The Owl soars in hotel guide

A North Yorkshire countryside inn has earned national recognition after being named among Britain’s top hotels and inns.

The Owl at Hawnby has secured a place in The Daily Telegraph’s Top 250 Hotels guide, with reviewers praising its “rich, home-style cooking” and “friendly welcome”.

Located in the North York Moors National Park, the inn was highlighted for its cosy interiors, terrace views across the Howardian Hills and relaxed dining experience. 

The guide also described Hawnby as “idyllic”, praising its dark skies and peaceful countryside setting.

The latest accolade adds to a growing list of recognition for The Owl, which was recently included in the 2025 Good Food Guide’s Top 100 Pubs and featured in the i Paper’s Best 20 UK Pubs for a Weekend Walk.

The Michelin Guide has also praised the venue’s “lovely, welcoming vibe” and “hearty, unfussy and downright tasty dishes”, while regional reviewers have highlighted its popularity with walkers, tourists and visitors seeking a countryside escape.

Jamie Savile, director of Hawnby Estate, said: “As you can imagine, we are absolutely delighted with this magnificent accolade from the Daily Telegraph. 

“All the staff at the Owl work so hard to make the Owl a very special place in which to eat, drink and stay, so this awesome testimonial is for them. 

“I feel it is richly deserved.

“These are not the easiest times for the hospitality industry, to put it mildly, with pubs and hotels across the UK closing daily. 

“To succeed, you must be dedicated, passionate and on the top of your game all the time and I am proud of everyone at the Owl for being exactly that.

“We are privileged to live in the most beautiful village, famous not just for the Owl, but also for our nationally acclaimed dark skies, for a wonderful community shop and tearooms and stunning walks, including the popular hike up Hawnby Hill.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.