The Plough Inn at Lupton, Cumbria, United Kingdom

The Plough Inn, Lupton, Cumbria THE Plough Inn is a fitting name for an atmospheric old coaching halt, sending out an inviting call to break your journey and just wallow in indulgence.

Surrounded by farmland and standing at the foot of looming Farleton Knott, the Plough on Cow Brow (honest!) on the A65 is only a few minutes from the M6, yet it’s worlds away from the frenetic rush.

The building dates back to at least 1851 and has had its ups and downs, but after its rescue by Punch Bowl Inns in 2009 it’s now definitely on a high, with a makeover to transform it into one of the Lake District’s very special boutique-style inns.

The place was gutted – some walls were knocked down, and the roof came off – and the restoration has opened up the inside, but with oak beams and floors, along with a mix of antique furniture, comfy leather sofas and chairs, wine caves and wood-burning stoves, it now has the feel of a rather well-off home farm in a TV period drama.

We stopped off on our way south towards Kirkby Lonsdale from a walking holiday in the Lakes with Ramblers Countrywide Holidays, and were met with a very friendly and attentive young staff who showed us to our room and were happy to chat about the revamp and its obvious success.

The Plough Inn, Lupton, Cumbria A drink at the bar, noticeably also popular with locals, and then a freshen up before dinner, with an extensive menu and daily specials to choose from. My wife was delighted with asparagus and ricotta tortellini, truffle and lemon butter and Parmesan salad; while I opted for pan-roasted cod with horseradish mash, baby beets and green beans, along with a bottle of very acceptable rosé and an individual lemon meringue pie for dessert – thanks, chef Mark.

A gentle wind down with coffees, and then it was time to crash out in style.

The thoughtful restoration of The Plough extends to the five luxury bedrooms and suites, where large sash windows let the light flood in during the day, and blinds and curtains help the atmosphere after dark. Although the A65 can make its presence heard, that’s soon lost as you make the most of the huge bathroom with roll top bath, mood lighting and monsoon shower and relax on the sofas or oversize sleigh bed.

Rooms are from £100 a night and there are always special offers worth checking.

Suite dreams.

144 people found this helpful
16974

Share Article:

David Graham

Professional journalist

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.