Your Spring Itinerary – 3 Days In Northumberland
Spring in Northumberland is a time of renewal as the wild landscape awakens, bright eyed, bushy tailed and brilliant with new life. Return to nature and breathe in fresh, clean air with a 3 night stay in the heart of the country.
Nestled in 300 acres of Northumbrian countryside and offering tranquility and 5 star comfort in equal measure, our historic country estate is the ideal base for your spring retreat.
Spend your days out in the wilds and your evenings wrapped in total luxury to dine, drink and relax – ready for your next adventure. And in spring, you’re spoilt for choice! Head to the hills to blow away every winter cobweb, walk tranquil forest trails and head to the coast to meet native wildlife.
With so much to see, do, explore and enjoy- we’ve curated a 3-day itinerary of springtime musts. And, with our Spring Sanctuary stay, you can relax into a rejuvenating 3-night stay with time to enjoy it all.
Day 1
Breeze through the treelined entrance of our historic hall and step inside to enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail, bathed in golden light from the Great Hall’s original stained glass window. Take a moment (or a few) to unwind in your room, spacious, relaxing and with views of rolling countryside, before deciding how to spend your first evening in Northumberland.
Your stay comes with complementary access to our The Retreat, our spa sanctuary. Wrap up in a robe and slippers to lounge by our glass ceilinged pool and thermal suite, watching the afternoon sun dance on the water and contemplating a refreshing dip. Or, immerse yourself in total relaxation with a luxurious Mediterranean Candle Massage.
Return to your room to take in the view with a glass of Champagne delivered directly to your suite, or float downstairs for a well-earned aperitif in our 1832 bar. Wood-panelled and opening onto our parkland grounds, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down with a chilled glass of something delicious in hand. Indulge in an evening of fine dining in our premier destination, Emerald Restaurant. Sit down to an exquisite 8-course Tasting Menu, each course carefully crafted to let the local flavours of the season shine alongside perfectly paired wines from our characterful cellar.
Day 2
Your first full day in Northumberland begins with a fresh a la carte breakfast in Cloisters Restaurant before heading out for a day of adventure beneath a crisp blue sky. Northumberland blossoms with beauty in spring, and with custom chauffeured tours available – you can see it all in comfort and convenience.
At this time of year, nature returns to the land. Visit nearby Kielder Forest to spot osprey, majestic and endangered birds that return to the woodland each spring to roost. Walk mile upon mile of peaceful forest trails (keep an eye out for red squirrels!) before taking to the water for an Osprey Watching Cruise. For even more native wildlife, an adventure on the Farne Islands beckons. Head east to Northumberland’s spectacular coastline and take a boat trip to these magical islands, a National Nature Reserve and home to eider ducks, seals, cormorants and a colony of puffins – who return to land each spring.
Return to Matfen Hall, with sea spray in your hair and a sparkle in your eyes for an evening of relaxed dining at Cloisters Restaurant. Recount the day’s magic over seasonally inspired table d’hote menus, lit by stars from a radiant glass ceiling before sinking into bed for a blissful night’s sleep.
Day 3
Our county, the northernmost in England, is home to fascinating history as well as spectacular scenery. With more castles than any other region in the UK, a day trip to one of Northumberland’s great halls, houses or castles is an absolute must.
Beautiful inside and out, Alnwick Castle is a treat for budding historians and botanists alike. Storm the castle, the historic home of the Percy family and the set for many films including Harry Potter, and explore Alnwick Garden to drink in the shades and scents of this most abundant time of year. In March, delicate Winter Aconite forms an elegant carpet of yellow across the lawn and the estate’s own daffodil ‘The Alnwick Garden’ is in full bloom. In April and May, a spectacular show awaits. Over 300 Taihaku Cherry Blossom Trees, the largest collection in the world, blooming in beautiful, pure white in the Cherry Orchard.
Continue your day in our own historic grounds, following our Garden Trail to learn the history and horticulture of Matfen Hall’s 300 acre estate or perhaps playing an enjoyable and challenging round on our top-rated parkland golf courses. End the afternoon in style, sitting down to elegant Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room or a relaxing drink and stone-baked pizza served alongside panoramic views in The Keepers.
Day 4
The end of your 3 night spring break, enjoy a final dip in the pool before breakfast. Then it’s time to say farewell and head for home, with memories of perfect days and dreams of your next Northumbrian adventure.
To begin planning your three night spring escape to our 5 star Northumbrian estate, click here.