2001 Inn of the Year

A special mention must go to the Nobody Inn in Devon, we found it difficult to decide between the two establishments. Both serve exceptional quality food and whilst the Nobody Inn probably scores higher in the range of ales & whiskies the quality of the Red Lion's beverages is certainly not far behind. Both establishments offer accommodation and both offer the warmest of welcomes to all their customers.

The beauty of Burnsall lies in its riverside position and its attractive bridge Built in 1612, it is still strong enough to stand frequent batterings by the River Wharfe when in full flow. The present one is the gift of Sir William Craven, a local boy who made good and became Lord Mayor of London. The primary school was once an endowed grammar school and was built in 1610, adjoining that is St Wilfrid’s Church with Anglo Danish crosses, tombs and a Norse font.

The Red Lion is a perfect place to relax after a hard day fell walking or touring the Dales. The Bar area is welcoming with a range of well kept ales. Food can be eaten in the Bar area or the snug area in front of a roaring fire or for more formal occasions there is a larger dining area.

The menu at the Red Lion is excellent quality, most of the ingredients are locally produced including Beef and Lamb farmed by Robert Stockdale at Hebden, Lamb farmed by Jeremy Daggett at Hartlington and Pork from the Hirsts in Burnsall itself. It's not just locally farmed meat though, there's fresh fish and duck also. Typical dishes include: Confit of Pheasant leg served with a truffle risotto and a creamed tarragon sauce or Medallions of Wharfedale Beef topped with Boudin Blanc pan fried served with dauphinoise potatoes and a ragout of baby vegetables. 

The Red Lion is licensed to perfom civil marriages and the Terrace Room is also equipped for Conferences. Along with organising team building events and shooting breaks, the Red Lion is geared up to cover any possibility - the Honeymoon suite even has its own log fire.

There are eleven bedrooms, comfortably furnished and individually designed with beamed ceilings and Victorian Brass beds and with views to die for.

There's plenty to do around Burnsall, the 15th century St Wilfrid’s church on an Anglo-Saxon site of a former wooden church with its 13th century carving of Adoration of the Magi and the unique lych gate is worth a visit. The village has a reference in the Domesday Book. It was founded by the Angles, who were migrant farmers from Northern Europe.
Situated between the popular tourist village of Grassington and the crumbled ruins of Bolton Abbey Monastery on the A59, Burnsall is easily found on the B6160 from Ilkley. It is 50 mins from Leeds/Bradford Airport but only 20 minutes drive from the nearest market town of Skipton. The annual August sports day includes Britain's oldest fell race - from the village green to the summit of Burnsall Fell, at least a thousand feet of climbing.

The River Wharfe gives its name to the unspoilt dale it runs through and makes Wharfedale one of the prettiest in Yorkshire. The stretch of river to either side of Burnsall village is well known for its fishing and is always well stocked with Brown Trout and the elusive Grayling. Day tickets can be purchased locally and the Red Lion has its own private stretch of the river.
A completely unspoilt village with very few local residents, Burnsall is a small but typical Yorkshire village offering some first class amenities, a well stocked general store, community-post office, small gift shop selling traditional Yorkshire crafts, a modern Brassiere and of course - the Red Lion.

Activities in the area can be as energetic as you like - pot holing and mountain biking to bird watching and sketching. Heading north you will find yourself in the heart of the famous North Yorkshire Dales.