Wheyrigg Hall Hotel and caravan park, located in Cumbria between Wigton and Silloth, has changed ownership following the retirement of long-time operator Helen Benson.
The property, listed at £850,000, was sold for an undisclosed amount to Tracey and Stuart Davidson, who are already familiar with the area and intend to maintain the site’s longstanding community presence.
Benson and her late husband Joseph purchased Wheyrigg Hall in 1988 and spent more than three decades building the property into a successful rural hotel business that includes a bar and restaurant, as well as caravan accommodations.
Reflecting on her time at the helm, Helen said, “After 35 years, it will of course be sad to leave Wheyrigg Hall, however I am now looking forward to my retirement and being able to commit much more time to the family and the grandchildren.”
The Davidsons plan to reside on-site and continue operations while developing the business further.
“We are thrilled to have acquired Wheyrigg Hall Hotel. It is a business that was well-known to us, and when we spotted that it was for sale, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for,” said Tracey Davidson in a report by Cumbria Crack.
She emphasized their commitment to upholding the hall’s community ties and welcoming environment, noting that the acquisition process was completed in time for Easter with support from their legal and financial advisors.
The sale of Wheyrigg Hall presents a case study for professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector seeking to transition ownership while preserving business continuity.
It also underscores a growing trend of family-run enterprises opting for retirement sales, highlighting the importance of succession planning in small hospitality ventures.
For prospective buyers, Wheyrigg Hall’s smooth transition offers insight into the benefits of local market familiarity and strategic acquisition timing, particularly ahead of peak seasons.
The sale was facilitated by hotel property specialists Christie & Co, with agent Graham Wilkinson commenting:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Helen and her son Stephen, as Helen looks to retire. I am pleased to have been able to introduce Wheyrigg Hall to Stuart and Tracey Davidson who, I am sure, will continue to offer a warm welcome to all their guests.”
The transaction reflects ongoing interest in rural hospitality businesses with strong reputations and integrated accommodation offerings. For operators, the sale underscores the potential for well-positioned mixed-use properties—those offering both lodging and caravanning experiences—to retain market appeal across ownership transitions.