Middleton Lodge Estate: The Yorkshire Staycation You’ll Want to Book Again and Again

I’ve just got home from a one night staycation at Middleton Lodge estate and I have just been itching to get this review out so that I can share the magic of this place with all of you.

Set within 200 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, Middleton Lodge Estate is so much more than a hotel - it’s a luxury countryside escape that feels both deeply considered and effortlessly calm. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that everything has been designed to help you slow down - the sweeping drive, the Georgian architecture, the quiet hush of the grounds, it all immediately shifts your pace.

I will start by saying I am most definitely a little bit biased because my husband and I got married at the estate just over a year ago and we recently returned with our little dog Daphne for an anniversary celebration. I’m one of those weirdos that misses their dog the entire time they’re on holiday so being able to take her is just the best thing ever.

One of the things that makes Middleton Lodge Estate stand out as one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Yorkshire is how seamlessly pets are welcomed into the experience. It never feels like an afterthought, which made the whole stay even more special for us.

This time, we stayed in one of the Bothy rooms next to the Coach House and honestly, it was everything you want from a countryside escape. The room was beautiful - calm, cosy and thoughtfully designed, with that signature Middleton Lodge aesthetic of understated luxury. It genuinely had me living my Bridgerton dreams, with soft, romantic details that felt both elegant and effortless. The bathroom was equally as beautiful, adding to that feeling of quiet indulgence and making the whole space feel even more special. Being right in the heart of the estate, everything felt incredibly easy and seamless.

If you’re looking for a North Yorkshire hotel that blends design, comfort and a real sense of place, the rooms at Middleton Lodge are a perfect choice.

Dinner was in the Coach House restaurant at Middleton Lodge and it was so, so good. The menu is rooted in locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from across Yorkshire, but it’s the creativity that really stands out.

We shared the confit Yorkshire chicken & leek risotto to start, followed by a grilled Waterford Farm steaks with incredible triple cooked chips - every dish felt generous, full of flavour and really thoughtfully put together. And then came pudding obviously which was a mega pain au chocolat bread & butter pudding with chocolate gelato - the perfect end to the meal.

It’s comforting but elevated dining - the kind of food you think about long after you’ve left, and a real highlight of any stay at Middleton Lodge Estate. One of the nicest touches for us was that our dog could come along into the restaurant too. We were able to have both dinner and breakfast with her in the snug area, which was so cosy and relaxed and made the whole experience feel even more special. It’s rare to find a luxury hotel in Yorkshire that balances high-end dining with a genuinely dog-friendly approach.

Next time we visit, we need to try The Forge, Middleton Lodge’s Michelin Green Star restaurant. Led by head chef Jake Jones, whose experience includes working in some of the UK’s most respected kitchens, The Forge is known for its hyper-seasonal and sustainable approach to cooking. Much of the produce is grown within the estate’s own kitchen garden, making it a true farm-to-fork dining experience in North Yorkshire. It’s quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Yorkshire for those who are really passionate about food.

The following morning, we headed to the Forest Spa at Middleton Lodge and it was honestly one of the highlights of the whole stay. Tucked away within the trees, it feels completely separate from everything else - like its own peaceful retreat within the estate. There’s a heated outdoor pool and hot tub surrounded by nature, which instantly encourages you to slow down; and inside the spa you'll find a relaxation room with an open fire, soft lighting and that cocooned atmosphere you never want to leave, alongside a sauna, steam room and ice plunge for a full thermal experience.

If you’re searching for a luxury spa break in Yorkshire, this is exactly the kind of place that allows you to properly switch off and reset.

Breakfast was equally impressive. A mix of buffet and made-to-order dishes, with the same focus on quality, locally sourced ingredients running through everything. It’s relaxed but still feels like a treat - the perfect way to ease into a slow Yorkshire morning.

Afterwards, we spent time walking all around the estate grounds, which are just as beautiful as ever. From the walled garden to the open countryside paths, it’s the kind of place that invites you to wander slowly, without any real plan.

Why Middleton Lodge Estate Is One of the Best Luxury Stays in Yorkshire

What Middleton Lodge Estate does so well is create a feeling. It’s not just about the rooms or the food, it’s about how you feel when you’re there - calm, looked after, and completely removed from the rush of everyday life.

For us, it will always be a special place for obvious reasons. But even putting that aside, it’s somewhere I would recommend time and time again. Romantic without being cliché, luxurious without being flashy, and quietly one of the most beautiful countryside hotels in North Yorkshire.