Swinton Park is a stunning luxury castle hotel, set among 200 acres of lush, rolling greenery on the Swinton Estate in Ripon, Yorkshire.
Owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family since the 1880s, Swinton Park was once the seat of the Earl of Swinton. It’s full of historical charm, combining the comforts of a luxury hotel with an intimate stately home experience.
I recently visited Swinton Park with my mum for a relaxing treat just after my birthday. Our home for the weekend was the delightful Harrogate Room, which was appropriate, as we’ve been to Harrogate so many times together.
The Room
The spacious corner room was traditionally designed in soft yellow and cream shade with highlights of deep red and dark wood. It was furnished with an open fireplace, comfy seating area, antique writing desk and china cabinet.
The bedroom’s twin four-poster bed had the wow factor with sumptuous silk drapes and ornate embroidered panels. It was fit for two princesses with very luxurious mattresses and the finest linen.
A perk of staying in this room was the splendid view from the window, overlooking the stream and field where deer were frolicking.
The room also benefited from a large walk-in wardrobe with plenty of storage space and an adjoining vanity station to get ready in peace. There was also a stack of glossy magazines and books about the local area, plus free wifi (though the rural reception was rather weak).
Welcome Treats
It’s all about the home comforts at Swinton Park that make the stay so luxurious. Provided in our room were tea and coffee facilities, a large bottle of water and more water next to the bed at turndown.
A lovely extra touch was a decanter of whisky and gin with bottles of Fever Tree Ginger Ale and Tonic Water to prepare a complimentary welcome drink each – so very civilised.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was very large, with a separate bath and very tiny shower, retro illustrated prints of Harrogate and full-size Molton Brown bathroom products for use during the stay (available to buy at reception).
The Estate
After a decadent afternoon G&T, we set off on a ramble around the grounds. The scenery is truly breathtaking and there is plenty to keep guests amused both indoors and outdoors.
We walked up to the stream and watched the roaming deer before investigating the birds of prey area. The peaceful walled garden was blooming with colourful flowers and was meticulously maintained by the gardeners.
The surrounding rockeries were great for spotting playful bunnies and close to the house was a croquet lawn and the kind of elegant outdoor terrace that you’d find in a period film.
Indoors, guests can relax in the private Sitting Room, or enjoy a refined afternoon tea in the elegant Drawing Room. Both space were very inviting and the drawing room looks out over the parkland.
The Spa
We were lucky enough to spend an hour enjoying the hotel’s private spa facilities all to ourselves. The large sauna was very hot and efficient while the cedar hot tub was so relaxing and indulgent. There were also two relaxation beds and a CD player/radio for the full spa experience.
Other activities at Swinton Park include cookery classes at the hotel’s Cookery School, wine tasting lunches, barbecues, falconry, fishing and walking.
Dinner at Samuel’s Restaurant
In the evening, we dined at the elegant Samuel’s Restaurant, overseen by Chef Simon Crannage. The 3 AA rosette restaurant named after the late Samuel Cunliffe-Lister is opulent and atmospheric, with a gold leaf ceiling, an open fire and stunning views over the grounds.
Cocktails
We started with a few cocktails in the small library bar – mine was a large Aperol Spritz and my mum tried a Raspberry Cosmo. They were served with gourmet bar snacks and a surprise amuse-bouche of pork croquettes and smoked salmon quail Scotch eggs while we perused the dinner menu.
Our move into the restaurant was well-choreographed by the friendly, chatty staff who sat us at a fantastic table in front of the window overlooking the deer field.
Guests can really indulge with a signature seven course tasting menu, however we went for the more manageable classic 3-course menu (£55 per person or included as part of a package).
Amuse-Bouche
To kick off the meal in style, we were brought a delicious amuse-bouche of Chilled Green Pea Soup, served in a china espresso cup. We were also offered a choice of excellent home-made breads and scones with two different butters to graze on at the beginning of our meal.
The Dishes
I started with Seared Diver Scallop with pigs head croquette, garden fennel and Yorkshire chorizo. The scallops were plump and perfectly seared and I loved the moreish little balls of flaky pork in breadcrumbs. The fennel was done in two ways – zingy ribbons and creamy purée and the crumbled Yorkshire chorizo added a punchy flavour. They were possibly some of the best scallops I’ve ever tasted (and there have been many).
My mum went for the Slow-cooked Tanfield Egg, mushrooms, leeks, sour dough croutes from the vegetarian Garden menu. It was a deliciously comforting dish with a perfectly-cooked egg, creamy, light sauces and a flavoursome Parmesan crisp.
For the main course, I ordered the Middle White Pork – fillet, braised cheek, Madeira Sauce, smoked potato purée, poached quince. The pork fillet was juicy and lean while the slow-braised cheek was flaky, tender and rolled in crispy breadcrumbs.
I loved the different textures of the accompanying vegetables and the addition of lightly puffed crackling and mini dumplings. It was a beautifully-executed, interesting dish that really wowed and delighted.
My mum enjoyed the Cumin Roast Cauliflower with spiced lentils, sultana and shallot dressing and tempura cauliflower. It was an inventive way to serve cauliflower and a truly exciting dish.
Dessert
For dessert, I tried Lemon – lemon curd, meringue, sweet pastry and lemon sorbet. It was like a deconstructed lemon meringue pie with very zesty, sharp lemon flavours and adorable little bite-size meringues.
However, the star dessert was my mum’s Forced Rhubarb – sorbet, poached, puree, cheesecake and sable. Not only did it look delightful, but the sweet and sharp rhubarb was creatively presented and went well with the creamy piped cheesecake.
Tea in the Drawing Room
To round off a fabulous meal, we were served tea and exquisite petit fours in the Drawing Room. The pace of the meal was slow and relaxed, but then there’s no need to rush when you can soak up the atmosphere of the lounges or just roll upstairs to your room.
Breakfast
After a blissful night’s sleep, we headed back down to Samuel’s Restaurant for a hearty breakfast. A bountiful continental breakfast buffet is served in an adjoining room and guests can order hot items from the menu.
We couldn’t resist starting the day with posh eggs and went for Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine. Both were perfectly cooked and smothered in exemplary Hollandaise sauce, served on half a large English muffin.
Around Yorkshire
A stay at Swinton Park can be used simply as a retreat, however I recommend bringing a car to explore the neighbouring towns and villages. The nearby village of Masham is quiet and pretty, plus real ale fans will be keen to visit its famous Black Sheep Brewery. It’s a friendly spot with a shop to buy different kinds of ale (great for cooking) and the bartenders are more than happy to provide samples of the super-strong ales.
On the way home, we spent the afternoon in Harrogate and stopped for a late lunch at the legendary Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms. It’s a traditional restaurant, cafe and bakery that specialises in Swiss dishes and the inimitable ‘Fat Rascal’ – a cross between a scone and a rock cake with a cheeky face made up of raisins, glace cherries and almonds. A trip to Yorkshire just isn’t the same without a Fat Rascal from Betty’s – though be prepared for long queues at lunchtime.
Swinton Park is a luxury hotel with real character and charm, as though you’ve been transported to another era. Samuel’s Restaurant is a real destination restaurant with very sophisticated cooking and the hotel grounds are simply breathtaking. The warm and naturally talkative staff really make the stay memorable – good Yorkshire hospitality at its very best.
For more information and booking, visit: www.swintonpark.com
Chérie City was a guest of Swinton Park
All photos by Chérie City
