Parkgate Farm

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about Parkgate Farm? I was expecting some basic countryside accommodation when I turned off the A595 near Holmrook, but this place is honestly something else entirely. It’s tucked away in Irton – and I mean properly tucked away, you’ll drive past working farms and actual sheep before you spot the sign – but once you’re there, you realize why it’s pulling in those 9.4 ratings without even bothering with official star classifications.

The thing about staying here is that it feels like someone took a working farm (which it actually was) and transformed it into this incredibly thoughtful retreat without losing any of the authentic character. I mean, you’re still surrounded by the sounds of the countryside – early morning bird calls, the occasional sheep bleating from neighboring fields – but your room is this perfect blend of rustic charm and genuine comfort. The owners clearly know what they’re doing; check-in was relaxed and personal, not some rushed hotel desk experience. They actually sat down with me to chat about local walks and pointed out a few hidden spots around the Lake District that I never would’ve found otherwise. Parking is easy – just pull up wherever, no stress about spaces or fees.

What really sets this place apart is how it sits in the landscape. You’re about fifteen minutes from the coast at Ravenglass (honestly, don’t miss the railway if you’re into that sort of thing), but you’re also perfectly positioned for proper fell walking if that’s more your speed. The accommodation itself has this wonderful worn-in quality – I don’t mean shabby, but everything feels lived-in and comfortable rather than sterile. Breakfast happens around a proper farmhouse table, and you’ll probably end up chatting with other guests about their plans for the day. The food is actually local – eggs from their own chickens, that sort of thing – which sounds like marketing speak but you can taste the difference. Evenings are genuinely quiet here; if you’re used to city noise, the silence might actually keep you awake at first, but honestly, after a day exploring the western Lakes, you’ll sleep like a stone. The only real downside is that mobile signal can be patchy depending on your network, but there’s WiFi if you absolutely need to stay connected. This isn’t a place for a quick business trip – it’s for people who want to properly disconnect and remember what the countryside actually feels like.