We have visited several luxury Country House hotels in North Yorkshire in the North of England and trust that the following will help in your hunt for acceptable exclusive Country House hotels in this stunning agricultural part of Britain.  This area of the country has countless old English market cities and villages located in the countrywide Parks of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. 

The following Country House hostels all have our personal recommendation:-

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – located by the stream Wharfe at Bolton Abbey Nr Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales.  The hotel belongs to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.  A friendly welcome awaits-your baggage will be taken for you from your automobile to your bedroom that may be fantastically appointed.  We stayed in a room in the original part of the hotel which had a pony racing theme.  Fires burn in inclement weather in the entrance hall and the lounges.  The Michelin starred cafe serves exquisite food and drink and there is also an excellent brasserie for informal dining.  The spa is located across the road in what appears to be a converted barn and includes a small gymnasium.  The staff are intensely personable providing a top ~ first ~ firstclass service with nothing being too much difficulty.  Having borrowed an umbrella and wellies which are supplied by the hotel by the front door for your private use we took a short walk by the river Wharfe in the snow to the ruined Abbey and then crossed the brook by way of the stepping stones.  Returning to this superbly designated Country House Hotel we enjoyed tea and scones in front of a roaring fire in one of the lounges.  If you are visiting the Yorkshire Dales you must stay at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – you won’t be disappointed.  Incidentally dogs are tenderly welcomed the hotel having two resident dogs who will appreciate sharing your biscuits! 

Lastingham Grange – found in the attractive village of Lastingham a few miles from the market city of Pickering where the North Yorkshire Moors train line is found.  This Country House Hotel has been owned and run by the same family for a few years with many guests returning time after time.  Set in many acres including beautifully maintained gardens you can walk out of the front door of the hotel and within a five minute walk be on the North Yorkshire Moors enjoying spectacular views.  We were tenderly greeted upon arrival and taken straight to our room which was well elected.  We enjoyed tea and scones in the lounge which had a roaring fire-the Darjeeling tea is the best we have tasted.  Dinner was unusual with the food being of a high standard as was the highly private service – it was like staying in someone’s home.  You can’t fail but to chill in this typical Country House Hotel.  Dogs are welcome. 

Alan Hope and his other half Anne have stayed at many other exclusive Country House hotels in Britain.

For more information about travel and useful tips for tourists, visit famouswonders.com and check out Stonehenge England.