Hurworth-on-Tees, England
Rockliffe Hall is a restored 18th century luxury estate with grounds running down to the banks of the River Tees, a short drive from Darlington. The 375 acres contain a professional golf course and clubhouse, a destination spa and a 60-room 5 star hotel with a four star AA rosette restaurant
Our review
If you think that this hotel is here as a sort of fait accompli with the dearth of luxury hotels in the northeast, then you are mistaken. Rockliffe Hall punches well above its weight.
As soon as our feet crunched on the gravel walking up to the reception area, a member of staff rushed out to help us with our bags. Our room was in the new part of this 18th century redbrick and honey coloured pile. Initially disappointed (I like old), I changed my mind as soon as I walked into the room. The advantage of new is that the architect and designer can arrange things to suit the modern guest, rather than having to compromise. Attention to detail was obvious. The door furniture, for example, was a heavy dull pewter and an attractive contrast to the dark wood. We had a large room (New Hall Superior), with far reaching views from our Juliet balcony over the landscaped grounds and established trees. Two huge squishy aubergine coloured velvet buttoned sofas were set opposite each other near the window, ideal for coffee drinking and reading. Several glossy magazines are provided, that distracted me for an hour or so. A desk was along the far wall with plenty of sockets at desk height. Wi-Fi is complimentary and available throughout the hotel. In the mini bar was a small carton of fresh milk. There was proper coffee and a good brand of tea. Small touches like that make the difference. Some distance away was our kingsize bed, facing the window.
Between the bed and the bathroom was a dressing area for the suitcases with a wardrobe and a sweet dressing table with make-up/shaving mirror and a little seat. There was a separate toilet and then the bathroom. The trendy square shaped his and hers sinks were a little low. There was a walk-in monsoon shower and a large, deep bath. A state of the art TV graced one wall. Toiletries were by London perfumer Miller Harris. There were just a few niggles: The lights were hard to fathom (this is being rectified), the bedside lights were not good enough for reading (or working on a laptop), there were no grab handles in either the bath or shower and the make-up mirror was not magnified. Overall, however, it was a lovely room.
We had dinner in the Brasserie. It was very busy for a Monday night, proving its popularity. According to our waitress, many of the diners were not resident guests. We had a booth seat against a wall, affording us privacy but several other tables for two opposite seemed very close together. The menu is mercifully short yet offers something for everyone. My starter was excellent, my main so-so and my cheeseboard to end was sensational. It was so good to have British cheeses, properly served at room temperature with decent biscuits, crisp celery and homemade chutney. It’s not rocket science but its amazing how many places seem to think creamery cheddar/brie/stilton/cream crackers/grapes served icy cold is OK. My only niggle, apart from my slightly disappointing main meal (Paul enjoyed his) is that our table was not cleaned during the whole meal. Dessert menus were plonked on top of a wet table covered in crumbs. (We’d had their bread, really delicious). Serving good coffee and reasonably priced wine, this is, however, somewhere I would wish to revisit.
Breakfast in the Orangery was perfectly pleasant with a help yourself buffet and cooked food to order. My Eggs Hollandaise was very tasty.
A pressing need to get back down south for work meant I could not sample the spa, but I had a tour and was really disappointed I was not able to indulge. I’ve seen many spas but this is the real deal – a proper destination spa with a large hydro-pool, all sorts of hot and cold and scented rooms to try with a swimming pool and relaxation room as well. There are 13 treatment rooms offering facials, massages, mud wraps and treatments especially for expectant mothers, couples, men and brides. There is also a shop selling the products used in the spa, Comfort Zone and Dr Murad. I also liked the fact that the spa could be easily accessed from my hotel room and did not entail wandering around outside.
My friends who live up north always say how friendly it is, something I have always taken with a pinch of salt. However, I must say the staff (nearly all locals) were delightful here and interested in their work, in quite a touching and genuine way.
An escape to Rockliffe Hall is good plan – for a weekend or a week – you will be indulged and pampered with none of the pomposity found in similar establishments.
Rooms
Rockliffe Hall offers over 60 rooms, suites and self‑contained lodges spread across the historic hall and grounds. Accommodation combines classic country‑house elegance with contemporary luxury, featuring generous layouts, bespoke furnishings and modern technology. Many rooms offer views over the estate, golf course or River Tees, while suites provide separate living areas and enhanced seclusion.
Food and Drink
The resort’s culinary offering is led by Culinary Director James Close. Dining options include Clubhouse, overlooking the championship golf course for relaxed all‑day dining, and Café TERRA for brunches, light lunches and artisan coffee.
ATLAS, a standalone fine‑dining restaurant, showcases an immersive tasting experience inspired by global flavours. The Reserve Bar and additional lounge spaces offer expertly crafted cocktails, wines and informal bites in refined surroundings.
Wellness
The Spa at Rockliffe Hall is one of the largest in the UK, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy areas, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation suites. A comprehensive treatment menu is complemented by a fully equipped fitness centre and spa garden designed for year‑round relaxation.
Facilities
- Extensive luxury spa and wellness facilities
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- 18‑hole championship golf course
- Multiple restaurants, bars and lounges
- Fitness centre and leisure facilities
- Meeting rooms and event spaces
- Hotel lodges and self‑contained accommodation
- Free Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking
Location
Rockliffe Hall is located in Hurworth‑on‑Tees, on the border of County Durham and North Yorkshire. Set beside the River Tees, the hotel offers convenient access to Durham city, the North York Moors and the North East coastline.
Getting there
Address: Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2DU, UK
Arriving by car: Easily accessed from either the A1 or A19
Arriving by train: 10 minute drive from Darlington Railway Station on the main East coast line. Trains from London take two and a half hours, while Edinburgh is just two hours away.
Arriving by air: Durham Tees Valley Airport is a 15 minute driveNewcastle International Airport is a 60 minute drive
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.