Dazzling frost, fields quilted with snow and cold skies streaked with pink and gold – November may officially be autumn, but in Northumberland it certainly felt like winter.
And at Matfen Hall, it was a month of seasonal favourites and flurries of festive anticipation as guests watched the snow fall from the crackling warmth of the fireside and escaped the early winter chill in our thermal spa sanctuary. Join us to revisit November on the Estate.
A Celebration of Excellence
In November it was our privilege to announce that Matfen Hall has been voted the UK’s Best Countryside Hotel in the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025. Members of our team attended the awards ceremony in London and were thrilled to take the award back to the estate.
As Northumberland’s only 5 star hotel, we take great pride in providing the very best service and experience and recognition such as this means a great deal to the entire team here at Matfen Hall – a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us.
Frosts & Flurries
One morning late in November, our guests were greeted with an early Christmas present – a snow day at Matfen Hall. Opening their curtains, the sight of a true winter wonderland invited many guests outside to explore our parkland estate, blanketed by mile upon mile of pure white snow before retuning to thaw out by the fire, with freshly brewed coffee and time to enjoy it in luxury.
And November’s cold snap came at the perfect time for our latest offer, which launched this month. The Winter Warmer overnight stay is the perfect way to light up the season, with indulgent experiences for everyone. Soothe away stress with a 60 minute Mediterranean Candle Massage, step into our state-of-the-art golf Simulator Studio to play championship courses in warmth and comfort and let little ones enjoy the 5 star experience with a children’s manicure.
Seasonal Dining
November heralded a new menu in Cloisters Restaurant, carefully designed to showcase the very best, in-season Northumbrian produce and flavours.
Guests dining beneath the restaurant’s starlit glass ceiling were treated to dishes such as roast north sea cod with carrot and saffron mussel veloute and roasted loin of venison with blackberry and black winter truffle.
And on the 29th November our first Festive Afternoon Tea of the season was served. Enjoyed fireside in our elegant Drawing Room, accompanied by a harpist playing traditional carols – guests sat down to seasonal sandwiches, homemade gingerbread scones and intricate patisserie, expertly spiced with the flavours of winter.
Feeling Festive
As December beckoned, we began to get the hall ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Great boughs of greenery were gathered from the estate and twined, nestled and decked about the Great Hall to welcome guests into the season in snug, twinkling style.
And on the 29th November, The Keepers was dressed for Christmas, ready for our annual Luxury Christmas Shopping Night. A relaxed antidote to the classic festive rush, our retail evening invited guests to wrap up their shopping with mulled wine, mince pies and 5 star style. Our PGA golf pro and expert spa therapists were on hand to offer a personal service, discussing and hand selecting the perfect gifts for everyone, from luxury skincare to the perfect set of clubs. And there’s so much more to come, explore our festive events and offers to enjoy Christmas at Matfen Hall.
Teeing Off For Winter
With winter weather in full force, it was time for some vital course maintenance to keep our parkland golf courses in peak condition for the start of the 2025 season. Once the snow melted, our estate team was out in force, mowing, aerating, maintaining irrigation systems weeding and overseeding each of our 3 top rated courses to ensure the greens are pristine for next year.
November was a gift of a month on the estate, and with Christmas approaching there’s so much to look forward to here at Matfen Hall. Sign up to receive our newsletter and be the first to hear of upcoming events and special offers.