A lavish castle estate invites guests to experience historic-yet-relaxed grandeur amid the breathtaking Yorkshire countryside

Tue Aug 12 2025 16:21:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Cruiser549417

We have stayed at swinton many times and more recently in the bivouac lodges and yurts which are so fabulous and feel truly British glamping at its best- fabulous, which I have to say- could even be better than the hotel stay! Very thoughtful details, and just such good fun, we love it everytime we come. New years in the bunk bed cottages was our favourite, so magical. This time we did summer yurts and was lovely. We opted for the Terrace Restaurant this time too- and we have to say, food was lovely, maitre d gentleman was excellent and attentive, but as we were sat at the bar area of the terrace restaurant (as we had dogs with us) we heard several arguments, tensions between waiting staff/ bar staff etc, which was really displeasing. Perhaps they are not aware we can all hear them - WE CAN! It quite interrupting our meal really, and they were so busy bickering we didn’t get offered another drink (which we’d have liked) or get the ketchup our children had requested, or just general attentive pleasantries (also same general advice to the cafe in the bivouac, just be more available and helpful, wasps just swarming left plates, seemingly inexperienced disappointing front of house staff etc.) This really spoilt our evening and we left promptly. I noticed you received at HR award, so staff obviously very happy working there, but needs to balance with the service experience of paying guests. Hopeful it will be better when we undoubtably return to a wonderful venue set up with crossed fingers.

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Tue Aug 12 2025 09:37:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Sabine B

We spent two days//nights with family at this hotel. We will not return or recommend. The hotel itself and the setting/landscape is stunning but the organisation and service is at best amateurish and at worst chaotic and does in no way reflect its 5 star rating or pricing. For example: - we tried to book a Pilates session a week before and were told it was fully booked. On the day my sister in law just showed up and as the session was outside she was 'allowed' to participate - we were told on arrival at 1.30 that we could not have anything to eat as the Terrace restaurant was too busy; noone came to get us so when we turned 45 minutes later ( having been served coffee and wine) the restaurant was empty. - we were also told that the main restaurant, Samuels, was booked up that evening (and closed on Monday evening) and that the Terrace restaurant had only bookings at 6pm or 8.30pm. The receptionist seemed very keen to book us in a local pub despite two other excellent restaurants available in the area. As it turned out the 'fully booked' Samuel restaurant was 50% empty at 8.30pm. The Terrace restaurant too was not full either but apparently that was down to locals booking and not turning up. - On check in our key cards were handed over without any explanation as to where our rooms were to be found leaving us to find our own way. - Our Earl room (shown on the website) promising views of landscape and grounds had one small window only which overlooked solely roofs and the staff car park To be fair it was a large room with an equally large bathroom. When I spoke to the assistant manager, John Smith, about these events he was apologetic and assured me of getting back to me - this did not happen and my follow up email has not been responded to either. To be fair the garden tour with the owner was a high light as was the deer park and the aviary but most of the activities on offer need to be paid for. Overall one got the impression that the hotel serves very different customers (locals, Spa visitors, voucher meals and hotel guest) and as hotel guests (and thus not regulars) we were less important. So despite the stunning landscape a disappointing (and expensive) experience.

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Fri Aug 08 2025 04:51:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by jeanfox81

Good accommodation with good food in a lovely setting with plenty to do for age ranges 11-82 and so suited all the family

Fri Aug 08 2025 02:40:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by angmistry

Beautiful surroundings, lovely accommodation, great staff & a relaxing spa weekend . Definitely worth a visit.

Wed Aug 06 2025 04:28:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by lucyR6369BH

We stayed in the cottage and the room was beautiful, the butlers pantry was a nice added extra too! The park and setting is truly stunning with so much to do and see. We will definitely be back!