Where is Ox Pasture Hall Hotel?
Pulling into the driveway of Ox Pasture Hall Hotel was like arriving at a film set, the sweeping driveway and landscape gardens was the perfect setting to a wonderful weekend away with my gorgeous little sister, Kirstie.
Set in 17 acres of picturesque Yorkshire countryside in the North York Moors National Park, and only two miles from the seaside town of Scarborough, this 32 bedroom country retreat has spectacular views over the dale and surrounding fell of the Yorkshire moors.
With ample parking, we unpacked the car and walked through the rose bush arch, up the garden path to the front door. Just inside was Jay, the General Manager, ready and waiting to greet us. He was ever so attentive and showed us to our room.
Ours was the York room, a suite was bathed in Yorkshire sunlight and benefited from views of the lake and the valley beyond. As the evening sun was streaming in we thought it be rude not to make the most of the beautiful setting and headed outside to the lake. It’s a shame the room didn’t have immediate access to the lake and French doors and patio would have been a delightful addition. The hotel welcomes dogs, with the beach and moors so close, it’s perfect for man and his best friend adventures.
The garden offer guests various seating arrangements, perfect to park yourself under the evening sun with a glass of fizz in hand. It also comes with a beautiful lily spotted lake and a gaggle of Canadian geese.
The history of Ox Pasture Hall
Ox Pasture Hall Hotel is a fascinating place to stay – a former country farmhouse surrounded by barns and out-buildings, which have been restored and extended, to provide a range accommodation, from classic doubles, deluxe bedrooms, four posters and a choice of suites. Some rooms open out onto the gorgeous courtyards, it was like you were in the south of France. In fact the whole hotel had a French vibe, maybe it was the gorgeous weather.
Eating at Ox Pasture Hall Restaurant
Inside, the hotel bar had a lovely cosy fireplace; perfect when the weather isn’t on your side. Benoit, a very knowledgeable Frenchman and the Assistant General Manager, introduced himself and took us through to the restaurant for our three course dinner. Me being the gannet that I am was super hungry and excited to see what the restaurant had to offer! I started with a Whitby Crab risotto (£8) whilst Kirstie opted for the Goats Cheese risotto (£7). Both dishes were prettily presented and tasted scrumptious. I really noted the meaty crab in my risotto which was deliciously sweet. We were off to a good start!
When it came to the main, Kirstie and I were in the same mood; we both wanted steak. Maybe it was their description that persuaded us; Chargrilled 28 day aged rump steak (£20). Being a steak connoisseur (or wishing I was) I was slightly disappointed in the cooking. It was a little tough and not as pink as I would have liked and the three-times cooked chips could have done with a fourth.
For dessert Kirstie and I shared an Eton Mess (£6) and a Dark Chocolate Brownie (£7) with mango sorbet. Both were to die for – we’d hit the jackpot! The brownie came with lashings of milk chocolate sauce and the bitter dark taste complimented the sweet mango sorbet. The eton mess was spot on with its fruit to cream and meringue ratio; summer in a bowl.
Having worked in the hospitality industry for many years, I notice service; the waiters and waitresses had a fantastic level of service, and their knowledge was exceedingly good too. The biggest thing I noticed, not only in the restaurant, was the staff were trained to a five star standard which made our stay relaxing and effortless.
Sleeping at Ox Pasture Hall
Heading back to the suite, it was time for a proper sister catch up whilst watching ITV2’s Love Island (guilty as charged). Our room had a lounge suite, bedroom with twin beds and a master suite with separate walk in shower and double sinks. An average room at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel is £130 per night for the advance purchase saver which includes breakfast.
The York room is one of their suites which is priced at £270 per night for the advance purchase saver which includes breakfast. Ox Pasture Hall Hotel has so much to offer in terms of location and it’s friendly staff but sadly, I feel it lacks luxury in it’s interiors. It’s all a little too beige for me. Maybe it’s because I love my interiors but when I pay to stay at a hotel which classes it’s self as a country retreat, I would hope to spend a considerable amount of time in the hotel. However, I just found myself wanting to get out into the luscious gardens and away from the dull interior. The potential for this hotel is huge all it needs is an interior designer to inject some warms, design and co-ordination.
More than just a hotel
Ox Pasture Hall Hotel is more than a hotel, it also has a large event suite which is idea for country style weddings, in fact they were setting up for one on the Saturday. The hotel is also perfectly placed for leisure activities. Relaxing, romantic and luxury short breaks in one of Britain’s most wonderful settings, the North Yorkshire Moors.
Activities in the North York Moors
There are a large number of activities and attractions near Ox Pasture Hall Hotel. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
• Walking, Cycling & Mountain Biking nearby, with numerous walks along the Yorkshire coast and in the Forge Valley nearby.
•Scarborough with its excellent theatre, shopping and monuments (including its ancient castle) as well as attractions such as the Sealife Centre, boat trips, beeches and a myriad of family attractions.
• Whitby is only 15 minutes away along the Yorkshire coast, with its abbey and atmospheric harbour and old town.
• Yorkshire Moors, Dales and North York Moors Railway.
• Numerous golf courses in the Scarborough area (for all abilities). Including the Championship Ganton Golf Club, which has held the Curtis Cup, Walker Cup and Ryder Cup.
• The Abbeys of Byland and Rievaulx. Both in North Yorkshire
• York, the castles of Pickering and Helmsley and the stately homes of Nunnington and Duncombe Hall are all an easy and pleasant drive away.
• A huge array of countryside activities from fishing to golf are also available in the Scarborough area.
Overall thoughts of OX Pasture Hall Hotel
Overall I was wowed by the setting, enjoyed dinner but let down by the interior. I feel if I was to compare this to other similar hotels that I have reviewed such as The Faversham Arms, I would question which I would choose. I just hope Ox Pasture Hall can see the potential and with a little tender loving care, it could be great.
P.S. Thank you to Ox Pasture Hall Hotel for inviting my sister and I to stay and experience your hotel. Your staff are lovely.
