With my husband’s birthday coming up I asked him what he would like…

His answer… sleep please, thats it!!

Our youngest isn’t a great sleeper so I completely understood his answer and knew exactly where I wanted to take him.

Whilst scouring the internet for a getaway last year I spotted the stunning Middleton Lodge Hotel in Yorkshire and knew it would be the perfect place for a child-free break, but for reasons I can’t recall we didn’t make it.

I fell in love with the Georgian country retreat which is set in over 200 acres of lush green North Yorkshire countryside. Being only a 2-hour drive for us I knew it would be the perfect place to get some fresh air and relax.

I love to have a child-free getaway but I also like to know if they needed me I wouldn’t be too far away, typical mum!

Middleton Lodge is located in Middleton Tyas, North Yorkshire. It’s a short drive from the A1 which you’d never guess when you are there due to the peaceful surroundings. Richmond is only a short distance away as well as the town of Darlington.

The boutique-style accommodation is spread out around the estate. The main Georgian house which was built in 1708 sits at the rear of the estate surrounded by rustic countryside.

This can be hired out for private events such as weddings or special occasions, there are 16 bedrooms in the main house. You’ll then find the coach house where the main restaurant resides serving freshly prepared food throughout the day.

This is also where you will check-in and maybe enjoy a well-deserved beauty treatment whilst your other half indulgences in a tasting session of regional ales at the coach house bar.

The estate is made up of many converted outbuildings including:

• The farmhouse, consisting of 6 tastefully decorated bedrooms with access to a communal living space for residents.
• The dairy, 11 elegant rooms with sprawling views of the estate grounds.
• Middleton Lodge is all about relaxing, leaving your stresses behind you and taking in the fresh Yorkshire air.
• The potting shed, 3 quaint bedrooms hidden within the walls of the kitchen garden.

As we drove along the long tree-lined driveway we knew instantly we were in for a treat. The beauty of the Yorkshire countryside was impressive and we couldn’t wait to see more of the estate.

After parking up amongst the towering forest trees we made our way over to reception which is located in the Couch house.

We arrived rather early but the lovely receptionist informed us our room was ready and handed us the keys to room number 8, the DoveCote in the Dairy.

The Dairy is located next to the farmhouse and Forge restaurant over the lawn around a 3-minute walk from the coach house, however if it is required you can catch a lift to your room!

We were lucky enough to have blue skies when we arrived (a rarity in the UK), so we were really excited to explore everything this stunning hotel had to offer.

There is a separate car park outside the farmhouse and dairy so we drove down and parked right outside our room.

Our room was on the first floor so we ran up the stairs to our room like a couple of kids! I always get excited to see a hotel room for the first time so I made sure I got in first and was blown away by the cozy rustic room.

I couldn’t wait to wake up in the morning from the large king-sized bed and look out over the stunning estate. The attention to detail was immediately apparent. The huge chandelier hanging from the wooden beams.

It was impressive but what I loved the most was the antique-looking telephone transporting me back to the early 90s calling my friends from my childhood home.

In the simple but tastefully decorated bathroom stood a freestanding standing sunken bath, perfect for someone who loves a good soak along with luxurious toiletries from Noble Isle.

A separate shower and toilet hid behind the mirrored wall with low lighting LED sidelights.

There are tea and coffee making facilities along with a payable mini bar for your convenience.

The room key comes with a mini touch for making your way over to the main coach house at night. The pathway is well lit but it’s a lovely little touch.

Middleton Lodge has two restaurants on the estate. We chose the AA Coach house restaurant for our evening meal and as soon as we walked in we were met with a sense of warmth due to the fabulous cozy decor!

The chic bar is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cocktail which is exactly what we did! Highly recommend the cosmopolitan!

We were shown to our table in the exquisite restaurant and I commented on how beautiful and romantic the place felt! Bare bricks were on show as well as dark wooden beams and textured fabrics adding to the upmarket luxurious feel.

The choice of starters, mains and deserts were vast and I was impressed by how they catered for gluten-free diets. It’s something I always worry about when visiting new restaurants but I need not have worried as Middleton lodge had it covered.

My husband always ends up having the same food as me so we both went for the hummus and ground beef which was a treat for the taste buds! It reminded me of being back in a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai!

We both thoroughly enjoyed our starter which was followed by our main, 10oz rump steak with rosemary french fries and bearnaise sauce! The steak was cooked to absolute perfection and the accompanying side salad was delicious and fresh.

We didn’t think we could fit a dessert in but who can say no to chocolate parfait and coffee ice cream!!! Obviously I couldn’t try the parfait but I did have a nibble of the chocolate orange sauce which was to die for! Times like this I seriously miss the amount of cake I used to eat!!

The atmosphere in the restaurant is calm and romantic, I actually can’t think of a better-decorated restaurant I have been to and we have been to many around the world. This place just had that something special!

The dining chairs were extremely comfortable which to most people isn’t something they’d even pick up on but to me, it’s a huge thing with my back problems. To be able to sit and enjoy a meal in comfort is bliss! Thank you, Middleton Lodge.

We returned to the Coach house for our breakfast the next morning, the dark cozy atmosphere from the previous evening was now a brightly lit welcoming breakfast area.

The spread was impressive with a vast assortment of fresh fruit, croissants, and cereals, nothing was out of place. All juice jugs were regularly topped up as well as fruit bowls and cereal.

The staff were on top of everything as well as being warm and welcoming. They made note of my dietary requirements and advised me of what was suitable. The full Yorkshire breakfast was delicious, consisting of crispy bacon, beans, egg, and mushrooms! Great way to start the day!

After our bike ride (which I’ll tell you more about in a minute) we cozied up in a little room off the side of the main bar and tried some of the cocktails on offer.

The couple next to us ordered afternoon tea which looked heavenly! Fresh scones with homemade jam and freshly brewed tea. Afternoon tea is available Wednesday to Saturday between 1-4 pm. You can even upgrade to champagne afternoon tea or try some of the specialty teas.

Middleton Lodge is set over 200 acres of beautiful countryside, there’s so much to explore! We would have loved to have a look at the Kitchen garden but sadly there were two weddings on when we were there so it was closed to the public.

The walled garden is popular for weddings and I can see why from the pictures. Tom Stuart-Smith, a well-known landscape architect designed the gardens for the Allison family.

The 2 and a half acres of gardens are home to peach, fig and apple trees along with vegetable and herb plots to be used in the estate kitchens.

Oh, the nature trail! I forgot to read how long the trail actually went on for before heading out on a bike ride! Middleton lodge provides vintage bikes free of charge for guests to use at their leisure.

We just had to have a try! Not knowing if I’d even be able to ride a bike, having not been on one for more than 15 years it was a challenge to see if I could. Like a duck to water, it all came flooding back! I felt like a child again!

We decided to head off on the trail taking in the glorious Yorkshire countryside as we went! The views along the way were breathtaking! Halfway around things started to go uphill and for someone not used to a bike, it became a struggle!

Be aware that you do have to cycle on the road on the way back. We managed to do the whole 2-mile ride and got back to the lodge and straight to the bar for a well-deserved cocktail! It’s a great way to spend the afternoon and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

If you don’t fancy a bike ride, get some wellies from reception (they are there free of charge for guests use) and take a walk around the estate.

Middleton Lodge has plenty of activities year-round from bridal retreats to photography workshops.

Have a look at their website for more details. The one thing I will definitely be returning to do is the open-air cinema evening!

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summer evening than watching a romantic movie on the lawn at Middleton lodge!
They also offer shooting so just give them an email to find out more.

There is an on-site treatment room at Middleton lodge for you to indulge in some fantastic holistic treatments using the best products from REN and VOYA. Appointments must be booked in advance and they are open 10-4 daily except Sunday which is 11-4 pm.

The first thing I said to my husband when we arrived was “I think we should get married again here” much to his absolute delight! (Sarcasm intended).

I have to say it’s the most perfect wedding venue and if I was to get married again (obviously to my husband) this would be my top pick!

Weddings can take place at either the main house with its own outdoor marquee or the stunning fig house in the 2 acres of walled gardens. There are bedrooms right next to it for the guests to stay!

Middleton Lodge was built in a time where they were self-sustainable, living off the land they owned. This is something Middleton lodge try and do today with the help of some modern technology.

They get their water from a borehole on the estate which is used for showers, washing and flushing toilets. The spring and sparkling water are also bottled on the estate using glass bottles to minimize single-use plastic waste.

Here are some more examples of how Middleton lodge keeps things eco-friendly:

• Wood from the estate’s trees are used for log burners and complies with good practice woodland management.
• Meat is sourced locally from neighboring farmers keeping business local
• Lighting is low wattage LED
• There is no air conditioning on-site, using thermal mass and passive stack ventilation to keep things cool in the summer
  They use materials found in the estate to build things

If you want to read more about how Middleton lodge is sustainable follow the link:

If you’ve explored all of Middleton lodge and fancy heading out for the day then here are a few things to do locally:

• Head into Darlington center for some shopping or to visit the local odeon luxe cinema
• Aysgarth Falls, situated on the River Ure, a stunning spot within the national park to take a hike and enjoy the beauty of the park
• Bowes Museum, home to European fine and decorative art.
• Take a drive to County Duran for the day

Address:
Middleton lodge
Kneeton Lane
Middleton Tyas
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL10 6NJ

Phone number: 01325 377977
Email: info@middletonlodge.co.uk
Website: middletonlodge.co.uk

Middleton Lodge was the perfect relaxing child-free retreat we needed! From the moment we arrived, we felt calm and relaxed. Our room was simply beautiful and we couldn’t fault a single thing.

Middleton lodge clearly pays attention to every detail and it shows! The grounds were a pleasure to explore and I’d highly recommend taking a bike out around the estate.

The cozy room to the side of the bar is a must if you want to relax with a cocktail or two!

We had the best weekend and can’t wait to return in the summer for the open-air cinema! Thanks for a perfect stay, Middleton Lodge.

We kindly received a room upgrade and dinner at the coach house in return for this review. All opinions are 100% my own and we truly loved Middleton Lodge! The perfect kid-free weekend getaway.