The
Barden Bunk Barn
Barden Bunk Barn, Barden Tower, Barden, Nr Skipton, BD23 6AS
The
Barden Bunk Barn
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“This imposing ruin, overlooking the River Wharfe and the valley below
has a history as long and romantic as its appearance suggests.”
Barden, lying between Bolton Abbey to the South and Burnsall to the North was part
of the Craven Estates granted to the Norman baron Robert de Romille after the Conquest.
The name Barden means “the valley of the wild boar” in Anglo-
Barden Tower was originally one of several hunting lodges in the forest. Its importance soon grew as it became an administrative centre holding forest courts. The Tower became a miniature castle capable of defending itself against marauders including the Scots and an outpost for chasing poachers.
In 1310 Barden and all the surrounding lands came into possession of the Clifford family. They were staunch Lancastrians and became the sworn enemy of the Yorkist kings. Henry, the 10th Lord Clifford “the Shepherd Lord” was born during the War of the Roses and had to live in exile hidden in the Cumbrian Fells. When Henry VII became king in 1485 the Lancastrian families regained their lands and The Shepherd Lord decided to live at Barden Tower in preference to other much grander castles..
He enlarged the Tower and built the chapel at the nearby Priests House. It is thought that the pikes and halberds still hanging from the beams in the main restaurant dining area were used at the Battle of Flodden.
Recently, a longbow was discovered in the chapel, the origins of which are a mystery. See the article below
Whether for a quiet meal, a private function, a medieval evening or for a very special wedding day, this is a quite unique venue. Having walked through the orchard, entered the 8 foot deep entrance way to the small bar area and into the medieval dining room, with real log fires, dark oak beamed ceilings and paned windows you know this is a place with a special ambience steeped in local history.
The main dining room, known locally as the “Oak” room has a maximum of 34 covers with one wall displaying an ancient dresser with porcelain plates. The Oak room also has a piano which is regularly used by guests for a bit of light hearted entertainment late in the evening.
The separate upstairs and recently renovated “Stargazers” room dines up to 16 in total intimacy and is ideal for those small private occasions.
With the increasing popularity for private functions including medieval banquets, psychic suppers and exclusive small weddings, booking ahead is the only sure way of avoiding disappointment.
Where better to enjoy a relaxing meal than in the heart of the North Yorkshire dales, especially in the fabulous Upper Wharfedale considered by many to be the most beautiful of Yorkshire’s valleys.
Nestled in the shadow of the impressive ruins of Barden Tower, a former fortified hunting lodge perched with superb views of the valley and surrounding hills, this historic grade 1 listed restaurant has a fine reputation for excellent cuisine. The restaurant serves both a lunch menu and a separate evening menu which is changed on a monthly basis. Sirloin and fillet steaks with a selection of sauces are a permanent feature. An outside tea terrace, serves a selection of drinks, cakes and open sandwiches when the weather allows.
On the other side of the Tower is the Barden Bunk Barn, self catering accommodation sleeping up to 24, which proves very popular with many patrons who have booked a function in the restaurant.
Separate menus are available
for lunch and evening, with a
traditional Yorkshire lunch on a Sunday.
Opening times are:
Thursday -
Restaurant Noon -
Morning Coffee 10.30am -
Afternoon Teas From 2pm
Sunday
Sunday Lunch 12pm -
Private functions can also be booked at other times.
A fabulous restaurant in a truly historic YorkshireVenue.
Psychic Suppers -
Some while ago we discovered quite by accident an old longbow in the chapel beneath
the restaurant. Thinking it was a genuine english long bow from early medieval times,
we consulted experts on these matters. It turns out the story is more mysterious
than first thought....
Read the Yorkshire Post article about its discovery:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Dales-
Whether for a quiet meal, a private function, a medieval evening or for a very special wedding day, this is a quite unique venue. Having walked through the orchard, entered the 8 foot deep entrance way to the small bar area and into the medieval dining room, with real log fires, dark oak beamed ceilings and paned windows you know this is a place with a special ambience steeped in local history.
The main dining room, known locally as the “Oak” room has a maximum of 34 covers with one wall displaying an ancient dresser with porcelain plates. The Oak room also has a piano which is regularly used by guests for a bit of light hearted entertainment late in the evening.
The separate upstairs and recently renovated “Stargazers” room dines up to 16 in total intimacy and is ideal for those small private occasions.
With the increasing popularity for private functions including medieval banquets, psychic suppers and exclusive small weddings, booking ahead is the only sure way of avoiding disappointment.
Where better to enjoy a relaxing meal than in the heart of the North Yorkshire dales, especially in the fabulous Upper Wharfedale considered by many to be the most beautiful of Yorkshire’s valleys.
Nestled in the shadow of the impressive ruins of Barden Tower, a former fortified hunting lodge perched with superb views of the valley and surrounding hills, this historic grade 1 listed restaurant has a fine reputation for excellent cuisine. The restaurant serves both a lunch menu and a separate evening menu which is changed on a monthly basis. Sirloin and fillet steaks with a selection of sauces are a permanent feature. An outside tea terrace, serves a selection of drinks, cakes and open sandwiches when the weather allows.
On the other side of the Tower is the Barden Bunk Barn, self catering accommodation sleeping up to 24, which proves very popular with many patrons who have booked a function in the restaurant.
Separate menus are available
for lunch and evening, with a
traditional Yorkshire lunch on a Sunday.
Opening times are:
Thursday -
Restaurant Noon -
Morning Coffee 10.30am -
Afternoon Teas From 2pm
Sunday
Sunday Lunch 12pm -
Private functions can also be booked at other times.
A fabulous restaurant in a truly historic YorkshireVenue.
Psychic Suppers -
Some while ago we discovered quite by accident an old longbow in the chapel beneath
the restaurant. Thinking it was a genuine english long bow from early medieval times,
we consulted experts on these matters. It turns out the story is more mysterious
than first thought....
Read the Yorkshire Post article about its discovery:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Dales-
To the rear of the restaurant the former chapel which has been unused for many years, is still in a reasonable state of repair. Plans are also being considered to bring this back into use as a function venue for weddings, medieval and other theme nights.
There are several barns surrounding the Tower, one of which is now the Barden Bunk Barn. The pictures to the left show how the inside of the barn looked prior to it being renovated in 1984.
“...a truly fabulous location, oozing history and charm...”
There are ample walks around the area, from a gentle ramble along the river upstream or down, or onto the more challenging tops of Barden Moor and Barden Fell.
There is a bus stop right outside the restaurant gate, where you can go to Grassington or Ilkley, albeit the buses are not too frequent!