Never Ordinary, Always Aldwark is the motto of this 4-star luxurious hotel that's nestled deep in Yorkshire countryside just 13 miles west of York. Steeped in history this 200-acre estate has just undergone a 7-year multi-million-pound refurbishment, with its owners regarding it not just as an investment but a labour of love.
The impressive Victorian Manor built in 1865 has been re-designed, retaining many of its original features. For example, the beautiful ceilings are now enhanced by fabulous lighting which ranges in style from magnificent crystal chandeliers to Art Deco, retro and modern.
Each of the many rooms from conference rooms to large ballrooms, to the bars and restaurants are all distinctively – and often quirkily fashioned. From the spectacular entrance hall, a flower arch takes you into the Elements Restaurant. Here is their delicious a la carte seasonal menu of the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant has an innovative retractable roof to make the most of alfresco dining in the summer and at the heart of the restaurant is (unusually) a beautiful 'tree' surrounded by a circular bar.
Their 3AA Rosettes award-winning Chartwell fine dining restaurant is currently serving a 7-course tasting menu; while in the Bunkers Sports Bar and Restaurant there are four large Sky Sports screens, pool table and table football for a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Elegantly designed in the style of The Greatest Showman is The Squadron Bar. There's also an Honesty Bar where you can try a glass of a particularly fine wine, rather than buying a whole bottle. The wine is dispensed by a machine – think coffee, except its wine. Also Clem's Bar, named after Winston Churchill's wife Clementine. This intimate little room is furnished with comfy sofas and striking oil paintings of Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill.
The refurbished 18-hole par 70 golf course is a major attraction for many guests and has many interesting and challenging features for its golfers. But don't worry about aching legs as there are ten electric golf buggies with charging points. And well underway is a brand-new golf swing facility using Flightscope. If you're planning a golfing trip, Bunkers has 11 double and twin bedrooms that look out over the golf course.
If you've still energy to burn, then experience the state-of-the-art Technogym, kitted out with top of the range fitness equipment and air conditioning. Additionally, another purpose-built room provides space for fitness classes. One of the classes involves the new Cryotherapy weight loss treatment – Aldwark being the only hotel in a 20-mile radius to offer this treatment.
For guests who want some pampering there's the new Salus Spa, named after Salus the Greek and Roman Goddess of Safety, Welfare, Health and Prosperity. A statue of her is currently under commission. And talking of statues, another talking point are the life- sized blue and white garden ornaments of a panther and a young giraffe named Sal out in the Spa Garden. Here, you'll also find a luxury hydrotherapy pool and an extensive relaxation area – and soon to be completed woodland sauna. Inside the Salus Spa is a15-metre heated, infinity swimming pool with specially moulded beds alongside. Inside is a fabulous infinity heated swimming pool.
The patio outside of the spa area is gradually taking shape as young trees and other plantings begins to grow and so provide seclusion. Keeping in the theme of well-being there are healthy snacks and protein shakes on offer in Sal's Café attached to the spa. And did I mention there are fire pits on the patio too and a pizza oven.
A new block of guest bedrooms is currently under construction and when these are finished around May 2026 time, will bring the total number of rooms at Aldwark to 77. These range from twin and double rooms in the Bunker to Classic and Deluxe bedrooms and suites – some having their own upstairs area, balcony and hot tub.
For further details and to book a stay at Aldwark Manor Hotel, go to: https://www.aldwarkmanorestate.co.uk
For more tourist information please go to: https://www.makeityork.com/ and https://visityork.org/