Two days in the middle of nowhere with sheep as my nearest neighbours?
As someone who can’t still sit for more than 5 minutes when I’m away, I was worried that this would be my worst nightmare. I live for city breaks and love nothing more than walking for miles on end through endless streets, taking in the shops and snapping away at vibrant scenes.
Except, with a weekend at Ox Pasture Hall, there would be none of that. Just me, a friend, the open fields of the North York Moors and a couple of sheep next door.
I should have hated it.
Instead, as I checked out from my spacious suite I found myself longing for more time just to sit and do — well, absolutely nothing.
Ox Pasture Hall is a country house hotel just 10 minutes away in the car from the seaside resort of Scarborough. It’s a beautiful hotel for a romantic getaway or just a weekend retreat. I took my best friend along with me, and we just the whole time just watching naff TV and sampling the restaurant’s tasty meals. What else could you want?
Our suite was in the newest wing of the hotel, but it still had all the rural charm you could ask for. As well as a double bed and huge marble bathroom, the suite also boasted a cosy sitting room with flat screen TV, CD player, sofa and essential Yorkshire teabags.
Lending even more to the feeling of being completely in the middle of nowhere, our suite’s windows gazed out onto the side garden’s veranda, with open fields rolling off into the distance. We didn’t see a single person walk past during our entire stay, giving us the feeling of complete privacy.
As for the highlight of our stay, that prize most certainly goes onto the incredible marble-walled bathroom. Bigger than the bedroom, the bathroom had a monsoon shower, his and hers sinks and a large bath tub complete with complimentary toiletries. The luxurious surroundings turned even a quick wash into a big occasion, which might explain why I had about six baths and showers in the two days I was there.
Oh, and just because I get ridiculously excited at the smallest little thing, I have to give a small shout-out to the sensational taps. I didn’t even know waterfall taps were a thing. It was almost* like bathing in the Amazon jungle.
*OK, not quite. But they were fabulous.
Afternoon Tea
While in the middle of the Yorkshire countryside, it’s pretty much imperative to take afternoon tea. Served in the rustic surrounds of the hotel’s lounge (think leather sofas, a brick fireplace and country views), we were left alone to sample the decadent treats. You can’t go too far wrong with scones and finger sandwiches, although the cakes were something of an acquired taste – a little too sharp-tasting for my liking, but if you like trying something different this is definitely one for you.
The afternoon tea was worth it for the view alone of the front garden. It was through this country window that we were alerted to the fact the hotel had a resident cat – which immediately made the rest of our afternoon’s plans the detection and cuddling of said cat.
The Grounds
The hotel grounds are pretty spectacular. Inviting heather-lined gardens mark the beginning of Ox Pasture hotel, drawing you in down the country path. I think I even gave an involuntary “Wow” as our taxi drove us down towards the car park.
While the front of the hotel looks picture-perfect, the back garden is equally as beautiful. You’ve got a lush pond and open grounds featuring a picnic bench, more verandas and old farming equipment. In fact, you’ve got 17 acres of grounds to explore, so if you like leisurely country walks you’re set.
Also hiding within the hotel, surrounded by rooms and the on-site restaurant, is yet another garden fitted with Tuscan-style features. By day it’s a place for quiet reflection and maybe even a spot of sunbathing (if you’re lucky with the weather). By night the garden is lit up with coloured bulbs, making it ultra romantic.
Around the property there are even more quirky features to stumble upon. Here’s a sneak peak of what else the grounds have to offer:
Oh, and remember the hotel’s resident cat I mentioned? Yeah, we found it, living it up on the comfiest chair the grounds have to offer.
More details
- Ox Pasture Hall is located just three miles from Scarborough (the nearest train station)
- Rooms are available for £85 per night onwards
- Afternoon tea costs £15 each
- The hotel also has dog-friendly rooms
Many thanks to Ox Pasture Hall Hotel for hosting me. All opinions are, as always, my own.
Are you a fan of country hotels? Is this somewhere you like the look of? Let me know in the comments below!
Looks lovely – when did you go ?
http://www.traveladdictuk.com
This was in August last year, hence all the nice weather 🙂
Looks so nice Emily! Sometimes these country weekends are just the thing to recharge our batteries and this place looks just perfect with lovely gardens!
Yes, yes and yes! What a lovely retreat! It’s a cliche, I know, but did you not half expect Heathcliff to show up? 🙂 I would love to explore that part of the country a bit more too.
This looks gorgeous. I love a good countryside getaway. I love city breaks too but I often feel exhausted after a weekend break to a new city so it’s nice to have a relaxing break from time to time too! This looks perfect.
Wow! The grounds look absolutely incredible! And the bathroom is gorgeous! The price seems pretty reasonable for how pretty the hotel is as well.
Look at those fittings! Europeans definitely have access to a wider array of bath and kitchen ware – the cat is also super cute!
First off, anything that has afternoon tea is a massive win in my books. We need that here in Canada because it is SO yummy….drool.
What an ADORABLE little spot though. I’m with you, I don’t like being still. but having a couple days just to chill is good to, and this looks like the perfect place to do just that!
The phrase : “Two days in the middle of nowhere with sheep as my nearest neighbours?” already got me sold! 🙂 I love being in the outdoors surrounded by nothing than nature, so it looks like this would be my kind of place! It’s not too expensive either!
I’m definitely seeing the appeal of it now! It’s definitely one to check out if you’re ever up that way 🙂
Man, afternoon tea, I love it.
Had my first experience with afternoon tea at The Royal Ascot last Summer. Of course, ours came with a couple bottles of champagne.
Cheers,
Ben
@HugePartyTravel