The moors in Yorkshire have such idyllic scenery and Ox Pasture Hall is a luxurious traditional English country hotel set amongst the most beautiful backdrop of the North Yorkshire moors, providing luxury accommodation for it's guests. Plus it's also pet friendly.
Now as you can imagine when my friend Jess invited me to stay here with her, I had my bags packed quicker than Mary Poppins. Well actually that's not too true, I had half a bag packed then decided I would be able to shop the rest in Leeds before setting of, which although meant I got an excuse to buy a new dress, some shoes and some cosy Christmas Pyjamas also meant I ended up in a bit of a frenzy panic shopping Friday morning. Luckily I still made it to the train on time and arrived as planned.
Having visited Ox Pasture Hall before I couldn't wait to return. I'd previously been here for afternoon tea and was quite excited to spend the night. We was given the Ilkley suit for the night which was stunning and super big. We was offered a differed room with a twin bed, I think they presumed Jess's stay was booked for a couple, but we didn't want to trouble them so took the room that had been selected and we were rather glad we did. It was quite simply luxury accommodation and I don't think I've ever stayed in a nicer hotel room.
I quickly made use of the size by filling the bathroom with all my toiletries. I wish I could tell you some of these were Jess's but unfortunately that was the amount I packed for one night. Obviously make up and toiletries is all essential items but I'm not quite sure what to make of 5 pairs of shoes for 1 night. Obviously even in a countryside hotel I need to be prepared for all shoe occasions.
After unpacking and settling into the room, we then headed back down for Afternoon Tea which was booked for 2pm. Now I know there's no pictures of that here but obviously pictures of cake deserve their own post. We decided to head out after for a walk around the grounds of the hotel and take in the scenery. Other than some sheep and horses in the nearby fields the hotel is secluded and ever so peaceful. We headed for a country walk to settle our tummies then make our way back to the suit to get ready for the evening meal we had booked for 7.30pm. I had a long soak in the bath then dressed for dinner. Although there's not dress code for the meals I love any chance to get dressed up.
After the evening meal at the courtyard restaurant, we headed back to the room, opened the champagne and had a catch up with goggle box. The restaurant has been mentioned in the Michelin guide for many years so I had an incline it was going to be good, but I was genuinely surprised to see how good it was.
The hotel has lots of nice outside seating all hidden away in the grounds, however it was a little chilli (we're in November) and too dark to sit outside, so the best option was pj's on and TV in the living room of the suit and cracking open the champagne. Well it seemed fitting to carry on the luxury after the delicious meal.
Waking up
There was a choice of cereals, fruit, yoghurt's and croissants to choose from and orange, apple and cranberry juice. We then also ordered a hot choice of the Full English Breakfast of eggs (choice of poached, fried or scrambled), bacon, sausage, mushroom, tomato and black pudding. I discovered this weekend I actually really like black pudding, I tastes nothing like I expected at all, massive revelation for me there. Other hot choices included a goats cheese omelet and porridge. The waiters also brough a choice of tea or coffee and there was a choice of speciality tea's available. Jess picked out a raspberry and vanilla tea, but I kept it simple with classic breakfast tea.
After breakfast we packed our bags and headed for a day in Scarborough. It's just £7 in a taxi from the hotel so make's travelling without a car a lot easier.
The hotel was amazing throughout the stay and the staff are exceptional. I can't credit them enough for the perfect attention to detail that is given. For example in my mad rush of packing I forgot my toothbrush, toothpaste and razor (dress and fluffy legs is a no go) and these were available at the reception free of charge on request along with other common forgot item. The room was also equipped with a iron and ironing board, hair dryer and even a note book and pen by the phone. It's all the small the touches that really make a huge difference to ensuring everyone's stay is as perfect as possible and the hotel have this covered. Ox pasture Hall also offered weddings and I for one think this would make the perfect Yorkshire wedding venue.
If your looking for a hotel in Yorkshire, luxury accommodation or a countryside hotel I would without a doubt recommend Ox Pasture Hall.
Sammie