Winter at a Historic House Hotel – Relax Inside and Explore Outside
Throughout the autumn and winter, Historic House Hotels offer a warm welcome at each hotel, ideal for guests also eager to explore outside the country estates with large open-air spaces with beautiful gardens and paths to explore.
In 2008, Historic House Hotels Ltd and all its interest in the three Historic House Hotels (Hartwell House, Bodysgallen Hall and Middlethorpe Hall), became the property of the National Trust, by donation, with all profits henceforward benefiting the houses and the charity. This was the largest gift the National Trust had ever received. The three hotels have been celebrating the 125th anniversary of the National Trust with special breaks.
All hotels have taken the best advice to ensure everything is in place for a visit that will be as safe as it will be comfortable and enjoyable. Covid-19 safety measures for guests and staff are in place.
Below are details on each hotel and their local area followed by information on things to do both inside and outside at the hotel this winter:
Buckinghamshire – Hartwell House
Known for its beautiful countryside and more National Trust historic houses than any other county, Buckinghamshire is sure to provide visitors with inspiration. The south of the county is right on London’s doorstep. Go north and travel through Aylesbury Vale with its enchanting villages, market towns and country houses. The Chiltern Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with miles of footpaths rambling through beech-wood forests and alongside momentous waterways such as the Thames and Grand Union Canal.
Hartwell House is a Grade I listed property standing in over 90 acres of gardens and parkland. The drawing rooms provide the perfect setting to relax and enjoy traditional afternoon tea. The Great Hall, little changed since it was transformed in 1739 by James Gibbs is home to open fireplace, ideal to curl up in front of with a book or magazine. Award-winning cuisine is served in The Dining Room which is designed in the style of Sir John Soane and open daily. The classic British menu showcases local produce, including from the hotel’s estate.
Over 90 acres of gardens and parkland were originally landscaped by a contemporary of Capability Brown. Today, guests can walk a tree guide and follow a trail around the grounds with a copy of their Tree Map, to identify prize specimens.
Llandudno – Bodysgallen Hall
Llandudno is a perfectly preserved Victorian seaside resort enclosed by the headlands of the Great Orme and Little Orme. Conwy is without doubt the best-preserved medieval town in Wales. Boasting a rich heritage and a unique atmosphere, Conwy, the gateway to Snowdonia is guarded by its imposing castle and is reached via the bridge over the Conwy estuary. All this just a 10-minute drive from Bodysgallen Hall.
Seventeenth century Grade I listed Bodysgallen Hall enjoys a privileged location in North Wales with spectacular views of Snowdonia. Served in the oak panelled hall, library or drawing room, guests can enjoy traditional Welsh afternoon tea served in front of the fire. Guests can also hide away in the crocodile alcove on first floor, ideal for tete a tete over coffee or a glass of champagne! The Dining Room holds 3AA Rosettes, with imaginative Welsh food prepared by the award-winning team, using fresh local produce from the hotel’s very own kitchen garden.
Bodysgallen Hall is surrounded by over 200 acres of its own parkland and beautiful gardens – both manicured and wild. The gardens include a rare 17th century parterre of box hedges filled with sweet-scented herbs, a rockery with a cascade, a walled rose garden, and several follies. Woodland walks enhance the outdoor experience.
York – Middlethorpe Hall
Imagine a city with Roman roots and a Viking past, where ancient walls surround contemporary independent shops. Welcome to York – the Original City Adventure! Visitors can embark on a circular walk around Rievaulx Abbey. The Abbey was completed in 1175 and was the first big Cistercian church to be built in England. This lovely walk ticks all the boxes – historic ruins, birds and wildlife, woodland, and vantage points for outstanding views of the Abbey and terrace.
Middlethorpe Hall is the only country house hotel in the City of York and is the perfect base to combine both a country and city experience. The Hall was once owned by Sir Francis Terry of the famous chocolatiers, whose former Art Deco chocolate factory is nearby. Head Chef Ashley Binder and Pastry Chef Paul Harrison have created a new Chocolate Afternoon Tea experience. Scones contain white chocolate and orange peel and are served with orange marmalade and clotted cream; the pastries also include chocolate. For some of York’s finest dining and award-winning British cuisine, Middlethorpe Hall is open for lunch (weekends only at present) and dinner. The 1699 oak panelled dining room provides the perfect setting to enjoy the contemporary take on traditional British food.
Middlethorpe Hall is set within 20 acres of gardens and parkland, which have been extensively restored and replanted. Guests can follow a special tree trail around the grounds with a copy of their ‘The Gardens and Trees of Interest’ Guide and Map, to identify prize specimens.
Each stay, meal and spa experience support the National Trust. All annual profits generated from the three hotel operations directly support the Trust’s ongoing work. The hotels operate as a self-sufficient commercial hotel operation under the existing management of Historic House Hotels.
It is a unique and beneficial relationship, although not part of the standard member offer, which offers much value to both National Trust and Historic House Hotels through raising funds to support ongoing work.
The three Historic House Hotels are ideal for a winter break. Each hotel is home to award-winning restaurants, spas and set within beautiful gardens and parkland.
