THE LOWDOWN

The 19th-century Grade I-listed Rudding Park nestles in open countryside just three miles south of Harrogate. The Mackaness family has owned it since 1972 and has developed the original country house, within 300 acres of landscaped grounds, into one of the leading hotels and leisure resorts in the UK.

Prestigious guests include former US and Soviet presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev, plus Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and the Fawlty Towers and Monty Python actor John Cleese.

Modern extensions now house 90 rooms and suites, an impressive destination spa with rooftop terrace, three restaurants, a kitchen garden, private cinema, conference and events facilities. Members and visitors can also play golf on two courses, improve their game at the Trackman Driving Range and socialise at the club house. Originally part of the forest of Knaresborough, some of the ancient oaks still grow in the parkland.

THE VIBE

After a stressful commute through Harrogate rush-hour traffic (not helped by temporary roadworks), a sense of calm descended as soon as we drove through Rudding Park’s gates. My husband and I tried to hide our less than pristine vehicle in the furthest corner of the car park, but hotel porter Chris spotted us from his golf buggy and offered us a lift with our luggage to the front door. It’s all part of the service the hotel provides for guests arriving at around 3pm check-in time.

Inside, the warm welcome continued in the airy entrance hall with a real fire flickering in the grate, eye-catching floral displays, comfy snug lounge, bold artwork and cheery reception staff. Reece chatted amiably and showed us to our room, past a rogues’ gallery of former VIP guests and through the striking library with its Insta-friendly hanging egg chair, vibrant statement sofas and armchairs, bookshelves and striped rugs.

PILLOW TALK

Our ground-floor Spa Room was next to the private cinema in a quiet, modern wing past the well-equipped residents gym. Extremely spacious with a super-king size bed, ‘R’ and ‘P’ cushions and even a pillow menu – 85% feather or vegan – how to choose? The room has a luxe armchair, settee and a desk; patio doors led to a private terrace overlooking the gardens, hotel and spa.

A complImentary welcome tray included Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers – true class – a coffee maker and kettle, with fresh milk in the mini-fridge.

The state-of-the–art bathroom had a large spa bath with flatscreen TV – hold me back! – walk-in shower, underfloor heating, double basin and Molton Brown toiletries. The extra bonus of the luxe Spa Rooms is that they give direct access to the spa across the garden – robes and slippers are provided, though this may be better in summer as we woke up to icy paths and frost!

SCOFF AND QUAFF

Rudding Park Clocktower Restaurant olive tree

Our pre-dinner apéritif was in the Clocktower Brasserie Bar, where we had G&T’s served in refreshingly tall glasses with lots of ice, just the way we like it. A tempting cocktail menu included a Yorkshire Spritz with rhubarb gin, elderflower cordial, prosecco and soda. The wine list was impressive, with large glasses of Whispering Angel rosé for £22, although we selected one of our favourite go-to’s, a bottle of French Luvignac Picpoul de Pinet (£36). It was brought to our table when we moved through to the Clocktower Brasserie Conservatory with its stunning centrepiece 400-year-old olive tree.

A dinner allowance of £51 pp for our Stay, Spa and Dine package was soon blown (my main alone was £45), but you could eat within budget if you chose carefully. There were a couple of chef’s choices on this ever-changing menu which we ignored (sorry chef), but I would be happy to have my king scallops with punchy tikka masala sauce and crispy-thin oyster leaf again and again, even if it was the most expensive starter at £22. Simon was delighted with his charcuterie board (£15), which came neatly laid out with a choice of cured meat, gherkins pickles, chutney and crackers.

Round two was surf ‘n’ turf for me with delicious king prawns and a 4oz sirloin steak as well as fries, of course, and a peppercorn sauce (my chosen alternative to garlic butter which makes me sneeze!). Simon chose duck breast – he said it was the best he’d ever tasted – with dauphinoise, crispy kale and an extra side of creamy cauliflower cheese, which I dug into too.

All puddings were £12.50 and I told myself that for research purposes we should order one each. After consultation with our bubbly Portuguese waitress, I opted for the white chocolate & passionfruit cheesecake – so yummy, but I did leave a crumb for Simon after he polished off his pecan and treacle tart with vanilla ice cream.

The conservatory was a bright and sunny spot for breakfast the following morning. We helped ourselves to fruit, nutty granola and overnight oats before our cooked breakfasts arrived. When I saw Simon’s brimming full Yorkshire plateful of Sykes House Farm bacon, sausage, beans, field mushroom, hash browns, tomato, fried egg and black pudding, I was glad that I’d opted for the smoked salmon and scrambled egg on toasted brioche, which was delicious.

Looking out over the immaculate grounds, enjoying a second cup of coffee and watching the gardeners hard at work was a gentle way to start the day. Inspired by the 52 raised beds, Rudding Park has opened a new restaurant, FIFTY TWO, in converted shipping containers. It is making waves and a good excuse for me to return. And heads up – Muddy Stilettos will soon be running a reader’s treat to win a meal for two there, so watch this space!

Simon and I did have a light lunch in the spa restaurant, Horto – all that bathing and lounging around builds quite an appetite! We felt over-dressed, though, as we were the only ones not in robes.

I chose delicious prawn tacos (£22) with guacamole, pico de gallo, pickled red onion and coriander, which was light and refreshingly tasty with a citrus zing. Simon very much enjoyed his crispy pork sando with kimchi, Japanese mayo and xo shrimp cucumber salad (£24). We didn’t stay for dessert, which is probably just as well as I was eyeing up a pistachio tiramisu!

THE SPA

I overheard one guest saying he wouldn’t have time to visit the spa during his business stay and I have to urge – don’t let that be you! Rudding Park has one of the best-rated spas in the UK and it should not be missed under any circumstances. Have I made myself clear?

Indeed, I’d go as far to say that you shouldn’t restrict yourself to one visit – go twice, especially if you’re staying overnight. We started our stay by heading straight to the spa after dark, where we enjoyed Tattinger Champagne and a pint of beer (in safe plastic glasses) from the bar, which is open till 10pm.

I’d definitely recommend a night-time session – there is something very special about soaking in a steamy outdoor hydrotherapy infinity pool gazing up at the night sky, particularly just now when you have the chance to see a once in a blue moon (sorry) planet parade.

The next morning after breakfast, we had a private woodland spring bathing experience to look forward to (from £50 pp). Our friendly host Ebonee led us through the garden to a hidden woodland setting where we found a hot tub with steamy natural spring water waiting for us (Harrogate is famous as a spa town, after all). Rich in magnesium, calcium and sodium, the water – from the Rudding Park aquifer – has no added chemicals or chlorine, which makes it the freshest, purest bathwater you could hope to wallow in.

Simon, a born and bred Yorkshireman and not normally a spa lover, embraced this experience wholeheartedly. We lay side by side in the soothing warm water and sunshine, enjoying the peace and quiet, spotting birds such as a buzzard, robins and blue tits flitting amongst the branches as well as a couple of grey squirrels.

A natural mineral bath bomb fizzed around the tub and I used the top up button, which I had hoped was for drinks but was actually to make the water warmer if it cooled down. However, our lovely host brought us coffees (cocktails and fizz are also available), fortunately before we applied our Moroccan mud packs, conveniently left for us along with ice mitts to remove them once they had set on our faces and worked their magic. By the time we reluctantly got out after our 60-minute session, we felt years younger!

There was still time to explore the rest of the spa which was lovely, particularly on such a blue sky day, with excellent views from the rooftop terrace. We warmed up on the sculpted loungers in the Sunlight Therapy Room, with its calming video mood wall of a limestone pavement, possibly Malham Cove, and could have happily dozed off. I’m sure it happens.

We then did some deep breathing in the Oxygen Pod before settling down on the warmed loungers in the aroma-infused Garden Sauna Cabin, where I again had to fight hard to stay awake. I’m sure that’s not a problem in the new Brass Monkey Ice Baths, which are only for the intrepid. I did speak to one survivor as I moseyed past and he said you feel euphoric when you get out, but I wondered if he was speaking in a few octaves higher than normal? Mind you, if it’s good enough for the likes of Andy Murray, then I really should summon up the courage and take the plunge next time.

The Experience Showers are another wake-up call, with a fresh cool mist after the more tropical downpours and the sound effects of parrots or toucans.

Guests who book a treatment can also use the Escape Zone for deep relaxation, with audio headsets, video mood wall and large lounger beds. And although the spa is restricted to age 16+, children can use the 17m indoor swimming pool at certain family-friendly times when accompanied by an adult.

Then off to the nail, beauty and hair studios, where it was a treat to have a wash and blow dry, especially as the recliner chair felt like a seat in business class. Hairdresser Amelia had to use all her talents to create a bouncy look from my short, naturally fine and poker-straight hair, but she worked miracles.

For a spot of retail therapy, there is also an excellent gift shop where you can buy cards, homeware and unusual presents – much more inspiring than the usual over-priced swimwear and cosmetics generally on offer in spas.

ACCESSIBILITY

Rudding Park won an Accessibility Award in the AA Hospitality Awards 2022 and strives to make their facilities available to all. There is one fully accessible bedroom and two semi-accessible rooms, while a lift and gentle indoor slope links the hotel and spa. I love the diving sculptures with their multi-coloured swimming caps decorating what could otherwise be a bland corridor.

The main entrances to the spa and Horto are also wheelchair accessible at ground level, while there are automatic sliding doors to ensure easy access. A battery operated digi project pool lift gives ease of access to the indoor swimming pool, there is an adapted changing room with toilet as well as treatment room with fully accessible sit-down shower and emergency pull cords.

FAMILY FRIENDLY?

Yes! Choose from family bunk rooms for younger children or interconnecting rooms to give teens more independence. There is no charge for a cot, but an extra Z-bed costs £50. Younger guests are welcomed at the Clocktower Brasserie, where there is a children’s menu including a build your own pizza option.

CANINE FRIENDS?

Unfortunately dogs/pets are not allowed on site.

WEDDINGS

Wedding co-ordinators are available to make your dream day a reality, whether you would like your reception for up to 60 people in the Crosby Suite or Radcliffe for 80+ guests. There are special incentives available for Aug and Sept 2025 weddings. For even larger celebrations up to 900 guests, a marquee can be erected in the grounds.

For weddings from May to Sept, Rudding Park has its very own Love Island which newly married couples can row to across the lake for some private time toasting their nuptials with Champagne for some Insta-gold images. Or say ‘I do’ at FIFTY TWO, suitable for intimate weddings of up to 20 guests with an al fresco ceremony. While you are not able to marry at Rudding Park Chapel, it makes the perfect setting for a beautiful wedding blessing.

USP

Both the Rooftop Spa and 14-seat private cinema can be hired for exclusive use. There is an 18-hole Hawtree Golf Course or six-hole Repton Short Course as well as the Trackman Driving Range.

OUT AND ABOUT

Harrogate is a thriving spa town with independent shops, restaurants, cafés and beautiful parklands. The Nidderdale AONB lies within the Harrogate district and just beyond are the Yorkshire Dales. There are many historic heritage sites to explore nearby, such as Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden and Bolton Abbey, while York and Leeds are within easy reach by car or train.

THE VERDICT

We loved Rudding Park, particularly as the team was so friendly and the not-to-be-missed spa makes you feel so relaxed. The stunning location is another plus, just minutes from the A1(M) but with beautiful views and grounds to explore as well as an excellent train service from Harrogate to London and nationwide.

Good for: Spa lovers, foodies, romantic escapes and family breaks.

Not for: Anyone who can’t be parted from their pets.

The damage: Bed and Yorkshire breakfast rates start from £150 per room with use of the indoor swimming pool, Juniper log sauna and bucket shower. Upgrades to Spa Rooms and Suites from £95 per room and access to the Roof Top Spa and Garden from £50 pp. Winter Escape Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £270 per room with a £38 pp food allowance for dinner at Horto or Clocktower and £17 food allowance pp for lunch, as well as use of the indoor swimming pool and Juniper log sauna, residents gym and wifi.

Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot, Harrogate, North Yorks HG3 1JH.

Words by Bridget McGrouther

Review: Rudding Park, Harrogate

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