A relaxing short stay at The Feversham Arms in Helmsley

I have stayed at the Feversham Arms a couple of times over the years, having particularly fond memories of a short break a while back when both my children went on school field trips at the same time meaning my wife and I could escape on our own for the first time in years.

As I was coming up to Helmsley with my wife to visit a new restaurant called Pignut, we decided to book in for the night so we could enjoy a drink and not have to drive back home.

We arrived just gone 3pm and were met with a friendly welcome before being shown to our room. We had been given one of the suites around the pool area, which was a short walk from reception.

These suites were cottage like in style, so on entering the room we walked into a small cosy lounge with a settee, table and a decorative wood burning stove, which made the suite look super cosy on this winter’s evening.

Off the lounge area was a bedroom with a large, double bed. It’s always a relief to lie down in a hotel and feel how comfortable the bed is – there have been occasions at other hotels in the past where this hasn’t been the case! There were duck down duvets and pillows to add to the comfort.

A lovely bathroom sat off the bedroom with a deep traditional bath and powerful walk in shower. There we some lovely Temple Spa toiletries too.

As we were not eating till 7pm, my wife had booked into the Verbena Spa for a treatment. She had been with girlfriends last year for a day experience and was looking forward to some serious revitalisation. She looked at a lot of the treatments, experiences and ended up going for a facial.

The Verbena Spa offers a great space for wellbeing and relaxation with facilities including heatrooms, sauna, aromatherapy, skincare and relaxation lounge.

My wife said the staff were great and came back feeling refreshed. The luxury spa experience was very welcome after a busy few days at work.

I guess that I’m not quite new man enough to join my wife for a skincare treatment (I’ve always had perfect skin behind my stubble!!!), but I took advantage of spending some time in the outdoor hot tub. I had the tub all to myself and even when it started raining, it was great to just chill as the sun set over the clock tower of the local church.

Having had a bit of relaxation before heading out was just what the doctor ordered. We showered and dressed for dinner. We have eaten at The Feversham before on a previous visit and remember a memorable 3 course à la carte meal, but as I mentioned we already had made plans for eating this evening.

We had a great meal at a local restaurant called Pignut – you can read more about that experience here https://www.realyorkshireblog.com/post/pignut-a-stunning-addition-to-north-yorkshire-s-fine-dining-scene

After dining out we walked back across Helmsley market square to the Feversham Arms Hotel and after a quick camomile tea in the room we fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning after a comfortable night’s sleep, we woke to beautiful weather with blue skies and a lovely view across the pool to the main hotel.

As we had gone for a small plate menu the night before, we were ready for breakfast. This was served in The Weathervane restaurant, which was accessed through the homely, bar area.

The restaurant on a morning was light and airy, again with views back over to the outdoor heated pool.

My wife went for the healthy option first with fruit, cereal and yoghurt, before having some bacon and egg. Never one to miss out on a cooked breakfast, I went for the Full English with scrambled eggs. A hearty breakfast with locally produced sausage, bacon and black pudding with beans, tomato and mushroom. It definitely set me up for the day.

We checked out after breakfast as we had things to do, but although it was a fleeting visit we made the most of it and was a perfect place to stay. I am sure we will be back in 2025 and hopefully stay for a long weekend.

In summary, everything at the hotel is of high quality, rooms are clean and very comfortable, staff are friendly and there is a Spa with great facilities. And, I nearly forgot – a hearty Yorkshire breakfast!