A large, old-fashioned hotel near Penrith suited to walkers and families wanting quiet countryside days and easy access to the northern Lakes.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Shap Wells Hotel
Shap Wells Hotel suits travellers after a slower-paced break rather than a boutique city stay: walkers, families and anyone happy to trade sleek design for space, quiet grounds and easy access to the northern Lakes. Set among its own countryside surroundings near Penrith, it has a distinctly old-world character, with red squirrels regularly spotted on the grounds and plenty of scope for scenic walks straight from the door.
The hotel has 100 rooms across three floors, including family rooms, an accessible option and a bridal suite, all en-suite, though some rooms lean small and could do with updating. Facilities stretch to a restaurant, bar, gym, garden, lift and a games room with snooker and table tennis, and staff are consistently helpful. Breakfasts are hearty and the evening menu varied, with packed lunches and kids' meals also available for those out walking or driving further afield.
Beyond the grounds there's fishing, cycling, horse riding and watersports nearby, plus pubs and restaurants within reach for evenings out. Free on-site parking makes it a practical base for exploring Cumbria without needing to be right in the thick of the Lakes themselves.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Enjoyed our holiday here. It is in the middle of nowhere but we knew that. The rooms are dated but we were comfortable enough. The public areas are ok but there are cobwebs and needs a good clean. The food was cooked beautifully, but the buffet breakfast was always cold. Such a shame. Evening meal was always tasty and varied. The staff were excellent. All in all we enjoyed our stay.
2 months ago · via Google
Just got back from staying at this hotel on a Majestic coach holiday. Staff were friendly, the hotel spotlessly clean and the meals were all superb. Rooms did vary in size but we were lucky to have a spacious twin room with great facilities. The tv reception wasent perfect but this may well have been due to its remote location. Enjoyable stay 👍
a month ago · via Google
So our room had a window that was screwed shut, so no ventilation and no A/C. When we enquired at reception for a move to better room we were told they were full and maintenance man doesn't work weekends. Not good enough. There were other issues which can be down to age of building, and although staff were trying to be helpful they were lacking in skills in hospitality in my view. The games room was a bonus, snooker table and pool table, but no cues, apparently someone must have stolen them. Also gym and table tennis, the place was filthy with floor tiles all loose causing an health and safety risk. No one went down and cleaned it while we were there. The hotel is quiet out of the way, old and requiring an uplift. We had breakfast and were going to eat at the hotel that evening but we went out to eat because we didn't think evening meal would be good judging by breakfast. Would we stay here again, sorry we wouldn't, it needs cleaners spending more time cleaning, it requires a cleaning rota to include the whole hotel so every area gets cleaned, some windows were covered in cobwebs, games room left to rot and not very inviting. In the dining room cups and plated were left on tables with no one going round removing them and cleaning tables for next guests, we had to ask for coffee they gave us our cups but forgot the tea and coffee. No one was keeping an eye on the hot plate when beans ran out and didn't get topped up until I mentioned it to a member of staff. So I think a staff shortage is the problem, Including the poor single bar tender who was struggling to serve drinks and clean grasses.
2 months ago · via Google
Had a fantastic 5days at Shaps Well Hotel. Cant understand why it only 3 stars! The hotel has so much history to it and is a lovely oldie worldie place. The staff were polite and friendly and the food was amazing. I am coeliac and they were amazing with GF. 5 stars all round. Well done guys, will be back again one day 😊
4 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers delicious food, including hearty breakfasts and varied evening meals, and features a games room with snooker and table tennis. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the charming old-world atmosphere, and the opportunity to see red squirrels on the grounds.
Some reviews mention the rooms can be small and dated.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Staff House, B6261, Shap, Penrith, CA10 3QU Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Shap, Penrith
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Penrith