Combine Countryside and City at York’s Leading Country House Hotel Middlethorpe Hall
Middlethorpe Hall is a historic 300-year old red brick and limestone house, influenced by Sir Christopher Wren, set in 20 acres of gardens and parkland in York. One of three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, Middlethorpe Hall offers 29 individually decorated bedrooms and suites, a two AA Rosette restaurant and a boutique spa with its own indoor pool. All this within just 10 minutes drive of the centre of York meaning guests can combine time in the city and also head back to a countryside setting.
The award-winning gardens have been extensively restored and replanted since the property was acquired in 1980. There are many specimen trees, including a Cedar al Lebanon on the main lawn, a mature Red Oak in the Spring Garden, and a Turkey Oak all of which remain from the original garden. The enchanting walled kitchen garden produces not only a beautiful display of flowering shrubs, magnificent herbaceous borders but holds herb beds and has been planted for fruit: apples, pears, plums, peaches and greengages, all of which are used by the hotel’s chef to create wonderful puddings. The main feature of the walled kitchen garden is a mellow brick Dovecote, dating back to 1681 and rescued from dereliction in 1980, now used as a wine cellar.
The restaurant at Middlethorpe Hall offers a true Yorkshire dining experience. Dining in a country house hotel allows guests to extend their experience beyond the table. Guests can arrive early to explore award-winning gardens, enjoy pre-dinner drinks in a historic room before moving into the candlelit dining room and then end the evening with coffees in front of a fireplace or under the night sky on the terrace. In the past, the restaurant was awarded “Restaurant of the Year” in the Visit York Awards. With a tranquil vista over award-winning gardens, the dining rooms provide the perfect setting for candlelit dinners. Several menus are available in the evening including the ‘Bill of Fare’ A La Carte menu. Three courses are priced £85 with two courses priced £66. For a truly unique dining experience Head Chef Ashley Binder has created a ‘Gourmet Tasting’ menu which features eight courses which can be paired with wines. Priced £105 with the option of wine pairing priced £45.
The extensive ‘Wine List’ has been awarded “AA Notable Wine List” since 2015 and features a wide variety of wines from both the old and new worlds.
Ashley Binder has been Head Chef at Middlethorpe Hall since 2016. He started at the hotel in 2008 as Chef de Partie and was rapidly promoted to Sous Chef. Ashley is a passionate and talented Yorkshireman being part of the hotel’s restaurant team that secured two rosettes by the AA. Ashley works with local farmers, fishmongers and butchers to secure the freshest, seasonal and local produce throughout the year. Ashley also works with the hotel’s gardening team to make full use of the fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables organically grown in the walled garden’s ‘Potager’.
Middlethorpe Hall is exceptionally proud of its links with suffragist garden designer Fanny Wilkinson (1855–1951). She lived in the house with her family, and it was where she became passionate about gardening. In 2024, the hotel unveiled a York Civic Trust Blue Plaque in the walled garden to celebrate her achievements. Fanny’s inspiration is still going strong.
Lady Mary Wortley-Montagu occupies a very special place in the hearts of everyone at Middlethorpe Hall. Back in the 18th-century, the Grade II-listed house was the private residence of Georgian aristocrat, Lady Mary, with her politician husband and young son. Today the Lady Mary suite is named after her. A large painting of Lady Mary greets guests as they ascend the magnificent staircase of the house.
Spend an afternoon exploring York including:
– York Minster – Explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals – a masterpiece in stained glass and stone.
– One of York’s defining features, the City Walls make for a brilliant walk. At 3.4 kilometres long, these beautifully preserved structures are the longest medieval town walls in England. A walk around the entirety of the remaining walls takes about two hours, and there is a great deal to see along the way.
– Shambles is one of York’s most famous landmarks. A centre of trade since Roman 8mes, York still excels at providing retail therapy for shopaholics of every type. The range of unique independent and designer shops are intertwined with world-class attractions, pedestrianised streets and peaceful havens, so shopping and sightseeing are easily combined. Shops in the city centre boast an array of unique items from heraldic art to souvenirs, unusual books, antiques and designer clothes.
– Discover York’s Chocolate Story – Some of the world’s best-known names in chocolates originate from York – Rowntree created Kit-Kat, Smarties and Aero; Terry’s invented the Chocolate Orange and the All Gold Collection; and Cravens are famous for their French Almonds and Mary-Ann Toffees. An easy 35-minute walk from Middlethorpe Hall to the centre of the city will allow guests to discover some iconic places related to York’s chocolate history.
www.middlethorpe.com Middlethorpe Hall, York, Yorkshire, YO23 2GB
B&B is priced from £289 per room, per night based on two guests sharing
