Shap Wells Hotel Shap | Red Squirrel Watching

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Key details

About the Hotel

Shap, Shap, United Kingdom, CA10 3QU

Near Shap Summit

Very good

7.8

8.6

/10

3.0

3.8

Loved by Shap Wells Hotel guests

Clean rooms
Helpful staff
Good breakfast
Comfortable bed
Fantastic meals
Remote location

"The BIG Plus with this hotel is that they have a colony of red squirrels which you can see at very close range."

Chris from United Kingdom

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"The real find was red squirrel sanctuary, small forest with picturesque waterfall and stream to the side of the hotel."

Mandy from United Kingdom

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"At times it felt like summer and I was able to sit and wait for squirrels in the nearby reserve."

Jan from United Kingdom

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3-star countryside escape in Shap Wells

Location

Shap Wells Hotel is located in a secluded wooded valley, just minutes from the M6 motorway at Junction 39. It serves as a strategic base for exploring the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and the Scottish Borders. Visitors can enjoy 30 acres of grounds that feature diverse wildlife, including red deer and red squirrels.

Accommodations

The hotel includes 98 recently refurbished bedrooms, with options for singles, doubles, twins, triples, and family arrangements. Several rooms accommodate guests with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all. Many rooms offer expansive views of the countryside and surrounding fells.

Dining

The Birkbeck Suite includes both the Birkbeck Restaurant and Lonsdale Room, offering capacity for up to 300 guests. Guests can enjoy meals from the 3-course Table D'hôte or À la Carte menu, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. A carvery lunch is served every Wednesday and Sunday.

Business Services

Shap Wells Hotel provides seven conference rooms that benefit from natural daylight and can accommodate from two to 180 attendees. The hotel has a strong reputation for hosting corporate events, offering tailored delegate packages and event coordination assistance. Complimentary parking is available for all guests attending meetings.

Leisure and Activities

The hotel offers organized leisure activities such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, and off-road driving for corporate training or team-building events. Guests can relax on-site with a games room featuring a full-size snooker table and pool table. The surrounding area is suitable for recreational walking and wildlife observation.

Highlights

Location: Surrounded by moorland, high in the Shap Fells

Rooms: 98 bedrooms with expansive countryside views

Dining: Birkbeck Restaurant serving seasonal menus

Business: Seven conference rooms with natural daylight

Leisure: Activities include clay pigeon shooting, archery

“This is a solid choice for travellers who appreciate a historical setting amid rolling countryside. While the location is somewhat isolated, the hotel has extensive grounds, and the on-site dining and bar are welcome amenities. I particularly note the hotel's suitability for conferences, with dedicated rooms and natural light.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingEasy Access

There's plenty of parking. The location is great for trips, and it's close to the motorway.

George from England

Review on

DiningDelicious Food

Dinner was silver service, with a varied menu, and breakfast included a superb full English.

Mei from China

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Room FeaturesCosy Comfort

I had a quiet, warm, clean, and spacious room with comfortable beds and central heating that you control yourself.

Hans from Netherlands

Review on

Sports & FitnessFun Perks

The games room was great. There was a small gym. Kids enjoyed tennis and snooker.

Ali from Pakistan

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Select your room type

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

Family Room

2 persons

175 sq. feet

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Heating

room details

Double or Twin Room

2 persons

165 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Single Room

2 persons

90 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

165 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Shap Wells Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free 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

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

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

Dining Onsite

At Shap Wells Hotel, dining is a delightful blend of tradition and comfort, perfect for families and those seeking wholesome meals. Experience a range of options, from hearty breakfasts to light lunches and satisfying dinners that cater to various dietary preferences.

Riverside Lounge and Bar

Casual dining with light meal options

Ambiance

A welcoming and family-friendly lounge setting with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Key Offerings

The menu features light meals that make for a relaxed dining experience, accompanied by a selection of drinks to enjoy in a pleasant environment.

Reservation

Open for light meals throughout the day.

Buffet Breakfast

Traditional British full English and continental breakfast

Ambiance

Set in a comfortable dining area, ideal for gathering with family and friends to kickstart the day.

Key Offerings

A buffet spread that includes both classic full English breakfast options and a variety of continental choices, ensuring all preferences are catered to.

Reservation

Available in the morning hours; specific timings vary.

Evening Dinner Service

Traditional, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options

Ambiance

A cozy and traditional environment, perfect for family gatherings and friendly dinners.

Key Offerings

Dinner service features a selection of dishes tailored to various dietary needs, ensuring an inclusive dining experience.

Reservation

Recommended

Monday to Sunday from 18:00 - 21:00.

Shap Wells Hotel Location

Shap, Shap, United Kingdom, CA10 3QU

Map view

Shap, Shap, United Kingdom, CA10 3QU

City landmarks

Landmark

Shap Summit

3800 ft

Landmark

King Charles II Monument

1.7 mi

Landmark

Wicker Street Cairn

2.1 mi

Landmark

White Hag Stone Circle

2.2 mi

Landmark

Oddendale Stone Circles

2.2 mi

Landmark

Shap Abbey

3.9 mi

Landmark

Robin Hood's Grave

2.5 mi

Landmark

Tebay Services Northbound M6

2.7 mi

Landmark

Sherry Gill Baryte Mine

2.6 mi

Landmark

Greenholme

3.0 mi

Landmark

Cairn

2.8 mi

Landmark

ancient settlement

2.8 mi

Landmark

The George Hotel

2.9 mi

Church

All Saints Church

2.9 mi

Landmark

Orton Methodist Church

2.9 mi

Landmark

Mountain Rat Adventures

3.0 mi

Castle

National Trust

3.4 mi

Landmark

Hollin Stump round cairn

3.1 mi

Landmark

Silver Yard Gallery

3.9 mi

Church

St Lawrence's Church

4.2 mi

Nearby

Castle Knowe

800 ft

Queen Victoria Statue

800 ft

Explore Shap

Explore Shap and Beyond

Castle Knowe

3 minutes' walk

A historic site featuring ancient ruins with scenic views, perfect for a quick outing.

Queen Victoria Statue

3 minutes' walk

A tribute to Queen Victoria, this statue offers a glimpse into local history and lovely surroundings.

King Charles II Monument

10 minutes' drive

A notable historic monument commemorating King Charles II, set in a picturesque landscape.

Shap Abbey

15 minutes' drive

Ruins of a 12th-century abbey, this site is rich in history and offers a peaceful setting for reflection.

Hiking at Shap Summit

14 minutes' walk

Engaging hiking trails at Shap Summit suitable for all skill levels, offering breathtaking panoramas.

Wellness Spa Options

10 minutes' drive

Nearby spas provide relaxing treatments. Reservations may be required for a rejuvenating experience.

The Greyhound Inn

10 minutes' drive

A cozy pub known for traditional English fare and local ales; try their hearty pies.

The Coffee Pot

10 minutes' drive

A charming café offering light bites and specialty coffee; ideal for a casual lunch.

Shap Memorial Hall

10 minutes' drive

Local venue hosting various community events, from markets to performances ideal for families.

Tebay Services

10 minutes' drive

A service station with food options and shops, perfect for a break during your travels.

Getting around

City Centre

Shap8 min · 3.3 mi

Airports

Carlisle Lake District (CAX)95 min · 39.0 mi

Durham Tees Valley (MME)160 min · 66.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:30

Check-out

from 03:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in 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:

252

Former name

Best Western Shap Wells Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Shap Wells Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Shap Wells Hotel is often praised for its beautiful, nature-filled setting, where guests frequently spot red squirrels in the surrounding woodlands. The rooms are generally considered spacious and well-equipped. Many guests recommend the half-board option, appreciating the generous portions and delicious food; however, some have found the breakfast selection limited to mostly English breakfast options. Situated a short distance from appealing destinations in the Lake District like Grasmere, Ambleside, and Windermere, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the region.

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Review score

Based on 587 verified reviews

8.0/10

Great

81%

Recommend

Free Wi-Fi

9.3/10

Staff

8.9/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Facilities

7.9/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Comfy bed

Good breakfast

Clean room

Great location

Cons

Treacherous potholes

thomas from united kingdom

Family with children

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

6/10

mixed feelings about this stay

cold foodchair cleanliness

the breakfast was not good. the food was cold and the coffee tasted bad. i also noticed the chair had old food on it. this.

0 Helpful

oscar from united states

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 26, 2025

6/10

mixed experience, dated but functional

friendly staffdifficult accessdated room

the staff were very friendly and helpful .

The room was quite dated, and the tv channels were difficult to access. the radiator in the bathroom was also excessively hot. I could not adjust it.

0 Helpful

Brendan from Ireland

Family with children

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 25, 2025

8.5/10

charming stay at historic hotel

helpful staffsquirrel featurechemical smell

i found the staff helpful. they assisted me with a minor car issue, quite convenient. i also enjoyed seeing red squirrels around the hotel grounds, a feature the hotel actively promotes. the building felt secluded and spacious, perfect for relaxation.

i noticed a slight musty odor in some stairwells. it seemed like there was an attempt to mask it with air fresheners. the strong chemical smell from the fresheners was a bit overpowering though.

Location

9/10

the hotel is set back and offers a woodland area perfect for a quiet walk. i especially liked the red squirrel walk provided by the hotel it was a really nice way to see local wildlife.

Rooms

8/10

my room included a comfortable bed and a shower that worked very well. the bathroom was spacious i found it quite accommodating. the decor had a nostalgic feel i liked it a lot.

0 Helpful

Zoe from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 29, 2025

9/10

friendly staffquiet locationred squirrels

the staff were super friendly and helpful. the location felt quiet. i especially loved seeing red squirrels!!!

the breakfast selection felt somewhat limited.

0 Helpful

oscar from united kingdom

Family with children

family room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: October 29, 2025

8.7/10

lovely stay amidst nature

traditional architectureopen firesred squirrels

The traditional architecture impressed me. the open fires in the lounges added to the ambiance. i appreciated the chance to see red squirrels. It was a unique experience! They were professional and efficient.

I found the access roads to be in somewhat terrible condition. That was a minor inconvenience.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast offered plenty of choices. I found the food tasty. the three-course evening meal was particularly good. i liked the attentive service, and the staff were great!

Rooms

8/10

room 116 was quite lovely and the beds were comfortable. the building maintains its original charm. seating areas allowed for comfortable reading, and the quiet nights ensured i slept very well.

Location

9/10

The hotel's location felt secluded. woodland offered a beautiful walk. The stream added to its charm. proximity to the motorway felt surprisingly distant. The surroundings created a sense of peaceful isolation.

0 Helpful

Ella from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 10, 2025

9.0/10

Tranquil Stay with Excellent Service

helpful staffred squirrelnice decornecessary facilities

I appreciated the hotel staff. They promptly assisted with a minor car issue I had (so helpful!). The hotel promotes red squirrel sightings, and I enjoyed seeing many of them around the grounds. The communal areas had nice décor. My bedroom provided all necessary facilities.

The road leading to the hotel has some noticeable potholes, which require attention.

Service

10/10

The staff went out of their way to be helpful to all guests. One evening, a staff member even drove to the end of the drive to guide me in with hazard lights. They also accommodated a late-night food request from me after the kitchen had closed.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel location is near beautiful woodland (just a short walk). The hotel offered a games room that guests could use. There were clean, well-kept communal areas. I found the building offered a peaceful atmosphere.

Dining

9/10

The evening meal I had was very good. The breakfast offered a satisfying start to the day. The kitchen staff prepared a delicious meal even after hours (such dedication!). I was impressed with the food quality.

Location

8/10

The hotel benefits from its rural setting. It's a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The hotel is located just off the M6, ideal for my travels. The woodland offers many opportunities.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Shap Wells Hotel

Is it possible to dine in the restaurant with my dog during my stay?

12 February 2024

Dogs are not permitted in the Main Restaurant or bar area, but a dog-friendly lounge area is available for dining. Please check with reception for more information.

Are there any accommodations available on the ground floor or with lift access?

23 January 2024

Two floors of the hotel feature full lift access. Additionally, there are a limited number of ground floor rooms available upon request.

Can pets stay in the hotel rooms, and where else are they allowed?

15 March 2024

Pets are allowed in designated hotel rooms and a separate dog-friendly restaurant, but not in the bar area. There is a lounge for guests to relax with their dogs.

What is the additional fee for bringing a small dog during my stay?

8 April 2024

There is a pet charge of £15.00 per night for dogs, payable upon arrival.

Are all rooms equipped with ensuite bathrooms?

19 June 2024

Yes, every room in the hotel includes ensuite facilities for guest convenience.

Is the hotel pet-friendly, and what are the associated costs?

2 July 2024

The hotel welcomes pets with a surcharge of £15.00 per pet, per night.

What is the closing time for the restaurant?

10 March 2024

Last orders in the restaurant are typically taken around 19:45.

Is there a secure place to store bicycles during my stay?

27 April 2024

Yes, the hotel provides safe bike storage. Guests can inquire at reception for assistance.

Can larger dogs accompany their owners in the hotel rooms?

21 August 2024

Dogs of any size are welcome to stay, as long as guests are aware of the £15.00 surcharge per pet per night.

What recreational activities are available for guests who are not driving?

5 October 2024

The hotel is surrounded by nature trails suitable for walking and is within easy reach of local attractions. Inquire at reception for information on walking paths and local sights.