Returned to the National Trust after 75 years as a field centre, Malham Tarn House is now looking for a new lease of life that will provide public benefit and operate as a viable business, and the Trust says “We would definitely consider it for Hostel use”
In 1946, Malham Tarn House was gifted to the National Trust as part of the wider Malham Tarn Estate in the Yorkshire Dales. For many decades the house was leased to the Field Studies Council, but now the National Trust is seeking new tenants for this much-loved local landmark.
Tony Earnshaw from the National Trust says ” Since it was handed back to us from the Field Studies Council in early 2024, we’ve taken the opportunity to properly explore and survey the building for the first time in many decades. While the property is empty, we’ve been able to carry out essential conservation works such as repairs to the roof, restoration of the canopies and external decoration. We’ve also worked with experts to find suitable local homes for many of the property’s artifacts and historic documents.”
In late 2023 the National Trust hosted a site visit from Independent Hostels UK and parties that used Tarn House as a field centre in previous years. On this visit we were told that the Trust was ensuring all external fixtures were sound and repaired to NT standards and was looking for an independent business that would use the buildings profitability, ideally with an offering to the general public. The site is amazing, looking over Malham Tarn, crisscrossed by many trails and footpaths including the Pennine Way and open-access mountain bike trails around the estate. We were told they would offer a long-term lease and a sound building to make investment viable to grow a business within its walls.
The National Trust is looking for a suitable tenant to take on a long-term lease to operate the house and adjacent buildings as a sustainable business, ideally one that continues to allow access to people of all backgrounds, keeping Malham Tarn house as a resource that anyone can enjoy. They are looking for proposals that provide public benefit and strategic fit, as well as keeping financial sustainability in mind.
Tony Earnshaw from the National Trust says “We would definitely consider it for a hostel use.”
You can view the history and updates on the National Trust website. Details of the lease through Savills Estate Agent (see PDF here). And specifics on operating Tarn house as a hostel from Independent Hostels UK.
Updates on 6th Febuaury 2026:-
– Only Malham Tarn House and High Stables are now available ( North Wing and Orchid House will be retained for the NT’s own use)
– Malham Tarn House still requires some essential compliance work (by the NT) before it can be let. This is planned to be completed by autumn 2026.
– High Stables is ready for us to let now and a lease has been drafted and could be made ready to sign at short notice.
– Both properties will require substantial improvement and investment by you to make them fit for purpose.
– In the lease(s) the landlord will be responsible for the main walls and roofs of the property; replacing the following if necessary due to being non-compliant or beyond economic repair – heating boilers, the water borehole and treatment plant, septic tanks and electrical consumer units; servicing the following – boilers, septic tanks and the water supply.
If you are interested:
– If you submitted an offer in 2024, please confirm it still stands and whether there are any changes to it (for example, to take into account the points above).
– If you have not submitted an offer, please contact paul.mcgee@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss your proposals and next steps.
Please get in touch by Thursday 26th February 2026