May is on the way; a month of bluebells, wild hawthorn, cherry blossom and the return of birdsong to the fields, forests and shores of Northumberland.
It is also a month that brings Bank Holidays here in the UK, two 3-day weekends to enjoy. And, set in the heart of Northumberland, our country estate is your invitation to experience the very best of our historic border region in style and five star comfort.
So, whether you’re looking forward to a family escape or a relaxing retreat for two, explore our 3-day Northumbrian itinerary to make your next long weekend truly unforgettable.
Day 1
Arrive In Style – A short flight from Heathrow or a scenic train journey from Kings Cross, take the last leg in style with a private driver on hand to chauffeur you from airport and station to our estate. Sit back and watch the countryside skim by, quiet open fields and sun-dappled avenues welcoming you to a place of absolute calm.
Time To Explore – Savour a Welcome Cocktail in the Great Hall before retiring to your spacious room or suite. Take a moment to breathe in your new surroundings, peaceful, luxurious and yours for the next 3 days. Spend time relaxing your way, enjoy a long soak or simply take a seat by the window to take in panoramic parkland views.
Local Heroes – Your first day is not the time to venture far – luckily there are some true Northumbrian gems just minutes from the estate. The local and historic towns of Hexham and Corbridge are postcard pretty and full of independent cafes, galleries and shops. Pause and stay awhile, enjoying a coffee and a front row view of the world going by to truly get a feel for your Northumbrian home from home.
Relaxed Dining – Take your seat in the hall’s original historic courtyard for an evening that’s simply perfect. In Cloisters restaurant, fresh steak and local seafood are grilled to perfection and served beneath dusky spring skies. An atmospheric setting for an unhurried and relaxed first night.
Day 2
Coastal Adventures – In May, seabirds return to to nest on the islands that dot our Northumbrian coastline. In fact the Farne Islands are home to 43,000 pairs of puffins making them a National Nature Reserve. Head to the coast for a boat trip to spot puffins and sweet seals. Or stay on solid ground to watch the waves from award-winning Bamburgh beach before stepping back in time at 1,400-year-old Bamburgh Castle.
Alnwick Castle – If you’ve got the history bug, Northumberland is the place for you. Home to more castle sites than any other region in England, its ancient past is everywhere to see. A few miles inland the charming town of Alnwick is home to Alnwick Castle, the ancestral seat of the Duke of Northumberland, set of the first two Harry Potter films and the setting for a programme of seasonal events and activities.
Spa Moments – Return from the coast, sand-speckled, bright eyed and ready for a spot of relaxation. Your stay includes full access to The Retreat, our sunlit spa sanctuary. Wrap up in a robe and spend a welcome hour or two lounging poolside, pausing every so often refreshing dip or soothing moment in the spa’s luxurious thermal suite.
An Evening To Remember – Refreshed and relaxed, cocktail hour beckons. Drift down the oak staircase to make your entrance in 1832 for a sparkling aperitif or signature cocktail with a view of our heritage gardens. Dinner in Emerald is an event to remember; seasonal Table d’Hôte menus are served in a setting that glows with the elegance of a bygone age. Slow down and savour every indulgent moment.
Day 3
Hadrian’s Wall – Just 20 minutes from the estate, Hadrian’s Wall is a must-see when visiting Northumberland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it once formed the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Today you can walk in the footsteps of legionaries, taking in the spectacular spring landscapes unfolding around you and listening for the rippling song of the curlew – the emblem of Northumberland.
Lunch With A View – After all that walking it’s time for a well-earned spot of lunch. And nestled in our parkland grounds, The Keepers serves stone-baked pizzas and contemporary classics with 300-acre views. Settle into its sun terrace, mezzanine bar or panoramic balcony to enjoy a peaceful lunch with a side of natural beauty.
Time For Tee? – As well as a sophisticated bar and restaurant, The Keepers is home to world-class golf facilities. Step straight onto the green for a round on top-rated courses, overcoming enjoyable challenges such as an historic folly, stone ha-ha and the fast-flowing River Pont to end your afternoon on a high.
Starry Nights – Matfen Hall is set at the gateway of an International Dark Sky Park. As night falls the skies above our historic hall come to life, stars shining brightly and offering an astonishingly clear view of the cosmos. Simply step outside to explore the heavens, or for a closer look enjoy a guided stargazing experience at Kielder Observatory.
Whatever you choose for your own 3-day stay in Northumberland, with chauffeured tours and bespoke experiences available, you can turn you country break into a holiday you’ll remember for years to come.
To begin planning your long weekend at our Northumbrian estate, click here.