Short stay: Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa Helmsley, North Yorkshire /

It had been over a decade since we last stayed at the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa so was keen to return and see how this little gem of a hotel had developed since our last visit. Nestled in the picturesque market town of Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors, we went along to see how this idyllic hideaway – and recently announced as a finalist in the Visit York Tourism Awards for the Small Hotel of the Year category – had changed.

The welcome

We arrived at the Feversham Arms Hotel late afternoon. Parking outside the entrance is limited, but don’t worry – there is a car park under the hotel with ample space, just a short walk from reception. Check in was quick and within moments of our arrival we were making our way past the hotel’s heated outdoor pool to our accommodation.

The room

Last time we stayed in the main house, but this time we were in room 22, one of Feversham’s poolside suites. As the name implies, this cozy home from home suite is located poolside with an outdoor terrace at the entrance.

Inside there is a comfortable lounge with wood effect laminate flooring, a wood burning stove and tea and coffee making facilities.

On the same floor is a king size bed with plenty of closet space and a private bathroom.

A note on the cuddly cow tells you to leave it outside if you don’t want to be disturbed.

Upstairs, on a mezzanine level, is a room with two single beds and TV, making these suites perfect for families.

The bathroom

The bathroom has a bath, vanity unit, toilet and separate shower.

British Temple Spa branded toiletries are supplied – a firm favorite with a number of UK hotels.

The facilities

Spa breaks are popular at the Feversham Arms Hotel, and all overnight residents have access to the swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and spa heat facilities (saunarium, aromatherapy room, steam room, monsoon shower and foot spas in the spa). Dresses and slippers are provided.

Next to the spa, the 2 AA Rosette Wethervane Restaurant – headed by Chef Jon Appleby (formerly of Rockcliffe Hall, The Blue Lion in East Witton and Judges in Kirklevington) is a major highlight, and was much better than we remember!

One of the starters was a velvety butternut squash served with the most delicious sage espuma, mini gruyere and pickled onion toast.

Also look out for the Yorkshire rabbit terrine with parkin toast and candied medjool dates.

Our hands encompassed this mouthwatering piece of Yorkshire lamb served with tomato fondue, lamb fat potatoes and charred broccoli, served very pink which is just how I like it!

But the standout dish of our stay was the oven-baked North Sea halibut, presented with a crust of fresh, tender herbs and lemon, garden vegetables and a mussel stock that was simply amazing.

Also worth mentioning is the roasted cod fillet served in a chicken butter sauce, with pomme puree, chanterelles and shaved truffle.

For dessert, we recommend the dark chocolate and ale cake with salted caramel ice cream and a caramel sauce – so good that our youngest son chose to eat it on both nights we dined at the restaurant.

More filling, but absolutely delicious if you have a good appetite, is the croissant and marmalade pudding with clotted cream and a Grand Marnier crème anglaise – the best dessert I’ve tried in a while, but I’m sure it’s not good for my waist!

Breakfast is served in the same restaurant, with options such as Eggs Benedict, Royale and Florentine, as well as a full English or lighter options such as the Feversham granola.

Rent

The hotel is just a two minute walk from Helmsley town centre. This beautiful English market town is on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. A former winner of Best Market Town in the Great British High Street Awards, Helmsley has a bustling market square, some quality shops, a historic castle and a vibrant walled garden well worth a visit.

We made the short walk from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey, which is part of the Cleveland Way. It’s about 6 miles round trip, through some beautiful woods.

Unfortunately the abbey – which was founded in 1131 – had just switched to winter opening times, so we couldn’t go in, but had been before and could still admire it from a distance. During high season, the ruins of this Cistercian abbey are open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm. There is also a cafe on site.

Other nearby attractions include the National Trust’s Nunnington Hall, Castle Howard and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Families will enjoy Flamingo Land Resort and Monk Park Farm.

York is just a 40 minute drive to the south and Whitby, Scarborough and Filey on the east coast are all within an hour’s drive.

Other nice keys

We were welcomed with complimentary chocolates and Harrogate Spring Water. And as we were traveling with our dog, George, we also got a dog bowl, Feversham blanket and dog biscuit which was a nice touch.

Bathrobes and slippers are another nice touch for two-legged guests staying there.

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cost

Standard rooms start from £258, including dinner and breakfast.
Poolside suites start from £428, including dinner and breakfast.

At the moment there is an offer for a ‘You and Me Time’ midweek spa package where you can be pampered this winter; this includes a 3 course meal in the Weathervane restaurant, overnight accommodation including full cooked Yorkshire breakfast, use of the spa facilities during your stay and a 60 minute spa treatment per person. It is priced from £425 – based on double occupancy.

The best bit

The best thing for me was the informality and laid back nature of the hotel which made for a really relaxed atmosphere. The spa, combined with a restaurant serving excellent food, makes the Feversham Arms the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries, without the formality found in some luxury hotels.

The final verdict

Despite being meters from Helmsley town centre, the elegant Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa enjoys a wonderful air of country life and lives up to its self-proclaimed reputation as a “Mediterranean oasis tucked away in North Yorkshire”. The hotel offers a really homely feel and, with the swimming pool and jacuzzi just meters from our accommodation – and an excellent restaurant to boot – is perfect for a well-pampered getaway.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa.