A break away from the hustle and bustle is a bit of me. Bliss. I have enough bustle in my day-to-day life so when I look for a break away I look at the area, its facilities and of course the convenience.
Leeds is where I originate, but when searching for a little getaway, I tend to look further afield. But why…. Leeds is often understated but offers so much. So on this occasion, we decided to explore what was closer to home.
Leeds is home to the iconic Leeds Fest, some of the best shopping centres, spas, bars and restaurants around and on the other hand the countryside is on your doorstep offering long walks, wildlife and ample country pubs.
It’s exactly what you make it. Close enough for some excitement… yet far enough to retreat, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
And I stumbled across the most charming hotel a stone’s throw from home – Weetwood Hall.
This historic building is a 4-star hotel and conference centre in Leeds. The property dates to 1540 and includes a 17th-century Jacobean Manor House set on a 9-acre estate with woodlands and gardens for a picturesque stroll. The building itself is enchanting.
Weetwood Hall is just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Leeds where visitors can enjoy a little retail therapy, while Golden Acre Park is less than ten minutes away for those eager to savour the stunning Yorkshire countryside.
If you’re seeking a spa day, Weetwood guests can enjoy complimentary access to David Lloyd Spa amenities just a 5-minute drive away and for adventurers looking to explore beyond the immediate vicinity, Weetwood provides an excellent foundation to visit local sights such as Harewood House, Temple Newsam, Headingley Stadium, and the renowned spa town of Harrogate.
You will be hard-pressed to find another charming base that offers such a variety of activities for every niche.
It’s fresh and sunny upon our arrival and we check in effortlessly. We are greeted by courteous staff and head to our third-floor suite – The Sadler Room. This suite is far from ordinary, exuding character and charm. It features a roomy layout with a four-poster bed set against an abstract wall adorned with magnificent flowers! Truly an impressive sight – a contemporary flair woven into the rest of the classically elegant room.
The room is equipped with numerous amenities, including expansive bay windows that offer a view of the meticulously maintained grounds, a coffee station, (including coffee machine and pods), seating accompanied by fresh flowers, a dressing table, and wardrobes filled with plush robes and slippers. The amenities go on… Yet every detail gracefully nods to the building’s heritage….
We hang up our evening wear and enjoy a coffee before heading to The Stables Pub located in the courtyard of the hotel. It’s rustic, cozy and welcoming featuring beams suspended from ceilings, and walls adorned with the buildings heritage, telling stories from the past.
The layout is cleverly partitioned. At one end, there’s dim lighting and a crackling log fire paired with sink-in sofas, while the opposite side of the bar features tall tables providing a social setting and to the right, there’s a dining section dedicated to those enjoying the Yorkshire food on offer.
Outside, the courtyard is equipped with plenty of bench seating and televisions, creating an ideal spot for game days and events, likely providing a lively atmosphere.
We opt for a poseur table and some fizz taking in the many tales draped along the walls before heading for a stroll in the grounds. This would be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the David Lloyd access – had we not been far too eager to set off and forgotten our bathing suits.
A quick freshen up back at our suite and we are ready for our evening reservations at Convive Restaurant.
Convive restaurant offers an ambient atmosphere, featuring soft music playing in the background, mood lighting, and decor in shades of navy blue, green, and gold, presenting a modern and contemporary flair.
Arriving a little ahead of our reservation, we relax on the comfortable sofa seating with yet another cold glass of bubbles before being shown to our booth, an intimate setting, where we were handed the wine and dinner menu’s.
Within no time of placing our order, our starters appeared. I opted for the “Yorkshire Charcuterie Platter” for one, featuring tender meats, salami’s, chorizo, gherkins, tangy chutney, pickled onions, rocket and warm crunchy bread. So many flavours that complemented one another and presented beautifully on a wooden board.
Across the table served under a silver cloche lifted by the witer on arrival was the “Smoked Whitby Fishcake” a smokey and creamy fish filling with a deliciously crunchy breadcrumbed finish, on a bed of tartare sauce.
Impressed so far and not a bite left over from our starters, our steak boards arrived in perfect timing. (I couldn’t have possibly had a juicy steak staring across the table from me and not have food envy, so I opted for the same).
The boards featured generously sized succulent steaks, grilled mushrooms, juicy thyme baked tomatos and hand cut chunky chips – fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the out. A side of battered onion rings and a large helping of Peppercorn sauce made for a delicious dish perfectly executed.
Having thoroughly enjoyed our meal, a quick nightcap at the bar and the four-poster bed was calling our name.
The following morning we awoke fresh and rejuvenated having had a restful night’s sleep! We have a relaxed morning taking full advantage of the robes, slippers and coffee machine before heading down to breakfast.
We are greeted by smiling staff and shown to our table, observing plenty of guests enjoying a traditional English breakfast along the way. A pot of fresh tea, coffee and milk saucer is brought to our table and a self serve station offers freshly squeezed juices, together with a variety of choices, from hot traditional full english breakfasts to cereals, muffins, pancakes, fruit, yoghurts, jams and more. You won’t go hungry, you name it, they had it!
Fuelled and ready for our departure, we head to a seamless checkout and say a farewell and see you soon to our fantastic hosts!
Conclusion:
Weetwood Hall is a great choice for a getaway reagrdless of your niche. From the Yorkshire pub and local walks to the fancy restaurant and spa access, the friendly and accomodating staff and relaxed atmosphere make for a very desirable stay.
So, thank you for hosting us Weetwood Hall. From arrival to departure, you couldn’t be more accomodating! We will be back soon.
If you don’t know – Get to know!
Words By Hannah Parnaby
WeetWood Hall Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 5PS, tel 0113 230 6000
