The Fat Lamb, Kirkby Stephen
Crossbank, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4LL
At the meeting point of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, The Fat Lamb stands as a welcoming country inn with a character all of its own. This 17th-century coaching inn has retained its traditional charm while evolving into a comfortable and inviting space for modern-day travellers. It’s a place where hearty home-cooked food, warm hospitality, and a touch of motoring nostalgia come together to create a unique countryside experience.
(We are pleased to extend a special offer exclusively for the Hidden UK Gems community – book directly with the Fat Lamb quoting Hidden Gems and receive a 10% discount (min 2 nights)!
Inside, the atmosphere is both relaxed and intriguing. The bar is something of a local legend—part watering hole, part motoring museum. Car and motorcycle enthusiasts will find themselves lingering over the walls, adorned with memorabilia collected from the many motoring clubs that choose The Fat Lamb as their go-to base for tours. With space for over 50 cars in the car park and the stunning Pennine roads on the doorstep, it’s easy to see why. The inn features five accessible ground-floor rooms, including one with a walk-in shower, making it a welcoming option for all guests. Families are well-catered for too, with four family rooms accommodating groups of three, four, or five.
Outdoors, a five-acre private nature reserve offers a tranquil escape, and the local fells are perfect for dog walks or simply soaking up the peace of the surrounding landscape. After a day exploring nearby trails, return to the comfort of a roaring log fire, reliable Wi-Fi, and a locally sourced meal crafted by the in-house chefs. While cocktails aren’t a regular feature, the team can happily arrange them on request, and come the weekend the Sunday roasts are not to be missed.
Whether you’re here for a weekend with family, a road trip with fellow enthusiasts, or a peaceful rural break, The Fat Lamb is a unique and charmingly authentic base for discovering this beautiful corner of the UK.
Vegetarian, vegan & gluten free options
Beer garden
Sunday roast
Family friendly
Dog friendly
WiFi
Parking
Remote working
Arrange specialised tours for motoring enthusiasts and welcome between 20 and 30 car and motorcycle clubs to stay each year. The bar area reflects this with motoring and other memorabilia covering the walls and every available space. It has been described as being half bar half motoring museum and people visit just to view the collection.
What this place offers

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