Middlethorpe Hall in York – 
Where Heritage Inspires the Future

A historic 300-year-old red brick and limestone house, influenced by Sir Christopher Wren and set within 20 acres of gardens and parkland, Middlethorpe Hall is an award-winning country house hotel that beautifully balances heritage with a forward-thinking approach to hospitality. As one of three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, it offers 29 individually designed bedrooms and suites, a two AA Rosette restaurant, and a boutique spa with its own indoor pool. Building on its rich history, Middlethorpe Hall continues to invest in the future, embracing innovation, nurturing talent and creating remarkable experiences for generations of guests to come — all just 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of York.  

Two of Britain’s Most Exceptional Women Lived at Middlethorpe Hall

Middlethorpe Hall is exceptionally proud of its links with suffragist garden designer Fanny Wilkinson (1855–1951). Middlethorpe was her family home where she became passionate about gardening. Fanny was an early feminist who blazed a trail for female gardeners and changed the face of London by creating “green lungs” in the capital for Londoners suffering from pollution and overcrowding. 

In 2024 Middlethorpe Hall unveiled a York Civic Trust Blue Plaque in the walled garden to celebrate her achievements. Guests at the hotel can explore the extensive gardens with their historic specimen trees and enchanting walled garden and also find out more about this Victorian visionary. 

Another exceptional woman who also lived at Middlethorpe Hall was Lady Mary Wortley-Montagu. She 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. A famous literary bluestocking, she was known for her outspoken opinions on women’s rights. She was also a pioneer of smallpox inoculation. When they were published, her letters caused a sensation. Today her portraits are held in London’s National Gallery. 

Middlethorpe Hall continues to evolve as a forward-thinking country house hotel, pairing its timeless heritage with innovative dining, contemporary wellness experiences and a fresh approach to modern hospitality.  

A Local Chef Creating Award-Winning Menus with Seasonal Produce 

Dining at Middlethorpe Hall looks to the future through the vision of its talented local chef Ashley Binder, whose evolving selection of seasonal, tasting and à la carte menus celebrates creativity while remaining rooted in Yorkshire’s rich culinary heritage. 

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’.

The tasting menu showcases Middlethorpe Hall’s contemporary culinary direction, combining refined technique with bold, globally inspired flavours while remaining firmly connected to the seasons. From celeriac velouté with yuzu apple and Yorkshire duck scented with garden herbs to crab tortellini with green curry, aged beef fillet with wild garlic and morels, and desserts celebrating garden rhubarb and rich chocolate, each course is thoughtfully composed and complemented by expertly selected wine pairings. The result is a dining experience that feels inventive, reflecting the estate’s commitment to outstanding local and seasonal ingredients, produce from its own kitchen garden and modern British gastronomy.  

New Spa Brand with Journeys and Treatments in Secluded Spa 

The hotel recently welcomed a new spa ritual with the launch of GAIA Skincare treatments at the hotel’s spa. GAIA Skincare products are fully handcrafted in the UK. All products are free from synthetics including fragrances and colouring, as well as being chemical free. Along with 90% of products being certified vegan, and all products being cruelty free, naturally. The GAIA Skincare range features three collections made with their Awakening, Balancing and Calming blends. The brand is inspired by Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess known as mother nature. A wide selection of new journeys and treatments are now available at the spa.

The spa, skilfully converted from a pair of Edwardian cottages opposite Middlethorpe Hall itself, contains a large indoor swimming pool, spa bath, steam room, sauna, gymnasium and a Club Room where drinks and lighter meals are served. The spa also has three treatment rooms with qualified therapists providing the latest treatments using GAIA skincare, Carol Joy London bespoke skincare and Mii and gel nail products. Everyone can book a range of spa treatments. Members have free access to the services of a Fitness Instructor and Aqua-fit sessions. All hotel residents have complimentary access to the spa throughout their stays.  

Shaping the Future of Yorkshire Hospitality

Recognising that hospitality is not always seen as an obvious career pathway after school or university, Middlethorpe Hall is committed to championing the future of the industry in Yorkshire through its partnership with Hospitality Connect. Working alongside local school Millthorpe School, the initiative introduces students to the diverse opportunities available within hospitality through events at Middlethorpe Hall, offering insight into both front and back of house roles and demonstrating the creativity, progression and rewards that a career in the sector can bring. Developed by the Hospitality Association York, Hospitality Connect brings together local hotels and city schools to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals, highlighting the breadth of career possibilities and encouraging young people to consider the industry as a dynamic and fulfilling career choice. 

Rooted in history and renewed for the future, Middlethorpe Hall remains a remarkable hotel where heritage, hospitality, and tomorrow come together.

www.middlethorpe.com Middlethorpe Hall, York, Yorkshire, YO23 2GB
B&B is priced from £320 per room, per night based on two guests sharing