So the one and only 5 star hotel in the Tees Valley is the newly opened stunning Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth and boy did I jump at the chance to come here!
The hall itself dates back to 1854 when the Backhouse family built it, when you enter reception to the left hand side is the old hall which has been painstakingly restored to its glory which is divine and intriguing in every single way. To the right is the new hall, which blends in well and decor to the highest quality. We had a tour of the hotel, from the rooms in the ‘old side’ which took your breath away to say the least all set like a period executive suite kind of style but with top of the range fixtures and media. The rooms in the new side were set more modern an all have their own private balcony but with period style decor. If I was a guest staying over I would be very pleased to be allocated either style!
We moved onto the the spa, which is just exceptional, the largest and most diverse spa in the area by a long shot! Gym too! You can view the full range of treatments on their website, perhaps a treat for yourself or a family member?
There are 3 different eateries here, the clubhouse, anytime food but real good quality and a good price too. The bistro, more formal food with a twist and on the first floor level of the new side of the hotel, with a balcony overlooking the golfing green. Then the Orangery, where Michelin star chef Kenny Atkinson cooks for your delight in this victorian conservatory to the old side. I have sampled Kenny’s food whilst he has been at Rockliffe and have to say, A M A Z I N G!, if you like good food a trip to the Orangery is a must! If you fancy any meal at Rockliffe or even a coffee and pastries please call, the staff are very helpful! If you want any further info on any aspect of this stunning complex please see their website www.rockliffehall.com.
Onto the golf now if you haven’t already heard of the golf facilities here, then this is a slight intro ‘Award winning course architect Marc Westenborg has created one of the longest and most challenging courses in European golf. Whilst designed to give tour professionals a true test, the five individually designed tee positions allow players of all abilities the chance to enjoy a quite an unforgettable golfing experience. Encased in 300 acres of stunning countryside and situated on the banks of the river Tees, the course has been created with the environment in mind, introducing three new lakes and eight beautiful reed beds which fit seamlessly into the countryside’.
Now I myself didn’t play golf, but here are 2 extracts the first from my Husband, Andrew who plays occasionally, and the second his friend Sean who plays a lot and in many a competition.
ANDREW: ‘After finding out my wife had chosen Rockcliffe i was over the moon to say the least, even if my Golf skills are not the best in the world.
Sean (my friend) and i, decided to tackle one of the longest Golf courses in Europe head on by arriving at 8.30am and ordering a bacon sandwich each.
We were met by Tim at the entrance to the Clubhouse and were taken to the Bar for breakfast, Whilst our Golf clubs were collected from our cars and cleaned along with our Golf shoes.
before teeing off we were offered to warm up on the new driving range facilities which were fresh and state of the art.
The course itself was very challenging but every inch exiting with it’s 5 individual tee boxes on each hole, and a range of holes spanning from 124 yards par 3 to 664 yards par 5, incorporating various rough, water and slope on every hole.
The course is set in grounds of Rockcliffe hall and next to the Training facillities of Middlesbrough football club, also surounding the course are the banks of the River Tees and small farm building with character.
when we had finished our round we had lunch in the Clubhouse, Sean and myself had Steak and my wife Joanna had the seafood special, i must admit the food was cooked to perfection and the service was exceptional throughout the day, even the “small touch” aspects of the day like receiving pitch marks and strokesaver booklets prior to our round of Golf, and made to feel welcome every minute we were there, as a customers point of view i was 100% completely satisfied.’
SEAN: ‘on arrival we recieved a very warm welcome from all the staff in the golf shop where we signed in and were given complimentary strokesavers and a pitchmark repairer. We were then asked for our car keys as the staff collect your clubs from your car and clean them for you. Whilst they did that, we went into the clubhouse for a bacon roll and coffee. We were then shown to the driving range where we could loosen up by hitting as many balls as we wanted. The course itself is one of the longest and most challenging in Europe being some 7879 yards from the back tees but with a choice of 5 tees on each hole, players can choose to play off the tees which most suit their ability. Tour Pro Grame Storm has recently signed to rockliffe which gives you an indication of what you can expect on visiting Rockliffe. The practice facilities are second to none and all the extra touches like valet parking, complimentary strokesaver, club cleaning and even cool boxes on some tee boxes with fruit in them all go towards making your visit to rockliffe a magical experience. On the day we visited, the weather was very kind and the course in superb condition considering the harsh weather we have had of late. On finishing our round we were met on the 18th green where our clubs were collected to be cleaned once again and shown to the spikes bar for well needed refreshments. Food was top class. there is an offer on right now which is superb, a full round of golf on the Sunday, evening meal, overnight stay, breakfast Monday and another full round, for £140pp. I actually booked up to do this myself when I was here, its next Sunday and I already can’t wait.’
Andrew (my Hubby) and I set off on 25th October to Pinchinthorpe Hall. We drove there from our home in Stockton, and parking was available in the grounds.