I knew about Matfen Hall before the invitation to spend a weekend there landed in my inbox as it’s well-known in the North, where I grew up. However, I hadn’t had the opportunity to stay and was keen to see the results of its recent renovation. Any thoughts that Matfen Hall was going to be another average hotel in an old grand house were quickly dispelled. Yes, it was once a grand house built on a sprawling estate in 1832 by Sir William Blackett, but it has been turned into a welcoming retreat for those looking for fun, relaxation and a chance to recharge.
Matfen Hall is the ultimate destination for a weekend break
A bottle of Laurent Perrier on ice waiting for you!
Arriving on a cold Friday afternoon, I was swiftly invited inside to enjoy a welcome drink and warm myself by a blazing fire in what is possibly the best reception to a hotel I have ever been in. The Great Hall at Matfen is incredible, with beautiful stained glass windows and a grand staircase. It well and truly sets the standard for the rest of the hotel. There’s so much to rave about when it comes to Matfen Hall but I had two favourite spots. First up is The Orangery, which made me feel as though I’d been transported into a Bridgerton novel. Almost everything in here is a calming pale green and you instantly feel relaxed. The Orangery is a space dedicated to serving Afternoon Tea and a stay at Matfen would not be complete without spending an hour or two in here. It’s bright, airy and the food is impeccable. It’s easy to serve a boring Afternoon Tea but Matfen Hall doesn’t do boring. Every detail is carefully thought out, from choosing which tea you’d like to art deco inspired crockery. The scones were light and delicate, while the sandwiches were packed with delicious fillings.
The Afternoon Tea at Matfen Hall is delicious and served with Laurent Perrier champagne
I was given the opportunity to taste a range of Laurent Perrier Champagne in the intimate wine cellar
My second favourite spot was the wine cellar, where I was given the opportunity to taste a range of Laurent Perrier Champagne. The cellar is secluded and intimate – perfect if you are planning a romantic weekend away or a celebration with close friends. The team at Matfen Hall are experts when it comes to hosting and explained each Champagne with passion and enthusiasm. This was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
The Retreat is the place to go if you want to unwind
The bathrooms at Matfen Hall are what dreams are made it – you’ll want to spend hours in the huge bath tub
Of course, my stay didn’t just involved drinking Champagne and devouring cakes. The grounds are perfect for walking off an indulgent lunch while The Retreat is the place to go if you want to unwind. Each guest has access to a private 15m swimming pool and thermal suite as well as a fitness area. If that’s not enough to help you relax then there are a number of treatments and rituals you can try out too. I opted for a 30-minute back and shoulder massage and it’s a miracle I didn’t fall asleep. The team in The Retreat instantly put me at ease and I left feeling re-energised. It was so good, I’ve already booked to go back and enjoy their Half Day Retreat experience.
I was ready to move in as soon as I saw the luxury suite I would be staying in
Cloisters is perfect for relaxed all-day dining
And what about the rooms I hear you ask? Well, I was ready to move in as soon as I saw where I would be staying. My room was one of three in the courtyard, with an Emperor size bed, high ceilings and a bath tub I’m still dreaming about. Usually I don’t sleep very well when I stay somewhere new but I can confidently say I had two nights of excellent sleep, no doubt helped by the sumptuously soft bedding. The rooms were another example that Matfen Hall cares about every detail of your stay. The bathroom was stocked with products from Penhaligon’s and piles of fluffy towels, while there was bottle of Laurent Perrier on ice waiting for me in the bedroom. Honestly, what more could you ask for? If you can pull yourself away from your room then head to Cloisters for relaxed all-day dining. Lose track of time in the atmospheric surroundings as you tuck into exquisite seasonal dishes, with everything from oysters to steak and salmon to Côte De Boeuf on the menu. If you’re looking for a more intimate dining experience then head to Emerald, which offers a five star culinary experience. The tasting menu here is sensational – be sure to opt for the wine pairing option too. Overall, Matfen Hall went above and beyond expectations and I can’t wait to return very soon. If you want a weekend – or weekday – to both indulge and relax, this is stunning retreat in Northumberland is the place to go. What you need to know How to get to Matfen Hall Matfen Hall is easily accessible by a short 50-minute flight from Heathrow or a 2hr 30min scenic East-Coast train journey from London King’s Cross. Matfen Hall’s dedicated concierge team can provide an exclusive Private Chauffeur service for both your arrival and departure. Rooms and Suites Classic Room : Complete with Emperor and Super King beds, Penhaligon’s of London toiletries and Complimentary access to The Retreat. Deluxe Room : Complete with Lauden chocolates and a bottle of wine, Penhaligon’s of London toiletries, Emperor and Super King bed, Complimentary access to The Retreat and Tea and coffee making facilities. Luxury Suites : Arrive with a private Chauffeur, Chilled bottle of Laurent-Perrier upon arrival, Emperor bed with Lansdowne Cashmere mattresses and custom designed headboard, Complimentary access to The Retreat and Seasonal floral arrangement provided by local florist Explore rooms options and book your perfect stay here with prices from £299Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
