The Cartford is a multi-award-winning restaurant and boutique hotel in Lancashire, set within views of the Fylde countryside and looking out towards the quietly beautiful Bowland Fells - defined by a sense of character, considered hospitality, and an enduring connection to landscape.
"From the moment you drive into the car park the gardens make you feel brighter and excited for the stay. Always the warmest welcome, stunning rooms, great bar, creative tasty menu. Local produce breakfast overlooking the river to send you on your way. Never disappoints."
"The hotel is cosy and very quirky — it feels that a lot of love has gone into the decor choice rather than a corporate styling. The staff were a credit to the business; very friendly and helpful. The penthouse is on my wish list — it is absolutely beautiful."
"I enjoyed everything about my stay. The staff, the room, the food — everything was top notch. I wish I could lift The Cartford closer to home so we could visit more regularly. Thank you for such a wonderful stay."
"Our son treated us to the Penthouse for our 53rd Wedding Anniversary. We were amazed by everything — the gardens, the cleanliness, and the love that has gone into every inch of The Cartford. The food was the best we have ever eaten, and we have travelled the world."
"As always, faultless. From the moment you arrive the staff can't do enough for you. So much thought goes into everything. I loved the artwork and photographs throughout The Cartford."
"A place exceeding perfection. Peaceful setting by the River Wyre, a warm homely welcome, and staff who couldn't do enough for us. The cabin was full of thoughtful touches and breakfast the next morning was just as perfect."
"All the bedrooms were fantastic — very quirky and each very different. The whole experience was perfect and we wholeheartedly recommend this very special place."
"The rooms were large and well appointed. The staff could not do enough for us. Dining was a treat. One of the best places we have stayed."
"Very relaxing and well cared for. The quirkiness of the building and decor, individualised bedroom decor, comfort of the bed, power shower, food quality, and friendliness of staff — all outstanding."
"Ambience, service, excellent food, wonderful views — all at a good price. Cannot fault anything. Well worth a visit."
"From the moment you drive into the car park the gardens make you feel brighter and excited for the stay. Always the warmest welcome, stunning rooms, great bar, creative tasty menu. Local produce breakfast overlooking the river to send you on your way. Never disappoints."
"The hotel is cosy and very quirky — it feels that a lot of love has gone into the decor choice rather than a corporate styling. The staff were a credit to the business; very friendly and helpful. The penthouse is on my wish list — it is absolutely beautiful."
"I enjoyed everything about my stay. The staff, the room, the food — everything was top notch. I wish I could lift The Cartford closer to home so we could visit more regularly. Thank you for such a wonderful stay."
"Our son treated us to the Penthouse for our 53rd Wedding Anniversary. We were amazed by everything — the gardens, the cleanliness, and the love that has gone into every inch of The Cartford. The food was the best we have ever eaten, and we have travelled the world."
"As always, faultless. From the moment you arrive the staff can't do enough for you. So much thought goes into everything. I loved the artwork and photographs throughout The Cartford."
"A place exceeding perfection. Peaceful setting by the River Wyre, a warm homely welcome, and staff who couldn't do enough for us. The cabin was full of thoughtful touches and breakfast the next morning was just as perfect."
"All the bedrooms were fantastic — very quirky and each very different. The whole experience was perfect and we wholeheartedly recommend this very special place."
"The rooms were large and well appointed. The staff could not do enough for us. Dining was a treat. One of the best places we have stayed."
"Very relaxing and well cared for. The quirkiness of the building and decor, individualised bedroom decor, comfort of the bed, power shower, food quality, and friendliness of staff — all outstanding."
"Ambience, service, excellent food, wonderful views — all at a good price. Cannot fault anything. Well worth a visit."
The Cartford is a boutique hotel built around a destination restaurant. That distinction shapes everything. Our 2 AA Rosette kitchen, led by Head Chef Chris Bury, is the heart of the stay. The rooms are individually designed, no two alike, each with our own hand-blended toiletries and homemade treats from the kitchen. On site you'll find our deli selling sourdough, focaccia, jams, chutneys and brownies, all made here, alongside a gallery and gift shop. It's a place designed to be explored, not just slept in.
Set on the banks of the River Wyre with Lancashire pastures stretching as far as the eye can see and the Trough of Bowland framing the distance, you'll know you've arrived somewhere worth the journey. Park in our courtyard car park (EV charging available), and from there you're met by our team, checked in and walked to your room. No self-service kiosks, no impersonal lobby. Just a warm welcome and someone to carry your bags. Check-in is from 3pm, though earlier arrivals can usually be arranged.
Step outside and the countryside is right there. The Cartford Loop is a circular riverside walk that takes a steady hour, following the Wyre through open farmland and back again. For something shorter, the village of Great Eccleston is a ten-minute stroll through the fields, a proper Lancashire village with independent shops, a weekly market and a good excuse to wander. Then back to The Cartford for a drink at the bar, back to the room to get ready, and down for your meal.
Head downstairs for your reservation. This is the main event. Our menus are built around seasonal Lancashire produce, with fish from Fleetwood docks, meat from nearby farms, herbs and ingredients grown in our own riverside garden, and a French influence that runs through everything we do. Two AA Rosettes, a Michelin Guide listing, and a kitchen led by Head Chef Chris Bury. But the atmosphere is relaxed, not formal. No hushed tones, no stiff service. Just good food taken seriously in a room where you can settle in and enjoy it.
After dinner, a nightcap at the bar, then back to your room. Every bedroom at The Cartford is individually designed, each with its own character. Some are quirky, some cosy, some modern, some traditional, but all share the same attention to detail. Vinyl record players, hand-picked art on the walls, our own hand-blended toiletries, homemade treats from the kitchen. No two rooms are the same because no two stays should feel the same. Settle in, unwind, and sleep well.
Wake up to views of the River Wyre and the Trough of Bowland from the River Lounge. Breakfast is cooked to order alongside continental options, all using the same local produce as the restaurant. Before you leave, explore our on-site shops. Pick up sourdough, jams or brownies from TOTI, our deli, or find a piece of artwork or furniture from TOTI Home, our gallery. The kind of place where you take something home with you beyond just the memory.
Yes. The Cartford operates as a luxury countryside hotel in Lancashire. It offers refined accommodation alongside award-winning dining near Garstang.
The Cartford is located on Cartford Lane in Little Eccleston, Lancashire, close to Garstang and within easy reach of the M6, the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland.
The Cartford combines award-winning accommodation with nationally recognised dining, holding 2 AA Rosettes and a listing in the Michelin Guide. It offers an intimate, food-led countryside stay rather than a large resort-style hotel experience.
Check-in is from 3 pm and check-out is by 11 am.
Yes. The Cartford provides free parking for guests, including an electric vehicle charging station, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
The Cartford is well suited to romantic breaks, food-focused stays and countryside escapes in Lancashire, offering luxury rooms and a well-regarded restaurant in a scenic rural setting.
