Matfen Hall in Northumberland

We enjoyed a festive family break for multiple nights at Matfen Hall in December 2024. Our stay from start to finish was outstanding, from a warm welcome on arrival to concierge parking and luggage transfer to the moment we left. The hotel itself is stunning, mixing traditional, awe-inspiring halls and imposing high ceilings with cosy warm fires, inviting, relaxing areas to unwind, and a mix of contemporary and classic design. Our family room was lovely. It was appointed perfectly with a separate area for the kids, complete with a bunk bed, seating area, and Xbox. Both bathrooms were well appointed with roll-top baths and sizable showers. The room was spotless, and housekeeping remained that way throughout. The on-site Spa was superb, with a sizable pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam rooms. Children were allowed to swim from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., but we managed to get in earlier on an afternoon. We did not have any spa treatments on this occasion, but they seemed to have plenty of choice. However, an early appointment setting is likely advisable. The food and drink at Matfen were beautiful. There was a mix of areas to eat around the hotel and a short walk away at the Keeper’s restaurant in the Golf Club House. In the main Cloisters restaurant, where stunning breakfasts were also served, the evening meals were presented as a three-course dinner menu with plenty of choice. The hotel had numerous bar areas where you could sit and unwind. Matfen Hall is wonderfully located for exploring the grounds, the neighbouring villages and towns, Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle, and Durham. Above all, throughout our stay, it was the people who made it. The staff here were absolutely exemplary. Nothing was too much trouble. They were warm, friendly, proficient, funny, and beyond helpful. For us, this was a hugely enjoyable stay in beautiful surroundings, and I would gladly stay again.

Not a 5 star I would say a 4 . . Beautiful hotel but room wasn’t cleaned daily. Screaming kids throwing ice in the spa. Staff don’t turn a blind eye. Manager of hotel is terrible. Apart from that food was amazing .

Wow It takes a lot to take me back , but this place is spectacular. The owners have spent their money wisely. I’ll be back

We have had a super weekend with our dog at this very impressive looking hotel. We got past the debacle of room 45 above the spa, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that room was hotter than the sauna. When we were taken to the room it had a portable fan running, so if you know there is an issue why put guests in there? Consequently on the first night we got very little sleep. They did move us to another room for the remaining 2 nights which was much better. We ate in the Cloisters restaurant twice and it was superb. The pool area is lovely as is the steam room, but the jacuzzi is dated and not warm enough. Think they will be improving this soon? Staff are friendly, big shout out to Nick who was great. Can recommend this hotel but ask not to be put above the spa?

Very nice. We had a Sunday stay. Used the spa. Lunch in the restaurant and drinks in the various bars on the evening. All very nice. Service was very good. Would recommend and hope to be back soon!

Very recent and plush upgrade. Great Sunday lunch!

My Great Grandfather, Harry Ord Thompson photographed Matfen Hall in the early 1900 's. I am also a photographer based in Australia. Today I took a photo from the same place. We then enjoyed lunch there. Beautiful building both inside and out. Staff were excellent. If you ever want me to come back and photograph the inside properly, let me know!!

Service very good, prompt & pleasant from arrival and throughout our stay. Facilities are excellent, grounds are immaculately kept, leisure & spa facilities are due to be upgraded in 2025, gym & pool are in good shape, wet are is a great space to relax and read a good book. The only negative of the trip was the room, specifically the temperature, wall thermostat showed 25 degrees, there’s no AC although there were two portable fans so presumably it’s a known issue, the fans don’t cool the air and just move it around the room, this was compounded by the fact our room backed onto the courtyard that had a fountain running throughout the night, so it was a choice of red hot room or slightly cooler room and sound of running water all night - this is easy fix, fit AC, as a minimum turn the fountain off between 10pm and 8am. Without the temperature issue this is a 5* review, after a poor nights sleep it’s a 3.5*.

Lovely location for a splendid afternoon tea. Staff were excellent and the food very good. Highly recommend this place.

What a fantastic place. It looks incredible and it actually is ...the staff cannot do enough for you and are a credit to you and the meal was out of this world

Such a beautiful gem so serene and not too far from the city yet far enough to have you feel relaxed 😊 great food

Went here for Sunday lunch, which was a Christmas gift voucher. All I can say is the food was exceptional. I am gluten free and they accommodated that, although I did phone in advance to say my husband was diabetic, no real sugar free desert. I was surprised by this because of the quality of the hotel. Beautiful grounds that the bar overlooks and I didn't find the drinks overly expensive. All staff were friendly and knowledgeable about food and wine.

Strangely beautiful hotel. Everything in this hotel is just right. It is a beautiful balance between history and modern. The cuisine of this hotel is also excellent. Did not use the spa. The staff is very courteous. During dinner they had even closed the curtains of the room and put on soothing music and turned on the lighting.

Myself and my partner have been going to matfen hall for 20 years. We got married here, had our baby shower here, my Nana's 90th bday, endless anniversaries etc. I was gutted when it was sold but we have continued to go back because it held so many memories for us and I can honestly say the new owners have 100% won me over. We have been there multiple times now since the takeover, it's been beautifully done up, the food has always been amazing, the spa treatments are wonderful, the spa itself is back available for day visits and every time we go they are still working on making it better. We had a lovely chat with the owner yesterday who filled us in on all of the developments still to come and I can't wait. I'm excited to keep making memories there 🥰

Silver utensils for afternoon tea🫖, every detail reveals a sense of luxury

We booked the half day retreat and absolutely loved it. It felt really exclusive and the number of people enjoying the spa day was small, so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. Not too crowded and perfect to really enjoy the facilities. The lunch was incredible too and Wesley was a brilliant host taking care of us at lunchtime and recommending the sticky toffee pudding! We will be back!

Spent 3 nights recently at Matfen for my wife's and my birthday. A stunning and beautiful place, refurbished to an insane standard of finish. Superb service, especially bar manager Ollie James who made the difference between a great stay and and unforgettable experience. 👍 Thank you for looking after us.

Absolutely stunning. We live locally and will 💯 be regulars at this beautiful hotel. We arrived early evening and walked into crackling open fires a pianist playing and lovely welcome drink. It really set the tone of our stay! Absolutely faultless. The bed was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever laid on! Staff 10/10. Highly recommend.