The Feversham Arms is a first rate place to stay and relax in God’s own country - Yorkshire - in the beautiful North of England. The hotel is in the charming market town of Helmsley, not far from Thirsk. The pretty rustic building was originally an old coaching inn, located in a thriving town on the main road from the North to London. At the height of Helmsley’s prosperity, it was a centre for weaving and the loom operators would have enjoyed socialising in this local hostelry.
The three cottages next to the inn were added to the original property over time as was a tennis court, the conservatory restaurant, some stunning gardens and, of course, the well appointed spa facilities, heated outdoor hot tub and swimming pool.
Sleep well at the Feversham Arms
Elegant and understated, the rooms have decor in harmonious colours of mauve and duck egg blue and you can’t go wrong with a bit of tartan in my book! The bathrooms have plenty of lovely Temple Spa toiletries and all rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, delicious cranberry shortbread biscuits and luxurious white robes and slippers to relax into at your leisure. The rooms are set around a lovely courtyard which is quite French in its appearance with a number of different types of rooms. Raised beds of lavender and black and white tulips and grape vines climbing the terraces all add to the ambiance. It has the feel of a delightful continental country retreat.
The Spa
Treatments and lots of luscious products are available if you really want to pamper yourself, but if you are staying at the hotel you will automatically have access to the spa with its two different types of steam rooms, foot spas, sauna, and outdoor hot tub and heated swimming pool. You sample the different rooms in the spa from the coolest to the hottest.
All the different heat rooms are very good - but the heated outdoor pool is a particular feature and it is big enough for a proper swim. Lots of nice outdoor furniture, including a rattan ‘pod’, finish off the pool area nicely.
The Weathervane restaurant
The restaurant is quite an elaborate affair set in the beautiful cream conservatory. Pub grub it is not, so don’t go expecting a large portion of fish and chips. I had a pressing of juniper smoked rabbit with a langoustine centre and scented mayweed dressing. And that was just the starter. The main was breast of duck with hazelnut and rhubarb jus and a dusting of Judas Ear. Apparently Judas Ear is a kind of fungus, for those of you who have not come across this delicacy before. It just looked like a bit of pepper on the plate really.
Dessert was orchard fruits arranged with a soupcon of ice cream.
The food was very pretty indeed, a feast for the eyes, if not ideal for those with a substantial appetite.
Helmsley and the Feversham Arms
There’s quite a bit to do in Helmsley itself. Lots of lovely arty gift shops and coffee shops and cute cafes can easily take up a morning. Market day is a Friday when the cobbled square is thronged with lively traders selling local produce. There’s an old medieval castle to look around which is an English Heritage property and there is a well stocked shop where you can buy recycled wool picnic blankets and taste a range of fruit wines at your leisure. Next door to the castle grounds and also worth a visit are a lovely walled garden and plant centre. About three miles (4.8 km) from Helmsley is the grand stately home and estate of Duncombe Park, which is another visitor attraction. The countryside at this time of year is at its most beautiful, bursting with blossoming trees and wildflowers.
North Yorkshire is my favourite county in England and, in my opinion, its most beautiful. Make the Feversham Arms a base to stay and enjoy your visit!
You can sleep, stay and spa from 95 GBP (138 USD).
History
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