Hazlewood Castle Spa

Pack your FitBit because Hazlewood Castle Spa has 77 acres of ancient woodland to roam. Work up a sweat as you ramble through bluebell trails and secret paths, or hire a bike from the reception and pedal the estate’s mountain bike circuit. There are even timed challenges to take part in if you’re feeling competitive.

The Secret Forest trail is perfect for a gentle stroll with a magical twist. You’ll spot fairy doors and dragons tucked among the trees! Want to up the adrenaline? Head to the on-site Live for Today Adventure Centre for a spot of quad biking, archery, axe throwing or a bushcraft survival session.

For a longer hike, the Hazlewood Castle circular walking route is a nine mile loop that takes you through Hayton Wood, Cock Beck and the edge of Lotherton Hall Estate. Or take to the water at Ripon or the Yorkshire Dales, where kayaking and paddleboarding are both on offer. 

After a spa day in the castle keep, there’s nothing better than settling in for a feast. And, whether you’re sipping fizz in the Vavasour Restaurant or nibbling scones or a light lunch in your spa robe, this centuries-old retreat knows how to feed and water you in style! 

At the heart of it all is the Vavasour Restaurant, tucked into the castle’s original cellar and packed with original features. It’s all flickering candlelight, stone walls and seasonal menus that celebrate the best of Yorkshire’s larder. Go big with something from the grill, or keep things light with a flavour-packed sandwich or tempting panini served in one of the grand lounges.

Afternoon tea is a Hazlewood favourite, served daily from 12pm to 6pm. You’ll get dainty sandwiches, warm sultana scones with Cornish clotted cream, mini cakes, and even a farmhouse sausage roll for good measure. Just choose your spot: a cosy lounge, the library, or out on the terrace overlooking cherry orchards and ponds.

Sorry, there isn’t. But don’t hang up your cossie just yet, because you’ll still need it for the thermal suite. You can bask in the dry heat of the traditional Finnish sauna, breathe deeply in the aroma steam room, then refresh under the raindrop shower. There’s even a mud rasul chamber if you fancy slathering yourself in mineral-rich mud.

There is indeed, and it’s something out of a fairytale. There are 32 individually designed rooms and suites, each with its own personality. You’ll find them scattered across three charming areas. 

The Castle has nine spacious rooms and mini-apartments with views of the gardens and gallops. St Margaret’s Courtyard has 12 peaceful rooms, while the St Leonard’s Wing has 11 rooms tucked behind a secret door.

Every room comes with en-suite bathrooms, luxury duvets, coordinated cushions, and even artwork by resident artist Anita Bowerman. If you’re celebrating something special, you can opt for a room with a four-poster bed. Or just choose a Standard Double and revel in the fact that you’re sleeping in a castle that dates back to 1086!

Check-in begins at 3pm, with check-out by 10.30am the following day. You’re welcome to arrive earlier and enjoy the castle grounds while your room is being prepared. If you're visiting the spa without staying overnight, arrival times vary. Best to check your booking confirmation.

Hazlewood Castle Spa is set within a historic building, which means accessibility can be tricky in places. The castle dates back to the 11th century. It means that while the hotel has made some thoughtful adaptations, the age and layout of the building may present some challenges for guests with mobility needs.

A wheelchair lift can take you to key areas like reception, the restaurant and bar. It requires staff assistance and you’ll need to get a key from reception. Some rooms are on the ground floor, and there’s a drop-off point near the side entrance, but steps are still involved in most areas. The spa itself is located in the castle keep. While it offers a peaceful, luxurious experience, it may not be fully accessible, depending on your needs.

Hazlewood Castle Spa is tucked away in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, between historic York and the buzzing city of Leeds. It’s just off the A64 near Tadcaster. But because it’s surrounded by 77 acres of ancient (and seriously enchanting) woodland, you’ll feel miles away from the everyday, even though it’s surprisingly easy to reach.

There’s plenty to keep you busy near Hazlewood Castle Spa. But honestly, you might not even want to leave the grounds! More than just a pretty place to unwind, there are 77 acres to explore, including the Secret Forest – a magical trail filled with fairies and dragons (yes, really). 

Just a short drive away, the sleepy town of Tadcaster has lots of Yorkshire charm. It’s best known for being the home of Samuel Smith’s Brewery, one of the oldest in England. You can stroll along the River Wharfe, pop into a cosy café or explore the town’s historic architecture. 

Further afield, you could head to the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or visit Harewood House for gardens, art, and a bird sanctuary. But if that’s not exciting enough, York and Leeds are both a 30-minute drive, and they’re packed with shops, history and attractions to explore.

The spa’s thermal suite is reserved for guests aged 16 and over, so little ones will have to wait a few years before they can enjoy the sauna and steam room! But beyond the spa, there’s plenty to keep families entertained.

Hazlewood Castle offers eight spacious family rooms and acres of woodland to explore. Kids will love the Secret Forest trail, a magical adventure filled with fairy doors, dragons and woodland hideaways. And if they’re lucky, they might spot one of the castle’s resident black cats – descendants of the legendary Old Tom, who once ruled the grounds with quiet dignity. They’re a big part of the castle’s charm, often seen lounging in sunbeams or slinking through the trees.

While they can’t join you in the aroma steam room, Hazlewood Castle itself is pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome – as long as they promise to be on their best behaviour. 

Dog-friendly rooms can be found in the charming courtyard area known as St Margaret’s. There’s a small nightly charge of £15 per dog, and you’ll need to bring their bed. Pups can’t be left alone in the room. But with 77 acres of woodland to sniff and explore, they won’t want to be left behind, anyway!

Hazlewood Castle Spa doesn’t have its own golf course, but there’s still plenty to enjoy while you’re there. The estate offers nature trails, a mountain-bike circuit, archery, quad biking and bikes to hire. If you’re looking to stretch your legs between spa treatments, you won’t be short of options!

But if golf is on your wishlist, pack your clubs in the car and head to Tadcaster Golf Course, a 20-minute drive away. This friendly, welcoming club has a well-kept 18-hole course – and no membership required.