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3-star hotels in Settle
A shortlist of the 3-star hotels and cottages around Settle, the one Yorkshire Dales town you can reach by train. It is built for walkers, railway people and anyone who wants Malham, Ingleborough and the Ribblehead viaduct without hiring a car.
Staying in Settle
Settle sits packed under Castleberg, a limestone crag that leans over the rooftops, with the Shambles and Ye Olde Naked Man café on the market square and narrow grey-stone streets raked steeply above it. The Settle-Carlisle line begins at the 1876 Midland station on Station Road, so a car-free Dales holiday actually works here: Ribblehead viaduct is about 25 minutes up the line, Horton-in-Ribblesdale fifteen, and Leeds a little over an hour. Tuesday is market day, and the Victoria Hall still runs gigs and films.
The properties here are spread along the valley rather than stacked in the square. Several carry Settle addresses, including those on Duke Street, Church Street, Langcliffe Road and Rathmell; others sit in Horton In Ribblesdale, Long Preston, Kirkby Malham and the Skipton side, all reached by the same road and rail corridor. Rooms and self-catering cottages both feature, so couples on a short break, walkers and families with a car are all served. Evenings are quiet: two or three busy pubs, and kitchens done by 8.45pm.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
4 Helwith Bridge Cottages
4 Helwith Bridge Horton In Ribblesdale, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereFor families or groups wanting space and independence, this 3-star cottage at Helwith Bridge brings a fireplace, a full kitchen and a garden, with parking and pets allowed. Its 4.7 rating from 781 reviews reflects how consistently guests rate the place.
See 4 Helwith Bridge CottagesThe Craven Arms
Brackenber Lane, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereThe Craven Arms on Brackenber Lane suits travellers who want to settle in without leaving the building: a restaurant keeps meals easy, and a garden and terrace give room to unwind. Families are covered with family rooms and a playground, and pets and bikes are welcomed. Free parking and free wifi make arrivals and onward plans simple.
See The Craven ArmsThe Victoria
Kirkby Malham, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereSet in Kirkby Malham, The Victoria is built for guests who want a bar and restaurant on the doorstep and countryside beyond it. Family rooms, cots and free parking suit those travelling with children, while pets are allowed too. Wifi and internet access are provided, and the 4.7 rating comes from 384 reviews.
See The VictoriaThe Plough Inn
Jack Lane, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA solid pick for those exploring around Skipton, The Plough Inn offers a restaurant and bar, plus a garden, terrace and picnic area for warmer days. Rooms are carpeted and equipped with a desk, bath and shower. Free parking and free wifi cover the essentials, and 487 reviews give it a 4.6 rating.
See The Plough InnDalesbridge
Settle, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereDalesbridge in Settle appeals to guests who want breakfast on site, free parking and a garden to step into. Internet access is available in the lounge, pets are welcome, and wedding services are offered for celebrations. Couples and small groups passing through the Dales find it straightforward.
See DalesbridgeThe Boars Head
Long Preston, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Bar/Lounge
Why stay hereThe Boars Head at Long Preston centres on its bar and lounge and restaurant, so evenings need no planning. Luggage storage helps on arrival and departure days, and a non-smoking setup keeps things comfortable. With 1,015 reviews and a 4.4 rating, it sees plenty of guests.
See The Boars HeadCraven Heifer Hotel
Main Road, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAt Craven Heifer Hotel on Main Road, guests get a bar, a restaurant and free parking, with free wifi across the property and a shuttle service for onward trips. Housekeeping and luggage storage round things off, and wheelchair access is provided. Rated 4.3 from 286 reviews.
See Craven Heifer HotelThe Buck
Cove Road, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereThe Buck on Cove Road works for guests who want a bar, restaurant and lounge in one place, with a garden, lunch service and special diets catered for. Family rooms and cots help those with children, and pets can come along. Free parking and free wifi are included. Rated 4.2 from 1,286 reviews.
See The BuckHarber Scar
Horton In Ribblesdale, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereHarber Scar at Horton In Ribblesdale is a cottage-style stay with a kitchen, fireplace and garden, plus parking and pets allowed. High chairs, a cot and a washing machine make it practical for families. The 4.5 rating comes from just 6 reviews so far.
See Harber ScarThe Game Cock Inn
The Game Cock Inn The Green, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThe Game Cock Inn on The Green suits guests wanting a bar and restaurant with a garden and terrace at hand. Family rooms, cots and special diets are available, and pets are welcome. Free parking and free wifi cover the basics. Its 5.0 rating rests on a single review.
See The Game Cock InnPenyghent View
Holly Dene Farm Rathmell, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay herePenyghent View at Rathmell gives guests a self-catering setup with a full kitchen, fireplace and garden, along with parking. High chairs and a cot serve families, and a microwave, oven and toaster handle meals. Just 1 review so far, at 5.0.
See Penyghent ViewLinton Court Coach House
4 Duke Street, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereLinton Court Coach House on Duke Street offers apartment-style rooms with a kitchen, dishwasher, microwave and oven, plus a washer and dryer setup for longer stays. A fireplace and garden add comfort, with free wifi and parking. No guest rating is listed yet.
See Linton Court Coach HouseWatershed Cottage
1A Watershed Cottages Langcliffe Road, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereWatershed Cottage on Langcliffe Road is a compact cottage with a kitchen, garden and parking, and it welcomes pets. It suits guests who want a self-contained base in Settle. No guest rating is listed.
See Watershed CottageBlack Horse Cottage
Black Horse Cottage Church Street, Settle, United Kingdom
Why stay hereBlack Horse Cottage on Church Street is a small property with a terrace and safe, plus sheets provided and cleaning service. It fits travellers after simple, compact accommodation in the centre of Settle. No guest rating is listed.
See Black Horse CottageThe Stables
4 Duke Street, Settle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Stables on Duke Street gives guests an apartment with a kitchen, dishwasher, microwave and oven, plus a washer and dryer setup. A fireplace, garden, free wifi and parking are available. Good for longer, self-catered stays. No guest rating is listed.
See The Stables
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Helwith Bridge Cottages | ★★★ | 4.7 | 781 | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Craven Arms | ★★★ | 4.7 | 676 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Victoria | ★★★ | 4.7 | 384 | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Plough Inn | ★★★ | 4.6 | 487 | Yes | – | – |
| Dalesbridge | ★★★ | 4.5 | 717 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Boars Head | ★★★ | 4.4 | 1,015 | – | – | – |
| Craven Heifer Hotel | ★★★ | 4.3 | 286 | Yes | – | – |
| The Buck | ★★★ | 4.2 | 1,286 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Harber Scar | ★★★ | 4.5 | 6 | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Game Cock Inn | ★★★ | 5.0 | 1 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Penyghent View | ★★★ | 5.0 | 1 | Yes | – | – |
| Linton Court Coach House | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
| Watershed Cottage | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes |
| Black Horse Cottage | ★★★ | – | – | – | – | – |
| The Stables | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
The Craven Arms, The Victoria and The Game Cock Inn all list family rooms, and The Craven Arms adds a playground and cot.
The Craven Arms · The Victoria · The Game Cock Inn · Penyghent View · Watershed Cottage
For walkers
Harber Scar and 4 Helwith Bridge Cottages sit at Horton In Ribblesdale and Helwith Bridge, the ground from which Pen-y-ghent and the Three Peaks are climbed. Dalesbridge at Settle and The Craven Arms offer a bed after a long day out, with free car parking at all four.
Harber Scar · 4 Helwith Bridge Cottages · Dalesbridge · The Craven Arms
Travelling with a dog
Pets are allowed at nine of these properties, from The Craven Arms and The Plough Inn to the cottages at Helwith Bridge, Horton In Ribblesdale and Langcliffe Road. That is unusually generous for the Dales, and it means the walking boots and the dog both get a bed.
The Craven Arms · The Victoria · The Plough Inn · The Buck · Dalesbridge · The Game Cock Inn
Self-catering
4 Helwith Bridge Cottages, Linton Court Coach House and The Stables on Duke Street offer apartments with kitchens, while Penyghent View and Harber Scar add dishwashers and washing machines. Useful when the town's kitchens stop serving by 8.45pm.
4 Helwith Bridge Cottages · Linton Court Coach House · The Stables · Penyghent View · Watershed Cottage · Harber Scar
Where to stay in Settle
Horton In Ribblesdale
Fifteen minutes up the line from Settle and the foot of Pen-y-ghent, whose 694-metre summit is a steady three miles with two short scrambles. The path to it starts at the station, and the Pen-y-ghent Café is the traditional Three Peaks clocking-in point. Rough open ground; boots are essential.
Our picks here: 4 Helwith Bridge Cottages · Harber Scar
Skipton
The addresses at Kirkby Malham, Jack Lane, Long Preston and Cove Road lie on the Skipton side of the district, away from Settle's market square but on the same road and rail corridor into Craven. Quieter surroundings, with the bar and restaurant facilities of The Victoria, The Plough Inn and The Boars Head on hand.
Our picks here: The Victoria · The Plough Inn · The Boars Head · The Buck
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Settle is the one Yorkshire Dales town with a proper train service, and that changes everything about staying here. The Settle-Carlisle line begins at the 1876 Midland station on Station Road, and from the platform you can be at Ribblehead viaduct in about 25 minutes or Horton-in-Ribblesdale, at the foot of Pen-y-ghent, in fifteen. Leeds is a little over an hour. A car-free Dales holiday is genuinely possible here in a way it is not from Leyburn or Grassington.
When to go
This is the wet side of the Pennines and it shows, so pack for rain whenever you come. Tuesday is market day in the square. The Museum of North Craven Life at the Folly opens most afternoons April to October and fewer days in winter, and Victoria Cave and Attermire Scar are open rough ground best walked with boots in the drier months.
Things to do near Settle
Questions, answered
Which of these places is closest to Settle town centre?
Linton Court Coach House and The Stables both stand at 4 Duke Street, in the middle of town, with Black Horse Cottage on Church Street nearby. The Game Cock Inn and The Craven Arms are also in Settle. Properties at Horton In Ribblesdale, Long Preston and Kirkby Malham are further out.
Can I stay here without a car?
Yes. Settle has a proper train service: the Settle-Carlisle line starts at the Midland station on Station Road, Ribblehead viaduct is about 25 minutes away and Horton-in-Ribblesdale fifteen, with Leeds a little over an hour. The Craven Arms also offers a bike rental service.
Do any of these hotels have free parking?
Several do. The Craven Arms, The Victoria, The Plough Inn, Dalesbridge, Craven Heifer Hotel, The Buck, The Game Cock Inn, Harber Scar, Penyghent View and Watershed Cottage all list free car parking, which matters if you are driving over to Malham or Ingleborough.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Craven Arms and The Victoria list family rooms and cots, and The Craven Arms adds a playground. The Game Cock Inn also has family rooms. For longer stays, Penyghent View and Watershed Cottage are self-catering with kitchens and high chairs.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are allowed at The Craven Arms, The Victoria, The Plough Inn, The Buck, Dalesbridge, The Game Cock Inn, 4 Helwith Bridge Cottages, Harber Scar and Watershed Cottage. That covers both inns in the town and the self-catering cottages up at Horton In Ribblesdale and Langcliffe Road.
Which is the top-rated hotel on this list?
The Game Cock Inn and Penyghent View both carry a guest rating of 5.0 out of 5, though each from a single review. Among the well-reviewed properties, 4 Helwith Bridge Cottages and The Craven Arms both score 4.7, from 781 and 676 reviews respectively.
What is there to do in Settle itself?
Climb Castleberg, the limestone crag above the rooftops: the path leaves Constitution Hill off the market square and reaches the top in about twenty minutes, free. The Museum of North Craven Life sits on Victoria Street in the seventeenth-century Folly, and the Victoria Hall still runs gigs and films.
Are there restaurants in the town in the evening?
Expect two or three busy pubs rather than a restaurant scene. The Lion on Duke Street and the Talbot Arms carry most of the trade, and by 8.45pm the kitchens are done. The good coffee shops shut by four, so plan dinner early.