Rudding Park, Harrogate Review

Rudding Park is just a short drive from Harrogate, and it impressed us in every possible way. We arrived on a winter’s day and we immediately felt as if we were visiting an impressive private home. The roaring fire in the entrance hall was most welcoming, and our check in could not have been smoother.

We were whisked away to the Follifoot Wing, which felt like a real country house apartment; you know, the one which you keep for when minor royalty visit! The living area had a sumptuously comfortable sofa and armchairs, a very practical writing table, and a lovely black velvet ottoman. The style is a modern take on traditional English country house, with abstract art adorning the walls, and lamps intelligently placed to create atmosphere while at the same time giving good light for curling up to read that trashy novel you have been promising yourself.

“Probably the best country house hotel in the north”

The separate bedroom was lovely, with a sophisticated 21st century style four poster bed, complete with, yes, a mirrored headboard - not anything like as tacky as it sounds - in fact, very elegant. Fabrics were of the highest quality, and the sheets were some of the most beautiful we have experienced; we hardly wanted to get out of bed, except for the lure of a groaningly fabulous English breakfast served in our room!

We loved the gigantic bathroom, which features its own steam room, Molton Brown smellies were the least we could expect, and of course, masses of towels and robes.

There was a balcony, but the weather was rather too chilly for us to enjoy it, so we contented ourselves with a brisk stroll around the grounds, which included a visit to the organic vegetable gardens, not at their best in the winter of course, but promising summer bounty for the Clocktower restaurant.

There is the de rigeur small spa, which my partner tried out and pronounced of very good standard, but the thing we loved the most was the private cinema, intimate and luxurious, which you can hire for family and friends, complete with the film of your choice, ice cream and fresh popcorn. This is a great idea for a wedding party or family get together.

The library is very well stocked, and guests are free to browse and borrow. It’s so stylish, we felt as if we had been transported to Manhattan. There is a good golf course which we didn't avail ourselves of, but we were told by regular visitors that it's one of the best in the county, and that in the milder months this in itself is a big attraction.

We visited Harrogate and of course had tea at Betty’s, and my partner enjoyed some excellent shopping in the very smart stores which abound in this prosperous town.

Altogether, Rudding Park is a fabulously sophisticated yet welcoming destination, absolutely ideal for a winter weekend get-away, when you just want to be cossetted in glorious surroundings.