Steeped in Tradition

The City of York has always been a destination for those seeking grandeur and luxury within a historical backdrop and Middlethorpe Hall is the perfect base for an exploratory weekend away. By Luke-James Andrew

The medieval, beautifully preserved city walls, that encircle the city of York are the longest and most complete of all the medieval town walls in England. Built in the 13^th century on top of ancient earth banks, the slopes of the walls are awash with wildflowers and spring daffodils.

Equally steeped in tradition, Middlethorpe Hall is York’s only country guest house hotel, combining the natural beauty of the area with a luxurious atmosphere. With award winning gardens and the highest quality local cuisine, guests have the opportunity to experience the very best that York has to offer.

Set within 20 acres of beautifully designed, award winning gardens and parkland, the breath-taking beauty of the grounds includes a walled kitchen garden, used to grow the finest seasonal fruit and vegetable ingredients for the hotel’s specially devised menus. Guests can also follow the special tree trail around the grounds, guided by ‘The Gardens and Trees of Interest’ map that identifies the prized specimens within the parkland.

As well as exquisite and elegant surroundings, the interior design compliments the property’s period beauty. Decorated in an 18^th Century style with antiques and fine paintings, the ambiance of a grand country home is at the heart of the décor. The main house holds ten of the rooms and suites, with the other nineteen situated in the beautiful adjacent courtyard.

The dining experiences to be savoured at Middlethorpe are just as grand as the magnificent environment. The 1699 panelled dining room provides the perfect setting to enjoy the contemporary take on British food by Head Chef Ashley Binder. The table d’hote four choice dinner menu is available with a selection of paired fine wines to accompany each dish. The restaurant is open for dinner and weekend lunches for guests to enjoy this award-winning cuisine.

Not only can residents experience some of York’s finest dining, but also indulge in the sweet and savoury charms of a traditional afternoon tea. In the 18^th Century Drawing Room, the perfect treat of dainty finger sandwiches, a selection of home-made seasonal pastries and assorted cakes are served every day. Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete with out home-made scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam which can be enjoyed from the Drawing Room whist looking out across the beautiful south lawn.

A boutique spa offers a by appointment only opportunity for further relaxation. The Middlethorpe Spa can be found behind the fabulous façade of two listed Edwardian cottages and is home to three treatment rooms and an indoor swimming pool.

Every experience at Middlethorpe Hall helps to support the National Trust. All profits generated from this delightful Historic House retreat, directly help the Trust’s ongoing work to care for the nature, beauty and history across Britain.

www.middlethrope.com