Matfen Hall

By Admin | August 12, 2024 0 Comments

A Luxury Staycation in Northern England – Matfen Hall

by CC Mason

There’s one thing we can all agree on, regardless of where in the world you’re from- planning a vacation isn’t easy. Plane tickets, PTO, and packing for every possible weather can make what should be an enjoyable time stressful. So, here’s a great option for England natives looking for a weekend escape, or for holiday makers from abroad who are looking to get the most out of their trip to Britain!

Matfen Hall, located in Northumberland about half an hour’s drive from the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, offers a breathtakingly luxurious retreat. If you’re looking to relax at a full service spa, enjoy a few rounds on an immaculately kept golf course, or indulge all of your deepest foodie desires with tasting menus and afternoon teas, then Matfen is a must.*

*This article is created in partnership with Maften Hall

About Matfen Hall

The first manor house on this expansive property was built in the 1300s, and over the centuries grew and evolved until eventually Sir William Blackett built the current Matfen Hall in 1832. The substantial mansion is a sight to behold –  the circular drive, centered around a large fountain and garden feature, welcomes you into the reception embellished with gilded ceilings.

The reception opens up into a jaw dropping, colossal Gothic hall, lit mostly by the several story tall stained glass window, and in between it’s arching beams are delicately hand painted glistening motifs of a stary night’s sky. Following the grand staircase up, you’ll enter into one of the halls where some of the rooms are located

Accommodations

This destination offers a cozy 63 rooms, which helps it maintain it’s warm atmosphere and allows each room to be as thoughtfully crafted as the last. For example, every bathroom, from their classic rooms all the way to their luxury suites, features beautiful white marble and top of the line fixtures. They pay attention to the small details too, including things like a motion activated night light in the restrooms so that you can find your way without waking up your traveling companion!

The luxury suites, favorites of newlyweds and those looking to splurge for a weekend away, are exquisite. Arguably the most showstopping room is room 66, which is decorated in a delicate pale blue with coordinating  bed and plush sofas. The large bay window offers exceptional views of the golf course while you sit at the dining table for a perfectly cooked breakfast. If lounging like a lady in the background of a Bridgerton scene is more what you’re looking for, the tufted full length window seat presents views of the English gardens.

Matfen Hall also offers a host of extras to make your time there feel even more extravagant. If you’re flying in to Newcastle Airport or arriving via train, you can opt to have a chauffeur pick you up. You can also request a chilled bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne and fresh flowers to be waiting for you upon check in!

Dining

For a feast of the ages, there are two restaurants, a drawing room and orangery for afternoon tea, a luxurious bar, and a wine cellar for wine tasting, all at your disposal.

Stepping into the Emerald Restaurant feels like walking into an inviting yet grand old library. Here guests have the opportunity to try new and inventive dishes via the five or eight course tasting menu, or cozy up to a traditional Sunday lunch. The ever-changing tasting menu is guaranteed to push the bounds of your palette by offering the familiar with the bold. The chef also caters fabulously to dietary restrictions, offering stunning alternatives to the standard menu.

Both the Drawing Room and the Orangery offer the stellar afternoon tea. The team at Matfen, and the British in general, take their teas very seriously, so guests are provided a menu from which to see and smell the teas before they decide on their choice for the afternoon.

The Cloisters restaurant has what one would describe as a more casual menu. Eating a perfectly cooked steak while gazing up at the sky through a sparkling skylight is truly a delight.

For the connoisseurs of fine wine, you can treat yourself and up to 3 other guests to a 45 minute tasting from within the Wine Cellar. If mixed drinks are more what you’re looking for, the 1832 bar can cater to all of your requests, or introduce you to Matfen’s own 1832 gin.

Recreation

Once you’ve satisfied your tastebuds, you can spend your day relaxing at The Retreat, Matfen Hall’s full service spa. You can choose to have your afternoon tea within the Retreat itself while lounging in your robe and slippers, or go for a spot of lunch. Afterwards, select your treatments from a list of expert full body massages, facial therapies, masks and treatments, and then finish your day by swimming laps in the pool.

If the spa doesn’t strike your fancy, there’s always a few rounds of golf! Nestled on 300 acres, there are 27 holes spread across three 9-hole courses, plus a smaller 9-hole par 3 course. If you’re more focused on perfecting your swing, there’s a driving range and the option of one-on-one tuition with a PGA professional.

CC Mason