We are about to return for our 4th visit - which says it all : Staying at the Apothecary's House for our annual wedding anniversary bit of rest and relaxation. Sylvie and Geoff are now like friends. Nothing is too much trouble - you only have to ask! This B&B cannot be bettered by anything! Wonderful rooms, breakfasts and fantastic friendly service at a very reasonable price. Do not listen to any negative feedback on this site as it couldn't be further from the truth. Will be booking up again for next year and for many years to come.

There is little I can add to the dozens of reviews. Sylvia was indeed the most interesting person we met on our entire three-week trip. She showed us to our room, "Mind the step and mind your..whack! head" (too late!) and said she would meet us downstairs for tea and cake after we settled in. We told her that we didn’t really want any tea but I quickly learned that you don’t say “no” to Sylvie, besides she had to brief us.

So, we went downstairs for tea and cake (homemade lemon cake, it was delicious!) For the first time on our trip we received a safety briefing, including different methods of evacuation in the event of fire and other “housekeeping” rules.

We told her of our Herriot fascination and she told us that the exterior of the famed “Skeldale House” was literally a few feet away from her house. Apparently the cast never went inside the house and they only shot exterior views of the house during filming. And the local pub was used as “The Drovers Arms” pub scene in the Herriot TV series.

What can I say about Sylvie? She was incredibly knowledgeable about almost everything in the area. She recommended some walks (we took one of her suggested walks through the village the next morning that was very enjoyable)

Our room was gorgeous including that low beam, and the view from our window was breathtaking. During our stay Sylvie told me that she only took my reservation because she'd never met an American from Texas. I'm glad she did. Our two-day stay was incredible made more so by Sylvie's breakfasts.

Her fruit starters were unique to any B&B we stayed at during this vacation (don't EVER ask for porridge, she doesn't make it!!)

I felt guilty if I failed to consume everything she put in front of me, as if I was displeased with her meals. To the contrary every meal was tasteful both visually and in the consumption, I just couldn’t eat it all!!! Sorry, Sylvie!!

Askrigg is a great location for visiting the Yorkshire Dales and in the Apothecary's House you could not have a better place to stay if you like B&Bs. The house was spotlessly clean, the room was well apppointed, there is a residents lounge, and you can use the garden. The breakfasts were the best that I have ever enjoyed: hot fruit dish to start, full range of cereals, excellent cooked breakfasts, home made bread and a full fruit dish to finish. There is so much that you need to be selective. Finally, in Sylvia and Geoff you could not have friendlier, more helpful, and more welcoming host and hostess. We arrived as guests and left as friends.

Beneath the contrived banter the hosts do have over-anxiety issues for correctness in the use of the right cup, plate or bowl that could irk some, but be in no doubt that this B & B aspires to standards worthy of a 5 star luxury hotel.
From the co-ordinated welcome as the front door is opened, to your guided tour of an immaculate and well appointed room, and to the cosy chat over tea and cake as you bear witness to a 'presentation' on all things Apothecary, Askrigg and Wensleydale, the entire experience is an interesting interpretation of the hospitality industry at this modest level.
Be it breakfast the like of which I have never experienced anywhere at any price, to a social chat in the garden over a glass of wine, observing the birds, and ahem! being invited to have a go at juggling, this is a unique informal overnight accomodation establishment - calling it a B & B is just too ordinary.
It don't come any better than this, and if it does tell me where.