The Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Exterior photoThe Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Exterior photoThe Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Restaurant photo
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From96US$ /night
Check-in
31May2026Select date
Check-out
01Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

38 Market Steet, Kirkby Stephen, United Kingdom, CA17 4QW
-
Close to Kirkby Stephen Parish Church
Very good
7.0
6.4
/10
4.7
/5

Dining Experience

The Black Bull Hotel offers a diverse menu focused on traditional British dishes. Guests can enjoy notable items like the slow-cooked belly pork and festive cheesecake. Seasonal specialties are prepared using quality ingredients, making each meal a highlight of the stay.

Room Accommodations

Nine comfortable rooms are available for guests looking to relax after exploring the scenic Yorkshire Dales or Lake District. Each room accommodates visitors and their four-legged friends, ensuring a welcoming experience for pet owners. This setup promotes convenience for families and walkers alike.

Location

Situated on Market Street, The Black Bull Hotel is at the center of Kirkby Stephen's historic market town. Proximity to the Upper Eden Visitors Centre allows guests to easily access local attractions and community activity. This position makes it a strategic base for those exploring the stunning nearby landscapes.

Entertainment Options

Live music and immersive sports events create a lively atmosphere at The Black Bull Hotel. The establishment also organizes festive celebrations, such as themed parties and holiday events. Guests can engage in social gatherings that embody the spirit of the season.

Family and Pet Amenities

The Black Bull Hotel welcomes families with children, offering a menu with kid-friendly options. Spacious seating areas encourage shared family meals, enhancing the dining experience. Pets are accommodated in guest rooms, making the hotel a great choice for families traveling with their dogs.

Highlights

Dining: menu packed with the most appetising dishes

Rooms: 9 comfortable rooms

Location: heart of the historic market town

Entertainment: live music and immersive sport

“This historic hotel in Kirkby Stephen serves as a comfortable base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. It's a pet-friendly spot with a lively pub atmosphere. Expect engaging communal spaces and traditional British fare.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The Black Bull Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Bathtub
Superior Family Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Bathtub
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Bathtub

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The Black Bull Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Nice
6.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Luggage storage

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Services

  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
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Dining Onsite

At the Black Bull Hotel, the onsite dining experience highlights traditional British culinary delights amidst a cozy, inviting atmosphere. From hearty breakfasts to indulgent dinners, there's a special dish waiting for every palate with thoughtful options for various dietary needs.
The Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Traditional British
Ambiance
A traditional setting that exudes warmth, perfect for a casual meal or a cozy gathering.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include an 8oz rump steak served with freshly beer-battered chips and onion rings. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, alongside a tempting Lotus Biscoff sundae to conclude your meal.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Open Monday to Sunday with varying hours: Monday (12:00 - 20:00), Tuesday (12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 20:00), Wednesday (12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 20:00), Thursday (12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 20:00), Friday & Saturday (12:00 - 20:00), Sunday (12:00 - 18:00).

The Black Bull Hotel Location

38 Market Steet, Kirkby Stephen, United Kingdom, CA17 4QW
Map view
38 Market Steet, Kirkby Stephen, United Kingdom, CA17 4QW
Nearby
Bridge
Franks Bridge
800 ft
The Vicarage
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church
600 ft
Restaurants
The Archway Fish and Chips
200 ft
36 Market Street
Costa Coffee
200 ft
51/34 Market Street
The Bothy Cumbria Ltd
500 ft
18-20 Market Street
Explore Kirkby Stephen
Explore Kirkby Stephen
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Franks Bridge
3 minutes' walk
Historic stone bridge offering picturesque views of the River Eden and local wildlife.
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church
3 minutes' walk
Gothic architecture church known for its stunning stained glass and tranquil churchyard.
Stenkrith Park
18 minutes' walk
Scenic park featuring walking trails, picnic spots, and a playground for families.
Brough Castle
8 minutes' drive
Historic ruins with fascinating history and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Platform 3 Play
15 minutes' walk
Adventure playground ideal for families; features climbing frames and slides for kids.
Hiking at Pendragon Castle
7 minutes' drive
Challenging hike to castle ruins; great reward with stunning views for thrill-seekers.
Yoga Sessions
10 minutes' walk
Local yoga studio offers classes for relaxation; suitable for all levels and drop-in guests welcome.
The Archway Fish and Chips
1 minute' walk
Traditional British fish and chips with a cozy atmosphere; famous for crispy batter.
The Bothy Cumbria Ltd
2 minutes' walk
Farm-to-table dining featuring local ingredients; signature dishes include homemade pies.
Costa Coffee
1 minute' walk
Popular café chain offering coffee, pastries, and light bites in a comfortable setting.
Local Pub Scene
5 minutes' walk
Lively pubs nearby feature live music nights and local ales; great for evening relaxation.
Temperance Hall Museum
100 minutes' walk
Museum dedicated to local history and costume; also hosts themed tea events and exhibits.
Getting around
City Centre
Kirkby Stephen3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)118 min  ·  48.6 mi
Durham Tees Valley (MME)120 min  ·  49.7 mi
Train
Kirkby Stephen Train Station29 min  ·  1.5 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
9

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Black Bull Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Black Bull Hotel is conveniently located right in the centre of town, making it easy to explore nearby shops and attractions after a drive through the dales. Guests often appreciate the spacious rooms, some featuring modern washrooms and large flat-screen TVs, plus comfortable beds for a restful night. While some guests have found the decor a bit dated, many enjoy the convenience of the pub downstairs for drinks and meals and the free car park just a short walk away.
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Review score
Based on 298 verified reviews
7.0/10
Very good
61%
Recommend
Location
8.7/10
Staff
8.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.1/10
Facilities
6.9/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Convenient location
Quick check-in
Clean rooms
Rooms available
Cons
Room mix-up
No real ales
Unsafe flooring
Disappointing breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 298 reviews
7.0/10
based on 424 reviews
7.0/10
Luke from United Kingdom
Family with children
Twin Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 25, 2026
6/10

an ok stay

cold roomhanging wires
my room was pretty cold when i arrived late. i had to ask for the heat to be turned on, and i really wished it was warmer when i first got there. the room was also a bit worse for wear. i noticed some wires hanging out in the bathroom and a couple of the light bulbs werent working either. it reminded me of some stuff need fixing.
0 Helpful
dominic from united kingdom
Family with children
superior family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 28, 2025
8.7/10

a great stay at this town hotel

large roomquality linenclean bathroomloud music
the room was large and clean. quality bed linen and towels were provided. i found the drinks to be sensibly priced. the family bathroom was large and clean.
music was very loud downstairs on saturday night. i could hear it even with ear plugs. the toilet flush broke. there was no breakfast even though it was relatively expensive.
Dining
8/10
i saw that the hotel has a restaurant. i saw a menu with multiple options. the prices seemed reasonable. i didn't have a chance to try any of the food.
Location
9/10
The hotel is central. the location was very good. it is close to shops and restaurants. i could easily walk to different parts of the town. It was very convenient for exploring.
Rooms
9/10
the room included quality bed linen. towels were fluffy and clean. i liked that our family room was spacious. the family bathroom was well kept and had enough space for everyone.
0 Helpful
|
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Aiden from Ireland
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 27, 2025
8.5/10

Simple Overnight Stay

quick accesscomfy bedbig bath
The location allowed quick access to restaurants and shops within walking distance. The room was reasonably sized. I found a big bath, which I always appreciate. The bed was comfy and perfect for a single night (maybe two).
I noticed a lack of immediate staff presence upon arrival as reception was managed at the bar. It was a minor inconvenience.
Facilities
8/10
The central location granted easy access to nearby shops and restaurants. Getting around was simple. There were no obvious issues in the immediate vicinity of the building. (Everything I needed was close).
Rooms
9/10
My room featured a private bathroom. I found the bed comfortable. A decent TV was included. The size was adequate for an overnight stay. The availability of coffee was great.
0 Helpful
|
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Questions of the users
About The Black Bull Hotel
Is it possible to bring my dog during my stay?
14 January 2024
Yes, dogs are welcome, but an additional charge of £5 per night applies.
Is there any parking available near the hotel?
22 February 2024
There are plenty of parking options in the surrounding area.
Are there facilities for secure bicycle storage?
10 March 2024
Yes, secure cycle storage is available at no extra charge for bicycles.
Can you provide assistance with local transportation options?
15 April 2024
A local taxi company can be contacted for transportation assistance as needed.
Is breakfast included with the room rate?
5 May 2024
Breakfast is not currently included in the room rates.
Are there gluten-free options available on the menu?
18 June 2024
Gluten-free menu options are being developed and will be available soon.
Is there a nearby location where I can park if there is no space at the hotel?
24 July 2024
Alternative parking is available in the local area if necessary.
What festive activities are planned for the Christmas season?
1 October 2024
Festive cheer will fill the air with a three-course festive menu and holiday celebrations.
Does the pub offer a unique menu for the August Bank Holiday?
3 September 2024
Yes, a special menu promoting summer festivities will be available during the August Bank Holiday.
What type of cuisine can I expect during my stay?
12 November 2024
Expect seriously good pub food featuring traditional favorites and indulgent flavors from the menu.
How can I book a table for a festive gathering or event?
8 December 2024
Bookings can be made directly through the website for festive gatherings or events.

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