A hotel is up for sale for the first time in more than 35 years.

Wheyrigg Hall Hotel, near Wigton, Silloth, and the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has been put on the market by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.

The hotel has 18 en-suite bedrooms and a three-bedroom owner's apartment.

There is also a five-pitch caravan site with electric hook-ups.

The hotel has been owned by Mrs Helen Benson since 1988, who bought it with her late husband Joseph.

The couple worked together to build and develop Wheyrigg Hall into a hotel with a bar and restaurant.

After Joseph's death, their son Stephen took over the running of the business alongside his mother.

The freehold of the hotel is up for sale with an asking price of £850,000The freehold of the hotel is up for sale with an asking price of £850,000 (Image: Supplied)

Ms Benson said: "From the moment Joe and I bought the hotel in 1988, we worked hard to create a wonderful business that we, as a family, could share and enjoy with our guests and the local community, and it has been a pleasure to do this for so long.

"Over the years we have met thousands of guests, served countless meals and hosted so many memorable celebrations, but now it is time for us to step aside.

"We do hope that the new owners will enjoy Wheyrigg Hall and their time here as much as we have."

The hotel attracts guests visiting the Solway Coast and the North Lake District, as well as people working in the local area or visiting family and friends in north Cumbria.

The freehold of the hotel is up for sale with an asking price of £850,000.

Hotel agent Graham Wilkinson said: "It is a pleasure to be able to help Helen retire and Stephen to explore new opportunities.

"The Benson family have made a major contribution to the history of Wheyrigg Hall and over the last 35 years they have embraced many changes to develop a popular and successful business that is firmly part of the local community.

"The demand for businesses with a great local reputation that offer a range of income streams is always high and we do expect that there will be a good level of interest."