The Lion Hotel, Buckden (Cambridgeshire) ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

High Street, Buckden (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, PE19 5XA

Close to Grafham Water Park

Very good

7.2

/10

3.0

4.0

Loved by The Lion Hotel guests

Historic atmosphere
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Delicious breakfast
Great bed
Wonderful menu

"Ev room is a bit different and we loved the historic nature of the building and the many quirky features."

Bob&seringa from United Kingdom

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"Very historic old (1492!) coaching inn in the middle of the pleasant village of Buckden."

Roy from United States

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"The menu has a wide selection,and with nine people we covered quite a few."

Peter V from United Kingdom

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4-star historic coaching inn in Buckden, Cambridgeshire

Accommodations

The Lion Hotel offers a variety of accommodations with historical charm and modern amenities. Among the standout options are the Lion Signature Rooms, featuring Italian furniture, faux-fur adorned beds, and spacious en-suite bathrooms. Guests can unwind in the four-poster bed rooms, which include luxurious bathrooms and views of Buckden Towers.

Dining

The Ivy Room presents a romantic dining experience, suitable for family gatherings and special occasions. Guests can enjoy traditional dining options with local flair, all set within an inviting atmosphere. The hotel's bar area is also a welcoming spot for casual drinks and relaxing evenings.

Location

Located in Buckden, the hotel provides convenient access to notable historical sites like Buckden Towers, once the residence of Catherine of Aragon. The hotel is situated just off the A1, allowing easy travel to London and northern regions. Guests can explore nearby Grafham Water, known for its nature reserve and water activities.

Historical Significance

Dating back to 1492, The Lion Hotel is recognized as one of England's oldest coaching inns. The hotel has preserved original architectural elements, including unique ceiling features and charming fireplaces. The rich history of the venue offers guests a glimpse into the past, enhancing the overall stay.

Attractions and Activities

A short distance from the hotel is St. Mary's Church, dating back to 1086, where guests can tour its historical grounds. The beautiful pathways leading to Buckden Marina provide opportunities for scenic walks and outdoor activities. Huntingdon Racecourse is also within reach, hosting numerous events throughout the year.

Highlights

Location: Buckden, just off the A1

Accommodations: Lion Signature Rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Dining: The Ivy Room for romantic and family dining

Historic: Dating back to 1492, one of England's oldest inns

Attractions: Nearby Buckden Towers and Grafham Water

“This coaching inn boasts a prime spot in Buckden. Its 15th-century character is something special, with cosy spots enhanced by open fires. I think it is a solid choice if you are seeking a place with charm and local flavor, plus it is welcoming to pets.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.5/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningTop-Quality Grub

Dinner portions were generous, and the Bang Bang Cauliflower starter is a must-try. Pizzas tasted homemade!

Charles from Australia

Review on

BedroomSound Sleep

The bed was very comfortable. The room was large. Curtains were thick: slept like a log!

Emily from Canada

Review on

BathroomHuge bathroom

My room featured a huge bath. High quality bedding was provided during my comfortable stay.

Jessica from United States

Review on

Meeting RoomsTeam Night

The venue was well organised for my team night. The hotel exuded a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Frank from England

Review on

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Select your room type

The Lion Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

165 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Junior Suite

2 persons

325 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Double Room

2 persons

240 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Lion Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free parking
Pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Wind surfing
Canoeing
Hiking
Cycling
Tennis court
Bowling
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
BBQ facilities

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At The Lion Hotel, dining is an exploration of British culinary tradition, enhanced by locally-sourced ingredients and an inviting atmosphere. The elegant oak-panelled restaurant and cozy lounge bar offer an array of delightful options for every mealtime, ensuring guests experience the warmth and authenticity of British hospitality.

Restaurant #1

British

Ambiance

An inviting oak-panelled restaurant with family-friendly, romantic, and traditional vibes, complemented by a lounge bar featuring an original fireplace.

Key Offerings

A menu crafted with locally sourced meats from a nearby butcher, alongside vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Indulge in traditional afternoon tea and select a favorite from the diverse wine list.

Reservation

Recommended; especially for dinner and afternoon tea services.

Monday to Friday: 12:00 - 15:00 & 17:30 - 21:00; Saturday: 12:00 - 15:00 & 17:00 - 21:00; Sunday: 08:00 - 10:00 & 12:00 - 19:30.

The Lion Hotel Location

High Street, Buckden (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, PE19 5XA

Map view

High Street, Buckden (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, PE19 5XA

City landmarks

Landmark

Buckden Marina

1.4 mi

Nature reserve

Brampton Wood

1.7 mi

Park

Grafham Water Park

2.0 mi

Church

All Saints' Church

2.5 mi

Landmark

Southlake Aqua Park

2.6 mi

Landmark

Holy Trinity Church

2.4 mi

Park

Hinchingbrooke Country Park

3.0 mi

Nature reserve

Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

2.9 mi

Landmark

Grafham Water

2.9 mi

Landmark

Little Paxton Pits

2.9 mi

Landmark

Paxton Pits Visitor Centre and Parking

2.9 mi

Museum

The Cromwell Museum

3.9 mi

Landmark

Hinchingbrooke House

3.5 mi

Landmark

Island Hall

3.8 mi

Church

St Peter's Church

3.8 mi

Nearby

Church

Buckden Towers

600 ft

Church

St Mary's Church

900 ft

Restaurants

The George Hotel & Brasserie

200 ft

39 High Street Buckden

Explore Buckden (Cambridgeshire)

Local Highlights Near The Lion Hotel

Buckden Towers

3 minutes' walk

Medieval ruins with scenic views. Features a large garden and historical significance dating back to the 13th century.

St Mary's Church

4 minutes' walk

Historic church known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. A peaceful spot for contemplation.

Grafham Water Park

6-minute drive

A popular spot for water sports and cycling with stunning views and picnic areas. Various activities available year-round.

Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

10-minute drive

Nature reserve featuring diverse wildlife, walking trails, and a visitor center. Ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.

Southlake Aqua Park

4-minute drive

An inflatable water park perfect for thrill-seekers. Seasonal operation with safety gear provided. Great for families.

Brampton Wood

10-minute drive

A serene wooded area for walking and birdwatching. Easy access from the hotel and a fantastic place to relax.

The George Hotel & Brasserie

1 minute' walk

Charming brasserie offering British classics made from local ingredients. Casual atmosphere with seasonal specials.

The Swan

3 minute' drive

Traditional pub with a warm atmosphere, serving local ales and comfort food. Reservations recommended for peak times.

The Perception

10-minute drive

Local bar featuring live music events and themed nights. Family-friendly until late evening.

Cromwell Museum

13-minute drive

Museum dedicated to England's famous parliamentary leader. Hosts educational events and exhibits throughout the year.

Getting around

City Centre

Buckden (Cambridgeshire)2 min · 400 ft

Airports

Cambridge (CBG)64 min · 26.4 mi

London Luton (LTN)89 min · 36.9 mi

Bus

Bus stop17 min · 6.8 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-21:30

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP12.95 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Lion Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Lion Hotel is often chosen as a convenient stop just off the A1, offering a pub-style atmosphere, especially festive around New Year's. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms, equipped with amenities like a kettle, iron, and TV. The roast options and dishes like sausage and mash receive positive mentions; however, some guests have noted issues with cleanliness and the condition of furniture in certain rooms.

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Review score

Based on 269 verified reviews

6.9/10

Nice

64%

Recommend

Staff

8.7/10

Location

8.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.0/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Cozy atmosphere

Clean room

Welcoming service

Cons

Dated decor

Marc from Germany

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 06, 2026

9/10

clean roomwide selectionattentive staff

the room was very clean i found it warm and spacious the menu has a wide selection with many options to choose from comments were all positive the bar was busy for a monday night with locals the staff were great

the stairs are moderately steep and narrow

0 Helpful

Stella from Italy

Couple

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

9/10

historic vibefriendly stafflovely meal

i totally loved the historic vibe and the quirky touches everywhere. staff was super friendly, they went the extra mile to meet my needs. the meals were awesome, both dinner and breakfast were just lovely!

the room i stayed in had some minor issues with privacy due to a big window facing the street. it was not a big issue, though!

0 Helpful

Georgia from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 05, 2026

9.0/10

Lovely Stay

easy accesscute furniturewarm welcome

Easy access was a great feature. front and rear parking was available. My room featureed cute furniture. The bed was everything was super clean and very comfortable. The warm welcome from sarah was the best part of my stay, as she was really friendly and helpful.

I noticed the hall and stairs carpet are not in the best condition.

Location

9/10

The hotel offered easy access. Front and rear parking are available . This made arrival and departure simple. It is a great convenience.

Service

10/10

The staff were friendly. Sarah gave me a warm welcome. She offered a helpful service. She took care of every guest's needs quickly.

Facilities

8/10

I ate lunch here. I saw that the hotel has great choices for everyone. It creates a lovely vibe for all ages. There are choices for sunday lunch.

Rooms

9/10

My room included cute and quirky furniture. The double bed was very comfortable. The room was super tidy. All these features.

0 Helpful

Stella from Italy

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 22, 2025

9.5/10

Cute and Comfortable Stay

warm welcomecomfortable bedlarge bathunique experience

The staff greeted me with warmth showing genuine hospitality. The bedroom featured a large comfortable bed. The bathroom was equipped with a large bath enhancing my relaxation. The decoration respected the building's history providing a unique experience.

The stairs are quite steep perhaps posing challenges for some guests.

Dining

9/10

The full English breakfast was delicious and perfectly prepared. I appreciated the attentive service and the quality ingredients used. It started my day wonderfully with a satisfying meal.

Service

10/10

Staff members were polite and attentive throughout my visit. A young girl at the reception greeted me explaining all details I needed. They addressed any concerns promptly.

0 Helpful

Victoria from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

1 night in November 2025

Reviewed: November 30, 2025

9.0/10

Really good Service and Delicious Food!

helpful staffdelicious breakfastclear explanationcharming character

The staff members were polite and helpful. The food was AMAZING!!! I enjoyed the delicious vegetarian breakfast after a good night's sleep. It was nice to stay in a place with so much character.

My room had some older windows, and I did hear some noise from cars outside.

Rooms

8/10

My room was clean, offering exactly what I needed for my brief stay. The room has old, original windows, a testament to the hotel's history and character. It included all necessary amenities.

Service

10/10

The staff provided a warm welcome. They looked after me very well. The team seemed ready to assist with any request. They ensured a pleasant and seamless stay. I appreciated the attentive and friendly service.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast was really good and quickly prepared. The food was superb!!! The bar area provided a good selection of beer and other beverages. The food was delicious. The wine selection was excellent, enhancing the dining experience.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

1 night in October 2025

Reviewed: November 30, 2025

8.5/10

historic charm prevails

dietary needsshort stayclean roomgood breakfast

Breakfast was a good experience. I was asked about dietary needs and received a delicious vegetarian option. Staff ensured everything needed was available. The room was clean and sufficient for our short stay.

The stairs seemed moderately steep.

Rooms

8/10

I found my room large, clean. The bed proved comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The bathroom facilities included a shower, which i used and liked.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel gave a Warm welcome. I noticed the bar seemed busy with locals on a monday, a good indicator. Staff was friendly. They were attentive to customer needs .

0 Helpful

Owen from Australia

Single

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 02, 2025

6/10

Acceptable Stay with Notable Issues

helpful staffdated roomdusty conditions

The staff was helpful.

The room looked dated and not very clean. I noticed significant dust in the room, and the bathroom fixtures looked old and worn. The bed linen was clean. The surfaces had been wiped.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About The Lion Hotel

Is it possible to stay with my three small dogs from 28 March to 29 March?

28 March 2024

Yes, pet-friendly family rooms are available for that night. A small one-off charge of £10 applies for bringing your dogs. Reservation is advised to ensure you get the appropriate room.

Can a well-mannered dog accompany me during my stay?

15 April 2024

Absolutely, pet-friendly rooms are available for guests with well-behaved dogs.

Does the room rate include breakfast, or is it an additional charge?

20 May 2024

Breakfast is not included in the room rate. It is available at an additional cost of £12.95 for a Full English and £8.95 for a continental option.

Is it possible to reserve a dog-friendly room for my upcoming stay?

5 July 2024

Yes, dog-friendly rooms can be allocated upon request. It's recommended to mention this while making your reservation.

Are dogs permitted to join guests for breakfast and dinner?

10 August 2024

Dogs are welcome in the bar area. Guests can enjoy their breakfast served there with their pets upon request.

Are ground floor accommodations available for someone who has difficulty with stairs?

12 September 2024

Yes, there are ground floor rooms available for guests who prefer or require them.

Is it allowed to bring a bike for a competition nearby?

25 September 2024

Yes, bicycles are welcome. There is adequate storage for bikes during your stay.

Are there facilities for electric vehicle charging available?

30 October 2024

Unfortunately, there are no electric vehicle charging points on-site. However, the nearest charging point can be found approximately 2 kilometers away.

Can you arrange a cot for my baby during our stay?

15 November 2024

Yes, cots can be provided for guests traveling with babies. Requesting one during the booking process is advisable.

Can a small dog be accommodated along with a cot for my stay on 2 January?

2 January 2025

Yes, a small dog can be accommodated along with a cot in a pet-friendly room.