Business Details
Luxury Historic Hotel in York
Middlethorpe Hall is a historic William III country house built in 1699, located just two miles from York city centre yet surrounded by 20 acres of private gardens and parkland. This National Trust property combines architectural heritage with modern luxury, offering 29 guest rooms and suites across the main house and 18th-century Courtyard. The Hall is renowned for its award-winning dining, featuring two AA Rosettes, and its secluded spa housed in Edwardian cottages. As part of the Historic House Hotels collection, it maintains traditional excellence in cuisine, hospitality, and conservation. The property has hosted notable figures including Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, pioneer of smallpox inoculation, and Fanny Rollo Wilkinson, England's first professional female landscape gardener.Its grounds feature a ha-ha, white garden, walled garden, lake, and specimen trees, while the interior showcases mellow red brickwork, limestone dressings, and original joinery. The National Trust acquired the property in 2008, ensuring all profits benefit conservation efforts. Guests enjoy exclusive access to cultural experiences through seasonal events, garden tours, and heritage talks. The Hall's architecture reflects Sir Christopher Wren's influence, with distinctive red brick, sash windows, and stone quoins. Its commitment to preserving historical integrity while providing contemporary comforts makes it a unique destination for discerning travelers.
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Award-Winning Dining
Spa Treatments
Wedding Venues
Heritage Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer award-winning dining with two AA Rosettes
- Our spa combines historic charm with modern wellness facilities
- We provide exclusive access to curated cultural experiences
- Our 20-acre gardens feature protected historic landscapes
- We maintain original architectural features with modern comforts
Associations and certifications
- National Trust
What people say
Beautiful architecture
Excellent service
Award-winning food
Tranquil gardens
Historic charm
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Stay in 29 meticulously preserved guest rooms and suites across the main house and 18th-century Courtyard. Each space features antique furnishings, period details, and modern comforts with views over landscaped gardens. The Cottage and Garden Suites offer additional privacy while maintaining historical authenticity. All accommodations blend 17th-century architecture with contemporary amenities for a comfortable stay.
Award-Winning Dining
Enjoy two AA Rosette-awarded meals in panelled dining rooms overlooking formal gardens. The menu features seasonal British ingredients prepared with traditional techniques. Dine al fresco on the south-facing terrace or experience themed events like Race Day Brunch and Christmas House Parties. Head Chef Ashley Binder's culinary expertise has earned multiple accolades for the hotel's gastronomic offerings.
Spa Treatments
Relax in a secluded spa housed within Edwardian cottages offering Aromatherapy Associates products. Choose from full-body therapies, manicures, and pedicures in a tranquil setting. The spa combines historic architecture with modern wellness facilities, featuring fitness areas and beauty treatments tailored to individual needs by experienced therapists.
Wedding Venues
Host weddings and civil partnerships in a 17th-century country house surrounded by 20 acres of gardens. The venue offers multiple spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including the Drawing Room and Terrace. Professional planners assist with bespoke arrangements, while the Head Chef creates custom menus for celebration meals in an elegant country house setting.
Heritage Tours
Explore the property's 300-year history through guided tours highlighting architectural features and famous residents. Learn about Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's smallpox inoculation advocacy and Fanny Rollo Wilkinson's pioneering landscape design. The tours cover original joinery, Wren-inspired architecture, and the National Trust's conservation efforts since 2008.
People
Ashley Binder
Head Chef
Award-winning culinary expert overseeing the hotel's two AA Rosette-awarded restaurants, creating seasonal menus that blend traditional excellence with contemporary presentation.
Andrew Leighton
Head Gardener
Custodian of the historic gardens featuring ha-ha, white garden, and specimen trees, maintaining landscapes influenced by England's first professional female landscape gardener.
Questions
What historical significance does Middlethorpe Hall hold?
Built in 1699, it was home to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (smallpox inoculation pioneer) and Fanny Rollo Wilkinson (England's first professional female landscape gardener).
What accommodation options are available?
29 rooms across the main house, 18th-century Courtyard, and Cottage Suites, combining period features with modern comforts like complimentary Wi-Fi.
Can I host events at Middlethorpe Hall?
Yes, we offer wedding venues, civil ceremonies, conferences, and private dining with professional planning support and tailored menus.
What spa facilities are available?
Located in Edwardian cottages, our spa offers Aromatherapy Associates treatments, fitness areas, and beauty therapies in a tranquil, historic setting.
How to get best rates for stays?
Book directly through our website or phone for guaranteed best rates, including breakfast and exclusive offers like 10% off spa treatments.
What dining options exist?
Two AA Rosette-awarded restaurants serving seasonal British cuisine, with al fresco options on the south-facing terrace overlooking formal gardens.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Alan Shepherd
Jan 10, 2022
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Good easy access with ample parking. Beautiful rooms, helpful and courteous staff. The food was excellent. Genuinely could not fault the whole experience.
Patricia Bond
Jan 07, 2022
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Birthday and Retirement celebration. Every thing was just perfection, the food, the room and the staff were even better. I have never felt so looked after ever, and in such a lovely way.. Nothing to improve on what so ever.
Janet Shepherd
Jan 06, 2022
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Went for our daughters wedding reception. So happy with the arrangements...private lounge and dining room. Staff very attentive but also unobtrusive. Food was excellent.
Sian Mcdowall
Dec 25, 2021
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Have just had the most fantastic christmas break at Middlethorpe Hall, christmas eve to boxing day inclusive. It was fabulous from start to finish, excellent attention to detail and the most gorgeous food and champagne, it was without question the loveliest christmas. All staff were superb and the planning and execution of the three days made it appear seamless. Thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you to all.
Julie Gander
Dec 12, 2021
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Just returned from a night there with my partner. What can I say a stunning location !! Comfortable, atmospheric, delicious breakfast. Staff were wonderful, special mention to the lovely gentleman on reception I'm sorry I didn't get his name but he was an absolute treasure.
Neil Jarman
Nov 17, 2021
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The last time we visited Middlethorpe Hall was eighteen years ago. A sexy new Jasper blue Mercedes CLK hot out of Stuttgart and our dear friends Sheila and John made it memorable in many ways, but not particularly the food. Today we return for birthday reasons and really enjoy the experience.
Covid security is reassuringly some of the best weve seen anywhere recently. It sets the barre for the rest of lunch.
Whist the lounge is impressive its quite chilly, but house champagne takes our mind off that, and soon were escorted through to the delightfully panelled dining room.
Starters
Covid security is reassuringly some of the best weve seen anywhere recently. It sets the barre for the rest of lunch.
Whist the lounge is impressive its quite chilly, but house champagne takes our mind off that, and soon were escorted through to the delightfully panelled dining room.
Starters
Paul Preston
Oct 12, 2021
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This was a delight. We booked afternoon tea and our experience from parking the car to leaving for home was first class. Attention to detail and service was outstanding. Afternoon tea was exactly what we expected, the service was to silver service standard, the hall was a lovely place and the gardens were an amazing bonus that we didn't expect. I would highly recommend Middlethorpe and we intend to make a return visit as soon as we can
