Gilsland Hall sits proudly in 140 acres of landscaped garden and natural woodland, an idyllic rural location with spectacular views over the Cumbrian countryside. Guests can explore, spot wildlife, walk, or just relax, and your dog is welcome to join you, free of charge.
The hotel suits those in search of the ultimate outdoor staycation this summer. A base from which to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites along Hadrian’s Wall, and visiting Carlisle, Gretna, Hexham and Newcastle.
The hotel was recently purchased by Stratsmore Holdings and will be operated by Monday Hospitality Group and their new country house hotel brand, Black Book Hotels.
In Autumn this year, the property will undergo a complete renovation, transforming it into a luxury 5* country house hotel by Spring 2022. The new hotel will offer luxury suites and family rooms with patios, ideal for those with pets. There will be an array of unique guest experiences, amenities, F&B offerings, wedding and event spaces, including in house screening room and luxury iconic Spa facilities, making it the ideal retreat for couples, groups of friends, and family gatherings. In the meantime, the hotel in its existing incarnation is available for affordable staycations for couples, friends, families and single travellers (and their dogs), this summer, looking for a base from which to explore the region.
The current 3* hotel boasts 60 en-suite bedrooms, free Wi-Fi. The Orangery restaurant serves a hearty breakfast buffet and three-course dinner, featuring wholesome, locally sourced ingredients. The Conservatory, with garden terrace, offers a warm welcome to residents and non-residents alike with all day dining and a renowned afternoon tea. If the weather’s favourable, Gilsland Hall can supply a rug and hamper for guests to enjoy a picnic in the hotel grounds, or a packed lunch to take away on a hike or exploring the local area. Check out the daily exotic fruit cart and grab what you need to keep the ‘doctor away’ throughout the day.
The guest rooms comprise a mix of singles, twins and doubles, with cotton linens, luxury bathroom amenities, flat screen TV, complimentary bottled water, Birchall tea, Kru Cafe coffee and biscuits.
Stargazing Package
Escape the city lights and head to Hadrian’s Wall for the ultimate stargazing staycation. The package includes a backpack with waterproof rug and blanket, homemade sausage rolls, a flask filled with a hot drink, binoculars and star guide.
History
Gilsland Hall was originally built in the 1740s, and was visited by both Rabbie Burns and Walter Scott. Rebuilt on a grander scale after a fire in 1859, the building spent time as a convalescent home in the early 1900s before becoming a provisional hospital during the First World War, where soldiers were sent to recuperate before returning to the front line. During the Second World War it was used as a maternity hospital.
Exploring
Hadrian’s Wall: built by the Romans in AD122 is just an hour’s walk from the hotel, over National Trust land. Kids will get a certificate if they walk part of the Wall during their stay.
The Popping Stone: located half a mile from the hotel in a secluded glade, is the subject of a local folk tale claiming that the stones are lucky for lovers – it’s a popular site for marriage proposals.
Walking: Easy walks around the 140-acre hotel grounds will be enough for some, or there are tougher three-to-four-mile walks through the splendour of Irthing Gorge, and the 266 mile Pennine Way passes within two miles of the hotel for the really determined! Walking maps are available from the hotel reception.
Cycling: Keen cyclists can tackle the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway, following the route of the Wall from coast to coast, and there are numerous other local routes of varying levels of difficulty.
Fishing: Gilsland Hall sits on the hillside about the River Irthing, and has fishing rights.
Gilsland Hall, Gilsland, Brampton CA8 7AR Tel: 0330 094 5902.
