A northern outpost of country-house charm, beautiful inside and out. It’s a family affair and those looking for a friendly base from which to explore the Dales will find it here. You enter through the drawing room – crackling fire, pretty art, the daily papers, cavernous sofas. Potter about and find polished wood in the dining room, panelled walls in the breakfast room, then William Morris wallpaper in the sitting room bar, where you can sip a pint of Skipton ale while playing Scrabble. Bedrooms are gorgeous, some coolly contemporary, others warmly traditional. The stars of the show are the suites – sand-blasted timbers, lovely big sofas, stunning free-standing baths – but all are charming, with chic fabrics, warm colours, comfy beds and the odd claw-foot bath. Downstairs, a white-washed sitting room opens onto the garden for afternoon tea, while delicious food waits in the restaurant, perhaps seafood chowder, braised lamb shank, apple and calvados mousse. Walks start at the front door, there are cycle tracks, even caves to explore (one is bigger than St Paul’s). Unbeatable.
A belated review for one of the loveliest places we have stayed - and we have been using Sawday’s for years! The setting of The Traddock and the hotel itself are delightful but most of all the staff were so friendly, welcoming and kind, giving great and safe service despite all the difficulties of social distancing. AND - the food! On the Sunday night we had an exceptional meal, so good we booked a second night when the meal was, if possible, even more outstanding - despite the fact the sous chef cooked it. Every other guest we talked to during our stay also raved about the food. Wonderful!