Living the high life: luxury places to stay in Yorkshire
Covering a whopping 11,903 km², Yorkshire is about seven times larger than London and packs a lot in. Come for Roman and Viking heritage, Norman castles, medieval abbeys, buzzy cities and two fantastic National Parks. With so much to explore, you’ll want to sink into deep comfort at the end of a busy day, so we’ve rustled up a bunch of exceptional escapes all designed to spoil you with stylish interiors, pampering extras and surprising delights at every turn: welcome to our most luxurious places to stay in Yorkshire.
Pear Tree House, Sutton-on-the-Forest
Your handsome red-brick building, set back from the leafy main street, is believed to be the oldest property in the village. Now, every modern comfort has been added to make staying here a breeze. Step into a swish kitchen/dining/sitting room illuminated by a large automated glass ceiling and a glittering chandelier. Designated cooks will adore the sweep of Carrara marble worktop, two electric ovens with microwaves, steam oven, Aga hob and plate warmers.
There are books, jigsaws and games for rainy days, a private walled garden scented with roses, two sitting rooms and three bedrooms (one en suite) decked in reassuring country colours and floral wallpaper. Explore historic York, the rolling Dales and the constantly evolving local foodie scene.
“Guests will enjoy gathering together under the glittering chandelier, sleeping in cosy bedrooms and strolling through ancient woodland in nearby Sutton Park estate.” – Inspector, Caroline
The Old Vicarage Richmond
A lovely big old farmhouse sitting in a secluded valley with breathtaking views looking out over Swaledale. Come together for family suppers in the large kitchen, stoke up the fire when the weather isn’t playing, sleep in cosy, view-filled bedrooms with sleigh beds, original art and more of those views. Across the fields, you’ll find a vaulted barn with a heated indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.
There’s a gym too, with table tennis and table football plus your own tennis court and football pitch. This is fabulous walking and cycling country – the whole of the Yorkshire Dales are yours to discover. Julia can also arrange yoga, therapy treatments, bike hire and art workshops.
“Lovely, comfortable house in a beautiful, isolated setting in the Swaledale valley overlooking the River Swale and surrounded by fields.” – Guest, Alex
Stay at The Old Vicarage Richmond >
Middleton Lodge, Richmond
These gorgeous stone barns are home to one of the loveliest hotels in the north. You can dine outdoors even in winter, under an awning with a huge firepit and heaters, in summer, life spills onto the courtyard for lunch in the sun, but step through the arched glass doors and find a spectacular restaurant open to the rafters.
There’s a funky bar for cocktails, an open fire, a sitting room for guests that opens onto a terrace. Bedrooms are just as good, with fine fabrics, super-comfy beds and robes, five have their own terrace and some have hot tubs. Elsewhere, you’ll find a spa with treatment rooms, a kitchen garden where you can get married, and beautiful rooms in the renovated farmhouse. Good food waits, some home-grown, much from Yorkshire, all tasty.
“Middleton Lodge is the sort of place you never want to leave. We booked for a ‘girls weekend’ and felt thoroughly spoiled throughout.” – Guest, Alice
The Georgian Townhouse York
This is a truly comfortable landing pad after seeing the sights in historic York. A deftly restored house with architectural joys intact and bang-up-to-date bathrooms and kitchen, and well-dressed bedrooms. Terracotta tiles glow warmly under soft lighting, William Morris wallpaper and thick curtains cocoon you, gorgeous velvet sofas wait for you, a long oak refectory table is just the ticket for convivial meals by candlelight and has enough space for everybody to sit with ease.
Conjure up meals in the swish kitchen or step out to restaurants galore. The bakery next door can deliver your breakfast buns and you’ll find basics waiting for you. Just off the sitting room is a small courtyard with a table and chairs.
“Situated within easy walking distance of all York’s attractions with excellent restaurants nearby. The house’s décor is beautiful.” – Guest, Linda
Stay at The Georgian Townhouse York >
Tickton Grange, Tickton
This fine Georgian manor house surrounded by four acres of formal gardens, parklands and fields was once the home of wealthy landowners – King Edward VIII used to play cards here – and is now a family-run hotel. Feel pampered by meticulous attention to detail: dinner that looks like a work of art, served on specially commissioned and hand-painted Royal Crown Derby china; drinks afterwards in the Hockey room; dressing gowns and eye masks in your room, plus biscuits on your pillow.
Start your day with a generous breakfast – stroll the grounds, visit the coast, Beverley is only a five-minute drive away. Return for afternoon tea that could put the Ritz to shame – dainty cakes and scones with champagne or a G&T – the bar has 45 varieties.
“It is unique to find a family of two generations running a business which they all clearly love and care about deeply – a gorgeous, warm, vibrant retreat.” – Inspector, Julie
The Hayloft, Dalesend Cottages, Bedale
A stylish and relaxed place for couples on an early 18th-century estate. The Hayloft is big – a wow of a space, with pendants hanging from high rafters and a half-wall separating the bed and freestanding bath from the sofas and sleek kitchen. It also oozes luxury: a drenching shower and toasty floors, a wood burner and WiFi, soothing colours and impeccable linen. You’ll find good pubs nearby.
You’re bang in the Dales for market towns, castles, Betty’s tea room and great walking, starting with the private parkland in front of the house. On rainy days just snuggle up by the wood burner and relish the peace. Emma is a qualified yoga teacher and can offer private or group sessions, meditation and sound gong baths.
“The cottage is charming and furnished to the highest standards. Great town with many fantastic places to eat and great shops.” – Guests, Norman & Caroline
Hey Farm Barn, Huddersfield
Next to a glorious National Trust estate, an exceptional barn renovation is now a beautiful, generous, light-filled space, with a huge window by the dining table and a window seat overlooking the valley. You’re at the top of a Pennine track, looking south over rolling moorland… the setting is a glory. Step inside to be wowed: there’s a barbecue patio for summer, a stylish wood burner for winter (logs on the house) and colours fresh, cool and light.
The galley kitchen is superb, and the bedroom is a warm delicious haven. A two-day breakfast hamper is provided (so are chocolates in a little dish) and the pub is a 15-minute scamper down the hill. Brilliant for lovers and dreamers, with heavenly walks all around.
“This beautifully-appointed and well-designed barn is cosy, yet also spacious, and wonderfully light-filled. Very well placed to explore the stunning Colne and Calder Valleys, as well as further afield.” – Guest, Emma
