Matfen Hall

About Matfen Hall

Matfen Hall is a Grade II listed mansion about twenty minutes west of Newcastle, set in roughly 300 acres of parkland and gardens. The house has been the seat of the Blackett family since the 1830s and reopened after a substantial refurbishment that added a new spa and reworked the public rooms. It holds five-star status, which makes it a rarity in the county, and it is the sort of place that works equally well for a golf weekend, a spa break or a quiet couple of nights with long walks in between.

There are around 63 bedrooms, ranging from comfortable classic doubles in the newer wing to the grand feature rooms in the original house, several of which have four-posters, marble bathrooms and views over the golf course. Suites are generously proportioned and a few have separate sitting areas. Decoration is traditional without being fusty, and the newer rooms are notably bright.

The Retreat spa is the main draw for many guests, with an indoor pool, thermal rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and a full treatment list. The 27-hole golf course wraps around the estate and there is a golf academy with a driving range and short-game area. Dining is spread across several rooms, including the striking Print Room restaurant under its glazed roof, a more relaxed bar and a lounge for afternoon tea. Walking routes lead straight from the grounds into open countryside.

It suits couples looking for a comfortable rural base, golfers, and families who want space to roam without being far from Hadrian's Wall, Corbridge and Hexham. Weddings and events are a significant part of the business, so it is worth checking what else is on when you book if you want somewhere quiet.