Named Luxury Hotel of the Year for the Yorkshire and Humberside region at the Travel and Hospitality Awards earlier this year, The Aldwark Manor Estate is known for its opulence and Yorkshire charm.
We check in and take a tour….
Around a 30-minute drive northwest of York, Aldwark Manor Estate is a true escape to the country. Once you make your way up the drive, into the grounds, you’ll find it hard not to relax here – for more reasons than being immersed in 200 acres of countryside, but we’ll get to those.
Despite being established as a hotel in 1978, its clear there has been lots of care and attention paid towards the sympathetic restoration of the manor and its grounds; from the towering water fountain at the entrance and the chandelier which hangs over the staircase to the opulent yet quirky interiors.
Booked in for the Dine & Dream package which includes a choice of bedroom, dining in the Elements Restaurant and a Yorkshire breakfast. During check in I’m shown to my junior suite, named the Manor Suite which can only be described as generously spacious, boasting a walk-in dressing area, impressive bathroom with bath tub, walk-in rain shower and his and her sinks, a comfortable lounge area with sofa and two arm chairs and a king-size bed. The views outside the bedroom window are equally as impressive, overlooking the estate grounds and River Ure in the distance.
The extra touches also add extra luxury to the stay. Fluffy bathrobes and slippers, Molton Brown toiletries and a welcome hamper with face masks and homemade truffles are very much enjoyed throughout my stay.
After taking the room in for all its grandeur, I head out to explore more of what’s on offer. Just a few steps outside my room I come across the cosy and intimate library, before heading down the sweeping staircase for a stroll around the grounds. At the back of the manor, overlooking the Ure, there’s patio furniture and lounge chairs for guests to enjoy in the summer months, alongside a giant garden chess game. Further down the lawn, the par 70 golf course spans 5,922 yards and has undergone a recent £4.5 million investment to transform some of the 18 holes, making them more challenging.
Perfectly located, Bunkers bar and restaurant offers post-round refreshments, with live sport action on the big screens. Back in the manor, those wanting something a little bit more special can dine in the new £3 million addition, Chartwell restaurant. Offering a taste of 1940s glamour, the 24-cover restaurant showcases locally sourced, seasonal ingredients across the tasting menus.
However, it’s Elements restaurant where I’m booked for my evening meal – and there’s just enough time to enjoy a drink in Squadron Bar before I make my way to dinner.
On the ground floor of the hotel, guests are welcomed into an impressive and bespoke replica of The Greatest Showman bar, where local craft beers and fine wines are served alongside cocktails created by the team of mixologists. I take a seat by the window and order the Clover Club cocktail, a recommendation from the bartender. If you’re after a summer drink with a sweet but balanced bitter taste, I couldn’t recommend this enough.
Heading next door to Elements Restaurant, I’m offered a choice of table. I take a booth overlooking the estate to ensure a sunset dinner view and order a glass of prosecco whilst browsing the seasonal menu.
During my visit, starters included mussels, beef tartare and a watercress velouté, but I opt for a selection of snacks. The marinated Nocellara olives are super buttery, and the freshly baked sourdough has delicious nutty notes.
Lamb rump was my choice for main. The meat melted apart and paired beautifully with the charred hispi and aubergine caponata, whilst the sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch brandy snap was a sweet end to seamless dining experience.
By morning the blue skies had cleared but the open and airy Elements restaurant made another lovely welcome for breakfast. Helping myself to the continental options alongside a barista-style latte, before ordering a Yorkshire full-breakfast setting me up for the day.
Book it now
Hotel guests can choose between a range of packages, which include access to the golf course and Chartwell’s fine dining experience. Independent dining at each of the restaurants also available.
For more information and prices, visit aldwarkmanorestate.co.uk
