The Devonshire Fell at Burnsall Review | Escape to the Yorkshire Dales 

The Devonshire Fell at Burnsall Review | Escape to the Yorkshire Dales

Now Yorkshire has some of the prettiest little towns and villages in the country but I reckon you’ll be hard pressed to find any as stunning as Burnsall. With the river Wharfe cutting through, under the five-arched bridge, and surrounded by the rolling hills that look like a patchwork quilt.

One of the very best things about living in Yorkshire is the close proximity to some of the finest landscapes and scenery. Not to mention the absolutely sublime Yorkshire Coast. In terms of the finest landscapes, there are no better places than the Yorkshire Dales (anyone that says the Peak District is lying). After a crazy start to the year, we’d decided a bit of RNR was in order so booked a night at the Devonshire Fell. Just an hour after leaving the office the sat nav had us insight and what a view it was. One of the most beautiful villages in Wharfedale, Burnsall lies on a bend of the River Wharfe surrounded by a spectacular circle of fells. On a sunny day, you’ll struggle to move for the tourists that come to enjoy this jewel of the Yorkshire Dales.

Just up the hill looking over this pretty village sits the grand old stone building of the Devonshire Fell. Once a gentleman’s club for Victorian Mill owners, now a boutique hotel, lovingly decorated by the Duchess of Devonshire. Twee country hotel this is not. Guests can expect an array of brightly coloured furniture throughout the bar cum lounge area, together with open fires and a bright airy conservatory to soak in the splendid views across the valley.

Rooms at The Devonshire Fell are stylish yet toned down compared to the bright colours throughout the rest of the hotel. It’s worth pushing the boat out for one of the front facing rooms, with near floor to ceiling windows overlooking the village of Burnsall and river Wharfe below.

If you’re eating in the 2AA Rosette restaurant ensure you head down early for a drink in the bar. With a great selection of local ales together with a big selection of Yorkshire gins and spirits to whet your appetitive before the main event. Keeping it Yorkshire with a perfect pint of Timothy Taylors Bolt Maker and Masons Gin and Tonic.

Pre-dinner canapés swiftly arrive with our drinks. Two mouthwatering oven fresh ham and goats cheese croquettes together with a bowl of briny green olives.

A brassiere style menu covered all bases with a big selection of locally sourced season ingredients throughout the menu. Head Chef Rob Harrison, formally of The Michelin Starred Pipe and Glass has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to The Devonshire Fell. For starters, the Artichoke Tortellini and Mediterranean Seafood Stew both delivered stunning flavours and great presentation, together with some homemade sundried tomato bread.

With more delicious options with mains, although there could be a bit more choice for the veggies, we opted for the Slow Roasted Belly Pork and Butter Roasted Cod Fillet. Both perfectly cooked, the belly pork collapsed with any weight from the fork. Ensure you come hungry, as these are real Yorkshire portions at The Devonshire Fell. The side orders of heritage new potatoes were a great addition but definitely not needed on this occasion.

There’s a great selection of desserts and make sure you save room. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll salivate at the choice presented. After much deliberation, the Apple Mousse, Cinnamon Biscuit Ice Cream plus Apple and Bramble Crumble was a superb choice. Again another hefty portion but ticked all bases with three mini desserts on one plate.

For all the savoury dessert lovers the cheese selection at The Devonshire Fell is another expertly curated collection. With some of the finest local cheeses in the region, together with a few national favourites. I suspect from The Court Yard Dairy not a million miles away if you’re in the area. Together with homemade chutneys, all the trimmings and a glass of port to finish the evening in style. The restaurant has the perfect balance of attentive service in an informal setting together with a stunning selection of wines if you’ve ever been to their sister Hotel, The Devonshire Arms you’ll understand why.

Back to our room and it was a matter of seconds to fall asleep in the huge comfy bed. Make sure the alarm clock is on early to get a seat in the conservatory. This does double as the dog-friendly morning and evening restaurant so anyone preferring to avoid can sit next door to enjoy breakfast.

More of the same fabulous local ingredients together with big Yorkshire portions at breakfast, the perfect start for anyone setting off for a trek across the Dales. If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, guests can enjoy the award-winning Spa facilities down the road at The Devonshire Arms complimentary to their stay at The Fell. Once breakfast was polished off it was, unfortunately, time to head off. The Devonshire Fell is the perfect base to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales so we could have easily stayed for a few days more.

Aside from the inclement weather, our stay was absolutely faultless. True Yorkshire hospitality in a beautiful boutique Hotel, together with all the trimmings, but with less of the price you’d expect to pay. We cannot wait to return with the pooch in tow for a bit more exploring, eating and general relaxation at The Devonshire Fell at Burnsall Hotel.

Address: The Devonshire Fell, Burnsall, Skipton BD23 6BT
Tel: 01756 729000
Web: www.devonshirefell.co.uk

Things to Do Near The Devonshire Fell at Burnsall

Bolton Abbey
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales on the banks of the River Wharfe, Bolton Abbey is one of Yorkshire’s best day out – www.boltonabbey.com

Town End Farm Shop
Where you will find a great selection of local produce in their shop, butchery and tearoom. As seen on BBC Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge – www.townendfarmshop.co.uk

Malham
Malham is one of the most popular places in the National Park – and it is not hard to see why, with the stunning Malham Cove and Gordale Scar easily linked into a circular walk which also takes you past the pretty waterfall of Janet’s Foss – Find out more.

Aysgarth Falls
The three stepped waterfalls at Aysgarth have been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. They provided a dramatic setting for a scene from the Hollywood movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves – Find out more. 

The Courtyard Dairy 

The Courtyard Dairy is a unique, specialist cheese-shop and cheese-maturer, owned and operated by Andy and Kathy Swinscoe. This is cheese lovers heaven. Possibly the best ploughmans and raclette we’ve ever had – www.thecourtyarddairy.co.uk

Devonshire Fell Burnsall Review written and photographed by Jonathan Harris 

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