Yorkshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-750-exterior-BM.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel &amp; Spa Wetherby exterior" class="wp-image-835" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-750-exterior-BM.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-750-exterior-BM-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-750-exterior-BM-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>The history of <a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/woodhall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wood Hall</a>  is almost as long as its sweeping driveway, winding through 100 acres of surrounding parkland to the beautiful, award-winning country house retreat. It dates all the way back to 1067 but the ‘new’ property was erected in 1750, designed by the famous Yorkshire architect John Carr and home to the Scott family of Scott Hall, Leeds, for generations. Leased from 1910 to Lord Manton (nicknamed ‘Soapy Joe’s’ as he was chairman of soap manufacturers Joseph Watson &amp; Sons Ltd), it became a boys’ Prep school in 1935 and is still visited by some former pupils.</p>



<p>In 1966, Wood Hall became Britain’s first pastoral and ecumenical centre with distinguished visitors including Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Since opening as a hotel in 1992, a modern east wing was added to incorporate a spa. It&#8217;s now in the hands of Handpicked Hotels as part of a prestigious portfolio of luxury properties nationwide, including sister Yorkshire hotel <a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-crathorne-hall-hotel/">Crathorne Hall</a> in Yarm, also reviewed by Muddy. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Seth-on-the-wall-BM.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Yorkshire" class="wp-image-837" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Seth-on-the-wall-BM.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Seth-on-the-wall-BM-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Seth-on-the-wall-BM-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Seth-on-the-wall-BM-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>Despite the formal look of the ivy-clad exterior with its grand, columned balcony, it&#8217;s not a hotel that stands on ceremony – and the glass bubbles slipped into our hands by the beaming receptionist was a nice touch. Hands now engaged in sipping, luggage was swiftly picked up and taken upstairs. Guests receive VIP service, but without the stuffiness. The rooms are named after trees and ours – Sycamore – had a lovely bay window where our dog Seth and I watched for Simon arriving (held up in rush hour jams after work), whilst appreciating the elevated view.</p>



<p>We’d already explored some of the grounds on arrival, Seth sprinting around in excitement at all the space. I imagined the outdoor tables of the Italianate garden would be lovely in summertime for drinks or afternoon tea, and it would be an ideal location to watch the Northern Lights due to the unpolluted, wide-open skies (unfortunately, we’d just missed a recent show).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="978" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-978-Wood-Hall-Bar.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Bar" class="wp-image-838" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-978-Wood-Hall-Bar.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-978-Wood-Hall-Bar-300x196.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-978-Wood-Hall-Bar-1024x668.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-978-Wood-Hall-Bar-768x501.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>A pre-dinner drink in the spacious bar with its Art Deco flair was just the spot to unwind. Dogs are welcomed here and there were a handful of diners enjoying the more casual bar menu. Although the cocktail list was alarmingly short (just five classics, £14 each), the helpful barman offered to mix anything I requested, but I was happy with another glass of English fizz (at £9, who wouldn’t be?), while Simon supped a pint of Real Yorkshire Lager from local Black Sheep Brewery for a purse-friendly £5.50.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="972" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-Wood-Hall-Restaurant.jpg" alt="Wetherby Hall Hotel and Spa Georgian Dining Room" class="wp-image-839" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-Wood-Hall-Restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-Wood-Hall-Restaurant-300x194.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-Wood-Hall-Restaurant-1024x664.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-972-Wood-Hall-Restaurant-768x498.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Do not come here and no plan to eat at the award-winning 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant. The elegant room in earthy tones with high ceilings, cornicing, historic portraits and a cosy fireplace was hushed, but not austere, and the friendly staff made us feel immediately at ease. The extensive wine list had very little for under £40, but we found an interesting New World orange wine from Chile called Glup, near enough ‘gulp’ to me, so we did as suggested and weren’t disappointed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Mushroom-rotated.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Mushroom Dining" class="wp-image-840" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Mushroom-rotated.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Mushroom-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Mushroom-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-Mushroom-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Head Chef Shane Zhao brought a welcome Asian influence to the dishes – and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that ‘Hen of the wood tempura’ was a mushroom and not pheasant – crisp and tender, served in the tastiest broth with pickled shimeji (another type of mushroom) and a dash of Guinness. There were loads of imaginative vegetarian dishes, but Simon had the blow-torched mackerel with horseradish buttermilk chive oil, while the home-baked bread was served with sea salted and Marmite butters.</p>



<p>For mains, Simon plumped for the Gressingham duck breast with cavalo nero and a side of charred hispi cabbage, but I opted for the 28-day, dry-aged sirloin steak ‘From the Fire’ with hand-cut chips, mushroom, tomato and my chosen green peppercorn sauce, worth every penny of the £10 supplement.</p>



<p>The decadent desserts were more difficult to filter down and I was glad I persuaded Simon to order the banana and milk chocolate slice instead of the Eton Mess so that I could swop halfway through as I preferred it to my slightly less calorific but very pretty mango panna cotta with coconut tapioca. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-drawing-room-BM-rotated.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Yorkshire Drawing Room" class="wp-image-841" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-drawing-room-BM-rotated.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-drawing-room-BM-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-drawing-room-BM-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-drawing-room-BM-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Despite being midweek, the restaurant was almost full by the time we drifted down for breakfast the next morning, so we were really glad that the staff had saved us a ‘doggy table’ in the horse-themed Drawing Room with its grand fireplace and book shelves – harking back to its schooldays as the library. We had a beautiful view of the grounds bathed in autumnal sunshine, where Seth and Simon had spotted a deer and red kites on their early-morning walk.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-breakfast-BM.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Yorkshire breakfast" class="wp-image-842" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-breakfast-BM.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-breakfast-BM-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-breakfast-BM-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1125-breakfast-BM-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A help-yourself buffet included juices, smoothies, pastries, fruit and layered Greek yoghurt sundaes with yummy chewy granola. Simon couldn’t see past the English breakfast, but I fancied the lighter smoked mackerel and scrambled egg which was such a good start to our day, while Seth was even spoiled with his very own cooked sausage (after the waiter asked our permission first).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="971" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-971-Wood-Hall-Bedroom.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Yorkshire bedroom" class="wp-image-843" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-971-Wood-Hall-Bedroom.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-971-Wood-Hall-Bedroom-300x194.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-971-Wood-Hall-Bedroom-1024x663.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-971-Wood-Hall-Bedroom-768x497.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<p>There are 44 spacious Deluxe and Executive (with seating area) bedrooms, priced by size and view, calmly decorated in tasteful cappuccino and cream shades with modern art and dark furniture. Our king-size sleigh bed was festooned with pillows and cushions, ample lamps gave a relaxed ambiance, there was a mini fridge with fresh milk, a coffee machine, kettle, flat-screen TV, safe, iron and board, but disappointingly no dressing gowns for the spa. </p>



<p>We had a table and chairs by the window, a chaise longue in one corner and our spacious grey-tiled bathroom with shower over the bath had plenty of soft, oversized bath sheets warming on the heated towel rail as well as my favourite Noble Isle toiletries (vg tick).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>Only one executive room is accessible, located on the first floor, reached by a lift. It has a large shower unit with seat as opposed to a bath with a shower over. Assistance bars around the toilet and an emergency pull cord in the room along with 24-hour help on hand if required.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Children are undoubtedly welcomed but the hotel feels more suited to adults. There is plenty of space to run around in, but no playground as such. Cots or Z beds can be requested and wellies (both children and adult sizes) are thoughtfully placed by the front door, while a few board games are provided. Child menus with puzzles on the back are available in the fine dining restaurant and more casual bar.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-1125-Seth-at-breakfast-table.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Yorkshire dog-friendly dining" class="wp-image-844" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-1125-Seth-at-breakfast-table.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-1125-Seth-at-breakfast-table-267x300.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-1125-Seth-at-breakfast-table-910x1024.jpg 910w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1000-x-1125-Seth-at-breakfast-table-768x864.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY</h2>



<p>Wood Hall gets a five waggy-tail rating from Seth who felt completely at ease and loved the fact that there were biscuits, bowls and a bed provided for him as well as suggested walkies and a pet in room sign to hang on the door. There are dog-friendly rooms at an extra charge of £20 per canine guest pn and £10 for a second dog. Dogs can dine with their owners in the bar and drawing room, but not the restaurant.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="935" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-935-Wood-Hall-Pool.jpg" alt="Wood Hall Hotel and Spa Wetherby Yorkshire swimming pool" class="wp-image-845" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-935-Wood-Hall-Pool.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-935-Wood-Hall-Pool-300x187.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-935-Wood-Hall-Pool-1024x638.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-935-Wood-Hall-Pool-768x479.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-spa">THE SPA</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a compact ELEMIS Spa (also open to non-residents) with two treatment rooms, an indoor pool (heated to a comfortable temperature), steam room, bubbly spa pool and well-equipped gym. A long list of treatments covers everything from manicures and facials to massages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p>We loved Wood Hall Hotel &amp; Spa and what made our stay so special was the friendliness of the staff. Although feeling rural here it&#8217;s conveniently close to the A1, <a href="https://harewood.org/">Harewood House</a> and <a href="https://www.bronte.org.uk/">Brontë Parsonage Museum</a> as well as within a half-hour drive of Leeds, Harrogate and York, while the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are also on the doorstep. An extra lovely touch was being given a small picnic of water, apples and flapjacks at check out for the journey home.</p>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Romantic getaway, spa break, wedding venue or festive shopping spree. It’s hard not to fall head over heels with the fresh air, panoramic views, dark skies and intimate spa of this elegant but relaxed country home. Being so close to Yorkshire’s three main shopping havens of Leeds, York and Harrogate, it’s also ideal for retail or cultural therapy.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Anyone impatient &#8211; soak up the unhurried, laid-back atmosphere and relax.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Room rates start from £211 per night B&amp;B advance purchase. In the Georgian Restaurant, starters are from £9, mains from £19, sides £5 and puds £9. Afternoon Tea from £36.50 pp (24-hour notice required) and Cream Tea from £9pp.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/woodhall?msclkid=a123e96a0ad314510f438e4f1b176d10&amp;utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=VAGA%20%7C%20Search%20%7C%20UK%20%7C%20Hotels%20-%20Location%20-%20UK%20Mainland%20-%20Cheshire%20%26%20Yorkshire%20-%20Woodhall%20Hotel%20%26%20Spa&amp;utm_term=hotel%20in%20wetherby%20yorkshire&amp;utm_content=North%20-%20Woodhall%20Hotel%20%26%20Spa%20-%20Generic%20-%20Hotels%20-%20Wetherby%20-%20Luxury%20%7C%20Broad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wood Hall Hotel &amp; Spa</a>, Wetherby, L22 4JA Tel 01937 587271.</em></p>



<p>Words by Bridget McGrouther</p>


Review: Wood Hall Hotel & Spa, Wetherby

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