We weren't really sure what to expect of Swinton Park as we couldn't find much info about it when we booked it after seeing it in 'The Guest List' hotel book. The drive up to Masham was very picturesque and the hotel itself is beautiful. I think I am correct in saying that it's an independent hotel (not part of a bigger chain) and this makes it so much more personable and friendly. I had forgotten that customer service could be so good!

Our room had lovely views over the grounds and was nice and peaceful.

If you're lucky enough to stay at Swinton Park, make sure you go for a walk around the grounds as they're just gorgeous.

We have stayed at this hotel 3 times now, going back to the week it first opened.
The hotel is magnificent - when you turn into the drive it makes you feel like royalty! The service is friendly but not over the top.
It is small enough to be personable, and the waiters cant do enough for you. A welcome sherry and gin is provided with fruit in your room on arrival with a welcome note from the owners, and the toiletries are molton brown - luverly!
When the weather was lovely on our visit to April, because they didnt have the garden furniture out yet, they took the sofa's out of the lounge into the garden for us! The new beauty salon is open now which I tried out and is lovely. The only room left to 'do up' was the games room which was very grubby - I was assured this would be done by our next visit. You dont need to take wellies, etc for walks as all these are provided in the games room. Our friends went out on the hotel landrover for the morning round the estate which they found very enjoyable, and I went horseriding at the stables next door.
The hotel also allows dogs, which is lovely if you like dogs!
The food is also very good, with alot of it grown in the grounds (including the venison!). We chose the 'taster menu' which was excellent. You may also see Rosemary Shrager, the TV chef, wandering around, who is very friendly to talk to, along with the owners.
Overall I would say this is one of the best hotel we have ever stayed in on holidayand I am extremely fussy! The hotel is so relaxing we rarely left it to look at the lovely local villages and countryside. Recommended to those hard working folk who require a completely relaxing weekend of indulgence!

Wow! This hotel is gorgeous. My boyfriend and I stayed here for our anniversary, and were v.impressed by everything.

We arrived at dusk and the hotel was illuminated and looking v.impressive.
We pulled up in the car and the conceirge was ready to take our luggage and park our car. Check -in was painless, it we so quick we didnt even sit down! (yes)

We stayed in the Pickering Room (Baron class) and loved it. The rooms are quiet, large and with lovely views, ours was looking over front courtyard and Rosemary Shrager cookery school.

We ate in the bar, and the food was done to perfection. Just a note, dress code in evenings is smart casual, with a bit more emphasis on smart (no ball gowns or anything)

The hotel has lovely walks around its gardens and lake so take some decent walking shoes to explore. The hotel has many facilities including a spa, and many other little extra's like clay pigeon shooting, but have to be booked in advance with the hotel. It worth having a look.

The staff are fantastic, they're quick, efficient, make you feel welcome, abd have a good knowledge of the local area if you feel like exploring.

We can't wait to go back.

My husband and I stayed at the Swinton on a special package - £210 for one night accomodation including dinner and breakfast. The hotel is lovely and you really do feel like you are in a castle. The dinner was also delicious. The service was attentive without being over bearing. We would definitely come back to this hotel if we ever visited the area again.