Standing proud at the end of a long sweeping drive way is the Grade 1-listed Regency house, Rudding Park that sits within 300 acres of idyllic parkland just outside the beautiful spa town of Harrogate.
Rudding Park, Harrogate
The building dates back to the 1700’s and since 1972 it has been lovingly restored by the Mackaness family and through their continual investment it has become one of the most impressive hotels in the UK winning numerous prestigious awards.
After a warm welcome and a short tour to familiarize ourselves with the hotel we wandered along the history-steeped corridor that boasts a wall of fame. The hotel has hosted a long list of the great and good from George Bush to the late Carrie Fisher.
Both upbeat and bright in décor, the hotel gets the interior right by mixing it up with traditional and contemporary styling. A business person staying for a conference or a golf weekend is not going to feel out of place here, there’s no dated chintz anywhere to be found.
Our Spa Bedroom is located in the Follifoot Wing at the newer side of the hotel. It is really sumptuous to the extent you could easily stop paying your mortgage, sell your house and just move in!
Our mini bar is well stocked with a great range of tea, coffee, food and Tattinger champagne. A quick whirl around the bathroom and I found Molton Brown products and not only a deep double ended bath but a personal Hamman steam shower for two.
Guests have direct access to the indoor spring water swimming pool and juniper sauna and can choose a spa room where choices include a personal Hamman steam shower, a sauna or a spa bath. I really do want to move in…
The Spa Rooms are a highlight and only a stone’s throw from the Rudding Park Spa and a hi-tech gym.
Yorkshire is very lucky to have a world destination spa.
The Spa opened in May 2017 and already has the accolade of being the Best New Spa in the UK. 9.5 million pounds have been spent on this beautifully designed feature that provides both indoors and outdoor facilities.
The Roof Top Spa includes a Hydrotherapy Infinity Pool drawing in guests to experience a Garden Sauna Cabin, Sun Deck and Spa Bath, all set amongst beautiful trees, shrubs and plants designed by expert horticulturalist Matthew Wilson.
Inside, there’s a Panoramic Sauna infused with seasonal scents of flora and fauna, which overlooks the beautifully landscaped gardens of Rudding Park.
Continuing the wellness journey, the Roof Top Spa also comes complete with a Herbal Bath Steam Room emitting aromas of lavender and euka-menthol, a Luxury Steam Room with a soaring mosaic dome, an ice fountain to boost circulation and the immune system, as well as a relaxing Foot Spa, warming Evo lounge beds and an Experience Shower for warming tropical rain and a refreshing cool mist.
On the ground floor, you will find the treatment rooms. I tried a Carita facial by an excellent therapist which hydrated my skin leaving it feeling and looking so fresh. Afterwards I was intrigued by the four immersive sensory zones. These unique Mind and Sense Zones include a Visual zone with lapping waves, wildflower meadows and mountainscapes, a Relax dark but star-lit room for complete peace and quiet, an Audio zone for soothing meditation tracks and a Mind zone for colouring therapy and reading.
Relaxed and refreshed we sat down for dinner in The ClockTower Restaurant which has 2 AA Rosettes. The chefs create dishes featuring ingredients sourced in Yorkshire within a 75 mile radius of Rudding Park. Not only that, the hotel and spa has over 100 different herbs, edible flowers and fruit that they grow in their kitchen garden. If you wish for contemporary fine dining and a four-course Menu, the 3 AA Rosette Horto Restaurant offers just that.
We sat down for dinner and we were offered some fabulous choices. We chose Carrot and Coriander soup, no doubt from their garden as well as the Salmon and Prawn Avocado. For mains we had Tempura King Prawns with noodles and Indian-style lamb chops with homemade mint sauce and lots of vegetables. The food was very good and the service was excellent. The puddings were the highlight of the meal, any dessert fan should make a point of ordering two puddings! Ever heard of a Trifle Cornetto? You have now and it tasted as great as it looked!
It certainly was a talking point and a pudding my mother won’t forget in a hurry. I chose Passion Fruit and Coconut Cheesecake, this was accompanied by a mango lollipop dipped in coconut, tasted like food heaven.
After dinner, we relaxed in the lounge in front of an open fire and looked forward to breakfast and pondered what to do the next day; whether to relax in the spa, take a walk around the beautiful park or venture into Harrogate? Agreed – let’s just do it all!
Fact-File.
A one-night stay at the 90 room Rudding Park starts from £189 per room per night or a one-night spa break starts from £177 per person including half board, a 50-minute treatment and access to the spa. Telephone 01423 844 840 or visit ruddingpark.co.uk. Access to the Roof Top Spa and Garden is £35 for two hours.
It has two golf courses, conference, events wedding facilities and a private cinema.
I was a guest of Rudding Park, all my opinions are unbiased.
Rudding Park is a good hotel in every respect. Rooms delightful; food delicious; staff very professional and friendly. Taylors’ Golden Best real ale was superb, and an excellent bar. Golf course good. Highly recommended.