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Lake District
Kirkby Stephen
The Black Bull Hotel
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The Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Exterior photoThe Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Exterior photoThe Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Restaurant photo

THE BLACK BULL HOTEL, Kirkby Stephen

Book directly with us
— up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$96 /night
Check-in
06Jun
Check-out
07Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

38 Market Steet, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4QW
-
Next to Franks Bridge
Nice
6.9
6.4
/10
4.8
/5

Loved by The Black Bull Hotel guests

Comfy bed
Clean rooms
Friendly welcome
Good value
"A lovely little traditional country hotel with a modern feel, absolutely stunning scenery from our window in a good size room which was very clean."
Jessica from United Kingdom
read full review
"We had a few drinks and decided it try the food, OMG! What we have here is restaurant food at pub prices, it's excellent."
harryp44 from United Kingdom
read full review
"There's an awesome Indian restaurant called the mango tree just a few buildings down."
Anonymous
read full review

3-star family-friendly pub stay in Kirkby Stephen

Dining

The Black Bull Hotel offers a varied menu that emphasizes traditional pub food, with an emphasis on using the best ingredients. Signature dishes include the three-course festive feast featuring melt-in-the-middle breaded brie bites and slow-cooked belly pork. The pub also provides a dedicated children's menu with options like chicken nuggets and pizzas.

Accommodation

The hotel hosts nine comfortable rooms designed to accommodate both guests and their four-legged friends. Each room is a restful retreat, facilitating easy access to explore the nearby Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. The proximity to local attractions provides a convenient base for walkers and visitors.

Location

Situated on Market Street in Kirkby Stephen, the Black Bull Hotel places guests at the center of the historic market town. It is a short distance from the Upper Eden Visitors Centre, with local shops and the vibrant market easily accessible. This central location allows for a lively pub experience while exploring the area.

Entertainment

The Black Bull Hotel hosts various events, including live music and immersive sports screenings, creating an engaging atmosphere throughout the week. Seasonal events such as the Christmas party bring festive cheer, offering themed cocktails and celebratory treats. Guests can enjoy plenty of company and vibrant interactions during their stay.

Pet-Friendly

The Black Bull Hotel accommodates pets, allowing guests to bring their dogs along during their stay. With pet-friendly spaces and ample opportunities to explore the nearby countryside, furry friends are welcome to join in on adventures. The relaxed environment ensures comfort for both pets and their owners.

Highlights

Dining: Signature dishes like belly pork

Accommodation: Nine comfortable rooms

Location: Close to Upper Eden Visitors Centre

Entertainment: Various live music events

Must-do experiences

  • Take a stroll along the River Eden for stunning views.
  • Visit the Kirkby Stephen East Station for vintage steam train rides.
  • Savor a delicious homemade pie at the Black Bull Pub.
  • Discover the ancient Roman fort at Brough, just a short drive away.
  • Explore the local farmers' market on Saturdays for fresh produce.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
    Twin Room Private Bathroom
    2 persons
    19 m²
    2 Single beds
    Bathtub
    Shower
    room details
    Superior Family Room
    2 persons
    20 m²
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Bathtub
    Shower
    room details
    Double Room Private Bathroom
    2 persons
    25 m²
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Shower
    room details

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Nice
6.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Free parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Luggage storage

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Services

  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
Show more

Dining Onsite

Experience the heart of British culinary tradition with a modern twist at the Black Bull Hotel. Emphasizing local flavors and dietary inclusivity, the dining options promise to delight every palate, whether in a cozy setting or during lively gatherings with friends.
The Black Bull Hotel Kirkby Stephen Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British
Ambiance
Traditional and inviting, perfect for relaxed dining with family or friends.
Key Offerings
Highlights include an 8oz rump steak served with freshly beer-battered chips and onion rings, alongside a delightful Lotus Biscoff sundae for dessert. Special menus cater to vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten or dairy sensitivities, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner service.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with cocktail hour; specific hours vary by day.

The Black Bull Hotel Location

38 Market Steet, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4QW
Explore Kirkby Stephen
Local Highlights Near Black Bull Hotel
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Franks Bridge
3 minutes' walk
Franks Bridge, a picturesque stone bridge, offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature and a charming spot for photos.
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church
3 minutes' walk
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church features stunning architecture and historic artifacts, making it a serene locale for reflection.
Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour
6 minutes' drive
Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour serves delicious homemade ice cream and is located near the ruins of historical Brough Castle.
Brough Castle
8 minutes' drive
Brough Castle, an imposing medieval structure, invites visitors to explore its rich history and enjoy scenic surroundings.
Hiking at Stenkrith Park
18 minutes' walk
Hiking at Stenkrith Park offers beautiful trails along the river, perfect for families and solo adventurers seeking nature.
Playtime at Platform 3 Play
15 minutes' walk
Platform 3 Play is a children's adventure park featuring climbing frames and slides, ideal for families looking for fun.
The Archway Fish and Chips
1 minute' walk
The Archway Fish and Chips serves classic British fare with generous portions; vegetarian options are available for diners.
The Bothy Cumbria Ltd
2 minutes' walk
The Bothy offers a cozy atmosphere with a menu highlighting local produce; make a reservation for the best experience.
Kirkby Stephen Town Hall
3 minutes' walk
Kirkby Stephen Town Hall hosts various community events and concerts, with a welcoming vibe perfect for all ages.
Local Pubs
5 minutes' walk
Nearby local pubs provide a lively atmosphere with live music and quiz nights, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Kirkby Stephen 3 min  ·  200 m
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 118 min  ·  78.2 km
    Durham Tees Valley (MME) 120 min  ·  80 km
  • Train
    Kirkby Stephen Train Station 29 min  ·  2.4 km
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
9

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Black Bull Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Black Bull Hotel is often chosen for its convenient location near restaurants, shops, and beautiful scenery within walking distance, making it easy to explore the town and surrounding areas. Guests often appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, some featuring modern washrooms and comfortable beds, and many find the pub downstairs a great spot for drinks and meals. While most find the rooms pleasant, a few guests have noted that some rooms could use updating. Overall, the hotel is considered a convenient and enjoyable place to stay.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 298 verified reviews
7.0 /10
Very good
61 %
Recommend
Location
8.7/10
Staff
8.3/10
Free WiFi
6.1/10
Facilities
6.9/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Spacious room
Good service
Convenient place
Cons
Loud noise
Dated bathroom
Grotty carpet
Excessive price
Guest reviews
based on 298 reviews
7.0/10
based on 425 reviews
6.9/10
john from united kingdom
true
double room private bathroom
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 19, 2026
9.0/10

charming stay in eden district

big room town centre nice bath
The room was big. and right in the centre of town. i found a nice bath in the room. access to the hotel was relatively easy. The free long-stay car park was just 5 mins away.
i asked for an early check-in and was told yes. but, when i arrived, the rooms weren't ready despite being told they would be ready by 12.
Location
9/10
The hotel is located in a central area. This offers convenient access to local amenities. the location offers good transport links. it makes exploring the surrounding area easy, great.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel provides complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, a plus. a free long-stay car park is available just a short walk away from the hotel. the facilities were generally well-kept.
Service
10/10
the check-in process was quick and efficient. the staff provided useful information about local takeaways. they ensured i could get food after the pub's serving time, which i appreciated. friendly approach impressed me.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Scarlett from United Kingdom
Single
twin room private bathroom
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 12, 2026
9.0/10

pleasant stay with attentive service

caring staff clean room bike lockers
the staff was cute i needed an early departure and one employee showed real care she suggested some nearby takeaways since the pub kitchen was closed. i really appreciated the clean room it was quite spacious and comfortable the steel bike lockers were also a great touch since i was traveling by bike.
the tea and coffee setup was inconveniently located on a low bedside table pouring hot water was difficult i also noticed only one small bedside table for two people making it hard to manage personal items
Location
9/10
the hotel is positioned advantageously it offers easy access to local attractions and amenities without being in a congested area it provides a balanced setting for exploring and relaxing.
Dining
8/10
the breakfast featured fresh ingredients it was also cooked to order i found the dining area clean and well maintained the bar had a selection of drinks.
Service
10/10
the service impressed me from arrival to departure the staff was attentive to my needs the owner helped with luggage creating a cute atmosphere overall i enjoyed a hospitable and seamless experience.
Rooms
9/10
the room was spacious and included comfortable beds it also featured super clean cleaning standards i found the quiet environment very relaxing the provided amenities added convenience to my stay.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
anna from italy
Single
double room private bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 06, 2026
6/10

adequate stay overall

convenient location friendly staff spacious room noticeable flies discolored plants general upkeep
the location was really convenient. the staff were friendly and helpful . i found the room to be quite spacious.
flies were very noticeable around the bar area , which detracted from the experience. the plastic plants in the beer garden looked discolored and untidy.
0 Helpful
Alexander from Germany
Single
Twin Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
5/10

Decent location let DOWN by several issues

tatty decor dismal hallway
The location worked well enough I guess
The room felt VERY dated and unclean i found a smoke alarm covered with a plastic bag it was not inviting the decor was also tatty and dismal the stairway carpet seemed worn and tired
0 Helpful
Stella from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 06, 2025
7/10
comfortable bed convenient pub warm room outdated bathroom
the room was clean the bed was comfortable. the pub downstairs was convenient for drinks after a long drive.
the room was unbelievable warm i could barely sleep for the heat. the bathroom was very out dated it had a bit of mould.
0 Helpful
Show more reviews
FAQs
About The Black Bull Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Black Bull Hotel?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Black Bull Hotel from Teesside International Airport?
The hotel is located 73 km from Teesside International Airport.
What is the distance of Black Bull Hotel from Brough Castle?
Brough Castle is 7 km from the hotel.
Does Black Bull Hotel provide free Wi-Fi?
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Is on-site parking available at Black Bull Hotel?
Public parking is available nearby for free.
What dining options are available at Black Bull Hotel?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving British cuisine.
What activities can guests enjoy at Black Bull Hotel?
Guests can engage in activities such as fishing, cycling, and darts.
Which restaurants are located near Black Bull Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include Kings Arms (0.5 km), The Old Bank Tearooms (0.5 km), and The Pink Geranium Cafe (0.5 km).
What amenities are available in the rooms at Black Bull Hotel?
The rooms are well-appointed and designed to accommodate pets.
How far is Black Bull Hotel from the center of Kirkby Stephen?
The hotel is approximately 3 km from the center of Kirkby Stephen.
Does Black Bull Hotel offer a children's menu?
The hotel provides a children's menu for dining.

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Check-in
06Jun
Check-out
07Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
  • Overview
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  • Price calendar
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