"Saw the red squirrels every morning before going on trips."
Lin B from United Kingdom
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"The hotel is in an delicate area for walking and visiting the red squirrel Sanctuary which is around two minutes walk from the hotel reception."
Karen B from United Kingdom
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"A very short walk outside takes you to some beautiful woodland where you are able to watch the red squirrels feed and play which is just gorgeous."
nmaidwell123 from United Kingdom
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"Take a walk up through the woods to see the red squirrels. Very tranquil break"
Terry H from United Kingdom
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"Beautiful setting with red squirrels in the woods within the grounds."
Chestercity55 from United Kingdom
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3-star country house hotel in 30 acres of woodland with red squirrel sanctuary
Accommodation & Grounds
The hotel offers rooms with en suite facilities and satellite TV, many with countryside views across the Cumbrian hills. Guests have access to 30 acres of woodland and wildlife, including a red squirrel conservation site with bird feeders and a stream. A games room provides a small gym and a snooker table, while walking tours and hiking trails start from the property.
Dining & Entertainment
The Birkbeck Restaurant has an Art Deco dining room with river views and serves traditional Cumbrian cuisine. Evening entertainment includes live music, stand-up comedy, themed dinner nights, and a weekly quiz night. The Riverside Lounge and Bar offers light meals and drinks, while the Fell Lounge has a 50-inch flat-screen TV and log fires.
Business Facilities
The hotel has seven conference rooms with natural daylight and flexible capacity for business events. Complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking at both the front and rear of the hotel are included. Express check-in/check-out and luggage storage are available for business travelers.
Family & Pet-Friendly
The hotel provides family rooms, kids' meals, and access to outdoor activities like bike tours, darts, and table tennis. Dogs are welcomed with a dedicated pet-friendly block and a charge of £15 per night. The grounds offer walking paths, a waterfall, and a red squirrel feeding area that children can enjoy.
Location & Heritage
The hotel sits between Penrith and Kendal, just five minutes from the M6 motorway, making it accessible yet secluded. Originally built in 1833 as a Victorian spa resort, the building has original details like an oak-panelled foyer and open fire. The property is within walking distance of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park entrances, with Appleby Golf Club nearby.
Highlights
Wildlife: Red squirrel sanctuary in 30 acres of private woodland
Heritage: Victorian spa building from 1833 with oak-panelled foyer
Location: 5 minutes from M6, near Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
Dining: Art Deco Birkbeck Restaurant and Riverside Lounge
Business: Seven conference rooms with natural daylight
Must-do experiences
Hike to High Street, the best viewpoint of the surrounding fells.
Try the local Cumberland sausage at The Greyhound Inn for dinner.
Visit the lovely Shap Abbey ruins for a glimpse into history.
Explore the hidden gems at Shap Market, held every Saturday.
Enjoy handcrafted ales at the Shap Brewery for a unique tasting.
Choose your room category
Shap Wells Hotel offers double, family, and suite rooms throughout the Lake District, all including breakfast, free cancellation, and seasonal deals
Family Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
room details
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
15 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
room details
Single Room
2 persons
8 m²
1 Single bed
Heating
room details
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Room Rates & Availability Calendar
See current rates and availability for the Lake District now!
Amenities
Shap Wells Hotel provides amenities designed for a relaxing stay and memorable moments
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Luggage storage
Lift
Vending machines
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Hiking
Billiard tables
Darts
Table tennis
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Where to Find Shap Wells Hotel
Shap, Shap, CA10 3QU,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Shap Summit
1.15 km
Landmark
King Charles II Monument
2.78 km
Landmark
Wicker Street Cairn
3.31 km
Landmark
White Hag Stone Circle
3.48 km
Landmark
Oddendale Stone Circles
3.58 km
Landmark
Shap Abbey
6.23 km
Landmark
Robin Hood's Grave
4 km
Landmark
Tebay Services Northbound M6
4.32 km
Landmark
Sherry Gill Baryte Mine
4.12 km
Landmark
Greenholme
4.79 km
Landmark
Cairn
4.43 km
Landmark
ancient settlement
4.48 km
Landmark
The George Hotel
4.6 km
Church
All Saints Church
4.68 km
Landmark
Orton Methodist Church
4.7 km
Landmark
Mountain Rat Adventures
4.78 km
Castle
National Trust
5.52 km
Landmark
Hollin Stump round cairn
4.96 km
Landmark
Silver Yard Gallery
6.22 km
Church
St Lawrence's Church
6.76 km
Nearby
Castle Knowe
230 m
Queen Victoria Statue
240 m
Explore Shap
Experience Shap and Beyond
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Castle Knowe
3 minutes' walk
An ancient burial site offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for a brief historical visit.
Queen Victoria Statue
3 minutes' walk
A notable statue commemorating Queen Victoria with scenic surroundings, ideal for a quick photo opportunity.
Shap Abbey
15-minute drive
Historic ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey with stunning architecture, offering a glimpse into medieval history.
Robin Hood's Grave
10-minute drive
A popular site featuring the legendary Robin Hood's burial place, steeped in folklore and surrounded by quaint paths.
Mountain Biking
10-minute drive
Thrilling biking trails suitable for all levels await nearby. Rentals available at local shops for your adventure.
Walks in Shap
10 minutes walking
Scenic walking trails around Shap provide a relaxing experience surrounded by nature, with various routes to explore.
The George Hotel
10-minute drive
Traditional British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Known for their hearty Sunday roasts and local ales. Reservations suggested.
Kirkby Stephen Bistro
15-minute drive
Charming bistro offering a mix of local and international dishes with seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian options available.
The George Hotel Bar
10-minute drive
A lively bar with regular live music nights, offering a mix of local brews and classic cocktails. Family-friendly ambiance.
Shap Local Theatre
15-minute drive
Community theater offering a variety of performances, from dramas to comedies. Family shows and open mic nights are favorites.
Local transport options
City Centre
Shap 8 min · 5.3 km
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 95 min · 62.8 km
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 160 min · 106.6 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:30
Check-out
from 03:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A continental breakfast is served at affordable prices.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
99
Former name
Best Western Shap Wells Hotel
Guest Reviews & Ratings
Read what past guests have said about their stay at Shap Wells Hotel
Cleanliness
8.1/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.1/10
Location
8.5/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Attentive staff
Natural surroundings
Comfortable rooms
Quality dining
Value for money
Cons
Cleanliness issues
Room condition
Guest reviews
based on 934 reviews
7.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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