Among the many stately homes turned hotels in the UK, Middlethorpe Hall and Spa stands out as one of just three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust. Located just a short way from York city centre, the hotel offers a unique blend of history and luxury. The grand drawing room, elegant staircase, and candlelit dining room have a cosy country estate vibe. However, the real charm lies just outside, with 20 acres of parkland and gardens, including a Bridgerton-esque walled garden, lake, and woodland that feel like you’re stepping back in time.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa review

Welcome to Middlethorpe

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa feels huge, but despite its size, it has just 29 unique bedrooms, meaning it really feels like it could be your own private residence. This is helped by the doorman taking our bags on the way in before giving us a tour of the house’s drawing room, a two AA Rosette restaurant, spa, and terrace.

Every room here has high ceilings and chandeliers, gold-framed portraits on the walls, and cushy, upholstered sofas, and while 2024 is Middlethorpe’s 40th anniversary of being a hotel, the 18th Century decor reminds us that it has a long, fascinating history (at one point, it was even a nightclub!).

Stay a while

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa interior of guestroom with four-poster bed
Beautifully decorated rooms and suites await

We’re lucky enough to be staying in Room 1 in the Main House, at the top of the sweeping wooden staircase, although just next door are a collection of adorable brick cottages and courtyard homes with ivy climbing up the walls, which have spacious family suites complete with roaring fireplaces, living rooms, and gardens.

Our room has stretching views over the back garden, where we spot more than one deer munching on the grass, a big four-poster bed with layers of patterned quilts and cloud-like pillows, and no shortage of pretty, antique furniture. Modern comforts haven’t been forgotten either, with a large TV, Nespresso machine, and a bathroom well-stocked with Penhaligon’s toiletries – our faves!

Drinking and dining

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa dessert plate
Expect elegant and seasonal dishes crafted from ingredients grown onsite

Food and drink are a large part of the concept at Middlethorpe Hall, and we spend much of our stay enjoying tipples in the drawing room after lunch, before dinner and into the evening. There’s a lengthy wine and cocktail menu and the staff are constantly furnishing the table with bar snacks. The hotel’s afternoon tea looks and tastes impressive, comprising traditional sandwiches, sausage rolls, and delicate patisserie items like passionfruit and white chocolate pavlova and salted caramel choux buns.

For dinner, we’re led into a small, panelled dining room overlooking the gardens, one of two: The Oak Room and The Pineapple Room. The seasonal menu here uses local produce and is headed up by Head Chef Ashley Binder and Pastry Chef Paul Harrison, and the delights here can be summed up in one word: delicious.

We’re taken on a three-course taste sensation, beginning with sea bream with saffron aioli, a main of lamb rump and finally, a trio of fresh, tangy sorbets (although there are ten ice cream flavours to choose from). The hotel also offers a tasting menu, lunch, and an extensive whiskey selection for connoisseurs.

Spa and extras

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa gardens
Be sure to make time to explore the exceptionally curated gardens

Situated in a separate building across the road, Middlethorpe Hall’s Spa is small but well-equipped. It packs in a spacious indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, along with a gym, private garden, and treatment rooms – fluffy robes are a given.

I’ve briefly mentioned the gardens but they’re really the heart and soul of this hotel, blooming since the 1600s and featuring hundreds of plants, trees, and flowers. The walled garden hides exquisite roses, fragrant herb beds, and fruits, such as apples, pears, plums and peaches, which are used in the hotel restaurant. Further afield is the woodland, a lake, and plentiful paths for exploring – the hotel’s Head Gardener definitely has their work cut out.

Location, location, location

Although I wasn’t keen to leave all of this comfort, one of Middlethorpe Hall’s biggest draws is its location. Despite being surrounded by countryside it is actually just a ten-minute drive from York city centre, where visitors can explore York Minster and city walls, wander among the medieval buildings in the Shambles or enjoy a pint in one of many historic pubs, such as at the Guy Fawkes Inn, where Guy Fawkes himself was born.

Oh, and one more thing that might sway you (if you need more swaying): the hotel has an adorable resident cat and is dog-friendly, making it perfect for a northern staycation.

Discover more about Middlethorpe Hall & Spa or Book through Booking.com

But wait, there’s more…