Embarking on an exciting press trip this month, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the lavish offerings of Matfen Hall, one of the finest spa hotels in Northumberland. This captivating journey unveiled an opulent place where the echoes of a rich 17th-century heritage harmonize seamlessly with contemporary facilities. From the allure of its luxurious bedrooms, including expansive suites radiating comfort and charm, to an abundance of amenities such as diverse dining areas, beautiful spa facilities, a championship golf course, and expansive grounds, Matfen Hall promised an enchanting escape that exceeded my expectations.

Maften Hall: Stayng in One Of The Best Northumberland Spa Hotels

Overview On The Itinerary

Our journey began with a comfortable train ride from London King’s Cross to Matfen Hall. Private chauffeur service to/from Newcastle Airport and Central Station can be easily arranged for anyone arriving in town via different means of transport; Newcastle city is just 30 minutes away. Upon arrival, the grand Gothic mansion welcomed us to a world of sophistication and charm. We indulged in a refined afternoon tea at the Orangery, an elegant setting that set the tone for the day. The afternoon took a delightful turn with ice skating accompanied by Laurent Perrier Champagne, followed by a captivating cocktail-making session. The day concluded with a lovely dinner at the Cloisters Restaurant.

The following day offered a choice between relaxation at The Retreat spa or engaging in golf activities at the driving range. Right after lunch in one of the beautiful rooms at Cloisters Restaurant, a serene candle-making session with Snug Aromatics added a personal touch to our day. This was followed by an enriching champagne tasting experience after some free time. The evening culminated in a delightful fine dining experience at the distinguished Emerald Restaurant, a celebration of fine dining and seasonal flavors. The next day included breakfast at the hotel before a visit to Vindolanda and departure for London.

Entrance Hall and Rooms

The stunning 19th-century Gothic mansion that houses Matfen Hall was transformed into a hotel in the late 1990s. Subsequently, a new wing was added shortly after its conversion, followed by an extensive refurbishment in 2021. Designers have clearly devoted themselves to accentuating the building’s grandeur while infusing it with a contemporary flair. Upon entering through double oak doors, guests are greeted by a reception area warmed by a crackling log fire and adorned with luscious sofas. The entrance hall is truly a sight to behold—it’s like something out of a movie. The vast vaulted Gothic ceilings, intricately carved woodwork, and colossal stained-glass windows evoke a unique grandeur.

Lining the grand staircase and nestled amidst stone fireplaces is the book-lined Emerald restaurant, featuring bold-patterned wallpapers, vibrantly painted plasterwork ceilings, jewel-toned velvet seating, and windows dressed in long curtains that frame without obstructing the view. Admittedly, there’s a touch of gold and chandeliers, yet everything exudes an elegance that gracefully avoids extravagance.

Most of the available rooms, including mine, reside in the new wing, boasting a contemporary-classic aesthetic. These rooms are adorned in serene tones of powder blues, greys, and silvers, featuring emperor-size beds, sumptuous armchairs, and elegant curtains that exude luxury without excessive opulence. While they might lack the flamboyance of the rest of the hotel, they compensate with spaciousness, comfort, and thoughtful details such as bathrobes, Penhaligon bathroom products, and personalized towels and pillowcases.

Dining Experiences at Matfen Hall

Cloisters and Emerald Restaurants

The culinary journey at Matfen Hall is a testament to refined taste, offering bespoke wine tastings and diverse dining experiences across five venues, each with its own captivating view. Cloisters Restaurant and Bar provides a unique dining experience with delicious steak and seafood classics served beneath a brilliant, original glass ceiling. Breakfast is also served there! Set against magnificent views of vast parkland, the Emerald Restaurant serves a six-course tasting menu showcasing seasonal produce.

Afternoon Tea at Matfen Hall

Nestled perfectly to offer picturesque views of Matfen Hall’s expansive parkland, The Orangery stands as the exclusive venue for Matfen Hall’s renowned Afternoon Tea experience. This place is beautifully decorated and illuminated, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon tea experience with countryside views.
You can delight in an amazing assortment of savory treats, irresistible pastries, and tantalizing desserts, offering a blend of familiar flavors and innovative creations. As the experience unfolded, we perused their tea menu after the Champagne made its grand entrance. The sandwiches were an absolute delight! And the pastries? They weren’t just delicious; they were picture-perfect, a true feast for anyone passionate about food photography. Amid this indulgent affair, the exquisite Laurent Perrier Champagne perfectly complemented this delightful array of culinary delights on offer.

Things To Do at Matfen Hall

The Retreat Spa

Matfen Hall encompasses all the essentials of a country house retreat, offering a comprehensive spa with a complete array of treatments, a thermal experience, sauna, Jacuzzi, and an indoor pool. Guests can also access a state-of-the-art gym. If you’re visiting the hotel to simply relax for a couple of days, The Retreat spa is definitely the place for you!

Indoor Activities

Several inviting spaces await relaxation inside Matfen Hall, including the majestic Great Hall, the bar-lounge offering views of the parkland, and a more intimate bar with garden vistas—each adorned with cozy real fires. This is the perfect opportunity to chill with friends and family while enjoying this country house vibe. However, you can also incorporate indoor activities to enhance the experience when traveling in a group. Among the fun activities offered during our days at the hotel, we enjoyed a cocktail class, champagne tasting in the wine cellar, and a candle-making workshop with Snug Aromatics.

Outdoor Activities

Matfen Hall extends far beyond its beautiful interiors. You can explore walking trails and enjoy the parkland golf course. Outside, there’s also a charming Dutch garden furnished with seating, and a spacious terrace that overlooks the parkland, providing additional seating areas. During my stay, the area was wonderfully decorated for Christmas, featuring a light trail and an ice rink hosted by Laurent Perrier Champagne.

If you’re seeking activities beyond the grounds of Matfen Hall, the expansive parkland surrounding the estate invites exploration. There are opportunities to visit historical landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda, with Hadrian’s Wall just a mere 10 minutes away. Beaches, castles, archaeological sites, and national parkland are all nearby, offering a range of activities from chauffeured tours of local flower farms and Northumberland’s hidden gems to helicopter tours of the local historical landmarks.

Matfen Hall isn’t just a destination; it’s an immersive experience and THE quintessential country house hotel. Each day offered new activities in a place that seamlessly combines luxury with relaxation. It’s a retreat that feels both special and comforting, nestled in the heart of Northumberland’s stunning landscape. If you’re seeking a cozy UK stay to relax for a couple of days, you should definitely consider this stunning golf & spa hotel as your next countryside escape!

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