The Penny Bun
Sustainable farm-to-table inn. Earthy, calm, and deliberately low-tech. Think exposed beams, clay tones, Hypnos wool mattresses, and a pub that doubles as a genuinely good restaurant. No TVs anywhere.
The Large room has a freestanding tub right at the foot of the king-size bed — worth the upgrade
Why It Matters
Michelin Guide hotel 2025 and AA 1 Rosette for food. One of the only genuinely eco-led inns in the Yorkshire Dales — solar powered, B Corp-certified bath products, recycled-wool restaurant tables, and all food sourced within the region. Being part of Denton Reserve (a carbon-capture and rewilding project) is not just marketing.
A coaching inn with more than 150 years of history, The Penny Bun reopened in April 2024 after a full refurbishment by Denton Park Estates. Five screen-free rooms sit above a candlelit restaurant and snug bar that takes Yorkshire produce seriously — meat from the estate, seasonal vegetables from local farmers, and a menu that changes with what's actually growing. The whole place is solar-powered, furnished by independent makers, and part of the 2,500-acre Denton Reserve conservation project next door.
Where You'll Stay
2 room types available
Large Bedroom
From GBP250 / nightThe flagship room. Dramatic vaulted ceilings with exposed original beams unearthed during restoration, a freestanding tub right at the base of the king-size bed, and a separate wet room. Muted palette, soft lighting, and views over Askwith or Ilkley Moor. Designed for deep sleep — no screens, just good materials.
King-sizeMedium Bedroom
From GBP200 / nightFour cosy rooms furnished with natural colours and pieces from local craftspeople. Double-height ceilings let in plenty of natural light, giving a sense of space that belies the word 'medium'. Wet room with rain shower rather than a freestanding tub. Softly lit and screen-free — the whole point is rest.
King-sizeThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A selection of board games available in the inn's communal spaces — particularly good on weeknights when the kitchen is closed.
Askwith sits on a popular cycling route from Leeds to Bolton Abbey, linking Wharfedale towns and villages to the Yorkshire Dales. A 20-minute ride from both Ilkley and Otley.
Staff provide pathfinder maps. Gentle 30-minute circular walk south to the River Wharfe, or more demanding hikes north to Askwith Moor. Ilkley Moor is close and well-signposted. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is under 30 minutes away.
Access to 2,500 acres of the Denton Reserve conservation project — agroforestry, rewilding, and nature walks. Full guest access was being developed for 2025; check availability directly with the inn.
The River Wharfe is a short walk south of the inn and is a local favourite for wild swimming.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Level access to the ground floor and a disabled bathroom near the main entrance for restaurant visitors. No lift — upper floors not accessible for guests with limited mobility.
A help-yourself snack cupboard stocked at any hour for guests — useful when the kitchen is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
In-room meals available during restaurant opening hours (Wed-Sun).
Monetary gift vouchers available for restaurant dining or room reservations.
Outdoor terrace with Wharfedale views, firepits, and weekend grill specials. Open when weather permits.
The entire property runs on solar energy. Sensors limit light pollution. No single-use plastic on site.
Free car park available to all guests and diners.
BUILD YOUR THE PENNY BUN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning