“This grand Gothic hall, wrapped in parkland, has all the ingredients for a true country escape. Reception rooms retain their grandeur, bedrooms are classically luxurious, while eating options from fine-dining to pub classics. With golf, a large spa, gardens and terrace, it’s properly indulgent.”

Hotel review

Gaze out of the windows and everything you see – with the exception of the church spire of neighbouring Matfen village – belongs to the hall. It doesn’t take much imagination to place yourself, momentarily at any rate, as the owner of the 19th-century Gothic mansion with its vast mullioned windows, 300 acres of parkland, formal Dutch garden, grand terrace and retinue of staff who always seem to pop up just when you need something.

Reception rooms have retained their original grandeur with plasterwork ceilings, vast fireplaces and huge shuttered windows but have been skilfully brought into the 21st century with bold colour schemes: rich gold, red and blue upholstery in the bar (carefully matched to the decorative ceiling), deep shades of green in the bookcase-lined Emerald restaurant (the former library) and the softest baby blues in the drawing room where afternoon tea is delicately served. And then there’s the double-height hall with oak panelling and staircase, starry ceiling and stained-glass window – and where guests are greeted with a rum punch.

Be as relaxed or as active as you like: golf, walks, Go Ape high-wire course or indulge in the spa with its range of Germaine de Capuccini treatments, whirlpool bath, sauna, steam room and pool.

Bedrooms in the original hall are massive, softly coloured and mix antiques with smart contemporary furnishings. But those in the newer wing are by no means shabby; sleek in shades of pale blue and soft grey with handsome headboards and bold abstract art. All rooms have Italian marble bathrooms, Penhaligon’s products and monogrammed towels and bedlinen.

Dining is a choice of tasting menu, more casual bistro-style or pub classics. Although the cooking is occasionally inconsistent, it’s beautifully served. Breakfast in the light-filled Cloisters is a wonderfully relaxed way to start the day.

Recommended for

  • Country Escape

    • Set in over 300 acres of unique parkland, this is a place for couples to relax, families to explore and friends to enjoy
  • Golf

    • The hotel boasts a full 18 hole championship golf course, plus 9 hole par three course and a golf academy
  • Local markets

    • Check out what local produce Hexham has to offer, as well as nearby Corbridge
  • Great walks

    • With 300 acres to explore the park is full of walking and jogging trails
  • Other Activities

    • Make the most of the in house spa treatments, sauna and indoor pool!
  • Sights nearby

    • Just a 30 minute drive from Hadrian’s Wall, well worth the journey
  • Cycling

    • The Hadrian’s Wall route is very popular with biking enthusiasts
  • Historic

    • Boasting an impressive history dating back to the 17th century
  • Child friendly

    • Childrens books, DVDs, games and menu available.
  • Pet friendly

    • Pets allowed on request, charges apply
  • Traditional

  • Country House

  • Wedding license

  • Conference facilities

  • Secluded setting

  • Romantic

  • Four poster beds

  • Luxury

  • Wellbeing

  • Disabled access

  • Antiques

  • Gym

  • Restaurant

  • Spa

Facilities

  • Rooms

    63 rooms in this hotel
  • Child friendly

    Childrens books, DVDs, games and menu available.
  • Pet friendly

    Pets allowed on request, charges apply
  • Parking

    Free parking
  • Swimming Pool

    Indoor pool
  • Massage

  • Meeting Room

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Fireplace

  • Wedding license

  • Bar

  • Conference facilities

  • Wifi

  • Four poster beds

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Concierge

  • Hot Tub

  • Suites

  • Disabled access

  • Room service

  • Sitting Room

  • Gym

  • Garden

  • Restaurant

  • Spa

Activities

  • Golf

    • The hotel boasts a full 18 hole championship golf course, plus 9 hole par three course and a golf academy
  • Local markets

    • Check out what local produce Hexham has to offer, as well as nearby Corbridge
  • Great walks

    • With 300 acres to explore the park is full of walking and jogging trails
  • Sights nearby

    • Just a 30 minute drive from Hadrian’s Wall, well worth the journey
  • Other Activities

    • Make the most of the in house spa treatments, sauna and indoor pool!
  • Cycling

    • The Hadrian’s Wall route is very popular with biking enthusiasts

Map & Location

Other reviews

Matfen Hall Hotel

"This is a stately pile of a hotel, close to Hadrian’s Wall, that has managed to add a spa, leisure centre and golf courses without losing its grandeur."

Originally published by The Telegraph

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