About

Welcome to The Wensleydale Hotel

This charming place to stay is the pride and joy of the Merchie family who took up the reins in 2019 and completely renovated the hotel over the lockdowns.  

Grade II listed, the cosy and welcoming hotel was once an inn with a neighbouring hotel and grocery store.  It’s traditional entrance leads onto a small reception are, with a welcoming bar, complete with wood burning stove and inglenook stone fireplace.  The bar leads to The Tack Room Restaurant, where the interior décor features antique riding paraphernalia, paying homage to the town’s horse racing heritage.  

The bedrooms are full of character with some original features including fireplaces, oak beams, original shutters, and window seats. Some offer views of the Market Square with Middleham Castle dominating the skyline, and the opportunity to see and hear the racehorses trotting up to Middleham Moor for their morning exercise.  New colourful designer fabrics offer a splash of colour in the soft furnishings to add a touch of luxury, along with the Temple Spa toiletries, fluffy white towels, and crisp Egyptian cotton bedlinen.

Growing up in France, Charles, passionate about food and hospitality, worked in some impressive hotels in France, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong and Malaysia as well as the UK. Sadly, due to ill health, Charles has now taken a back seat for the time being and the rest of the family are fulfilling his dream & vision.  His wife, Fiona accompanied him on the journey that brought the family back to her home county, being a Yorkshire Lass!   Fiona also worked in hotels and then wine & spirits, so is well qualified for being in the driving seat.  Their sons Monty & Hugo, have been been well prepared for their roles at the hotel, growing up in Venice, with French & Belgian heritage & a love of wine and food!

We hope to welcome you to our gem of a Yorkshire hideaway soon,

Charles, Fiona, Monty & Hugo with a treasured Wensleydale Family, including Rui, Marielle, Norman, Paul, Gabriel and Chloe