Middleton Lodge Estate

Rooms

The rooms are dotted around Middleton Estate in its various outbuildings and gardens.

When we first visited we stayed in the Coach House. Its Cosy rooms have a crisp feel, with modern oak furniture, while the Comfy rooms have a little more character - perhaps a marble washstand beneath a sloping ceiling, or a quirky round window looking out over the grounds to the hills beyond. The Tack Room is the largest and its blue-and-white New England style, wood-burning stove and huge bathroom are worth the extra money.

In the walled garden, you'll find the Potting Shed rooms and the Head Gardener's Cottage, which all have a botanical theme. We thought the views over the spectacular floral displays from here were some of the best on the estate. In the orchard, you'll find the Dog House Rooms, which might not sound appealing but they come with lovely terraces overlooking a wildflower meadow. Also dispersed among the gardens are four cosy Shepherd's Huts.

On our most recent visit, we stayed in the Dairy, located next to Forge restaurant. Our suite was simply gorgeous, with a log burner for chilly evenings and the biggest copper bathtub we've ever seen - as big as a hot tub! Very romantic.

The Farmhouse is booked as a whole house rental. It's almost Provençal in style, with contemporary four-posters, elegant striped headboards or whitewashed furniture, a lounge with an open fireplace, and parkland views.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• WiFi

Eating

Offering all-day dining, Coach House Restaurant is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone. Housed in the former stables, it somehow manages to be relaxed, smart, spacious and intimate all at the same time. The open beams and exposed brickwork make a soaring backdrop for rustic tongue-and-groove panelling, mis-matched tables and slate floors.

The food is just as good, with plenty of local ingredients (game from the moors, produce from the kitchen garden). We both opted for a very tasty slow-braised lamb ragu with pappardelle and gremolata - yum. Puddings are rich and delicious (my vanilla pannacotta with rhubarb, apple and ginger hit the spot), and there are interesting vegetarian options.

For lunch (served in the courtyard if you wish), there’s a mix of dishes from light salads and sandwiches to heartier fish pies and steaks. Breakfast is a Continental spread plus a selection of hot dishes - our huevos rancheros was spicy, warming and delicious. Brunch and afternoon tea are also available.

Since we last visited, a new fine-dining restaurant called Forge has opened near the Farmhouse and Dairy. It's open for dinner Wed-Sat and serves seasonal tasting menus that we're itching to try.

If you're booking the Farmhouse, you get a full kitchen with a range cooker, plus a dining table seating 12. A private chef can be arranged if you're celebrating something special or just fancy a night off cooking.

Features include:

• Bar
• Chef on request
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Explore the estate - the woods are waymarked, and a stroll through the trees will take you to the Palladian Lodge (ask to have a look around if there's no wedding)
  
• Nearby Richmond could fill a day with its 11th-century castle (there are great views from the keep), museums and cobbled market place
  
• Walkers have two national parks - the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors - within striking distance; if you prefer two wheels, there are bikes to borrow
  
• Visit Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, a château-style mansion with sumptuous decorative-art collections, whose star attraction is an 18th-century silver swan automaton
  
• If you fancy a foodie tour, head to the Black Sheep Brewery at Masham, the Wensleydale cheese creamery at Hawes, and the markets at Leyburn, Richmond and Ripon. And there are splendid afternoon teas at the famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms in Northallerton
  
• Lean into the estate's restorative ways by visiting the Forest Spa, offering facials, wraps, massages and aromatherapy bath experiences. There's also a heated pool and cafe
  
• For the active, you’ll find tennis courts, croquet and clay-pigeon shooting on site

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Mountain biking
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Tennis
• Well being

Kids

Although the hotel is geared more towards couples, children are welcome. There’s a box of games and toys, and the large lawn can be used for boules and croquet (equipment provided). Older kids will enjoy the tennis courts, bicycles and clay-pigeon shooting, too.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Dairy Family Rooms are the best bet as they come with a super-kingsize bed for parents and bunk beds for kids. Baby cots (free) and rollaway beds (extra charge) can be added to some rooms. Booking the farmhouse is a good option for large families as it sleeps up to 12, though note that all rooms are doubles (no twins).

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Shops: 15 minutes
• Hospital: 20 minutes
• Airport: 1 hour

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Middleton Lodge Estate is set just outside the small village of Middleton Tyas, 6 miles east of Richmond in North Yorkshire. It’s just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park and within easy reach of the North York Moors.

By Air:
Fly into Newcastle (80km away) or Leeds-Bradford (86km away). You could take a taxi from either airport, but it’s best to have a car so that you can explore the area - see our car rental recommendations. There’s free parking and electric car charging at the hotel.

By Train:
Guests travelling by train usually go to Darlington (25 minutes away) or Northallerton (45 minutes away), then hire a car or take a taxi.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you confirm a booking through i-escape.

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