One of the most popular country house hotels in the North East is Wynyard Hall, which is set in 150 acres of beautifully manicured grounds.
It’s a much loved location for weddings, for obvious reasons. I was a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding there a few summers ago, which will always be remembered as the time I was shat on by a bird while getting my portrait shots taken by the stone pillars at the hotel’s entrance. That photograph ended up in the wedding album – thanks guys!
The hotel itself is a grand building, which wouldn’t look out of place in a period drama. It even played host to Russell Crowe on a visit to the area a few years ago.
Unfortunately I didn’t manage to take any photographs of the hotel, as it’s tucked away behind a wall of trees but check out the website if you want to have a look.
The hotel and estate is owned by Sir John Hall, a property developer and former owner of Newcastle United Football Club. His latest development on the site is a restoration of the old walled gardens, which have been turned into a visitor attraction in their own right.
The gardens opened to the public last week and we decided to make the most of the beautiful weather and head over to explore.
There are several smaller areas to the garden, including the wild gardens and the white garden. It’s a beautiful place to wander around on a sunny day, full of colour and quiet spots to enjoy the views across the grounds. I’m sure it will become even more impressive over the next few years as the flowers grow and take hold.
We also enjoyed an afternoon snack at the dedicated café: I can recommend the salted caramel cheesecake, while hubby really enjoyed his pork pie.
There is also a farm shop on site, full of goodies and gifts such as plants and stationery.
The gardens are open 10am to 5:30pm every day, with adult tickets priced at £5.
~ carmen ~ says
The hotel looks absolutely stunning. Anyone would be lucky to have an event there. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Helen says
Thanks for the tip-off about this new attraction. I don’t know how I hadn’t herd about it yet. I’m going to take my Mum there, for a birthday treat.
Amy Lord says
That’ll be nice, there are plenty of goodies in the shop and café too! Hope your mum enjoys her birthday!
Helen says
I hadn’t *heard about it. I swear that the more I write, the worse my spelling becomes!