“Tastefully converted smithy on the southern tip of the North York Moors. A central courtyard with fruit trees is surrounded by attractive bedrooms. With an indoor pool and an award-winning restaurant that uses wild and foraged produce - this is a chic rural stay.”
“Tastefully converted smithy on the southern tip of the North York Moors. A central courtyard with fruit trees is surrounded by attractive bedrooms. With an indoor pool and an award-winning restaurant that uses wild and foraged produce - this is a chic rural stay.”
Hotel Review
Picture the most idyllic village imaginable in Yorkshire. There are beautiful mushroom-topped, white stone cottages, a pretty honey-hued church and wild North Yorkshire walks at your doorstep. Then, there’s The Pheasant Hotel. This handsome country house hotel cloaked in greenery sits on a sleepy laneway next to some dreamy cottages with the wide, open countryside moments away – and the village duck pond at the edge of its neatly trimmed lawns. The hotel has 16 luxurious rooms, suites and cottages and it is so cosy it feels like a home-from-home – it’s perfect for a spoiling country escape with first-rate food and service. Helmsley is only a short drive away, with its walled gardens, castle, cute teashop-lined square, and the bluebell-fringed walk from Helmsley to Reivaulx Abbey is a must.
Inside the hotel, decadent country-chic design rules the day, with warm, earthy hues and snuggly-soft furnishings in the communal areas. There’s a bright breakfast conservatory where everything feels a little old-school and just as it should be: there are pressed white linens and brightly polished silverware with your gloriously runny boiled eggs and a shiny pot of coffee. The sassy two-AA Rosette hotel restaurant is helmed by chef Vincenzo Raffone and serves up delicate fine dining dishes with flair. Try the prettily-plated Thrikleby duck breast with red currant or lemon sole with brown shrimp hollandaise -- finish with a local cheeseboard. In the warmer months, go for preprandial drinks on the outdoor terrace first. One of the hotel’s greatest assets is the witty general manager, Liam, who makes everyone instantly feel welcome.
Book Pear Tree, a fetching family cottage set among the pear and plum trees. The family cottage sleeps four and is a restful, roomy stay with a small, well-equipped kitchen and a darling living room with a wood burner. Go for a dip at the hotel’s heated, pheasant-branded, swimming pool just next door – it feels like you’re staying at a friend’s characterful country home not a hotel. Ultimately, The Pheasant is ideal for those seeking warm hospitality, great food and a sweet slumber – and the beauty of North Yorkshire’s countryside awaits, for those who wish to truly experience this ravishing region.
Written by Rachel Everett
Recommended For
- Country Escape
- A quintessentially English country inn set in lovely gardens (complete with a duck pond) in a pretty part of North Yorkshire
- Full of character
- Converted from an 18th-century blacksmiths, village shop and farm buildings - the buildings are packed full of character
- Foodies
- The chef, Peter Neville, creates spectacular dishes using as much wild and foraged produce as available
- Active Holiday
- Set on the edge of the North York Moors national park, this is perfect for outdoorsy getaways
- Great walks
- Head out for long walks on the North Yorkshire Moors national park
- Cycling
- Find miles of quiet lanes and off-road trails to explore
- Sights nearby
- Visit the nearby market towns of Helmsley and Malton
- Weddings
- Pet friendly
- The inn offers two dog-friendly family suites in the courtyard
- Good wine list
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Family Suites
- Romantic
- Charming
- Traditional
- Child friendly
- Restaurant
Facilities
- Pet friendly
- The inn offers two dog-friendly family suites in the courtyard
- Swimming Pool
- Indoor pool
- Good wine list
- Family Suites
- Bar
- Fireplace
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Wifi
- Suites
- Sitting Room
- Child friendly
- Garden
- Restaurant
Activities
- Great walks
- Head out for long walks on the North Yorkshire Moors national park
- Cycling
- Find miles of quiet lanes and off-road trails to explore
- Sights nearby
- Visit the nearby market towns of Helmsley and Malton
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
The Pheasant
Originally published by Good Hotel Guide (view article)
