is beautiful in itself and there are so many beautiful places to stop it would be impossible to mention them all. However, Grasmere is a particularly nice place to stop and happens to be the site of The Wordsworth Museum – well worth a visit. As you drive further north to Keswick there are several viewing points along the road for you to stop and enjoy. Keswick itself is a beautiful town with lots of interesting shops and cafes. In my opinion it is the best place for shopping in the lakes with lots of local Artists and quirky outdoor shops to explore. The theatre by the lake is a great place to enjoy if there is something on that takes your fancy. If theatre isn’t your thing then take a drive a few miles out of Keswick to Castlerigg stone circle and enjoy (what I believe to be) the best view in the lakes (which most people miss). If you’re feeling like a bit of a weirder trip to Keswick try to the world of illusions or the Famous Pencil Museum. Wordsworth museum - wordsworth.org.uk Keswick official site - www.keswick.org The theatre by the lake - www.theatrebythelake.com Pencil Museum - www.derwentart.com/en-gb/c/about/company/derwent-pencil-museum Keswick illusion museum - www.puzzlingplace.mobi Castlerigg stone circle - www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castlerigg-stone-circle |
Other place to see in and around the lakes:
Rheged discover centre – pottery painting, cinema, cafes and shops - www.rheged.com
Lowther Castle – Folly, shops and café - www.lowthercastle.org
Larch cottage nurseries – garden centre and café - www.larchcottage.co.uk
Karma Llama café – Llama café and llama walking (pre-book) - www.llamakarmakafe.co.uk
Sizergh castle and farm shop - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh
Windermere chain ferry - www.visitcumbria.com/amb/bowness-ferry
Wray castle Windermere - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle
Rheged discover centre – pottery painting, cinema, cafes and shops - www.rheged.com
Lowther Castle – Folly, shops and café - www.lowthercastle.org
Larch cottage nurseries – garden centre and café - www.larchcottage.co.uk
Karma Llama café – Llama café and llama walking (pre-book) - www.llamakarmakafe.co.uk
Sizergh castle and farm shop - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh
Windermere chain ferry - www.visitcumbria.com/amb/bowness-ferry
Wray castle Windermere - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle
The North East places of interest
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Barnard Castle – 30 minutes
A favourite destination of Dominic Cummings, Barnard Castle is a beautiful old town filled with antique shops and cafes. It is also the home of The Bowes Museum (sister of the V&A in London). They have fantastic collections acquired by the Bowes-Lyon family as well as exhibits on loan from the V&A. The town itself and the village of Bowes have links to Charles Dickens’s book Nicholas Nickleby and there are plaques denoting these throughout the town. Drive past Barnard Castle School and you can also visit Egglestone Abbey ruins just 5 minutes away from the town centre. The Bowes Museum - www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Barnard Castle - www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/barnard-castle Egglestone Abbey - www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/egglestone-abbey |
High Force- Teesdale – 40 minutes
High and Low force waterfalls are beautiful and easily reached from the hotel. You can either travel via Barnard Castle or head over the fells is the weather permits. Teesdale itself is full of idyllic villages such as Romaldkirk and Cotherstone which are beautiful to drive through. Park up at High force and take the 15 minute walk to the falls. You can take a longer walk between the two falls but this is not suitable for people who find fell walking difficult. High force - www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/high-force-waterfall-p26441 |
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Alston and Killhope mine
Weardale is a long dale stretching from the heart of County Durham straight across to the very edge of Cumbria. Alston sits at the Cumbrian end of the valley and is a very small town with lovely small cafes and a few shops. It doesn’t get more “dalesman” than this. Further along Weardale is Killhope lead mine. This is a brilliant educational day out for the family and a chance to see the harsh conditions the miners of County Durham endured. If you’re brave enough you can head down the mine itself. Head back along the dale in the direction of Stanhope to make a full loop back round to Teesdale, Barnard Castle and back to Cumbria. Alston - www.visitcumbria.com/evnp/alston Killhope lead mining museum - www.killhope.org.uk |
Hadrian’s Wall – 1 hour to 1 hours depending on which area of the wall you go to.
Hadrian’s wall is the barrier built by the Roman Army as the border between the Roman Empire and the world beyond. This really is an amazing place to visit and there are various places along the wall for you to see Roman settlements, active archaeological digs and walk along some of the remaining wall. Vindolanda and Housesteads are possibly some of the best places to see Hadrian’s wall and a full roman settlement with museum, live dig, café and tourist centre. This is definitely a highlight for any history lover! Vindolanda – www.vindolanda.com Housesteads - www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/housesteads-roman-fort-hadrians-wall |
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Beamish – Open air living museum – 1 hour
Beamish is one of the greatest places to visit (in my opinion) in the whole of the north. It is several small hamlets and houses with a full village built in Beamish park to resemble a Georgian/Victorian northern town. It has real working Victorian shops, farms, trains, mines and cafés all manned by actors who complete the experience. It is totally fantastic and very educational. The only way to describe it is to go and spend a full day – get ready for your mind to be blown. It’s a very full day so set off early. Beamish - www.beamish.org.uk |
Durham city – 70 minutes
Durham city is stunning in so many ways and well worth a visit. Take a wonder around its beautiful old streets, enjoy the lovely bookshops and cafes, explore Durham Cathedral and learn about the ancient history of this part of the country. Keep an eye out on the Cathedral’s website for performances inside as well as special events that happen throughout the year, Kynren is a wonderful festival of British History that happens just outside of Durham every year – if you’re here at the right time you’re very lucky and should try and snap up some tickets. The same can be said for Durham Lumiere festival of light and the Christmas markets. Durham - www.thisisdurham.com Durham Cathedral - www.durhamcathedral.co.uk Kynren - www.kynren.com Lumiere - www.lumiere-festival.com |
Further afield – a full day out
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Gretna Green - 1 hour
This is the border village with Scotland where people used to flee to get married throughout history. Take a trip to their visitors centre and get a lucky horse shoe from the famous blacksmiths and drive a little further north to cross the Scottish border. Don't forget to buy some haggis also, its surprisingly good. www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk/places-to-go/gretna-green-visitor-centre Bamburgh castle and beach, Alnwick and Seahouses (Northumberland) - 2-3 hours These beautiful northern beach towns are absolutely stunning and steeped in history. Spend a day on the beach at Bamburgh Castle, explore the poison gardens at Alnwick Castle (featured in the Harry Potter movies), wonder around the lovely town of Alnwick itself for some shopping and lunch and venture to Seahouses to feel that North Sea breeze. Bamburgh castle – www.bamburghcastle.com Alnwick castle - www.alnwickcastle.com Seahouses - www.visitnorthumberland.com/seahouses Northumbria County Website - www.visitnorthumberland.com |
Newcastle – 80 minutes
Newcastle is a bustling northern city with plenty to see and do. If you fancy a shopping spree, head to Eldon Garden in the city centre or Intu Metro centre. The city centre itself has all the big shops you would expect from any big city. Jesmond is a lovely area of the city to explore also as well as the quayside. Newcastle’s nightlife is well known – get the fake tan out. Newcastle - www.newcastlegateshead.com Discovery museum - www.discoverymuseum.org.uk Life centre - www.life.org.uk Hancock museum - www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk Sage Theatre Gateshead - www.sagegateshead.com |
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Whitby, Staithes and Robin Hood’s bay – 90 minutes to 100 minutes
Whitby, Staithes and Robin Hood’s bay are gorgeous seaside villages on the Yorkshire coast. Whitby is the biggest of the three and home of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. On one side of the bay you have a historic abbey, quaint shops and traditional fish and chips. On the other you have 1950s seaside fun with beaches, donkey rides, arcades and The Dracula Experience. It’s great fun for the whole family. If you want something a little quieter, Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes are smaller villages (on very steep hills and inaccessible by car) with traditional fishing village aesthetics. They both have little shops, rocky beaches with adorable seaside cafes. Fun days out for the whole family! If you have any kind of mobility issue I would recommend Whitby as it’s bigger and has easier access. You can also drive up to the abbey if necessary rather than climbing the steps. Whitby - www.visitwhitby.com Staithes - www.yorkshire.com/places/yorkshire-coast/staithes Robin Hood’s bay - www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk |
York – 1.45 hours – 2 hours
The ancient town of York is one of the oldest cities in the UK. The home of Viking settlers, it plays host to fabulous castles, York Minster, old cobbled shopping streets (The Shambles) and Jorvik Viking museum. York also has beautiful upmarket shopping and some of the poshest restaurants in the north. Have a look and see if Jorvik Viking festival is on or the Christmas markets before you visit as both are a real treat. You may need to book Jorvik museum in advance as it has a sit on guided ride but it is well worth a visit. York - www.visityork.org Jorvik museum - www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk |
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Harrogate – 1.30 hours
The town of Harrogate is another jewel of Yorkshire. With lovely shops and cafes it is another lovely place to visit. Betty’s of Harrogate has a café here as well as in York and is a must for a traditional English afternoon tea. Harrogate - www.visitharrogate.co.uk Betty’s of Harroagte - www.bettys.co.uk/cafe-tea-rooms/our-locations/bettys-harrogate |
Cragside – 2 hours
Cragside is a beautiful stately home, National Trust property and gardens in Northumberland. The home of Victorian engineer Lord Armstrong and his wife, Lady Margaret, it is full to the brim with inventions and ground-breaking architecture. His home truly is remarkable and was cutting edge when it was build, as the first home with electric. The gardens are equally gorgeous and well worth a walk around. Take a guided tour for the full experience as there is lots of things you would miss if you didn’t know what you were looking at. Cragside - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside |
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Lancaster – 40 minutes
The small city of Lancaster is only a short drive from the hotel. Lancaster boasts a wonderful castle, beautiful park and some wonderful architecture. It’s maybe not a full day out but definitely worth a stop for lunch and a moosey round. Lancaster - www.visitlancashire.com/explore/lancaster |
Raby Castle – County Durham - 45 minutes
Raby Castle is a beautiful castle, walled garden, café and shop which is a wonderful day out for the whole family. There is a woodland adventure play park for children, castle tours are taken throughout the day and the walled garden is just beautiful. A lovely day out. Raby Castle - www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle |
Lindisfarne/Holy Isle – 2.30 hours
Lindisfarne is a jewel of the north! Holy Isle is a small island with a big history around a mile off the Northumberland coast, It is reachable by a causeway which is only accessible a few times a day so make sure you get there in time before the sea cuts the island off… and make sure you don’t get stuck on the island when the tide comes in. The island was invaded by Viking raiders over hundreds of years. They raided the Christian monasteries on the island taking treasure and slaves back to Scandinavia. Nowadays, you can visit the many historic sights and ruins on the island with museums that explain its complex history. The village itself is also lovely with cafes and Celtic craft shops to enjoy. The island is also home to Lindisfarne mead (traditional honey wine) – go and try it, its delicious.
Lindisfarne - www.lindisfarne.org.uk
Lindisfarne causeway crossing times - www.holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk
Lindisfarne is a jewel of the north! Holy Isle is a small island with a big history around a mile off the Northumberland coast, It is reachable by a causeway which is only accessible a few times a day so make sure you get there in time before the sea cuts the island off… and make sure you don’t get stuck on the island when the tide comes in. The island was invaded by Viking raiders over hundreds of years. They raided the Christian monasteries on the island taking treasure and slaves back to Scandinavia. Nowadays, you can visit the many historic sights and ruins on the island with museums that explain its complex history. The village itself is also lovely with cafes and Celtic craft shops to enjoy. The island is also home to Lindisfarne mead (traditional honey wine) – go and try it, its delicious.
Lindisfarne - www.lindisfarne.org.uk
Lindisfarne causeway crossing times - www.holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk
