Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

The charm of this hotel is that it looks and feels deep in the country, yet is only just over a mile from the centre of York. A classic, early 18th-century William and Mary country house, all mellow-coloured brick and limestone dressings, it belongs to the National Trust. Lovely original features of wood-panelling, carved door cases and shuttered sash windows form the backdrop to a classic country-house style of antiques, soft colours, elegant sofas and oil portraits. Bedrooms - the majority in the former stable block – follow the same traditional but unfussy style and are full of thoughtful touches such as books, fresh flowers and home-made biscuits. Outside there are 20 acres of grounds to wander, including a walled garden and terrace, while inside a choice of sitting-rooms means there’s always a quiet corner for afternoon tea and the papers. If you want to work up an appetite for dinner there’s also a pool and gym. Dinner in the panelled dining-room is a classy - and pricey - but relaxed affair with classic British dishes given inventive twists. A lovely retreat after the hustle-bustle of York.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Pet friendly
• Dogs are welcome in the Cottage Suite or Garden Suite, but not in the main hall
• Disabled access
• Paget Suite has full disabled access
• Restrictions on children
• Over 6 years old
• Swimming Pool
• Indoor pool
• Sauna/Steam
• Parking
• Internet
• In room DVD
• Bar
• Hot Tub
• Meeting Room
• Massage

• Conference facilities
• Wifi
• Private villas
• Suites
• 24 Hour room service
• Room service
• Sitting Room
• Gym
• Garden
• Restaurant
• Spa

• Museums
• Make an excursion to the Richard III Museum, the National Railway Museum or the Castle Museum
• Sights nearby
• Visit the nearby York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe
• Theatre
• Catch a show at the famed Shakespeare's Rose Theatre in York

• Riding
• York Races is just opposite the property
• Other Activities
• Country houses and ruined abbeys galor

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is an oasis of calm within the historic City of York. After a period of neglect, the Hall was sympathetically restored with decorations, antiques and fine pictures carefully chosen as consistent with the period of the house. The gardens and parkland have also been restored and include ha-has, a white garden, a walled garden where fruits and vegetables are grown, a small lake and some beautiful specimen trees. It is now owned by the National Trust, with every visit benefiting the charity. What is there to do in the area? The historic City of York: Its gothic cathedral, fascinating town houses (Fairfax House, Treasurer’s House, The Mansion House…) city walls and towers, gardens and medieval streets. Many internationally renowned museums such as the National Railway Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the Yorkshire Museum, the Castle Museum… The North York Moors, The Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Wolds National Parks are nearby offering magnificent scenery and walking and cycling trails Stunning Country Houses: such as Castle Howard, Harewood House, NT Beningbrough Hall, NT Nostell Priory… Shopping: with the York Designer Outlet as well as many shopping street in the City centre. What kind of breakfast do you offer? As most our food is sourced locally, we do offer a Full Yorkshire Breakfast cooked to order as well as many other breakfast options. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The award-winning panelled dining rooms overlooking the gardens are available for guests for breakfast, luncheon and dinner every day. Traditional Afternoon Tea may be taken on the South facing Terrace or in one of the historic Drawing Rooms. Private dining rooms are also available for family celebrations. Which are your most popular room types, and why? The four-poster bedrooms are rather popular:- located in the historic hall these spacious rooms, decorated with antiques and fine paintings are full of charm and offer views to the South Lawn. Ideal for a romantic break away or a special occasion. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We welcome children over the age of 6. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Middlethorpe Hall offers the unique opportunity for guests to experience staying in a historic country house owned by the National Trust.