May is on the horizon, bringing bank holidays, long sunny weekends and the precious gift of time. And a long weekend in Northumberland is something truly special. 3 days to unlock the wild beauty and ancient history of our majestic border county.
Set at the heart of the region, an easy distance from boundless coastlines, rolling hillsides and world heritage sites, our historic estate is your invitation to discover Northumberland in style. Get out into the countryside to storm our castles, walk our beaches and enjoy adventure after adventure, returning each day to bask and relax in 5 star luxury.
And our Spring Sanctuary offer invites you to stay 3 nights for the price of 2. So, make the most of your next bank holiday break with our guide to the perfect long weekend in Northumberland.
Saturday
Travel through fields dotted with late spring lambs and edged with blossoming hawthorn to arrive at Matfen Hall. Sit back and relax with a welcome cocktail in the Great Hall before retiring to your room to rest and prepare for the afternoon ahead.
Your first day is an opportunity to slow down and breathe in the unparalleled peace and solitude of Northumberland. Our national park is the least populated and most peaceful in the UK. And set in 300 acres of heritage parkland, our estate offers true tranquility.
Stroll the gardens to explore mature woodland, serenaded by the native birdlife that call our grounds home. Or enjoy an afternoon on the fairway, teeing off of 3 top-rated golf courses to pit your wits against unique challenges, including a stone ha-ha and the fast flowing River Pont.
Catch the sunset with a drink in hand at The Keepers. Set in our parkland grounds, its sun terrace and panoramic balcony is a picture perfect location to sit back, relax and enjoy dinner and drinks immersed in the natural beauty of our quiet corner of the world.
Sunday
Start the day with a fresh a la carte breakfast before embarking on your Northumbrian adventure.
For nature-lovers, Kielder Forest beckons. The UK’s largest working forest, it’s home to endangered ospreys, red squirrels and mile upon mile of natural woodland. Lose yourself in the hush and peace of the woods to stretch your legs and escape the bustle of the outside world.
No trip to England’s historic border county is complete without a walk along Hadrian’s Wall. A UNESCO World Heritage site, just minutes from Matfen Hall, walk its 1,900-year-old path to follow the footsteps of Roman legionaries and take in spectacular, panoramic views.
Return to relaxation, with complimentary access to our spa sanctuary. Relive moments from the day as you lounge poolside or soothe tired legs with a session in our luxury thermal suite.
Sit down to dinner, refreshed and restored to enjoy an evening by starlight in Cloisters Restaurant. Savour relaxed, table d’hote dining beneath its glass ceiling before sinking into a blissful night’s sleep.
Monday
May in Alnwick Garden is spectacular as all 300 Taihaku Cherry Blossom Trees come into bloom. Beat the weekend crowds to enjoy a peaceful stroll around the orchard, transformed into a cloud of pure white blossom.
Northumberland has more castles than any other region in the world, with over 70 castle sites still standing and waiting to be explored. Stay in Alnwick to experience its magnificent castle – home to the Duke of Northumberland and the setting for Harry Potter films, its programme of spring events invite you to travel back to enjoy falconry and historic displays.
If you like your castles a bit more craggy, head east to Bamburgh. Voted the UK’s best seaside location, walk Bamburgh’s wide, unspoilt beach to discover the ghosts, myths and legends of its towering,1,400-year-old coastal stronghold.
Arrive back at the estate in time for sundowners in 1832 bar. Choose a house cocktail or chilled Laurent-Perrier Champagne to enjoy a stylish golden hour aperitif before sitting down to dinner in Emerald Restaurant.
Awarded 3 AA Rosettes, our fine dining destination serves exquisite tasting menus, thoughtfully crafted to reflect the changing seasons and local flavours of our Northumbrian home. Indulge in wine pairing to savour an unforgettable last evening.
With 3 nights for the price of 2, plan the perfect long weekend, enjoying everything Northumberland has to offer with a Spring Sanctuary stay.