The Lister Arms: A countryside retreat to the Yorkshire Dales
Nestled in the heart of Malham village sits the charming inn, The Lister Arms, part of Daniel Thwaites.
As you drive over the original stone bridge, you’re welcomed by the delightful image of the 17th century former coaching inn. Covered in ivy and overlooking the babbling brook, the building oozes history and is everything you’d expect when imagining the perfect base for your country escape.
Thankfully, there is a free car park to side of the building which was perfect for unloading our luggage. For guests staying at The Lister Barn, which is a charming building located across the river, there is another private car park. The Lister Barn features eight bedrooms and can be hired exclusively, making it ideal for family get-togethers or celebrations with friends.
Before heading out to explore the famous Malham Cove walk, we decided to check-in to our bedroom, a ‘Character Room’ which was located in the main building. The room featured a double bed, low wooden beams and a comfy sofa to sink into. The décor was calming and subtle, featuring soft hues and a gentle nod to the country lifestyle.
The room had a huge HD television, a free-standing wardrobe with ample room for our walking gear and even a few homely touches, such as chunky Yorkshire biscuits and fresh milk for a proper cup of tea. The modern bathroom was decorated with quirky, industrial touches and featured a walk-in shower. We also received complimentary products from The White Company, soft white towelling robes and a snug pair of slippers. Despite our bedroom being relatively close to the hustle and bustle of the inn’s bar and restaurant, the room was peaceful and serene – just what we needed after a hectic day in the hills.
The inn boasts a variety of rooms to suit everyone’s budget; from cosy doubles to feature rooms, and all bedrooms are dog friendly with furry friends charged at an additional £15 per stay.
After enjoying a 5-mile amble to the stunning Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, we decided to hunker down in the cosy bar area to enjoy some well-deserved food (and drinks!).
The menu offers an array of traditional dishes, freshly prepared with local, seasonal ingredients. We started with a delicious sharing board which featured chicken wings, sausage rolls, cured meats and Thwaites ale chutney. For the main, I had the Thwaites beer-battered fish and chips whilst my partner opted for the homemade cheese and caramelised onion pie with baked beans and thick-cut chips. The food was hearty and fresh, perfect for two hungry ramblers! To top off an already fantastic evening, the staff were extremely friendly and attentive.
After a peaceful night’s sleep, we headed back to the restaurant to find a wonderful breakfast selection of fresh juices, hot drinks, cereals, pastries and yogurt with granola. There was plenty of hot options to choose from including a traditional full English breakfast (vegetarian options also), grilled kippers and eggs benedict.
For those that require wheelchair access, the bar area is fully accessible, however, due to the nature of the building, the restaurant isn’t. The Lister Barn boasts a fully accessible bedroom, with a further three ground-floor rooms available in the main building.
The Lister Arms is part of Daniel Thwaites, Lancashire’s oldest family brewer and hotelier. As well as a collection of stunning countryside inns, Daniel Thwaites’ property portfolio includes 4-star, award-winning spa hotels. As a new season approaches, the spa hotels have launched a new Wellness Experience, ‘A Taste of Autumn’, which is three hours of relaxation, bespoke TEMPLESPA treatment and a traditional Afternoon Tea.
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