Experience world-class service at Thornton Lodge

This 5-star country house dates back to 1909, and still retains period antique features. It offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a peaceful setting above the River Ure in Wensleydale, just outside the hamlet of Thornton Rust. The en-suite rooms are elegant and traditionally furnished, and each one benefits from a flat-screen TV, mini fridge or wine cooler with fresh milk and a selection of hot drinks. Each bathroom comes with a hairdryer. All rooms boast picturesque garden views. A full English breakfast is provided each morning in the original oak panelled dining room with its charming open fireplace. It is prepared with local ingredients from the nearby butcher and eggs from the owners hens. Lighter options are available, along with a selection of cereals, fruit and yoghurt. Three villages with pubs are just within a 3 miles radius, and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks to enjoy at the house. Thornton Lodge has free parking on site, and is situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Leyburn is a 20-minute drive from the building, and Darlington is just 30 miles away.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.6 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Breakfast info

Full English/Irish

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 extra-large double bed
1 large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.8
Facilities
9.8
Cleanliness
9.9
Comfort
9.8
Value for money
9.5
Location
9.6
Free WiFi
9.3
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Gary
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Thornton Lodge is a fantastic place to stay..we feel very privileged to have been able to stay in such a fabulous place. The room was amazing, so comfortable and luxurious. The breakfast was exceptional and kept us full all day. But the best part...
  • Robert
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Vanessa was a wonderful host, she made the most amazing breakfasts and was very informative about the area and things to see. We had dinner at a local Pub recommended by Vanessa The Wheatsheaf and that was exceptional but you do need to book...
  • Pamela
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Cooked to perfection. Wish I could have it everyday it was so delicious. Plenty of refills for tea and coffee.

Host Information

9.8
9.8
Host review score
Host review score

The house was built as an amazing summer home for wealthy industrialists, then became a childrens hospital, then a home for adults with special needs, then a nursing home, then my home where I do b&b. Breakfast is from 8.30am - 9.15am and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks to enjoy at the house as I'm not licensed. Unless you're quite determined, it's probably too far to walk to the pub for dinner as it's about 3 miles each way to the nearest in Aysgarth and Askrigg. Thornton Lodge has one of the most peaceful locations in Wensleydale and is a great location to unwind in. It's also more suited to people who don't really like the concept of boutique hotels as we spent an awful lot of money creating an authentic environment rather than going down the boutique route. Please note that all payments to stay at the house must be made either in person or via bank transfer, we do not process 'customer not present' card transactions.
I love walks from the house, up on the fells or down to Aysgarth Falls. I'm full of stories about life here and the house's history, which is fascinating. I work on my own, looking after guests so it is a very personal service when staying here.
Thornton Lodge is in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. People come here for all sorts of reasons - to walk, cycle, explore quaint villages, churches, castles, as a base for longer holidays covering the Dales and Lake District or North Yorkshire Moors.If people don't know about the area prior to their visit they usually have a pleasant surprise over how lovely it is. I would always recommend doing some research though.
Language spoken: English

Property surroundings

Facilities of Thornton Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 9.8

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking rooms
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
View
  • Garden view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Hiking
  • Billiards
  • Fishing
Living Area
  • Seating Area
Media & Technology
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Radio
  • TV
Internet
WiFi is available in some rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Luggage storage
Entertainment and family services
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Board games/puzzles
General
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Carpeted
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules

Thornton Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

From 16:00 to 18:00

Check-out

From 10:00 to 10:30

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children are not allowed.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Mastercard Visa American Express Cash Thornton Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.


Smoking

Smoking is not allowed.

Parties

Parties/events are not allowed

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Out-of-hours check-in times might be possible by prior arrangements. This can be requested in the Special Requests box during booking or by contacting the property using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Please note the WiFi connection can be temperamental.

Breakfast is served from 08:30 until 09:15.

Please inform Thornton Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), please ensure that you are only booking this property following the local government guidelines of the destination, including but not limited to the purpose of travel, and maximum allowed group size.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

It is not possible to stay at this property for Coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.

Legal information

This property is managed by a private host. EU consumer law relating to professional hosts might not apply.

FAQs about Thornton Lodge

  • The prices at Thornton Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Thornton Lodge is 2.3 miles from the centre of Aysgarth. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Guests staying at Thornton Lodge can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 9.4).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Full English/Irish

  • Thornton Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Hiking
    • Billiards
    • Fishing

  • Room options at Thornton Lodge include:

    • Double

  • Check-in at Thornton Lodge is from 16:00, and check-out is until 10:30.