Wrea Head Hall

As soon as you turn the corner in the – very long – drive and catch sight of the grand, gothic mansion with its rolling lawns and mature woodland, your shoulders drop. You’ll feel the anticipation of an indulgently relaxed stay. Wrea Head Hall is about as far as you can get from Scarborough’s seaside fun and frolics, although the resort is only a 10-minute drive. Indeed, the sea can be glimpsed from the upper rooms.

Built in 1881 for a wealthy MP, the stone-built hall, with its decorative chimneys, mullioned windows and bell-tower, had a varied history as a small-chain hotel and training college before the current owners rescued it in 2012. They’ve retained its Victorian grandeur – oak panelling and an inglenook fireplace in the double-height hall, plasterwork frieze in the bar – but combined with a mix of country house furnishings and stylish modernity. There’s gold-blocked heraldic wallpaper in the hall, for example, but contemporary sculptures on tables. The bar, which opens on to a stunning south-facing terrace, is bold in monochrome and enlivened with modern abstract paintings.

Bedrooms (some in the separate coach house) range from the comfortably traditional – oak half-testers, antique wardrobes – to the contemporary with pale-washed panelling and mirror-topped tables. Many have rolltop baths; sometimes in the bedroom. The owners are keen art collectors, and artworks are liberally distributed throughout.

Food is fine dining – and the reason for many returning guests – with carefully balanced Modern British dishes such as grilled salmon with smoked trout tartare, and slow-cooked belly pork with black pudding and burnt apple purée. Some people might find the music on the eclectic side, and a little intrusive but, the service, however, is excellent, with a good balance between professionalism and cheerfulness.

Explore the North York Moors, Scarborough Castle or a jaunt up the coast to Whitby, then return to afternoon tea on the terrace.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Restaurant
• Fine dining in the restaurant 1881 is served in the original oak panelled dining room
• Restrictions on children
• Children over 12 are welcome but the feel is very adult
• Sit-out Terrace
• Library
• No pets
• Fireplace
• Bar

• Parking
• Wifi
• Suites
• Room service
• Sitting Room
• Garden

• Great walks
• With the North York Moors National Park on the doorstep, there are miles of hiking trails to discover
• Other Activities
• Take a historic steam train ride through the famous purple heather moors

• Sights nearby
• Visit the remnants of nearby Scarborough Castle

Why do people love staying in your hotel? People love to stay at Wrea Head Hall to enjoy the quality of accommodation, fine dining and the relaxed professionalism of the staff which we feel are the three pillars of Hospitality. We offer traditional comfort and warm but unobtrusive service combined with contemporary plumbing to provide a unique guest experience set within a historic building, surrounded by well tended grounds. We are ideally located between the moors and the coast and within a short drive of many local attractions of the East Coast.

What is there to do in the area? Ideally located close to the coastal road, we are within striking distance of the coastal villages and towns such as Robin Hoods's Bay, Whitby, Staithes, Runswick Bay and Filey with the Cathedral City of York about 45 minute drive away. For those who enjoy walking, we are at the gateway to the heather clad expanses of the North York Moors National Park with the North York Moors Railway running through Goathland to Whitby, and just a stones throw away from the sandy beaches of Scarborough. Nearby the Open Air Theatre is the venue for many popular artists during the summer months and the dramatic Castle Howard set within the Howardian Hills makes for a pleasant day out. Something for everyone.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer a freshly cooked to order and table served cooked breakfast, including a "full Yorkshire', Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Kippers, in addition to a 'Continental' selection for those wanting something a little lighter.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer a Lunch Menu & freshly prepared afternoon teas which may be enjoyed in the bar, conservatory, veranda or on sunny days on our terrace benefitting from panoramic views over the gardens to the Raincliffe Woods beyond. Fine Dining is offered from our ever changing menu using seasonal produce and locally sourced game, which may be enjoyed in our Oak Panelled 1881 Restaurant or the Library.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? We have 5 grades of rooms which range from Classic to Juniour Suites, located within the Mansion or adjacent Carriage House. Each room is individual in size, shape and styling, ranging from traditional Country House, Romantic French to the 'blue & white hues' of our Key West coastal inspired room. For a romantic stay Room 34 has an antique teak 'four-poster' bed from Rajasthan and Room 8 has a huge carved Oak Four poster. Depending on preference and budget, our classic rooms are popular providing excellent value for money. Superior and Deluxe rooms offer slightly larger accommodation with marble or granite bathrooms, and our Luxury Rooms & Suites offer a more indulgent stay with plush fabrics, luxurious bathrooms, feature beds and quality furnishings.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We are primarily an adult only Hotel and take well behaved children over the age of 12

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? Wrea Head Hall offers you the chance to escape and relax in peace and comfort backed up by great service and excellent food in a stunning setting. In addition you will be pleased to know that we do not take young children or host weddings, offering an ideal base for those wishing to explore this stunning part of Yorkshire and the Heritage Coast. We look forward to welcoming you.