Home

Lanercost Bed and Breakfast combines luxury with relaxed hospitality, in a beautiful, peaceful and historic setting, to provide what we hope is the ultimate bed and breakfast experience.
A.A. Friendliest B&B in Britain Finalist 2012

Just 25 finalists throughout Britain  from 3500 establishments.
Already a great success in just one year of operation.

Cumbrian couple’s award for running one of Britain’s friendliest B&Bs

By James Johnson
Last updated at 15:05, Friday, 18 May 2012
A roaring fire, friendly dog and a cup of tea might not be the greeting most associate with a bed and breakfast.
Lamb photo
Christina and Bob Lamb
Similarly, not every bed and breakfast is situated 400 yards from Hadrian’s Wall or next door to Lanercost Priory.
Perhaps that’s why Christina and Bob Lamb received an AA Bed and Breakfast award this week for running one of Britain’s friendliest bed and breakfasts.
The couple opened the Lanercost establishment in May last year and since then have dedicated themselves to trying to cater fully for their guests.
Despite their recent accolade – perhaps helping them lay claim to being Cumbria’s friendliest welcome – Mrs Lamb, 58, modestly insists the reputation of their establishment is as much to do with the location as their demeanour.
She said: “So much actually goes on in Lanercost – it’s fantastic.
“We have had incredibly interesting people in through the door.
“We had a lovely honeymooning couple staying here last week who went to play pool at the local and said it was the highlight of their holiday.”
But it’s not just the local pubs, red squirrels and nearby river that so enchants visitors. Mrs Lamb explains: “Guests will enjoy it because we enjoy it. We have had people come in who say they’ve met people on a ferry who recommended us.
“We have had very nice people so far. Maybe one day someone horrid will come in and it won’t be so nice.”
The couple attended an award ceremony at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London to celebrate their being one of 25 finalists in the competition.

Luxury accommodation
We have four individually decorated ensuite guest bedrooms with wonderfully comfortable beds, luxury bedlinen and lovely views of either the Priory ruins behind, or the open fields and ancient woodland of the Irthing River Valley in front.  The modern ensuites have bath and/or double-sized shower.
The elegant guests’ sitting room has high ceilings, a large fireplace (with roaring fire in cooler weather) and big comfy leather sofas.  Breakfast is served at our antique dining table or, on warm sunny mornings, in the garden with the Lanercost Priory ruins as your backdrop.
A historic setting
Our location is incredibly special – surrounded by stunning Cumbrian countryside, just 400 yards from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, and in the heart of the Lanercost Priory site.
Lanercost Priory was founded in 1169 as an Augustine monastery.  Part of the Priory is still used as the local parish church, with weekly services, and the beautiful Priory ruins are a designated English Heritage Site.
Beside Lanercost Priory and Abbey sits Abbey Farm.  We live, and welcome bed and breakfast guests, in the original farmhouse (the house with the black front door in the photo above).  The original farm buildings now house a lovely restaurant and tea rooms, farm shop and gallery.  Although it is no longer a working farm, there are usually sheep (with lambs in Spring) in the surrounding fields, and we have a flock of rare-breed free-range chickens which provide delicious fresh eggs for breakfast.
Set in beautiful countryside
We are within easy reach of Scotland, Northumberland, County Durham, and the Lakes there is a huge amount to see and do in the area, whether you are looking for natural beauty, history or outdoor activity.  There are fabulous walks from the doorstep, we are on both the Hadrian’s Wall footpath and the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway.  Cycle hire is available locally. We can provide drying room and bike lock up. Luggage transfer can be arranged.
Unusually for such a rural setting, you can enjoy a car-free break at Lanercost.  In summer months, the hop-on hop-off Hadrian’s Wall Bus passes Lanercost on its scenic route along the Wall between Newcastle and Carlisle, allowing you to do a one-way Wall walk and get the bus back, or to take the bus to locations further along the wall than you choose to walk (such as the popular Twice Brewed).   Brampton railway station is just 2 miles away, and Carlisle (with fast trains to London in just over 3 hours) is 12 miles away.
A warm welcome
Your hosts, Bob and Christina Lamb, will do their utmost to ensure that you have a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Bob was previously a sheep farmer, and is passionate about high quality, locally sourced produce.  He is an artisan cheesemaker (and you are welcome to try his Lanercost Blue or Cumbrian Camembert) and keeps the rare breed chickens that provide your eggs at breakfast time.
Christina was previously an award-winning, two-rossette chef.  She has designed the breakfast menu at Abbey Farmhouse to provide the best in quality home cooking.  She also makes all the breads and jams that we serve at Abbey Farmhouse.
See rooms and rates for details of HOUSE PARTY WEEKENDS, 2012 Five Night Special and winter 2012/2013 prices.
Also ideal as a small but perfect meeting venue.
We have some fantastic reviews on Trip Advisor, if you have stayed and would like to put one on the AA website go to:
http://www.theaa.com/travel/reviews/start.do?review_poiId=2513732&review_poiType=bandb&navGroup=hotels&review_poiName=Lanercost+Bed+%26+Breakfast
and for Trip Advisor

“Absolutely wonderful”
Reviewed 11 August 2011
This luxurious B&B is a real find! We came here on a cold August day at the end of our honeymoon and were greeted with tea, cake and a roaring fire. The house is beautiful and backs right on to the C12 priory behind. Our room and bathroom were very large, and the bed was the biggest I’ve ever seen (we stayed in the “River Room”). Our hosts, Bob and Christina, were extremely helpful and hospitable. Breakfasts were a real highlight! Very strongly recommended.
  • Stayed August 2011, travelled as a couple
Wonderful and close to Hadrian’s wall”
Reviewed 8 August 2011
The B&B immediately adjoins the ruins of Lanercost abbey, providing lovely views and a quiet backdrop for a relaxing visit.. Walkers should take note- both those hiking the Hadrian’s Wall path (a mile away) and those who just want country strolls in a charming valley.
The real attraction is the hospitality- Bob and Christina are friendly, attentive, and extremely accommodating. We had excellent vegetarian breakfasts and dinners while staying with them, but do let them know in advance if you are vegetarian and/or wanting dinner. The Lanercost tea rooms also provide dinners on weekends.
We are already planning to return on our next trip to the UK.
  • Stayed August 2011, travelled with family
“top class”
Reviewed 2 August 2011
This is a top class bed and breakfast set in wonderful surroundings. High quality accommodation, friendly hosts, breakfast and dinner of a very high standard with locally sourced products. We couldn’t have asked for more. Would definitely go back and recommend to friends.
Iain & Dulce
  • Stayed August 2011, travelled as a couple
Reviewed 29 July 2011
My husband and I are walkers and booked the last room in this very lovely B&B last minute as we could not find any available B&B’s in the nearby Lake District. I have to say it was a great spot of luck and a wonderful find! We arrived mid afternoon on a beautiful day to find a stunning house in a great location with wonderful views.
We were greeted by Bob, one half of the very friendly owners, who showed us to a lovely guest room with an immaculate en suite shower room. Bath robes and Molton Brown toiletries were an added piece of luxury.
Lanercost is a very nice small village with a beautiful priory and lovely nearby walks along the river. After a short stroll we enjoyed a lazy afternoon in the garden with the papers and Bob offered us tea and cakes.
A great night’s sleep in the huge superking bed and the fabulous breakfast cooked to order in the morning set us up for a massive walk on Sunday after only a 40 minute drive to Ullswater. This place is a great location for walkers wanting to hike on the Wall or in the Lakes. I cannot recommend this B&B highly enough or do it justice with this review! Go and find out for yourselves!
Thanks for a wonderful stay and we will definitely be back.
  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
“A wonderful place”
Reviewed 9 July 2011
We had a wonderful stay with Bob and Christina! They took so good care of the whole family. The food was execellent, the rooms so nice! We would love to come back!
  • Stayed June 2011, travelled with family
Reviewed 15 July 2011
We were two friends (without our families), hiking the Hadrian’s wall path from coast to coast in 6 days. The Lanercost Bed and Breakfast was the highlight of our trip. The property and the setting are gorgeous. Bob and Christina are very experienced professionals, and everything from ambiance, choice of toiletries, towels, bathrobes and furnishings are tasteful and comfortable. Christina is a wonderful chef, and dinner and breakfast were both outstanding, more on the level of a top restaurant than a B&B. If I were to do the hike again, I would stay at the Lanercost Bed and Breakfast and just do day hikes in the most interesting areas, and visit the museums and ruins. The bus that follows the Hadrian’s wall path stops right next to the Priory. We were pleasantly surprised to find such a wonderful place on a hiking trip!
  • Stayed July 2011, travelled with friends
Hi, Bob and I are enjoying sharing our home and are so chuffed that you have written such a super review. We have not been open long but all our guests have been so generous. The Hadrian’s Wall Bus is the most fantastic addition to the area, going between Newcastle and Carlisle several times a day. We look forward to welcoming you back. Thanks for the comments about the cooking.
Kind regards
Christina
Reviewed 14 July 2011
There is some magic in the air since the B&B is located next to the ruins of XII century Priory. Bob and Christine are very welcoming. Our room was big, beds very comfortable. We arrived from the Hadrian Wall Path at the B&B at 7 pm with no plans for dinner. Christine’s haddock in leek sauce was delicious and the plum crumble desert just heavenly (I will try to make it at home, Christine gave me the recipe and a tip how to make it). Fruit smoothie and the whole English breakfast were very tasty. It is a pity we had the vacation scheduled around the hiking, I would love to stay at least one more day there.
  • Stayed July 2011, travelled with friends
Christina_Lanercost, Owner at Lanercost Bed and Breakfast, responded to this review
16 July 2011
Hi, It is always easy to welcome happy guests and we look forward to your return. I am sure you will put me to shame when you cook your Lanercost dinner in Madison. Thank you
Christina and Bob
Reviewed 10 July 2011
We will recommend this B and B to our friends and look forward to returning.
We initially booked for 2 nights with plans to move on, but extended our stay to 5 because of the ambience.
Bob and Christina’s friendliness together with the high standard of accommodation not to mention the idyllic location (next to the Priory) made this a memorable holiday.
A wide variety of breakfast options was available, beautifully cooked using local produce. Breakfast time was filled with lively conversation with interesting people.
There are a number of pubs serving good evening meals in the area.
Janet and Rod
  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
Christina_Lanercost, Owner at Lanercost Bed and Breakfast, responded to this review
11 July 2011
Hi Janet and Rod. Thank you for staying with us for so much of your holiday and your wonderful review. We have another review from when you stayed, see the comment about seriously comfortable bed. I love to hear the merry buzz as guests chat over breakfast, swapping stories and ideas of what to see and do. I am delighted to hear that it was something special for you too. The menus from your favorite lunches and dinners have been added to the black book and are in use as i write this.
We enjoyed hosting you and look forward to welcoming you back.
Bob and Christina
Reviewed 8 July 2011
We were walking Hadrian’s Wall and arrived wet and bedraggled, with our two little dogs. We were all made very welcome, with cups of tea by a warm fire, and the dogs’ cage set up in the bedroom. The beds are huge and comfortable, and my ensuite had a big bath or a roomy shower to choose from – I chose the bath and enjoyed using the Molton Brown toiletries provided! As the neighbouring Priory restaurant was not open that night we had requested dinner, and what a wonderful 3-course meal was provided – one of the best meals I’ve ever had – and not just because we were hungry and exhausted after our walk! Our hosts were so friendly and welcoming, without being there too much. We left feeling refreshed and relaxed, and looking forward to coming back as soon as possible.
Room Tip:If you enjoy a good soak in a bath, make sure to ask for a room with a bath!
See more room tips
  • Stayed June 2011, travelled as a couple
Christina_Lanercost, Owner at Lanercost Bed and Breakfast, responded to this review
9 July 2011
Thank you for your wonderful review, it is a real thrill to hear from guests that we have enjoyed meeting and we look forward to welcoming you back. The roaring log fire will be ready, the perfect place to relax any time of year.
Reviewed 6 July 2011
Would thoroughly recommend this B & B, set in a gorgeous quiet location but within easy reach of Carlisle, Hadrians Wall and the Northumberland countryside and the Lakes are only a short drive. Fantastic breakfast with superb Cumbrian produce – loved the homemade bread and jam. Tea and homemade biscuits superb. Lovely warm welcome and recommendations of places to visit – Vindolanda especially. Would love to go back again anytime.
  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
Christina_Lanercost, Owner at Lanercost Bed and Breakfast, responded to this review
7 July 2011
Thank you for your super review, we do appreciate you generous comments. I am delighted that you enjoyed Vindolanda, we were certainly impressed when we visited. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Kind regards
Christina and Bob
Reviewed 4 July 2011
I would recommend that you go out of your way to visit this B&B. Very welcoming (pot if tea & cake on arrival) wonderfull rooms and in a perfect situation within the Priory.
If you are walking Hadrians Wall then this is the place to stay.
  • Stayed June 2011
Christina_Lanercost, Owner at Lanercost Bed and Breakfast, responded to this review
5 July 2011
Hi Thank you both for our first tripadvisor report. It was a pleasure to welcome you in to our home. Looking after such a delightful couple was a joy. We are thoroughly enjoying entertaining guests in our lovely Farmhouse.
Kindest regards
Christina and Bob
We always have something happening in Lanercost.
Lanercost Priory is open every day, also the Dacre Hall. The Abbey is open from dawn to dusk.
A few events that are coming up:
Jubilee Celebrations- 4th June; a hog roast followed by the lighting of the beacon on Hadrian’s Wall.
Lanercost Festival-Wednesday 20th – Sunday 24th June:  program
Wednesday 20th; a Twelfth Night – A Comedy by William Shakespeare at 7.30pm.
Thursday 21st; Chethams School of Music at 7.30pm
Friday 22nd; Twelfth Night-  at 7.30
Saturday 23rd; Lanercost Young Musician of the year at 9.00am
Saturday 23rd; Besses O’ Th’ Barn Brass Band AT 7.30
Sunday 24th choral concert AT 7.30
I can cook supper to fit with performance times and you just walk next door to enjoy superb theatre and professional music in a special setting. Sit and think back, imagine King Edward 1st. listening to fine music here so many years before you.
Summer Craft Fair- Ten Days 20th July to 30th July. Amazing quality, one of my favorite events. The chance to see real quality piece’s and to meet the artist and craftsmen. A great place to find presents also delicious home made lunches and teas and great coffee are served daily.
Naworth Castle Antiques Fair; August 31t, 1st and 2nd September; Fully stand fitted. Datelines 1910 – Furniture, Clocks etc. 1930 – Paintings, Porcelain, Pottery, Glass. 1939 – Silver, Jewellery, Bronzes. 30 stands, indoors.
Open 10.30am – 5pm daily (4.30pm finish Sunday).