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HELEN’S BRIDGE HOLIDAYS

 

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                                                                                      Bridge is fun!

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14th  to  17th August 2026

 

            Shap Wells Hotel 

                    

                     Shap,   

                     Nr. Penrith, CA10 3QU

 

                   www.shapwells.com            

 

 

Deposit payable directly to the hotel needed to confirm your booking.

 

Despite being only minutes from the M6 (Junction 39) and the A6, this bargain break hotel really is in the middle of nowhere! Don’t worry when the sign to the hotel seems to lead you through the middle of someone’s farmyard! The road winds about until you go round the corner and down the hill to the secluded wooded valley, high in the Shap Fells and surrounded by mountain streams and you will have your first glimpse of this impressive hotel tucked away in the valley. It was originally built as a stopover point for Queen Victoria’s trips to Balmoral, though she never actually stayed there. Many of the rooms have breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and fells, offering a true taste of the English countryside. The hotel has retained many of its original features over the years and much time has been taken to retain the true character of the building. It is privately owned and several new bedrooms have been added in recent years. The layout of the hotel is quirky to say the least, so if you have a problem with stairs, be sure to mention it when you book. There is lift access to most rooms but if you require easy access, please let me know as  it can be a long trek to some of them!

Free WiFi is available throughout the entire hotel including all public areas, conference rooms and guest accommodation. Complimentary parking is available at the front and rear of the hotel.

The hotel is used for coach trips as a stopover for trips from England to Scotland, so meals are  plain and simple — much improved since the new owner bought it in 2025. Occasionally, there is “entertainment” provided but the bridge room is at the opposite end of the large dining room, separating it from the bar area where it takes place, so we don’t hear it!

Patrick loves his visits here because he likes to see and feed the protected red squirrels which live in the grounds. He has also seen several species of birds, deer, frogs and even an adder.

I have to confess I enjoy a visit to the chocolate factory in the nearby village of Orton where I can quickly negate the benefits of walking in the fells!

 

 

 

 

TARIFF: 3 nights’ dinner bed & breakfast per person

 

 Sharing double/twin room £290  (Hotel £225 + bridge £65)                             

                             

 Single room £375.50  (Hotel £310.50  + bridge £65)

 Double room for single occupancy £410  (Hotel £345  + bridge £65)

 

 

 

PROGRAMME

 

 

 

Friday

Arrive from 3:00 p.m. Pay Hotel bill

5:30 p.m. Drinks with Helen

 

 

6:00 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. Bridge (Pairs)

 

 

Pay Bridge fees – collection box in bridge room

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

Buffet Breakfast

10:00 a.m. Bridge (Pairs)

 

 

5:30 p.m. Drinks with Helen

6:00 p.m. Dinner

 

 

7:30 p.m. Bridge (Mystery Teams)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday

Buffet Breakfast

10:00 a.m. Bridge (Pairs)

 

 

5:30 p.m. Drinks with Helen

6:00 p.m. Dinner

 

 

7:30 p.m. Bridge (Pairs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

Buffet Breakfast

 

 

 

Clear rooms, settle outstanding accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safe Journey Home!

 

 

 

 

Click on year to see holiday details:

2026     2027

 

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