One of my favourite places anywhere. I know others who feel the same too!
Swinton Park is a 17th century castle that has been turned into very swish hotel with grand dining room and many luxurious facilities. There are rooms on several different price levels, from 'Knight's, the most basic but still absolutely glorious, to suites, which are absolutely extraordinary. The first time we went we stayed in a more basic room but this made almost every other hotel room I've been to look shabby. The bathroom was incredible - huge with a double-ended bath etc. Every time we've been we've tried to stay in a different room. One time we got The Turret which is regarded as the ultimate suite. It's mad. 3 floors - a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom, all circular. Even the bed was round! One night was kind of enough in The Turret as you have a good size staircase if you need to zip to the bathroom in the middle of the night!
The restaurant - Samuel's - is lovely. Set in a grand old dining room, really high ceilings, gentle atmosphere, stunning table settings.... And the food is excellent - kind of just hovering under Michelin star level. The menu constantly changes so you will always find something new when you return. The service is, as you would expect, first class. Very helpful and attentive waiters, brilliant front of house people, everyone friendly. After your meal you can snooze quietly in the beautiful sitting room in front of a large roaring fire. You can also just go for tea and eat a crazy amount of sandwiches and sugary cakes in that same sitting room. If you are having an evening meal here do NOT have the premium tea package as this looked to be bigger than most 3 course meals I've eaten!
There are plenty of rooms to relax in after dinner - a table tennis room, a small cinema, snooker room... There is also a lovely spa room so you can book time in the steam room, splash pool etc.
Add to all this the incredible setting. Just driving up to the place is pretty spectacular as the front of the place looks like a giant Rook's piece from a game of chess! There are extensive grounds to walk through, a falconry centre, a cookery school... It just goes on. Plus the local village of Masham is next door and that's a lovely place full of great shops and placed to look at.
A final word on prices. If you book at a peak time it will not be cheap, but it's not over-priced as this level of luxury hotel and dining is never cheap. BUT... take a look at some of the cheap off-peak packages and you will be surprised. We stayed in The Turret on a Sunday night in January. Instead of the £400+ it would normally cost it was £165 and that included a superb full English breakfast. There are bargains to be found, but if you wish to stay in mid-summer you'll face standard room tariff.
I've been here 4 times I think and each time has been memorable. It's nice that when you go back they remember you and leave a personalised note for you on arrival. Brilliant! read more