Need a break with that extra touch of luxury? Then go no further than a Best Western Premier Collection hotel.
A ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ would not be complete if you did not visit The Best Western Premier Collection Hotel at Hazlewood Castle, 10 miles from York and 16 miles approximately from Leeds. Hazlewood Castle is situated off the A64 on Paradise Lane – well Paradise means different things to different people but this hotel ticks many of the boxes on the road to Paradise.
Hazlewood Castle is opulent and tasteful with excellent staff and a building steeped in history. The Castle goes back to the Domesday book and has links to Queen Elizabeth, Guy Fawkes, the Carmelite Monks and the Forty York Martyrs. History mixed with the present day is a fine blend just like the fine wine that is produced in New Zealand, Vavasour Wine – the Vavasour Family lived in Hazlewood Castle for 900 years so quite a connection and an amazing history. Ask the staff for a history tour around the castle and you will also be amazed at the ‘secrets’ the castle holds.
The tasteful historic surroundings lead you to the modern Spa facilities that tempt you to relax and enjoy facials and massage that relieve the tensions of modern day life. The grand entrance hall with carvings dating back to the 1600’s leads you to the reception area with the grand stair case and its magnificent chandelier. Friendly, helpful staff direct you to your room. The castle has 32 rooms and all of them are individually and beautifully decorated and create an ambiance that only Best Western Premier Collection Hotels can give you.
Our room was in the main building and all the rooms are named after plants and flowers not numbered which is a very nice touch. The rooms in the courtyard are just as opulent and are easily reached from the main building. The more modern rooms are fabulously situated overlooking the beautiful fountains at the back and the beautiful expansive gardens at the front. Unfortunately, the hotel is not disabled friendly as it is a Grade I listed building and this restricts any alterations to the buildings. There are steps to negotiate and the restaurant is down two flights of stairs. Whether you want a quiet, luxurious weekend or a few days away to recharge your batteries or a Sanctuary Sunday break which includes a massage and dinner bed and breakfast, the Best Western Premier Collection Hotels aim to please and they really do. The food is first class – the award winning chefs serve up excellent food which is tasty and well presented. The wine compliments all the dishes and a feeling of well-being and relaxation is achieved!
The Castle has space for guests to be in the bar, the Tudor Bar or the library which has a ‘priest hole door’ in the wall that looks like a bookcase,but the door moves and reveals a passage way. In the days of the persecution of Catholics you can imagine the priests running for their lives through this door or other parts of this building to get away.
Hazlewood Castle has four beautiful rooms to accommodate civil ceremonies or blessings and the hotel can be individually tailored to meet the needs of couples and their families. St Leonard’s Church is situated in the grounds of Hazlewood Castle (a short walk away from the main hall) for anyone wanting a traditional wedding in a church. It is also able to offer baptisms/christenings, confirmations, renewal of vows in this beautiful church with a painting of the forty martyrs behind the alter.
The grounds of the hotel are beautiful and well-kept with fountains and ponds for the guests to walk around are a pleasure. The Catholic influence can still be seen around the grounds and a statue of the Virgin Mary is set on a mound to the right of the hotel. I remember coming to Hazlewood Castle as a child going to the Carmelite Monastery for an away day and picnic in the grounds after a catholic mass had been said. It brought back good memories and has left me with many more after our recent visit.
The Best Western Premier Collection Hotel has created an ‘Escape to the Country’ in this beautiful setting just minutes off the A64. A piece of history lovingly restored for us all to enjoy and if you only have time to visit for a coffee in the library or a cream tea it is well worth it but if the time allows then stop awhile and go back on the ‘time machine’ of Hazlewood Castle.
B.W. could also mean Best Week or Weekend, I am sure you will agree, the good times are what life is all about and the Best Western Premier Collection makes sure it is a Good Time.
BW Premier Collection Hazlewood Castle Hotel & Spa
Paradise Lane
Hazlewood
North Yorkshire
LS24 9NJ
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