We have a question for you. What is your idea of paradise?For us, it can be one of a few different things; a tropical beach where we can switch off and recharge, maybe flying over the Grand Canyon in awe of Mother Nature, or just appreciating what’s on our doorstep.
Let me introduce you to The Swinton Estate, a private estate owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family since the 1880s, and the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, occupying 20,000 acres of the most commanding of landscapes on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
A place we were lucky enough to be invited to stay, dine and rediscover wellness in a truly unique environment.
The Swinton Estate is home to the opulent Swinton Park Hotel, a range of self-catering Country Houses and Cottages, and Swinton Bivouac – a fabulous off-grid glamping experience on the edge of Swinton’s vast moorland.
They have many amazing activities to keep you busy during your stay, from Laser Clay Shooting to flying and learning about Birds of Prey.
During our own stay, we experienced a private wine tasting with the amazing Daniel Jonberg, before dining at the Chef’s Table by amazing Chef Josh Barnes. I also had an OSKIA facial, unlike anything I have had before – but more of that later.
But the whole experience started with the impressive approach, driving through the huge gates, the long drive sweeps through acres of well-manicured grounds where wild deer roam in large numbers and suddenly, you get your first close up glimpse of this beautiful hotel. Our conversation fell silent, just taking it all in.
We were greeted by a friendly doorman who offered to take our luggage, and while we checked in with a welcome glass of Prosecco and a chilled beer, our luggage was taken to our room.
Every ounce of that week’s stress disappeared in an instant as we took our drinks and sat in one of the many resplendent drawing rooms, gazing out of the enormous windows and soaking up the history and beauty that surrounded us.
Our Bedroom
There are forty-two exquisitely appointed suites and bedrooms at the Swinton Park Hotel and the Coach House.
Rooms are beautifully furnished to the highest standards with en-suite bathroom, spacious bedrooms and a perfect blend of antique furnishings, opulent fabrics and contemporary styling. Bedrooms are located in either the Castle or Coach House.
We stayed in the Coach House in a superb, very large room, with possibly the most comfortable bed we have had the pleasure to sleep in, and the bathroom of dreams, including an enormous bath, the kind of bath you could luxuriate in for hours, well past the crinkly skin stage.
Our expectations continued to be exceeded at every turn, especially when we were told that guests in the Coach House have their own complimentary ‘treats room’. A room open 24 hours for snacks and soft drinks!
Wine Tasting Experience
Our plans for the evening had been arranged for us; starting with a private wine tasting with our favourite sommelier, Daniel Jonberger. We have known Daniel for many years and in our opinion, he is the best in the business. There is nothing he does not know about wine, and the way he delivers a wine tasting event and shares his knowledge, is not only educational, it is fun, entertaining and of course the wines are delicious!
This time the focus was on white wine. Now we are prolific white wine drinkers and could not believe how much we didn’t know
This was followed by an outstanding dining experience at the Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes.
Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes
If you know anything about us, you will know that the mention of a tasting menu and we’re there!
However…there are Tasting Menu’s and then there is this.
Josh elevates this experience to another level, combining intimate fine-dining at his Chef’s Table with the very best produce, grown, reared and foraged on the Swinton Estate.
Greeted with a glass of champagne after joining the other diners, who were also there for the experience, we were introduced to Josh and his team, Matt and Kieran, before being seated at the table and taken through an evening of incredible food, stunning wine pairings, superb attention to detail in a wonderfully intimate setting.
The evening was filled with entertaining narrative, hints and tips and the opportunity to ask questions. We, along with the other diners all agreed this was an experience we will remember and one we all want to repeat!
Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes is open for dinner between Wednesday and Saturday, from 7pm, and lunch on Saturday, from 12:30pm.
Or you can opt for dinner served in Samuel’s, a grand dining room with rows of gold roses lining the ceiling. Breakfast is also served here and is a buffet, with an additional cooked to order menu.
The Swinton Spa
Where do I start? There are beautiful pools; an indoor 18m pool, hydrotherapy pool and relaxing alfresco hot tub. Or swim outdoors in the bio-filtered pool or wild swimming lake in the grounds.
The gym combines the latest machines with functional fitness for maximum results with a high level of individual support and there’s a variety of heat experiences, from the aroma steam room, naturally fragranced, and with 100% humidity for deep muscular relaxation; salt room, to ease congestion and strengthen the immune system, and the Finnish sauna giving dry, naturally fragranced heat. Showers and foot spas regulate temperature throughout your thermal journey.
Complete your thermal experience in the alfresco herbal sauna; or tucked away, nestled in sheepskins and blankets around the outdoor fire pit.
Calming treatment and meditation rooms, give way to three areas of complete relaxation. Move from the brightness beds of the Relaxation Room; to the Slumber Room, with cosy niches and subdued lighting; through to the Sleep Room – waterbeds enveloped in an environment of warmth and darkness.
This spa really is spectacular and there to be fully enjoyed during your stay.
Spa Treatments
Treatments at the Swinton Estate Country Club offer a combination of modern and ancient therapies, with a variety of bespoke facial and body treatments to restore wellbeing. Your experience continues after your treatment, with three Relaxation Rooms where you can, slumber and snooze in a starlit pod or switch off completely in the Sleep Room on one of the heated water beds.
Personally, I could not wait for my treatment – the OSKIA Revitalising Super‑C Facial! Sounds impressive? It is.
I chose this facial as soon as I read the description of Ultra-hydrating and anti-ageing. I mean we all need a little help along the way and with this facial I was to experience the essence of a non-surgical facelift with ultra-hydrating, super-nutrients. Crafted to sculpt and deliver immediate anti-ageing benefits.
This treatment concentrated on reducing visible fine lines and lifting the contours of my face in the short term while also harnessing a breakthrough biomimetic serum and smart Vitamin C to ensure a youthful radiance over time.
Did it work? I hear you all shouting. Well actually – yes!
I honestly can’t remember the last time I had such a relaxing, holistic facial experience, I think I even nodded off at one point. Head Therapist, Hannah’s relaxing facial massaging movements and the smell of each OSKIA product being used made for the ultimate treatment experience.
However, I was not ready for the results!
I can’t remember a time when my skin looked so radiant, glowing, healthy and dare I say it…young! As I walked towards my husband he just said, “Wow!”. That was all the confirmation I needed. I might be driving the hour and a half straight back to Swinton Spa for this treatment on a regular basis.
If you are looking for a staycation with the ultimate ‘Wow Factor’, that ticks all the boxes of a luxury getaway on the highest level, we highly recommend The Swinton Estate in Ripon.
It turned out to be an unforgettable journey of incredible food and drink, wellness, relaxation, fun and making new friends.
We will definitely be back. The question is; will we see you there?
Some images supplied. Some images taken during the visit.
