A Northumberland Escape To Eshott Hall
Known for its status as a boutique wedding venue in Eshott not far from Morpeth, Eshott Hall is a big manor house in beautiful grounds, that offers up a Northumberland escape to enjoy for a hotel break too. A couple of weeks ago I went along with Arthur for a Friday night stay.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary one night stay at Eshott Hall for this review.
Easily found after a short drive off the A1, you’re essentially in the middle of Northumberland surrounded by countryside. Driving up to the hall you pass the main entrance and go round the back to the car park. The stables here have been converted into rooms too, and there’s plenty of space for all the cars.
You check in online before you arrive, so on the day it’s just a case of collecting your key from the front desk, which is right in the entrance. The communication in the lead up to your stay is great, with everything coming through via email and saving a lot of time on the day you arrive.
I was staying in the Bainbridge Suite, but in total there are 20 rooms across the main hall, the stables and other estate buildings, all of which you can find more details for on their website. The rooms each have something unique within their four walls, whether that’s a window seat, a four poster, a free standing bath or other quaint features that give the rooms their character.
The Bainbridge suite was really spacious, with a huge double feature bed, a lounge chair, two armchairs, a lovely window seat overlooking the walled garden, and a big bathroom with double shower, two sinks and a bath. As a whole it’s a very traditional venue inside.
Two Northumberland guides sat on the window seat in case you need inspiration for a day out exploring the area, the options are limitless it’s an ideal base to discover the beautiful coast, Northumberland towns and the nature of the area of outstanding natural beauty.
I however, was there purely to relax and enjoy Eshott on its own after a really busy week at work. I was booked in for dinner at 7:30, so before that I had time to take Arthur for a walk through the gardens. I checked with reception and there are no areas out of bounds for dogs in either the grounds or the hotel, which is great as some places only allow in certain areas.
We walked right around the manicured lawns, through the walled garden with their veg patches and flower beds, and into the woodland area out the back. It’s very tranquil, with plenty of garden benches where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. If you’re there in late spring the whole of the front is covered in beautiful Wysteria.
There is a really airy bright lounge downstairs that has a big fire, and I’ve previously seen it all set up for afternoon tea. Opposite is the library/drawing room and this is where the bar is. There were a few sitting with a drink in there but as it was so warm I got a gin and took it outside on one of the tables for a pre dinner drink.
Dinner is served in the main dining room, which is the only time dogs aren’t welcome. If you don’t want to leave your dog they are really accommodating and will set up dining for you in one of the break out rooms, which is what I did. Arthur loved it he’s never had so much fuss.
They take their restaurant offering very seriously, having been awarded 2 AA rosettes for their high standards, and it really was the case during my experience. The food menus were great, varied with plenty of choice for all tastes, and all seasonal with locally sourced ingredients.
I went for the ham hock terrine and brioche to start, which was lovely, and then the fillet of beef for main. That was excellent I really enjoyed it served with peppercorn sauce and chunky chips. The portions were a good size, and it was really good quality food.
I did wonder with not being in the main dining room if I might get forgotten about at times but I didn’t at all, the service was faultless they’re all so friendly – and they loved Arthur so he was in his element while I tucked in and drank my wine. By the end of it I was so content and full I took Arthur out for another quick walk in the evening sun, before heading to bed.
Breakfast was another delicious affair with a continental buffet in the dining room, and a hot menu to choose from. This included the ‘full Eshott’, Seahouses grilled kippers, Craster smoked salmon and a selection of other dishes. I had the smoked salmon which was served with scrambled egg on a toasted muffin.
Washed down with plenty of coffee and fruit juice it was so good. Hotel breakfasts are one of my favourite things and it really didn’t disappoint. Arthur was given a sausage too – and lots more attention from the breakfast staff. It’s borderline more dog friendly than people friendly so ideal if you want to take yours with you. They were so lovely to him.
After a morning walk through the grounds again it was time to check out, done easily with a key drop at reception. I’m so glad I went on a Friday night after work, I was there by 4:30 and it was an ideal way to switch off in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings so you can’t help but relax.
So as well as being a wedding venue, Eshott Hall offers hotel stays that are very dog friendly. Stay and enjoy the local area, or as I did just the chance to relax and have good food and a potter about the grounds. Afternoon tea is served every day except Sunday between 3-5pm and they do a Gentleman’s version as well as Traditional.
If you’re interested in booking a stay at Eshott Hall, visit their website here.
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