By Donna Richardson
Not far from Newcastle lies a Georgian country manor where celebrities often retreat when visiting the north. One notable visitor is Noel Gallagher, the frontman of Oasis, who has spent time at Northumberland’s premier hotel. As you roll up the expansive driveway, you might spot a limousine parked out front or a helicopter on the lawn. Welcome to Matfen Hall.
As the premier five-star luxury hotel, this is a premium country hotel with stunning rooms, multiple dining options, a beautiful spa and fitness suite, and a challenging championship golf course. In 2023, the estate underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment, featuring extensive upgrades to the Great Hall, dining and bar areas, and guest bedrooms.
From the moment of your arrival, everything is taken care of, and you are handed a rum punch as you sit by the roaring fire in the Great Hall, as a pianist plays delightful music, and you gaze up at the star-filled rooftop. And up the spectacular winding staircase, there is a large stained-glass window leading up to the cloisters. The sound of a grandfather clock chiming echoes through the space, while the fire flickers in the hearth.
This Grade II-listed building was constructed in the 1830s and served as the ancestral home of the Blackett baronets. The late owner, Sir Hugh, was the great-great-great-grandson of the hall’s original builder. He inherited the property and estate in 1968, where he resided until 1999, when he and his wife, Anna, transformed it into a 31-bedroom hotel, conference venue, spa, and golf course. After a brief closure, the hotel reopened in 2023 following an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment by the Walwick Estate Group. Recently, it was added to the Pride of Britain, P.O.B. Collection.
The rooms
The Great Hall and mezzanine were restored by the previous owners, who also renovated an adjoining Cloisters Restaurant and Bar, complete with a state-of-the-art kitchen. The beautifully painted public spaces highlight the impressively high ceilings, while the original ornate cornicing throughout the rooms exudes quality and elegance. Each room is exquisite and elegantly decorated, creating a private, sanctuary-like atmosphere.
You’ll find a curated selection of antiques and fine mahogany furniture mixed with luxurious Hypos Lansdowne Cashmere emperor beds, draped in 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton satin sheets. Step into the bathroom and run the taps of the Burlington roll-top bath, keeping your feet warm with the underwater heating, or opt for a rejuvenating walk-in shower as you reach for the Penhaligans toiletries. Pour a glass of champagne and switch on the Classic FM as you take a soak.
Food and drink
Emerald Restaurant is decorated in rich colours, the primary one the colour for which it is named, as well as browns and golds. The room is designed to resemble an elegant library, complete with shelves of books. Look up and admire the high, intricately decorated ceiling and out to the magnificent views across the estate as you are seated for a delicious meal.
After being welcomed with Tattinger champagne, the meal began with an amuse bouche of caramelised onion gougere with rosemary paired with Laurent Perrier la cuvée, champagne brut NV followed by the local lobster tail with lemon, capers and dill with the Sunset Chateau Ksara from Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, 2021 and Chateau Bela Egon Muller Riesling. The Executive Chef at Matfen Hall is currently Eddie Saint, who succeeded Ernst Van Zyl, who previously worked at The Fat Duck.
During my visit, I enjoyed a delicious Beef Wellington with forest mushrooms, bordelaise jus, and baby summer vegetables that melted in my mouth. It paired nicely with a Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon (2019) and Macan Rothschild Vega Sicilia Rioja (2018).For dessert, I had mint ice cream with chocolate mousse, strawberries and cream, and coconut-spiced sorbet. We finished with Morangie Brie, quince jelly, and caramelised walnut tuille, which complemented the Finca Antigua Moscatel (2022) and Muffato Della Sala (2019).
To top it off, we enjoyed a Smith Woodhouse 10-year-old Tawny Port and Graham’s 20-year-old Tawny Port. Afterward, we relaxed at the 1832 bar with Ron Zacapa rum and Hepple sloe gin by the fire, surrounded by the exquisite paintwork on the ceiling -an ideal spot for after-dinner conversation.
The Cloisters offers all-day dining in the modern mezzanine area. You can start your day with a delicious Matfen breakfast or Eggs Royale. For lunch, enjoy tasty sharing platters or filling dishes, such as the burger topped with Monterey Jack cheese, bacon jam, and avocado, served with fries and paired with a nice Chardonnay.
Dinner at The Cloisters is wonderful, and we highly recommend dining in the mezzanine area, overlooking the beautiful stained-glass window. A three-course meal here is a real treat. Start with Confit Duck, Spring Onion, and Coriander Croquettes with Char Siu Sauce. Then, enjoy a seafood risotto featuring lobster, Shetland mussels, saffron, tomato, and basil. For dessert, indulge in a Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae, all paired with Condrieu E Guigal wine.
Champagne tasting
The wine cellar is the perfect spot for a few champagne-tasting sessions, with an enchanting atmosphere. They stock a fine selection of champagne, ranging from Brut to the more complex and decadent Grand Cru varieties. During a fabulous tasting, we sampled several types made by Laurent Perrier, one of the finest names in Champagne. Our indulgent journey began when we opened a bottle of Grand Siecle, named after Louis XIII, followed by Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut and Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs. We also tasted La Della Vite by Delevigne and a Lyme Bay sparkling wine. It was hard to judge which one was the best, as they were all exquisite, but I particularly enjoyed the Grand Siecle the most, as it had the most wonderful flavour, owing to three vintage blends that brought out the best of them all. Each sip revealed the artistry behind the drink’s creation, leaving a lasting impression on my palate.
Things to do at Matfen
Experience ultimate relaxation at The Retreat Spa, where you can enjoy luxurious treatments featuring Germaine de Capuccini and Natura Bissé rituals, as well as Elemis products. Your experience begins the moment you slip into a fluffy robe and head to the treatment rooms. Choose from a delightful back and head massage, then unwind with a swim in the impressive 15-metre pavilion pool or relax in the jacuzzi.
Enjoy the sauna and an ice bucket for refreshing cold water therapy, or immerse yourself in the thermal suite, or exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness area.
Afternoon Tea
Enjoy an indulgent Afternoon tea in the drawing room, complete with delicious dainty pastries, homemade scones, and sandwiches, to celebrate a special occasion. This venue won the Afternoon Tea Awards in 2025, accompanied by a glass or two of Laurent-Perrier Harmony. This is a great place to get together with the girls or to take mum for afternoon tea.
Golf
Matfen Hall boasts an impressive championship golf course, spanning over 300 acres of picturesque, mature parkland, adorned with winding burns and vibrant woodlands. This 27-hole course is highly regarded as one of the premier golfing destinations in the Northeast and proudly hosts the prestigious PGA Super 60s tournament. For those unexpected rainy days, the facility offers a well-equipped driving range, allowing golfers to refine their skills regardless of the weather. I was fortunate to have the unique opportunity to experience the driving range, where I enjoyed practising my swing amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
Things to see and do in the area
The property is just a half-hour’s drive from Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda, a significant Roman fort established in the first century AD. Visitors can explore the restored fort and its unearthed alleyways, as well as view the famous Vindolanda Tablets at the Visitor Centre. The site offers fascinating insights into the lives of the soldiers and civilians who lived there. Our knowledgeable tour guide made the experience even more memorable. Visiting Vindolanda is truly awe-inspiring, showcasing the grandeur of the Roman Empire and its advances.
You are also close to Hareshaw Linn Waterfall, a great spot for a walk through the ancient woodlands. You can cross six bridges to reach the beautiful nine-foot waterfall. The area features a diverse range of trees, including oak, hazel, and ash. These trees are home to Daubenton’s bats, redstarts, dippers, squirrels, and woodpeckers. Sycamore Gap is another beautiful area that many people photograph. It features a dramatic dip in the land created by glacial meltwater. This spot is famous for having one of the most photographed trees in the country, which is a symbol of Northeast England.
Donna Richardson is a travel writer who loves to travel and discover new adventures. She has been to 26 countries and counting. She loves good food, wine, and cultural experiences, as well as hotels or destinations with a story or history. Here she is at Lake Garda in Italy.
