This fine old inn sits between the Dales and the Lakes in an ancient market town, one of the prettiest in the north. It backs onto St Mary’s churchyard, where wild flowers flourish, and on the far side you’ll find “the fairest view in England” to quote John Ruskin. Herons fish the river, lambs graze the fells beyond, a vast sky hangs above. Turner came to paint it in 1825 and benches wait for those who want to linger. As for the Sun, it does what all good inns do, it looks after you in style. It dates to 1670 and started life as a butcher’s. Inside, there’s lots of pretty old stuff – stone walls, rosewood panelling, wood-burners working overtime – then warm colours, fresh flowers and the daily papers. You’ll find leather banquettes, local art and dining-room chairs from Cunard’s Mauretania, so eat in style, perhaps goat’s cheese with honey, hogget with onion jam, banana parfait with chocolate sorbet. Rooms have good beds, smart fabrics, robes in spotless bathrooms. Parking permits come with your room and can be used far and wide. Market day is Thursday, dogs are welcome, don’t miss Sunday lunch.
The Sun Inn was everything we had hoped for as part of our UK Christmas holiday. A warm welcome, very comfortable rooms, lively well stocked bar, consistently good service and especially the best food we experienced on our total trip, from fine dining, to breakfast to bar food. On top of the location in such a lively and interesting town made this a really unexpected pleasure.