Back to my Northumberland again, Thought I would give you the lowdown on one of our most prestigious hotels…............. They themselves claim to be the best and finest hotel in Northumberland!!!! But I myself would tend to dispute that claim. Although they are quite right in thinking that, because without doubt it is a fine hotel and set in beautiful surroundings. I pitch up here every five weeks or so as it is in the same village that I take my little pekingese dog for grooming!!......so while she gets a wash and brush up!!!!.....I pop down the road and pretend I am ‘Royalty’ for a couple of hours and relax with a superb lunch and excellent coffee. A great feel good factor!!!!
Matfen Hall is a magnificent, privately owned, country house hotel set in the beautiful countryside in Northumberland close to Hadrians Wall, yet only twelve miles from Newcastle upon Tyne’s City Centre.Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett have carefully restored their family seat into one of the North East’s leading venues for weddings, conferences, golf, spa and leisure breaks. Each of Matfen Hall’s 53 bedrooms have their own charm and character combining modern facilities with traditional opulence.All rooms are en-suite, with satellite TV, direct dial telephone and all the amenities you would expect. The Premier and Deluxe rooms are particularly spacious with seating areas and luxurious bathrooms. Four Poster bedrooms are also available for that extra special occasion.
With a Two AA Rosette, 27 hole and 9 hole par 3 course, Golf academy, driving range, luxurious spa, award winning leisure facilities and more, Matfen Hall offers all you could ask for. Voted Large Hotel of the Year 2006. A beautiful location and the facilities are second to none. Sympathetically laid out on a classic parkland landscape, the 6700 yard course incorporates challenging water features and unique obstacles such as the dry stone “ha ha” wall. It offers an enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities. The picturesque and fast flowing River Pont comes into play at several holes including the 14th, one of many strong par fours. The dog-legged 16th is the pick of the par fives, but Matfen’s signature hole is surely the long par three 17th with its narrow green sited teasingly just over the river. Matfen’s high quality nine hole par three course is ideal for the less experienced player. Other golfing facilities on site include a driving range, short game practice area and two practice putting greens. Although Matfen is an easy walking course, buggies are available for hire during the main season. The new purpose built clubhouse, “Keepers Lodge” makes an excellent and welcoming ‘19th Hole’
Matfen Hall only became an hotel in 1999, yet is already regarded as one of the Northeast’s most prestgious venues for golf and leisure breaks, conferences and weddings. Originally built in the 1830’’s by Sir Edward Blackett it has been carefully restored and is set in beautiful Northumberland countryside. The Hall retains much of its traditional style: the awe-inspiring Great Hall, elegant drawing room and impressive book-lined Library Restaurant (which has been awarded two ‘AA Rosettes’ for its high standard of cuisine and service) retain the feeling of bygone luxury. They sit comfortably, however, with a modern reception area and Conservatory Bar, the latter overlooking the 18th green and providing an appetising all day menu.
Matfen Hall voted best small hotel in England in 2002 by the English Tourism Council, Matfen Hall has been extensively restored into a magnificent country house hotel. Located close to Hadrian’’s Wall and only 25 minutes from Newcastle city centre and 15 minutes from Newcastle International Airport, Matfen Hall’’s charm and character are evident throughout. . Spa and Leisure at Matfen Hall is one of the most prestigious facilities in the Northumberland, and boasts that it holds an exclusive association with both Versace and [comfort zone] in providing an all Italian treatment menu. Complete with one of the best equipped gyms, brand new Spa treatment rooms and a 16 metre indoor swimming pool. For business delegates, Matfen Hall offers meeting rooms to suit any requirement, from full scale conferences to private seminars. The air conditioned Somerville Suite benefits from the latest technology whilst the Terrace Rooms exude original Victorian grandeur.
It’s claim to offer the finest accommodation and hotel facilities of any Country House Hotel in Northumberland, indeed the whole country, may well be justified!!!..... but I somehow doubt it. However I would concur that it is indeed a splendid hotel and a credit to it’s owners and to Northumberland. Although I do know of others which could in the county that offer facillities of the same magnitude and could well vie for the title of ‘Best in Northumberland’...............The way I see it is, that if you are an avid golfer…...then this is the place for you. If you are not a golfer, then you could well be happier someplace else!!!!! and retain a little of your hard earned cash!! But if your feeling flush and want to splash out…..........then give it a try,....it’s only
money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!