Last week amongst the craziness of summer, a building project, and a calendar that was so full there was no space to write, we were offered the chance to get away from it all. These chances don’t come up often. Well, not for all of us to travel together, when we are all available. Especially when you have to factor in work life, teen diaries and a building project. So the chance to take a family break at Rockliffe Hall seemed like a little piece of heaven.
Fortunately for us it was one of those opportunities where the planets aligned as we were planning to spend a little time in Richmond Yorkshire with my family for my Brothers 40th birthday.
The Accommodation Available For A Family Break At Rockliffe Hall.
There are many types of luxury accommodation available at Rockliffe Hall, but we stayed in one of the 4 mews houses on offer. This is perfect when staying with teens. Both the boys had their own bedroom which if you have teens, you will know is an absolute godsend!
The houses have 4 bedrooms, and everything you could want for a UK family break in County Durham. The kitchens have a dishwasher, microwave, plenty of plates, cutlery, glasses etc. Making the houses at Rockliffe Hall the perfect home from home.
A Family Break At Rockliffe Hall With A Lewis Carroll Theme.
With close links to Darlington the hotel has embraced all things Lewis Carroll and created the most wonderful magical undercurrent throughout Rockliffe Hall.
There are statues, plaques and reminders of the literary great woven all throughout the hotel, it really is very beautiful.
What’s On Site At For A Family Break At Rockliffe Hall With Teens?
Although the site is teeming with with activities and a wonderful play park and splash area for younger children. It’s also a great place for families with teens. With as full golf course, sports bar. (is it just our teens that are sports obsessed?)
On a sunny day there are lawn games available, although games of boules can get rather competitive amongst the Christies’.
And of course no sports mad teen can manage for more that a day without a football pitch, and Rockliffe Hall have this covered.
There Are Bikes Available For Family Bike Rides.
There are extensive grounds at Rockliffe Hall, I spent some time making notes on flowers I want for our garden. If you love plants and flowers check out the gorgeous specimens spread amongst the endless paths that weave around Rockliffe Hall!
But teens don’t care about that do they? Yet they do love bike riding and bikes are free to hire to guests staying onsite.
You will also find 2 remote control mini Mercedes available for families with small children to use.
The Misch Masch Curious Cabins
The Curious Cabins are free to hire for guests staying on site, and have pods available for kids and teens of all ages. These are the perfect way to spend time together on family break at Rockliffe Hall.
The main focus for the boys on this particular Thursday was the transfer deadline. They were thrilled to find a pool table and sky sports channel in the Curious Cabin and spent over 2 hours in their element. Coupled with the fact that you can order drinks and snacks to your cabin they were were happy indeed.
Other Misch Masch cabins include a tea party, soft play cabin, Xbox cabin, cinema cabin, chill out cabin. These really are glorious spaces for families or all ages.
Spa Time At Rockliffe Hall
The newly renovated spa garden is stunning, an oasis away from the chaos of life. Making it the perfect place to order a wine, grab a good book and chill in the sunshine. I was so lucky that during my visit that weather was glorious. I was able to find a spot and spend an hour soaking up the sun. Occasionally dipping in and out of the pool.
The spa has a series of steam and sauna rooms, jacuzzi, bed space inside and out for chilling no matter the weather. And an infinity plunge pool with views over the hotel grounds.
Refreshments such a tea, coffee, juices and fruit are available free of charge and alcoholic drinks can be ordered and payed for via reception if you register your card details on entry.
The Family Pool
There is also an additional pool that families can use. We were so busy we never got the time to use it. Rockliffe Hall have dedicated family swim times which takes the stress out of swimming.
Dining Options At Rockliffe Hall For Families
There are 3 restaurants at Rockliffe Hall, we chose to dine in the Brasserie. The menu offered a wonderful selection, its not often I struggle to choose. The scallop starter was divine, Jacks steak was cooked to perfection and the lamb and shepherds pie and bread pudding, omg!
The atmosphere at the Brasserie is chilled and friendly, the staff are attentive but not over the top. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Afternoon Tea In The Club House
And for a special family afternoon tea in County Durham the Club house offers a woodland themed afternoon tea. This costs £25 pounds for adults and £15 for children and fits so well with the whole magical theme of the hotel. The afternoon tea theme changes with the seasons so there is always a reason to go and try out something new.
Breakfast In The Conservatory.
Breakfast consists of a buffet style hot breakfast, fruits and pastries. You can also order of the menu for speciality eggs, eggs Benedict, royal etc.
It was particularly busy on the day we dined and our order somehow got forgotten. However after a gentle reminder it arrived and was delicious so was worth the wait. My advice would be go early we arrived at 9.30 and had a 30 minute wait to get in, however the food was very good.
Choosing A Family Break At Rockliffe Hall As It’s The Perfect Location For Days Out In County Durham.
Rockliffe Hall is the perfect location for exploring the local area. If you are looking for a luxury holiday home in Country Durham this is the perfect location. We traveled 20 minutes and were in Richmond, here we spent a little time shopping had some lunch and then went for a long walk by the canal.
Getting To Rockliffe Hall By Train
If you prefer to travel by train Kings Cross to Darlington is only 2 hours and 20 minutes. Or 2 hours from Edinburgh. And there is a concierge collection service available from the hotel the the train station.
Rockliffe Hall In Summary.
We had a a wonderful stay at Rockliffe Hall, everything about our stay was exceptional. It is the perfect place to spend family time. Rockliffe Hall offers quality family activities that engage the whole family. The food is of outstanding quality. And the staff are friendly and helpful, we did not encounter one member of staff that did not smile and take the time to say hello.
Disclaimer we were invited as guests of Rockliffe Hall but all opinions are our own. And you can’t argue with teens they are ALWAYS right!
Pin A Family Break At Rockliffe Hall For Later.
What a gorgeous place to stay! I love the little touches inspired by Lewis Carroll. It sounds like it has everything you would want for a family. The Cabins look fantastic, especially if the weather wasn’t great!
That afternoon tea looks amazing! Hoe cute are the little hedgehogs and toadstools.