Best Western Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn

...This is no longer a Best Western (thank heavens).

Returned in June for another break - just as good as the first time and we have re-booked for the end of September. We had Room 3, a suite, on the June visit but I rather missed the open view from the Lodge windows.   ... more

The scene was set within minutes of arrival - complimentary home made scones with butter, jam, real clotted cream and tea/coffee in front of an open real log fire. Mmm, bring on the rest. The staff were welcoming and friendly throughout, happily telling us about the refurbishments at the hotel and the wildlife which can be seen in the grounds (including two pigs which are partial to a morning pain au chocolat, thank you very much).

If you come here for nothing else, come for the scrumptuous home cooked food. We stayed on the DBB package for two nights midweek and were happy to stick with the included three-course table d'hote menu. You get an allowance against the a la carte if you want to go off piste. Examples: starters - thinly sliced cold pink roast beef salad, plaice on lentils, mussels with bacon and white wine; mains - langoustines, pan fried duck, sea trout, liver; puds - an extensive plate of cheese, biscuits, celery and grapes, a sticky, open apple tart to die for topped with vanilla ice cream.

Not surprisingly, we didn't have room for much breakfast, though the choice is extensive: proper fresh orange juice, fresh fruit salad, sliced fresh fruits, various croissants, yogurts, decent coffee and a full array of cooked options (with a full English, of course) including kippers, smoked haddock and smoked salmon with (real) scrambled eggs. Loosen the waistband.

The main part of the hotel is an impressive 16c manor house which has been refurbished inside with a clean modern look. We had booked a lodge room (a few steps outside from the conservatory) and found a spacious, comfortable room with a huge 6ft bed, loads of storage space and a spotless, well fitted bathroom. From the outside the lodge building is single storey and very plain, but has the advantage of a sweeping view across wildlife meadows towards Pendle Hill (witch territory).

This place is a naturalist's dream and the hotel owners have been working with the World Owl Trust (based at Muncaster in Cumbria) to fix owl boxes in the woodlands. Collectively we saw/heard hares, pheasant, a tawny owl but apparently deer can be regularly seen - and an eagle owl is known to fly there (the WOT found a pellet). Members of the Trust (yes, I am) currently get a reduction on the room rate.

The hotel is off the main A59 road between Skipton and Clitheroe (ignore the Google directions which are hopeless) and in easy reach of places such as Haworth, Malham Tarn and the Forest of Bowland. You do need a car but the bar prices are very reasonable in hotel terms - £2.95 for a pint, £3-4 for a glass of wine - so you don't need to sneal out to a local hostelry.

There is a small leisure club attached to the hotel where residents can tread the mill, etc, and go for a swim. Towels free from reception.

Rooms from around £60 dbb per person in February 2009.

***NB This is no longer a Best Western (thank heavens).

Returned in June for another break - just as good as the first time and we have re-booked for the end of September. We had Room 3, a suite, on the June visit but I rather missed the open view from the Lodge windows.  

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