Rockliffe Hall & The Orangery

Rockliffe Hall – The Orangery

Overview

Located on the edge of the Durham Dales, Rockliffe Hall is a destination hotel and resort that blends historic grandeur with five-star contemporary comforts. Just outside the village of Hurworth-on-Tees, this plush retreat is a popular choice for those seeking an indulgent gourmet escape in County Durham. At its heart, The Orangery restaurant draws guests from across the region, making Rockliffe Hall an attractive spot for food-led breaks, anniversary celebrations, or a restorative weekend in the North East.

Eat

The Orangery is the culinary flagship of Rockliffe Hall, celebrated for its light-filled dining room within the old estate’s Victorian conservatory. The kitchen’s recent run has seen accolades for up-and-coming chefs and a seasonal modern British menu that takes full advantage of local produce from Northumberland and Teesside. Diners can typically expect a tasting-style experience in the evening, tracing vibrant garden ingredients and skillful contemporary pairings – with excellent bread and amuse-bouches often serving as early highlights. The wine list and sharp, intuitive service add further polish to the mix, lending meal times a sense of occasion while retaining the relaxed pace expected of a countryside weekend.

Sleep

Rockliffe Hall’s rooms and suites strike a balance between classic comfort and understated modern luxury. Many offer leafy estate views and generous layouts, with marble bathrooms and super king beds standard across categories. Large windows, restful colours, and tactile fabrics set a tranquil backdrop that appeals to couples and spa-goers as much as golfing friends or families seeking a spacious base in County Durham. Service is attentive throughout, maintaining the exclusive resort feel.

Retreat

Guests of Rockliffe Hall can unwind in the award-winning spa, complete with thermal suites, hydrotherapy pool, and lush treatment menu, or take in a round on the sprawling championship golf course. Walkers can ramble along the River Tees or visit the Georgian market town of Yarm, just 15 minutes by car. For those venturing further, Durham’s cathedral and castle are under 30 minutes’ drive. Whether you’re cocooned by the fireside with afternoon tea or exploring the hotel’s extensive parkland, the pace is entirely your own at this North East haven.