Tufton Arms Hotel

United Kingdom , Cumbria and Lake District
CUMBRIA AND LAKE DISTRICT, Market Square
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75 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2026

Lionel

Rooms clean, staff as always at this hotel were very friendly and helpful, food and drink was excellent.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2026

Karl

Great host and room as usual

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2025

Karl

Great room upgraded for free
Staff go above and beyond
Will stay again

Business

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2025

Nigel

Tufton Arms, Appleby stay-over 9th October 2025

My stay was very pleasurable, nice clean room and bathroom. A large comfortable bed, and a good nights uninterrupted sleep.
Great service and large portioned breakfast.
I would certainly recommend a visit.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2025

Joshua

Perfect accommodation with baby. Own entrance, very private, clean & friendly.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Peter

Tufton Arms Hotel

Friendly welcome and service

Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2025

Alastair

The property was basic, clan and functional, with friendly helpful staff.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2025

Colin

Lad on reception stayed on until 9:45 when I eventually trapped in from hiking. Above and beyond IMO 👌

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2025

Verified traveler

Super find, no doubt we'll be back

Had a meeting locally. Booked to stay at the Tufton Arms due to location and cost. Considering it was a Wetherspoons pub, it was surprisingly quiet in the room! Plenty of tea and coffee, shower was perfectly adequate for our requirements. Breakfast, although an extra charge, was easily accessed in the morning downstairs and usual tasty spoons food (beans tasted funky though!)

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2025

Helen

Great stay

A very nice hotel , good rooms and superb food and wines.
Dover Sole for dinner was magnificent. Wines chosen from their adjacent wine shop ( corkage £10 per bottle ) were exceptional and good prices for Bin ends.
Staff were very helpful , polite and very efficient.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2025

Chris

Good spot

Good spot , would return here.
Plus amazing Indian a few yards away.

Business

2/10

Poor

10 Jul 2025

Owen

The rooms were grimy, one of the toilets hadn't been flushed, one sink had water marks in it, and a rug was really dirty and heavily marked. The sofa bed hadn't been made, or anything left out for us to make it despite a booking for 3 in one room. We decided not to stay and just left. Not recommended!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2025

David

Nigel and staff made us feel very welcome.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2025

Geoffrey

One night stop over

A charming old town hotel with a great menu and drinks. A knowledgeable host who was very helpful.

Business

4/10

Poor

02 May 2025

Jessica

Shabby

Unfortunately the room was extremely run down which gave it a unclean feel. Mouldy skirting boards, needed painting, worn carpets and the bathroom very old and shabby.
Certainly needs modernising.
Did not use the shower due to feeling unclean and grubby.
Also when we went to check in there was nobody on reception. We tapped the bell 3 times and eventually had to go find someone from the cafe.
Just relieved that we only needed to stay one night and we intentionally stayed away from the room as much as possible.

Partner

4/10

Poor

16 Apr 2025

debbie

We thought it didn't look like the photos
Not for 4 people at all
The pull out sofa bed was terribly
Very uncomfortable
Food in the hotel was not that good not
Very quick and very expensive
Could not find staff when we wanted them
Had a long wait for food and drinks
Its verey noisy in the court yard
And its not a court yard
Its a short cut down the back
The first aid box was 4 years out of date when i needed it
Don't think i would go back for the money we paid not good at all

The hotel bar next door was much better
Food was much better and more
Friendly

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2025

peter

A pleasant stay.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Dec 2024

David

It was very quiet when i stayed in December, well out of season. But the staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was excellent. As it was so quiet, the bar wasnt open but there are good pubs a few steps away. I would stay here again quite happily.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2024

Andrew

Good room with excellent breakfast 5*

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Oct 2024

Mark

Upgraded without having to ask for it, a nice touch, into a lovely suite. Food was excellent and wine choice via the shop / corkage was exceptional.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2024

Carolyn

Welcoming staff, helped me with my bag. Delicious dinner. Nice relaxing place to stop after a long drive

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2024

Jason

Nice place in centre of appleby, comfy bed, quiet room.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2024

Christopher

Very friendly with good food

Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 Sep 2024

Verified traveler

An average stay

Main building was full of character and was clean. Reception service was extremely helpful. The room at the back I stayed in was very dated and in need of repair/maintenance in places. The lock to the outside door didn't feel secure. Breakfast was not included, despite the booking saying 'english breakfast', which it turns out doesn't mean breakfast included. A fine stay for one night, but a little disappointed, considering the price.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

27 Aug 2024

Verified traveler

We arrived to a twin room rather than the king we had originally booked. We were then told that that was the only room available so we accepted it as we needed somewhere to sleep. The door to the room also didn't lock so it wasn't the best start but the staff were apologetic and friendly. We asked what time the restaurant was open until and the member of staff advised that it was more or less closing time (just before 8pm) so we went for a wander through the area and found a takeaway instead. The following day we were told that our original room we had booked was now available so we moved our belongings over. We asked when we were ble to order tea and were advised that the restaurant would open from 6pm. At around 6:45 we came down but everything was in the dark with no staff to be found so we ended up going to the pub a couple of doors down for our tea and a couple of drinks instead. The following morning I tried the shower and it just wasn't getting hot. I knew from the previous room that the water didn't get to burning point however I had goosebumps while trying to wash. The room itself was lovely and I loved that they put a hot chocolate sachet out with the condiments but it just felt that although they stay was ok there was room for improvement. On a positive note though, the staff were friendly and the breakfast on both mornings was delicious

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Aug 2024

Hywel

Booked last minute due to needing to travel back from a holiday early. Arrived late at night with 2 tired children, apartment clean, lights on and welcoming.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

19 Aug 2024

Dorothea

The property is unique, sprawling and eclectic, but the location and particularly the service couldn't have been better. Everyone greeted us with true warmth and made us feel welcomed guests. The location is good and the food there was even better. We had dinner and breakfast and were happy with both choices. We'd definitely return, despite some issues with noise from other rooms.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2024

Richard

Excellent and friendly service and great food.

Business_and_leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Aug 2024

Jill

It certainly wasnt luxury. Though clean the rooms was very dated and dark on 2nd floor. Staircase desperately needed renovation.
However bed was comfortable and breakful delightful.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2024

James

A very comfortable, well equipped apartment in the middle of Appleby in Westmorland. Very reasonably priced.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2024

Carole

We were in a self catering apartment which was excellent. The actual hotel looks tired and needs an upgrade. I wouldn’t want a room in the hotel, I would return to the apartment. We had lunch which was very good. They have a good chef.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2024

Ann

Dog Friendly

Leisure Pet

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2024

william

This is a friendly somewhat quirky hotel situated in the centre of Appleby. The breakfasts and dinners were impressive.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

07 Jul 2024

Martin

It’s an old property, I expected it to be quirky and dated. But there’s no excuse for no hot water at all in the room for all night and next morning. Or human waste residue in the toilet of your room and the bathroom mirror dirty. Makes you think: What confidence do I have that the rest of the room has been properly cleaned? Be aware there’s no lift and staff don’t offer to carry your bags upstairs. If you’re old or disabled, think twice. The redeeming features are the breakfast area: Fresh and nice and lovely staff. And the location - RIGHT in the heart of Appleby.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2024

David

we stayed in a self-catering apartment in the mews and never saw the hotel. It was quiet and fairly well appointed but wouldnt consider it luxury, despite the blurb. Parking along side the apartment was tight, tricky to squeeze past other vehicles, and there was no heating - early July yes, but a pretty cool time. And Appleby's a delightful town, but limited scope to buy a range of foods for self-catering.

Partner

2/10

Poor

22 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Very poor

This by far was the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. I paid extra to get a studio but it was damp, strong smell of mold, needs a lot of decorating, was quite dirty, heating didn't work, micro TVs - just generally appalling. I left at 7.30am to have breakfast at a nearby hotel. Couldn't wait to be out of there for the sake of my lungs.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2024

Sarah

Welcome rest

Delicious comfortable room, friendly serving staff. Large double bed room , large bed. Breakfast was ok. Very little disturbance from other guests

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2024

Andrew

Great to come back to this gem of a hotel in beautiful Cumbria

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2024

Derek

Faded older lady

Tired and slightly odd private hotel situated in the Main Street Appleby. Have stayed in this hotel many years ago and at that time regularly for work. Now quite tired, worn and dated. Information is scarce and wasn't clear about the food situation on check in or from materials in the room (no details of breakfast times etc). Everything worked fine but past its best (bed and furnishings). Room very warm and if you opened sash window to cool could be noisy. Breakfast decent when time allowed.
Depends what you are looking for as price was in relation to what was received.

Business

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2024

Jennifer

They hosted a function which we attended, The staff were very friendly and helpful, the self catering room was lovely and well equipped and suited myself with mobility needs, as it was on the ground floor and had it's on entrance with only a couple of stairs, once inside the room it was all on one level, We also dinned in the hotel and the food was lovely.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2024

Danica

Perfect little getaway

Spacious, clean and gorgeous location

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Mar 2024

David

Quirky

Rather tired quirky building and setup. However, the owner and staff were lovely and food fantastic

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

21 Feb 2024

Liz

Positives: Staff extremely friendly, approachable and helpful. Food in restaurant excellent. Comfortable bed and property well-heated. Parking right outside apartment. Negatives: Needs decorative refreshing, especially in the bathroom and a more comfortable sofa in the lounge are.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Oct 2023

Alexandra

Central location.
Furnishings in bedroom were a little tired

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Aug 2023

Jackie

Amazing stay

Stayed 1night was made very welcome lovely location in market square
Food really nice and restaurant food fantastic good selection of wines
Shop in hotel amazing
Room clean and spacious tea / coffee available
Only negative 2 toilet brushes in toilet but both broken however I forgot to mention on leaving but bed so comfy feather pillows and Milton brown toiletries a bonus

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Aug 2023

Peter

8 out of 10

Generally very good. Welcoming staff, particularly nice bar and bar food, good breakfast. Room 5 a little tired, especially carpet, carpet seams and wonky floor under. Appleby lovely.

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2023

Joanne

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2023

michael

Great access and parking for the nice apartment

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jun 2023

Martin

Property needs investment badly to refresh a somewhat tired establishment. Rooms were ridiculously hot with the weather and no air con. Windows either didn’t open at all, or sashes wouldn’t stay open. Beds were soggy and towels were see-through. In fairness, the bathroom (apart from the translucent towels) was decent and the breakfast, breakfast area and breakfast staff were all great. It’s in a perfect location. It wasn’t expensive, and it was fine for one night. so I guess you get what you pay for.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2023

Sarah

Had a fabulous night

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2023

Rosie

Self catering in a hotel - great combination

Very well equipped, comfortable apartment in a pretty mews behind the main hotel. Great location with lovely walks around Appleby from the doorstep.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2023

Shanda

We stay in one of the self catering apartments. It was perfect! Spacious, clean and parking just outside the door! Very convenient for a walking tour of this beautiful town! And the staff were wonderful as well. Highly recommend a stay here!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

21 Apr 2023

Ian

Food fabulous, staff great. Building and rooms need an update. I will return

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2023

Cheryl

Great

Stayed in apartment 21, one bedroom for two nights. Arrived an hour early and was showed to our apartment straight away. Everything was great about our stay and would definitely return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2023

Arabella

We will return!

We were pleasantly surprised - we stayed for one night in one of the apartments and were too tired to eat, but we liked the hotel so much that we will go back and enjoy it properly. Warm, friendly welcome and well equipped apartment. Very good value, felt more expensive.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2023

Jolene

Lovely place

Staff were amazing, bar was lovely! We will deffo go back!!

The only down side was the beds were not comfy but I do suffer with back problems so probably not entirely the hotels fault! Up grades the beds and sofa beds and it will be perfect!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2023

Thomas

Nice sized kitchen/lounge/dining area with all you'd need for a short stay. Bedroom was fine. Shower was a 'wet room' type, walk in shower. There's a convenience store virtually next door if you need food, drinks etc. Clean and comfortable, good value with car parking right outside the property

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2023

Verified traveler

Would stay again.

Perfect pit stop. We stayed in apartment and only had to get milk for breakfast and there was a spar next door so no problem. Tea, coffees, sugar and cereal all provided.
Staff friendly and great with recommendations.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Dec 2022

Peter

Friendly welcome

Upgraded from single to nice double as hotel was quiet. Very nicely redecorated bar with focus on fine wine. Good ale and tasty evening meal, attentive staff.

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Nov 2022

John

Good food

Stayed many times. Friendly hotel in a lovely town. Always good food.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Oct 2022

rebecca

First impression not great as the stairs leading up gifligh

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

17 Oct 2022

Verified traveler

No atmosphere of welcome or hospitality

Central situation and lovely old building . V pleasant rooms and superb furnishings throughout , food excellent.
Staff untrained and owner/manager uninterested .

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2022

Catherine

Lovely place to stay, friendly staff

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

18 Sep 2022

Vicky

Overpriced rooms, but lovely food and staff

The hotel looks very grand from the outside, and as you enter. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

The room itself was large and clean, however it was badly in need of a freshen up decor wise. The spotlights in the ceiling didn't match, and had been painted over sloppily several times. The wallpaper looked like it had been damp and peeled, then been glued back in place. The coasters and paintings didn't match the period features or decor at all. I think the rooms would benefit from a little TLC and a good eye .

Breakfast was wonderful, again staff brilliant and helpful and kind.

Over all a good stay, but the room was not good value in its current state, it was worth less than half what we paid to be brutally honest. I stay in many hotels, but haven't seen a room this tired for many years.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2022

Paul

will go again

Excellent accommodation, food, staff and atmosphere. We would highly recommend this hotel.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Aug 2022

Helen

Great location and room, breakfast was a little disappointing as we didn’t get what we ordered!

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

20 Aug 2022

Anthony

Walking lady Anne’s way

Nice hotel with old style charm in lovely town, could do with a bit of TLC, Breakfast was fantastic and great waitress rest of staff a bit miserable, great shower and comfortable bed

Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2022

George

Lovely stay.
Traditional hotel that has been simply brought up to date

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2022

Wiliam

Very comfortable

Very comfortable and excellent service from all the staff.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2022

Jason

Simply Perfect stay.

Amazing property and the self contained apartment was brilliant. Staff were super helpful and nothing was too much bother. Highly recommend

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2021

MARGARET

Great value

Stayed in the suite in the courtyard and overall the experience exceeded our expectations

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2021

David

Good place to stay in Appleby.

Had 3 nights at the Tufton whilst on work training. Really friendly staff, easiest check-in ever, nice bar and its dituated right in the town square. Wide choice of pubs and restaurants all within a stones throw. Breakfast was great. Room was not special but nice enough and the price for what i got was very good value for money. Would happily stay there again.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2021

Hazel

Wonderful, friendly staff. Excellent food and very clean. Slightly dated decor in a few places, but all in all, an excellent stay.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2021

Gareth

The only thing we don’t make is the Tomato sauce!

My stay at the Tufton Arms was overnight on a work related trip.

Upon arrival I was greeted and booked in by a lovely young lady who, as I later found out, seemed to be doing rather a lot……all to her credit!

The accommodation was simple, lovely and everything I expected! Oh and the shower was fantastic…..along with the Molton Brown toiletries…this would be another reason Id return!

Restaurant - The evening meal and breakfast were nothing short of sublime! I had a prawn Thai curry which was only second to one that I had in Thailand (Koh Lipe). I have honestly been raving about the curry I left ❤️

Breakfast was also exceptional! The choice and buffet selection (fruits, drinks etc) were first class! Fortunately I spotted the chef at breakfast (whilst he was making fresh crepes) which gave me the opportunity to personally thank him for the curry and my Welsh rarebit, wild mushrooms and poached egg breakfast!

He went on to advise that the “ only thing we don’t make is the Tomato sauce!” hence the title!

Thanks to the entire Tufton Arms team! I will return 💯%

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

13 Sep 2021

ALAN

Recommended.

Pleasant experience, friendly staff, lovely breakfast.

Self