SIMPLY THE BEST

Hospitality has taken a hit during the pandemonium of the pandemic, so let’s shout out to some of Yorkshire’s finest and be inspired … then checkout if you can check-in.

This page: Holdsworth House.

Clockwise from this image: Holdsworth House and Wentbridge House

During lockdown Welcome to Yorkshire’s online WTY World Cup of Yorkshire continued to entertain and inform by inviting votes to celebrate the county’s outstanding offerings in its popular polls. Starting with Iconic Buildings (The Piece Hall), followed by Yorkshire’s favourite Natural Landmarks (Malham Cove), then restaurants (Shibden Mill Inn) and of course Family Fun (Baa-rnsley’s Cannon Hall Farm moo-ved to the top slot) and now it’s time to holler about … wait for it … picked by you … it’s the WTY World Cup of Yorkshire … HOTELS.

HOLDSWORTH HOUSE

Built in 1633 this Grade II* listed Jacobean mansion in historic Halifax was a worthy finalist in the WTY World Cup of Yorkshire Hotels. No stranger to some of the globe’s greatest and most prestigious guests, The Beatles visited on 9th October 1964 celebrating John Lennon’s 24th birthday. All hotel staff were sworn to secrecy so the gardens would not be trampled by thousands of screaming fans. The Fab Four arrived following a concert at the Gaumont Theatre in Bradford. John Lennon and Ringo Starr slept in the room that is now an office; Paul McCartney and George Harrison stayed in the Ayrton Room - now a private dining area. The band took room service, dining on turtle soup and steak tartare. Other famous faces to check-in include Hollywood film star Jayne Mansfield, the brilliant ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev and American rock band R.E.M, amongst many others.

The fabulous property has also been a location for filming with scenes from multi-award-winning writer/director Sally Wainwright’s Last Tango in Halifax shot there. Another heritage house, Shibden Hall is located just a short drive away and was the home of Anne Lister, heroine of another Sally Wainwright hit TV series Gentleman Jack. Now a much-loved, four-star hotel, restaurant and wedding venue, Holdsworth House sits in beautiful, secluded gardens and is a haven of peace, offering quality and excellent service in a stunning setting.

WENTBRIDGE HOUSE

Second World War base, used as the local headquarters of the British Army, Wentbridge House is now a stunning country house hotel. Dating back to 1700 and set within 20 acres it sensationally scooped the top slot after being voted the overall winner in the WTY World Cup of Yorkshire Hotels.

The multi-award-winning hotel, restaurant and wonderful wedding venue nestled amid gorgeous gardens and glorious grounds in the beautiful Went Valley, is steeped in history and provides a relaxing and peaceful setting, within easy reach of the vibrant cities of Wakefield, Leeds, York and Doncaster. Wentbridge House has 41 individually designed and decorated bedrooms, a 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, stylish and contemporary Brasserie and elegant function rooms for up to 130 guests.

SPECTACULAR SEMI-FINALISTS

SWINTON ESTATE

There’s so much to do at this awe-inspiring 20,000 acre estate in North Yorkshire. Enjoy the stunning spa, world-class restaurants and cookery school for all those culinary creatives. Stay in the historic hotel or take time out in the tree lodges and Yorkshire yurts. Relax in breathtaking surroundings or get busy with a wide range of active pursuits on offer in the great outdoors, from shooting to walking, horse riding to mountain biking and from falconry to fishing, it’s a perfect place to do lots or do nothing. The estate comprises an extensive network of approximately 63 miles of public footpaths and brilliant bridle paths to explore.

FEVERSHAM ARMS & VERBENA SPA

Inspired by the lovely locations in the recently released film The Secret Garden starring Dame Julie Walters and Colin Firth? Well, the picturesque North Yorkshire town of Helmsley is surrounded by those fabulous film settings. Stay at the Feversham Arms & Verbena Spa, a Mediterranean oasis, tucked away in quintessential English countryside surroundings in a picture postcard place. The 33 bedrooms, including 20 stunning suites are tastefully designed with many boasting balconies and terraces around the heated outdoor pool. Enjoy delicious dining, with exquisite cuisine featuring the best ingredients in the region and be pampered in the stylish spa. With woodburning fires to keep you cosy inside and a chic terrace with twinkling lights to illuminate the night sky outside, it’s an amazing autumnal seasonal stay.

This is image: Swinton Estate Below: Feversham Arms & Verbena Spa

Please check all websites for more information and opening dates/times/current procedures and post-pandemic regulations.