By Eibhlis Gale-Coleman
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Redbrick, extensive English gardens – who needs a time capsule when Rockliffe Hall can whisk you back to 18th Century England? Whether you want to wander the 375 acres of maintained estate grounds or don your best outfit to walk the halls, Rockliffe Hall offers the idyllic immersion into classic English luxury. If you are looking for a blended taste of indulgence and tradition, Rockliffe Hall awaits.

The mansion is rurally situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. On the outskirts of Hurworth Village, it sits at the end of a winding private drive. And, within its grounds, a world-renowned golf course and stretch of the River Tees. The expanse of the property, combined with its seclusion, makes it the perfect self-contained getaway – perfect to both excite and unwind.

Rockliffe Hall is a listed building built back in the 18th century. Through the 19th century, the Hall had extensive refurbishments and work directed by Alfred Backhouse, a head banker from the Barclay family. In the 20th century, Rockliffe passed hands many times, including through Lord Southampton’s ownership, Middlesborough FC’s, and a collection of monks. Finally, in 2009, Rockliffe Hall re-opened its doors, this time as the five-star hotel we see today.

With a total of 61 meticulously designed bedrooms to choose from, it is safe to say that Rockliffe Hall encourages guest selection. And, with the approach of “big on space, big on comfort, and big on little luxuries”, each of the 61 options is a good one.

The luxury green interior of Rockliffe Hall.

If you want an indulgent experience, opt for one of the Old Hall Suites. In an Old Hall Suite, expect spacious king-size beds covered with the finest Egyptian cotton – perfect for a restful night. Or, to unwind, you can head to your en-suite marble bathroom. Here, you can soak in a bubble bath while you relax with a movie night. Suites feature ’tile TVs’ that allows you to watch films and shows, even from the bathroom.

However, to go a step further, you can upgrade from an Old Hall Suite with a luxury VIP package. In this case, you can enjoy all the benefits of an Old Hall Suite, with ‘champagne, room service breakfast, and late checkout’. And for those feeling guilty about leaving your canine friend behind, note that Rockliffe allows guests to bring their dogs to enjoy a luxury stay. For an additional surcharge of £25 a night, your canine will have a reservation and all the amenities that they may require.

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"Redbrick, extensive English gardens – who needs a time capsule when Rockliffe Hall can whisk you back to 18th Century England?"

There is no finer spot than the 3AA Rosette-rated in-house restaurant, The Orangery, when it’s time to dine. While guests of Rockliffe Hall can dine for any meal, we recommend that you prioritise dinner.

Dinner at The Orangery is headed by leading chef Steven Lamb and runs in the format of a tasting and a la carte menu. For the ultimate fine dining experience, the three-course a la carte menu starts at £65 per person. Diners can sample expertly curated seasonal dishes, including starters such as the ‘glazed monkfish cheeks’, served with ramen, kimchi, vermicelli, and quail egg. For the selection of main dishes, you can expect locally sourced produce and classics. The ‘Yorkshire Grouse’, a renowned lean, rich meat of a moorland bird, is a popular choice. If you do opt for the grouse, you can look forward to the complimenting ingredients of chou farci, pearl barley, and sloe gin.

A meticulously prepared dish on a dark grey plate, served at Rockliffe Hall.

For dessert, you reach the classic debate of a cheeseboard or sweet treat. But even the most savoury toothed will be persuaded by ‘The Chocolate Orangery’. Carefully prepared with dark chocolate, citrusy rutaceae, and a generous sprinkling of pistachios – its hard to resist.

While you dine, wine pairing options are close to endless. The Orangery prides itself on a diverse and extensive wine list – with over 400 wines from which you can choose. The Orangery aims to promote sustainable wines in the vast selection, free from ‘unecessary pesticides, fungicides and herbicides’. Are you craving a Lebanon red, Cotes-du-Rhone, Italian chardonnay, or a sweet Spanish dessert wine? The sommelier team will expertly guide you to your preferred choice.

A bartender serves a cocktail at the bar in Rockliffe Hall.
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"The expanse of the property, combined with its seclusion, makes it the perfect self-contained getaway – perfect to both excite and unwind."

After an evening of high-calibre food and drink, you can indulge differently with Rockliffe Hall’s 18-hole championship golf course. The course is home to The Clubhouse Kitchen and Bar and full changing room facilities. For last-minute purchases or rentals, there is also an on-site store. And, with an ‘8 bay covered driving range’, guests can enjoy golf rain or shine.

An aerial view of the golf course at Rockliffe Hall.

For those looking to improve technique or even learn golf from scratch, 30-minute lessons can be purchased by visitors for £25 with professional golfer James Maw. Alternatively, for an intensive learning experience, you can opt for full-day tuition for £350. The full day includes an initial game assessment and training, a nine-hole playing lesson, and lunch. Additionally, you receive a ‘lesson report and practice plan’ to take home. And, for those travelling with company, three people can book onto the full-day course for a total of £500.

If you are looking to sedentarily enjoy some fresh air, the in-house Garden Spa is for you. A blend of fresh air and indoor relaxation thanks to its outside-indoor design, guests can use their stay to rejuvenate.

Outside, there is a heated pool to swim or simply float in, complete with hydrotherapy jets to relieve muscular tension. And, with heated tile loungers, you needn’t worry about the seasons when wanting to relax outdoors.
For added luxury, visitors can book in for a treatment with a professional spa and beauty technician. The Himalayan Splendour is a new addition to the spa menu. The treatment cleans the skin of dead skin cells through Himalayan salts. The therapist then applies warming arnica gel to alleviate muscular tension before applying top-of-the-range bamboo massage tools to break down knots and tightness manually. The Himalayan package finishes with a facial treatment using goji berry and macadamia oil – leaving you refreshed and well-and-truly relaxed.

A couple give cheers with red wine while reclined in white robes on Rockliffe Hall spa beds.

However, for even further tailored treatments, opt for a prescriptive facial. After consulting with a specialist therapist, you will be guided to the optimum treatment for your skin type and lifestyle. Options include Skin Remedy for ‘sensitive and delicate skin’, Active Pureness for ‘oily and impure skin’, and Recover Touch for ‘seasonal repair’ and ‘hot/cold temperatures’. In terms of luxury, thoughtful personalisation of treatments curates a spa experience in a league of its own.

For an individually tailored, classic English introduction to five-star hospitality, Rockliffe Hall is a top-rated contender. The property offers an idyllic luxury escape by combining history, architecture, nature, and renowned recreational facilities. Press book, relax into life at Rockliffe Hall and watch the magic unfold.

Eibhlis Gale-Coleman

Eibhlis Gale – Coleman is a freelance writer from the UK who is driven by a fierce love of adventure, unique cultural experiences, native animals, and good coffee. She is a passionate traveller and has explored Europe, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and Australia. Currently based between Leeds and London, Eibhlis balances life in the capital with frequent retreats back home to the Yorkshire Dales.