Reviews

Fantastic setting and even better service from Naomi and Darryl who welcome you in the warmest way, and provide exceptional service and food. The setting is simply gorgeous and the rooms are kept to a high standard with a view to saving the environment, but not 'preachy'. I guzzled down the delicious evening special of fish and ships, on hot plates [a rare thing] with a proper pint of ale. Yes, there is a bar, well stocked! Next morning, after a comfortable night and morning shower, I ate a delicious, locally sourced, Cumbrian breakfast with lovely coffee, which set me up for my departure. A final treat was sitting on a bench in the garden, drinking in the amazing view across the Ellen Valley. A great place to come and stay any time of year. There is ample parking, house is wheelchair friendly, and families are welcome. They are a short drive from Wigton, Cockermouth, the Northern Lakes, and Keswick. Highly recommended.

It was Burns Night. An event that is nationally popular, but unlike Chef Darryl at Woodlands, so few south of the Border can actually create a Burns Night Supper to remember. What a supper it was and so much to remember about the experience, the traditional crafted and balanced menu so perfectly created. Not just the fine dining in comfortable surrounds, also the knowledge of Naomi in the fine section of malts on offer to complement the meal and enjoyment of the evening. Book now for 2025 to avoid disappointment!

Just enjoyed a superb Burns Night supper … fabulous, lovely atmosphere, flavours to dream of and terrific service … rapidly becoming the hidden gem of the Back ‘o’ Skiddaw. And then, there’s the extensive range of whisky and imaginative choice of whisky cocktails for the season. We will definitely be coming back.

You couldn’t ask for a friendlier welcome at this hidden gem in Cumbria. Smoothly run by the chef and his wife, the food is always excellent, innovative and plentiful. We had the 3-course set menu but on different days of the week there are other, simpler offerings eg fish and chips, winter warmers etc. The venison in particular was fabulous, very tender and perfectly cooked. There was a choice of desserts to suit everyone. Thank you for a lovely evening!

Real home from home with exceptional service from the friendly hosts, Darryl and Naomi. We chose the Woodlands as a very convenient base to explore the Northern Fells ( convenient for trips to Keswick Carlisle and many other Lakeland towns too ) and after reading the glowing reviews. We were not disappointed. Our room, appropriately the Wainwright room, was large and well appointed , clean and fresh with oodles of hot water and excellent wifi. Breakfast ( French Toast…wow! ) and dinner were delicious being extremely well cooked and presented courtesy of Darryl, a trained chef of many years standing. Many ingredients were homemade ( clementine marmalade … yummy ) and the 3 course evening meal was curated for us after discussion with Darryl. Our stay at the Woodlands was exceptionally enjoyable on many fronts, we intend to return in the near future and would not hesitate to recommend to friends and family.

We have dined at the restaurant several times and have always been very satisfied with our meals and refreshment. Woodlands has always produced a good dining experience with a changing menu based upon local and seasonal produce. An imaginative meal is well prepared together with the ability to suit dietary requirements. Woodlands is well worth a visit. Not just such very good dining but also a balanced wine list and extensive range of whisky that surely would suit all palates. Thoroughly recommended and a dining experience we will continue to enjoy

We visited the restaurant and were blown away by the experience. Can't believe what a gem we found at the Woodlands Country House and Cottage! Naomi and Darryl were very warm and welcoming and more than happy to chat with us without being intrusive. They were more than happy to give recommendations for local walks and attractions and knew a lot about the local area. We'd chosen to have Darryl construct a menu based on our preferred tastes, which is not something most restaurants offer and therefore something we were quite excited to try. The meal we were presented with was one of the best I've eaten. I was unsure at first because my wife is a coeliac and also struggling with a milk intolerance at the moment. Given the restaurant tries to minimise waste we were told that the whole meal would be prepared gluten free and milk free which I thought might mean my own food would be lacking. How wrong I was. Daryll is a trained dietary chef and has a background in fine dining which absolutely showed in the quality of the food. I couldn't tell I was eating gluten free or milk free food at all. Absolutely brilliant meal. We only wish we'd booked to stay at the Woodlands Country House and Cottage (we chose a different cottage as we'd not seen this one). Will certainly be visiting (and staying) again.

We were staying in the village of Ireby for half term and came upon this hidden gem of a place. We found out Woodlands does ‘chippy Tuesday’ and decided as a family of 4 to sit in for fish and chips but we could have chosen to take our food away if we’d wanted. What an absolutely fantastic experience, from the extremely warm welcome from the hosts making you feel part of their lovely family, the impeccable and faultless service combined with delicious food worthy of any 5 star restaurant was absolutely amazing! We were all quite full after our beautifully battered fish, homemade chips and scrumptious tartare sauce (all home made!) but managed to fit in some pavlovas which were so light, airy and fruity. Nothing was too much trouble and we all thoroughly enjoyed our evening. The hosts go out of their way to accommodate you and your requests, especially with enough notice. Good luck, you truly deserve to be fully booked and busy, we will definitely be back again!

We stayed here for 2 nights and had a fantastic time. Rooms are really quiet, beautifully appointed with a comfortable king sized bed and black out curtains. Daryl and Naomi made us feel very welcome and were excellent hosts. The highlight for us was the food. Breakfast and dinner were amazing – freshly cooked to a very high standard with locally sourced ingredients. I would thoroughly recommend staying here.

Very comfortable stay with great food. We booked a very short notice stay at Woodlands Country House, and very much enjoyed the experience. Received a very warm welcome on arrival and found the family running the house to be extremely hospitable and pleasant to be around. Rooms had been recently refurbished and were very comfortable and clean. The real gem about this place is the food. Everything was freshly made and the dishes were structured around taste, fantastic, and would easily trump any of the other restaurants I have eaten in, in the Lake District area. The house also had a very comfortable lounge area with a bar stocked with local and high quality wines, sprits and beer, all at a very reasonable price. The room was advertised as an annex, but you are fully undercover from the room to the house, so no getting wet going for dinner. Location was also a good base for exploring the north side of the Lake District, was a short drive from Keswick, and some other local towns which I had not had the opportunity to visit before and other attractions that I’ll visit on my next trip. I would certainly stay here again and book in for dinner.

Went for a meal and it was so good we booked again for later that week. Food was exceptional, prepared to order. Daryl and Naomi were great hosts, nothing was too much trouble. Saw the rooms whilst there and they were superb - clean and modern. We may well stay there when we next visit the area. The location is quiet but very beautiful…

We really enjoyed our 4 night stay at Woodlands Country House and Cottage, we stayed in a garden room which was very clean, comfortable and spacious with a large walk in shower room.The breakfasts were amazing and our evening meals were beautifully presented and extremely tasty Thankyou Darryl and Naomi for making our stay with you so enjoyable, we look forward to returning

This really is a gem of a place to stay. The accommodation is to a high standard. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. The fish and chips cooked to gastro standard by an experienced host and chef. Highly recommended.

Spent a fabulous three days at Woodlands this weekend. The room was very clean and spacious and the very large bed was really comfortable. The breakfast was excellent with a good choice all freshly cooked. Situated in a lovely peaceful village with the lakes a coast both within easy reach this is a great place to stay. Will definitely be back next time we visit the lakes.

We called in to Woodlands today for the first time , feeling hungry and requesting something savoury ! Darryl did not disappoint ! He produced a wonderful platter which included amazing sausage rolls made by himself . We relaxed in the garden with a lovely view across the valley and left feeling decidedly better . Good luck Darryl and Naomi . We will be back

The staff are incredibly charming and very accomodating. The food was amazing far beyond what i expected from a tiny village. The drinks were very well made and the overall experience was brilliant. The location while out the way was worth the journey from manchester, absolutely stunning.

What an amazing find in the Lake District, great value for money, comfortable stay and the most incredible home cooked food. On booking please read your email, as you must book for dinner and we would recommend to do so. All locally sourced ingredients, drinks and toiletries in the rooms. Beautiful building and location. 100% worth a visit.

My wife & I stayed in the self catering cottage for 5 nights with 2 dogs. We were blessed with lovely weather for the whole stay though it was chilly enough in the evenings that we lit the fabulous wood burner twice. The cottage was a great base from which to explore the Lake District. It was well equipped and comfortable. The double bed was luxuriously cosy. We would have preferred to have had a chest of drawers for our clothing as you can't hang everything (underwear, shorts, socks etc) in a wardrobe but this didn't detract from our stay at all. We took breakfast in the main building every morning and it was fabulous: no wonder so many people rave about it in their reviews. The hosts were very welcoming and friendly. Highly recommended.

WOW! What an amazing occasion, thanks for such a wonderful meal and atmosphere. The food is some of the best I've tasted in many many years, you certainly know how to cook. We had mozzarella and sweet peppers with a romesco sauce to start, cod with a lemon zest/oil crust served on a bed of stunning ratatouille style vegetables and finished off with a mixed berry pavlova and a (very!) local cheese board. All this for £30 PP! We were walking the Cumbria Way and were talking about the food the following day, wishing we had something as good as this to look forward to. I just wish we lived nearer to enjoy more often, thanks Naomi and Darryl. All the very best, Steve & Anne.

Had a fantastic stay here for a wedding in the area. The owners were very welcoming & friendly. Nothing was too much bother. Really delicious food & an extensive range of gins & whisky as well as other drinks. Our room was spotlessly clean & very comfortable. Breakfast was excellent, the best croissants I have had in a long time.

My partner and I were treated to the deluxe afternoon tea which was absolutely amazing and we both agreed that it was the best we had even had. All was made freshly on site and the homemade bread was amazing. The owners, Darryl and Naomi waited on us throughout and their friendliness and passion for their food shone through and made the experience even better. Many thanks and we cannot wait to return to try the evening meal and chippie Tuesday

Fantastic stay over the Easter break. Darryl and Naomi are perfect hosts and extremely accommodating. We were all made to feel truly at home. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, very stylish and themed around local history which was a lovely touch. Both the breakfast and dinner offering were all locally sourced and tasted amazing. We enjoyed our break so much that we booked to return in the summer before leaving. Our daughter is counting down the weeks already!

Fabulous place to stay. Spacious room, Wi-Fi that works, fantastic shower (pressure and temperature). Very comfy, spacious bed. Food was excellent, and Darryl caters for all requirements. Location is a great base to explore the Lake District, and a friendly place to recoup each day.

If there is one place you should dine in Cumbria then this is the place. The food is absolutely amazing, stunning actually. Our hosts Naomi and Darryl made us so very welcome. Absolutely first class and I can not recommend enough. We will be back most definitely - thank you both very much.

If there is one place you should dine in Cumbria then this is the place. The food is absolutely amazing, stunning actually. Our hosts Naomi and Darryl made us so very welcome. Absolutely first class and I can not recommend enough. We will be back most definitely - thank you both very much.

We went with family from the local village of Ireby, Australia and New Zealand for the 3 course dinner which was absolutely delicious. The food, wine and service was 5 star. The ambience and decor was also beautiful. All of us enjoyed very much and would highly recommend.n

We went with family from the local village of Ireby, Australia and New Zealand for the 3 course dinner which was absolutely delicious. The food, wine and service was 5 star. The ambience and decor was also beautiful. All of us enjoyed very much and would highly recommend.

A lovely friendly family run country house. Everything is 5 Star from the bedrooms with lovely linen and fluffy towels ,to the excellent cuisine. Darryl is a 5 Star Chef and everything is homemade. While we were there we had a family celebration for 18 people and the food and service was excellent nDarryl and Naomi really go out of their way to look after your every need.nDefinitely 5 Stars

A lovely friendly family run country house. Everything is 5 Star from the bedrooms with lovely linen and fluffy towels ,to the excellent cuisine. Darryl is a 5 Star Chef and everything is homemade. While we were there we had a family celebration for 18 people and the food and service was excellent Darryl and Naomi really go out of their way to look after your every need. Definitely 5 Stars

Darryl and Naomi went out of their way to make us feel special with 5 star attention. The room was comfortable and the bathroom spacious. The food was excellent and the wine list well chosen. 3 course dinner was £30 and the best hotel food I can remember

Darryl and Naomi went out of their way to make us feel special with 5 star attention. The room was comfortable and the bathroom spacious. The food was excellent and the wine list well chosen. 3 course dinner was £30 and the best hotel food I can remember

We have just spent five nights at Woodlands House and loved it.....everything we wanted for a break. The friendliness of our hosts (we almost felt like family.),the comfortable accommodation, recently refurbished and above all the wonderful food makes this an exceptional place to stay.nWe booked an evening meal for our first night and decided then to eat there every evening and dinner, and the breakfasts, were always delicious. Try it!

We have just spent five nights at Woodlands House and loved it.....everything we wanted for a break. The friendliness of our hosts (we almost felt like family.),the comfortable accommodation, recently refurbished and above all the wonderful food makes this an exceptional place to stay. We booked an evening meal for our first night and decided then to eat there every evening and dinner, and the breakfasts, were always delicious. Try it!

We visited the property for the Bank Holiday weekend and must say thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Room was very clean with quality furniture and beddings. Food was amazingly delicious. And above all the property owners are very helpful and warm. They helped us in planning the right things to do with the kids. Would love to be back there again.

We visited the property for the Bank Holiday weekend and must say thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Room was very clean with quality furniture and beddings. Food was amazingly delicious. And above all the property owners are very helpful and warm. They helped us in planning the right things to do with the kids. Would love to be back there again.

Wow, what a fabulous 3 night stay we have just had at Woodlands County House.nThe rooms are spotlessly clean with super comfy beds.nAn extensive breakfast menu to choose from all cooked fresh to order and using local produce.nOur two evening meals at Woodlands County House were absolutely delicious.nFeel well and truly spoiled by the lovely owners x

Wow, what a fabulous 3 night stay we have just had at Woodlands County House. The rooms are spotlessly clean with super comfy beds. An extensive breakfast menu to choose from all cooked fresh to order and using local produce. Our two evening meals at Woodlands County House were absolutely delicious. Feel well and truly spoiled by the lovely owners x

Another visit to Woodlands with a warm welcome and excellent food. The rooms are spotless and well appointed. The bar is well stocked and the cocktails are enjoyed by many of the guests. Nothing to much trouble for the hosts Darryl and Naomi

What a fantastic place and Darryl and Naomi perfect hosts. Great welcome, nothing was too much trouble, room was amazing, slept so well and breakfast was spot on !! Lovely place and great base to go and explore. Defo recommend and will be back !!

What a fantastic place and Darryl and Naomi perfect hosts. Great welcome, nothing was too much trouble, room was amazing, slept so well and breakfast was spot on !! Lovely place and great base to go and explore. Defo recommend and will be back !!

Darryl and Naomi will ensure youre well looked after. Excellent food and a well stocked bar. The location is very peaceful in the small village of Ireby. Highly recommended. Wildlife Park close by well worth a visit.

Darryl and Naomi will ensure your'e well looked after. Excellent food and a well stocked bar. The location is very peaceful in the small village of Ireby. Highly recommended. Wildlife Park close by well worth a visit.

My sister took us to this restaurant in a country house in the lovely village of Ireby. We wee made very welcome and had a really excellent meal. What a pleasure to find a restaurant of this quality in a lovely setting in a quiet Cumbrian village.

My sister took us to this restaurant in a country house in the lovely village of Ireby. We wee made very welcome and had a really excellent meal. What a pleasure to find a restaurant of this quality in a lovely setting in a quiet Cumbrian village.

We stayed 5 nights and it was just overwhelming. The cottage ist situated in a scenic landscape , right at the Edge of Ireby. It is a perfect starting point for exploring the lakes and the Cumbria coast, with Keswick, Buttermere, St. Bees and other places of interest in easy reach. Rooms are spacious, recently renovated and very quiet. The breakfast is excellent, and so is the three course menu that you can order for dinner: fresh, using local produce whereever possible, varied and nicely served. What makes this place really stand out is the hosts: their hospitality and their passion to provide guests an experience they will remember - we definitely will.

We stayed 5 nights and it was just overwhelming. The cottage ist situated in a scenic landscape , right at the Edge of Ireby. It is a perfect starting point for exploring the lakes and the Cumbria coast, with Keswick, Buttermere, St. Bees and other places of interest in easy reach. Rooms are spacious, recently renovated and very quiet. The breakfast is excellent, and so is the three course menu that you can order for dinner: fresh, using local produce whereever possible, varied and nicely served. What makes this place really stand out is the hosts: their hospitality and their passion to provide guests an experience they will remember - we definitely will.

Naomi and Darryl are the perfect hosts. Incredible food and what a selection of whisky and cocktails!. They made us feel completely at home and even brought our breakfast to our room (which was fantastic too).nnRoom is very comfortable and location is beautiful too. 10/10

Naomi and Darryl are the perfect hosts. Incredible food and what a selection of whisky and cocktails!. They made us feel completely at home and even brought our breakfast to our room (which was fantastic too). Room is very comfortable and location is beautiful too. 10/10

My husband and I have known the owners Naomi and Darryl for many years. We’ve observed in the wings the progress they’ve made since they moved into Woodlands. They’re doing a great job and know there’s more to do. However, if you want a place to stay away from it all or a delicious meal out in this idyllic setting then Woodlands is the place to go. We had a fabulous meal there last night, great food and company.nWe’ll definitely be back. ?

My husband and I have known the owners Naomi and Darryl for many years. We’ve observed in the wings the progress they’ve made since they moved into Woodlands. They’re doing a great job and know there’s more to do. However, if you want a place to stay away from it all or a delicious meal out in this idyllic setting then Woodlands is the place to go. We had a fabulous meal there last night, great food and company. We’ll definitely be back. ??

Our stay was in the dog friendly cottage cosy with great views over the surrounding countryside. Naomi & Darryl are perfect hosts warm and very welcoming and a wonderful meal cooked by Darryl. Easy access to the lakes and it’s beauty Keswick nearby. We can not recommend a stay at Woodlands enough it’s a perfect holiday retreat.

Our stay was in the dog friendly cottage cosy with great views over the surrounding countryside. Naomi & Darryl are perfect hosts warm and very welcoming and a wonderful meal cooked by Darryl. Easy access to the lakes and it’s beauty Keswick nearby. We can not recommend a stay at Woodlands enough it’s a perfect holiday retreat.

We had a fantastic long weekend at the Lakes District. Woodlands County House is a fatastic place to stay and would highly recommend it. Out room was large for my family of 4 and recenyl renovated so eveything was like new. We decided to eat one evening there we had 3 courses and once again it was fantastic amd they accomodated my daughter with a homemade pizza.It had easy access to most areas of the lakes with Keswock just a short drive away.

We had a fantastic long weekend at the Lakes District. Woodlands County House is a fatastic place to stay and would highly recommend it. Out room was large for my family of 4 and recenyl renovated so eveything was like new. We decided to eat one evening there we had 3 courses and once again it was fantastic amd they accomodated my daughter with a homemade pizza.It had easy access to most areas of the lakes with Keswock just a short drive away.

A visit to the Lake District is magical. To stay at Woodlands is the icing on the cake. Your hosts, Darrell and Naomi make every effort to go the extra mile. Darrell is an excellent chef and eating there is a gourmet experience - without the gourmet prices. Naomi mixes a mean selection of cocktails and the wine list is excellent having been chosen with care. This is a fresh, new enterprise with a great future - have no qualms about being part of it!

A visit to the Lake District is magical. To stay at Woodlands is the icing on the cake. Your hosts, Darrell and Naomi make every effort to go the extra mile. Darrell is an excellent chef and eating there is a gourmet experience - without the gourmet prices. Naomi mixes a mean selection of cocktails and the wine list is excellent having been chosen with care. This is a fresh, new enterprise with a great future - have no qualms about being part of it!

We had dinner and breakfast at Woodlands last Friday and Saturday. The menu was tailored to our own personal needs. nThe food was outstanding, beautifully cooked sourced from local produce. The service was exceptional. A delightful family. nA real gem in Ireby.n We our looking forward to returning.

We had dinner and breakfast at Woodlands last Friday and Saturday. The menu was tailored to our own personal needs. The food was outstanding, beautifully cooked sourced from local produce. The service was exceptional. A delightful family. A real gem in Ireby. We our looking forward to returning.

Stayed for one night at woodlands country house, a lovely family run business, we were made to feel at home from the minute we walked through the door, the old rectory has wonderful views of hills around Ireby village, the food was first class and well presented, the room was immaculate with a comfortable queens bed which allowed a good nights sleep for Lavinia and myself. We will definitely return to this little gem in the north lakes.

Stayed for one night at woodlands country house, a lovely family run business, we were made to feel at home from the minute we walked through the door, the old rectory has wonderful views of hills around Ireby village, the food was first class and well presented, the room was immaculate with a comfortable queens bed which allowed a good nights sleep for Lavinia and myself. We will definitely return to this little gem in the north lakes.

We had a wonderful stay. Very coy newly decorated bedroom with en-suite, great breakfast and sublime dinner. Our hosts were more than accomodating to all our needs. The location is perfect for exploring the beautiful Lake District.nWe will be back.

We had a wonderful stay. Very coy newly decorated bedroom with en-suite, great breakfast and sublime dinner. Our hosts were more than accomodating to all our needs. The location is perfect for exploring the beautiful Lake District. We will be back.

Had a wonderful stay at woodlands cottage, unfortunately not long enough. Wonderful family running the cottage and the hotel next door, nothing was too much trouble. Met lots of local villagers at the Easter egg hunt and had a fabulous Saturday in the sunshine. We will definitely be returning.

Had a wonderful stay at woodlands cottage, unfortunately not long enough. Wonderful family running the cottage and the hotel next door, nothing was too much trouble. Met lots of local villagers at the Easter egg hunt and had a fabulous Saturday in the sunshine. We will definitely be returning.

Comfy beds. Blackout curtains. Nice big tv. Great homemade milkshakes. Amazing attention to detail and great food makes this a hidden gem. Lovely house with open fires, lots of character and cosy nooks. Not forgetting great hosts, sightseeing recommendations and local food and drink (all great). Will be back and would recommend 10/10

Comfy beds. Blackout curtains. Nice big tv. Great homemade milkshakes. Amazing attention to detail and great food makes this a hidden gem. Lovely house with open fires, lots of character and cosy nooks. Not forgetting great hosts, sightseeing recommendations and local food and drink (all great). Will be back and would recommend 10/10

A very comfortable clean warm room. Friendly atmosphere drinks by the log fire nothing to much trouble. All locally sourced food well prepared and served. A quiet village location but many places to visit and local walks

A very comfortable clean warm room. Friendly atmosphere drinks by the log fire nothing to much trouble. All locally sourced food well prepared and served. A quiet village location but many places to visit and local walks

It may appear strange that we didn’t stay here. We did, however, visit for another dinner in the very welcoming and comfortable surroundings.nnThere are very few places locally where you can have such an excellent meal, with a very good wine list, with a well stocked bar.nBoth Naomi and Darryl, take great pride in selecting the drink and food they serve their guests, knowing the provenance of all and keeping food sourcing as local, fresh and as flavoursome as can be achieved. Even the cheese ( organic) comes from a farm a couple of miles up the lane.nnSuch an enjoyable dinner was had, we will be back.

It may appear strange that we didn’t stay here. We did, however, visit for another dinner in the very welcoming and comfortable surroundings. There are very few places locally where you can have such an excellent meal, with a very good wine list, with a well stocked bar. Both Naomi and Darryl, take great pride in selecting the drink and food they serve their guests, knowing the provenance of all and keeping food sourcing as local, fresh and as flavoursome as can be achieved. Even the cheese ( organic) comes from a farm a couple of miles up the lane. Such an enjoyable dinner was had, we will be back.

Found by chance on the internet as looking for somewhere near north lakes.nAccommodation was newly refurbished and in excellent condition. nOwners were lovely.nOnly negative in room was shower gel etc was not provided.nRegarding food breakfast was excellent with a superb choice, dinner starter and main was as provided with a choice of sweets. Hopefully as the premises build up a choice at dinner will be provided.nWould we visit again, definitely.