Boasting a spectacular setting in the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, the Swinton Park Hotel perfectly captures the essence of English elegance. With its 20,000 acre estate, this ancestral castle dates back to the 17th century when the Danby family first began construction on their beautiful stately home. Surrounded by rolling farmland and picturesque villages, the Swinton Park Hotel could be in the heart of a rural idyll and yet it is just a mile from the market town of Masham, sometimes known as the Gateway to Wensleydale.
After suffering a long period of neglect at the end of the 20th century, the property was extensively refurbished and opened to the public in 2001 as a luxurious hotel. In the years that have followed, Swinton Park has built up an outstanding reputation for hospitality and ecological awareness that sets them above the competition, winning numerous awards. The staff are attentive, discreet and professional without losing any of their native Yorkshire warmth and the atmosphere reflects the sophistication and elegance of the Victorian era.
Beautifully Appointed Rooms
Despite its extensive size, surprisingly the Swinton Park Hotel offers only 31 rooms, each of which has been given its own name and designed to an individual theme. Located on the first and second floors, each beautifully appointed room offers either double or twin accommodation and generously proportioned bathrooms. As you might expect from this luxury property there is no shortage of free extras thrown in, from flat screen TVs, high quality toiletries and CD players to complimentary Wi-Fi access and Raisthorpe Manor sloe gin.
Many of the rooms enjoy spectacular views over the landscape and all have the feel of a beautiful private home rather than a hotel. Guests who wish to splash out on something even more impressive can reserve one of the five spacious suites, including the Turret Suite with its unusual curved rooms encompassing three floors. For those who would prefer to travel with their furry friend, dogs are even allowed to share bedrooms with their owners for just £25 per night.
Fine Dining at Samuel’s
Of course there is more to Swinton Park than just gorgeous interiors. The hotel is also home to a 3AA rosette restaurant, Samuel’s, with executive chef Simon Crannage at the helm. Having achieved a top spot in The Sunday Times & Harden’s Top 100 Restaurants of 2014 and obtained membership to the esteemed Chaine de Rotisseurs association, this sumptuously decorated restaurant boasts a delicious formal dinner menu as well as The Castle Menu, with its brasserie-style cuisine. Afternoon tea can also be taken in the Sitting Room, Drawing Room or Bar, in elegant Georgian-style surroundings.
Activities for Everyone
Swinton Park’s fabulous spa facility boasts everything you need to unwind and relax during your stay. With its four treatment rooms, cedar hot tub and sauna, it offers luxurious treatments, day spa experiences and complete packages for beauty and body. Those who prefer to be more active in their pursuits can enjoy an invigorating stroll through the 200 acres of parkland or participate in one of the many activities available on the estate. There are sports to suit all tastes from falconry, golf and cycling to shooting, fishing and horse riding.
Learn Gourmet Culinary Skills
Those who are never happier than when rustling up a storm in the kitchen will love the Swinton Park Cookery School in the Georgian stable block. Designed with all the most cutting edge appliances, this well respected school combines a homely atmosphere with practical classes that cover a broad range of techniques and themes. Ingredients are often from the local area and many are even grown in the property’s own walled garden. The hotel also hosts Gourmet Weekends where guests can sample fine wines and participate in cookery demonstrations while enjoying fine dining.
A Memorable Falconry Experience
The hotel’s own Bird of Prey Centre is located in the orangery, just a short walk from the hotel itself. It offers a selection of falconry experiences where both groups and individuals can learn how to handle and fly owls, corvids, falcons or hawks, and gain a closer insight into these majestic birds.
Protecting the Environment
One of the things that sets Swinton Park apart from other luxury properties is the management’s dedication to protecting the environment. The restaurant has been presented with awards for its ethical sourcing and recycling while the entire property has reduced its power consumption and carbon emissions thanks to its energy efficient equipment. Those who are concerned about the environmental impact of their stay will be pleased to discover that Swinton Park now has higher sustainability ratings than any other hotel in the whole of the UK.
Fun for all the Family
While some luxury hotels are a no-go zone for children, Swinton Park excels at catering for even the youngest members of the family. Taking pride in its status as a former family home, it has maintained a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that appeals to youngsters, and children’s z-beds and cots can be supplied for children up to 12.
Young ones can enjoy several facilities for their exclusive use including a toy-filled playroom, a private cinema, bikes, kites, outdoor games, a teen spa zone and children’s cookery courses. During the school holidays, family dining is available in the private dining room and for infants there are highchairs, bottle warmers and a goody bag of baby products as well as a babysitting service. Those who need more space can book the Semerwater Family Suite which has adjoining bedrooms and an enormous double bath which can accommodate the whole family!
Celebrations, Events and Weddings
Whether you are getting married, holding a christening or arranging a company meeting, Swinton Park can accommodate your needs. Catering for up to 250 people in a selection of beautiful rooms, each event can be tailored to meet your exact requirements with all of the flexibility you could possibly wish for.
Swinton Park Hotel offers amazing value for money and you really get what you pay for. A fabulous atmosphere, spectacular surroundings, exquisite attention to detail, attentive staff and a host of impressive activities make this the perfect location for a short break in North Yorkshire.