Business Details
Boutique Hotel in Middleham, North Yorkshire | The Wensleydale Hotel
The Wensleydale Hotel, a Grade II listed property in Middleham, North Yorkshire, has been lovingly restored by the Merchie family since their acquisition in 2019. Our historic hotel blends traditional charm with modern comforts, featuring characterful bedrooms with original architectural details, luxury bedding, and contemporary bathrooms. The Tack Room Restaurant showcases local Yorkshire produce alongside antique equestrian decor, celebrating the region's racing heritage. Led by Fiona Merchie, whose hospitality expertise complements her French wine background, and supported by sons Monty and Hugo, we combine international culinary experience with genuine Yorkshire hospitality.Our property features include dog-friendly accommodations, curated local experiences through partner Muddy Boots Guided Walks, and proximity to Middleham Castle. We maintain rigorous fire safety protocols and environmental initiatives while offering flexible booking terms, including seasonal offers and bespoke gift vouchers.
Services
Accommodation
Fine Dining
Gift Vouchers
Local Tours
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- Family-run heritage hotel with Grade II listed architecture
- Luxury amenities including Temple Spa toiletries and Egyptian cotton linens
- Award-winning restaurant showcasing Yorkshire produce
- Expertly curated local walking experiences with Muddy Boots
- Flexible booking options with direct rate guarantees
Services
Accommodation
Our 32 refurbished guest rooms feature period architecture with modern comforts including Egyptian cotton linens, Temple Spa toiletries, and 32" flatscreen TVs. Options range from single rooms to junior suites, with select dog-friendly accommodations and castle-view rooms. The property combines historic features like oak beams and inglenook fireplaces with contemporary amenities.
Fine Dining
The Tack Room Restaurant serves seasonal menus using local Yorkshire ingredients in a setting adorned with antique riding equipment. Open Wednesday-Sunday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring special menus for occasions like New Year's Eve. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Local Tours
Partnering with Muddy Boots Guided Discovery Walks, we offer tailored hiking experiences through Yorkshire Dales National Park. Qualified guide Matt creates custom routes suitable for all abilities, from casual strolls to challenging hikes, with expert local knowledge of the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Event Hosting
We host special events including murder mystery dinners and seasonal celebrations. The hotel offers flexible spaces for private functions with bespoke menus, supported by comprehensive event planning assistance and special booking terms for group reservations.
Gift Vouchers
Available for dining experiences, overnight stays, or custom monetary values starting at 25. Vouchers can be tailored for specific services like Sunday lunch for two or deluxe packages, with delivery options via email or postal service.
People
Fiona Merchie
Hotel Manager
Yorkshire-born hospitality professional with extensive experience in hotel management and wine trade. Oversees daily operations while maintaining family commitment to quality service.
Monty Merchie
Hotel Staff
Trained in hospitality through international experiences in Venice and Europe. Contributes to guest services with multilingual capabilities and culinary expertise.
Hugo Merchie
Hotel Staff
Supports hotel operations with background in food and beverage management. Brings continental European hospitality experience to Yorkshire's premier heritage hotel.
Questions
How do I book a room directly with the hotel?
Visit our website's Rooms section or contact us directly at 01969 622 093 to book accommodations with our best rate guarantee.
What payment methods does the hotel accept?
We accept cash, all major credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and advance bank transfers for room bookings and services.
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
Dogs are welcome in designated bedrooms and bar areas with a £10 daily cleaning charge. Pets must not be left unattended.
What are the restaurant opening hours?
The Tack Room Restaurant serves breakfast 8:30-10:00, lunch 12:00-14:00, and dinner 18:00-21:00 Wednesday-Sunday.
Does the hotel offer cancellation flexibility?
We extend standard cancellation terms to 14 days for winter bookings, with specific policies applying to seasonal reservations.
How can guests access local attractions?
We partner with Muddy Boots Guided Walks and provide information on nearby Middleham Castle, Wensleydale Creamery, and Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Reviews (7)
Michael Maughan
Jan 28, 2020
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Good location overlooking the centre of the township and the castle beyond. You can't miss the sight and sound of racehorses on the roads, being taken out for training. The hotel is comfortable though I would suggest going for superior rooms. The staff were friendly, helpful and flexible. We stayed two nights and ate there both evenings as the food was good and they adapted the menu to accommodate dietary restrictions. The room was a little dated and there some minor issues but no real problems. We'll probably be back in the not too distant future.
Hammy
Nov 23, 2019
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Set in a lovely area, however the cleanliness of the room and hotel do leave something to be desired in as much as it was tired and not very clean. However the bedding was clean and bed comfortable. Wouldn't go back
Janis Rodmell
May 12, 2019
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Nice friendly hotel. Food is very good, Bedrooms quite small but have en-suite. Every Morning wakened by race horses going for exercise, absolutely an amazing site, the clip clopping of hooves on the cobbles. Would recommend this hotel, very unique.
Mrs. Helen Dowdall
Jan 08, 2019
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A very good Hotel. We had a Double standard room. The Shower though i find hasn't much room to move in & i burnt my arm on the bar arrached to the wall. Otherwise clean & the room refeshed every day. The food is excellent. We asked for the dressing not to be put on the dressing, but still did it. The cook cannot boil an egg Lol.
Martyn Pollard
Jan 06, 2019
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Friendly and helpful staff. Nice breakfast with plenty of choice. Rooms clean but fairly small. Bathroom clean and functional but small. Tv could be bigger.great area and nice village to stay in.
Rosemary
Sep 07, 2018
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Quaint and quirky but very hot with no air von or fans available at reception. Dinner good Breakfast plor with not all food available on menu. Staff welcoming. I am in my sixties and need a detachable shower head and none available in severL of the superoor rooms. With a bit of redecorating and imagination this could be a super hotel
Susan Queen
Jun 22, 2018
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Just spent two nights at this hotel that was very comfortable and warm. Staff very nice and obliging. We ate in the hotel on our first night which could have been better. I had pie which I found to be rather salty and the portion would not have been enough for a male. I had creme brulee for desert which was disappointing after I have tasted very good ones in the past. The breakfasts were very good and the lady serving was excellent.
