The Swinton Estate, situated in North Yorkshire, stretches from the River Ure in Wensleydale up onto the moorland Dales. It comprises of 20,000 acres, being one of the largest estates in England. The Estate borders The Yorkshire Dales National Park and falls within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty. Mashamshire is recorded in the Domesday Book.
Swinton Park is a luxury castle hotel situation on the Swinton Estate. In keeping with its history, rooms within Swinton Park are furnished with antiques and portraits of the Cunliffe-Lister family, who have owned the Swinton Estate since the 1880s.
"Staying at Swinton Park is akin to staying at your own stately home..."
Staying at Swinton Park is akin to staying at your own stately home, and due to its location, Swinton Park boasts very beautiful grounds. As well as the antiques and artwork paying homage to its history, the hotel is also filled with very grand hallways, staircases and dining rooms. Being so wonderfully maintained, upon entering the hotel, you get a sense of stepping back in time.
During our stay, we were lucky enough to stay in the hotel’s signature suite, the Wensleydale suite; and the room was breathtaking. Featuring panoramic views over the lake and deer park, a lavish canopy adorning the bed, blue and white tapestry style furnishings reminiscent of the willow pattern, the suite would be the perfect setting for a traditional wedding night.
The Estate itself takes great pride in its efforts towards being completely self-sufficient. Featuring its own herb garden, pheasants and grouse on-site and a fishing lake, which provides trout for the restaurant.
In fact, dining is certainly notable at the hotel. With the grass roots commitment to minimizing food miles the hotel really is making great efforts to support local fare. Their four-acre kitchen is also something to behold!
The hotel also offers an exclusive spa including a gorgeous Canadian cedar hot tub and six treatment rooms. However, should you wish to make the most of your surroundings, the hotel also offers a wealth of outdoor activities.
These activities include the availability of both manual and electric bicycles should you wish to explore the surrounding area, and falconry displays, exhibiting some impressive birds such as owls, eagles, falcons and hawks. The Swinton Estate also offers some of the most extensive shooting in the UK.
If you were feeling a little more romantic however, I would certainly recommend a stroll in the beautiful rose garden. The gardens at Swinton Park are quite the attraction. The hotel puts together a calendar of events, which are held in the gardens and parkland. These events include ‘Garden Lunches’, with lunch and a garden tour, and ‘Hunter Gatherer Days’ in the parkland. The gardens are also a great attraction for families, walkers, bird watchers and foragers alike, and provide the perfect setting for alfresco dining.
During our stay at Swinton Park, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity of attending a one-day course at the Swinton Park Cookery School.
Staying at Swinton Park is a special experience. The setting helps you to relax and completely escape from ordinary life. I would highly recommend Swinton Park to anyone with an interest in traditional outdoor country pursuits and couples looking for a romantic break.
The Bill: £199 per night
