Turn Over a New Leaf at National Trust Middlethorpe Hall in York and ...

Turn Over a New Leaf at National Trust Middlethorpe Hall in York and Discover Rare Specimen Trees on a City Break 

Middlethorpe Hall brings together the city of York and extensive grounds combining history, striking historic interiors and beautiful gardens  Discover specimen trees within the striking grounds and indulge in afternoon tea over views of the gardens  Explore York's Roman & Viking heritage, plus the largest medieval gothic cathedral in Northern Europe  VisitYork promote #Yorkopen4business following floods to highlight that the city is open Middlethorpe Hall is a 17th century William and Mary country house standing in 20 acres of manicured gardens and parkland just outside of the historic medieval city of York. Once the home of the famous diarist Lady Mary Wortley-Montagu, Middlethorpe has been restored with carefully chosen antiques and art work. The historic house has had many incarnations including a girl’s school and a nightclub but its beginnings were as the home of a master cutler from Sheffield who wished to establish himself as a country gentleman. Francis Barlow, High Sheriff of Yorkshire made his mark during his time here in the 18th century adding pilasters and parapets. Now it lives again as originally intended, with the look and feel of a luxurious and private country house. Recent news headlines highlighted the December floods that affected York. Make It York, the city's Destination Management Organisation is promoting the fact that the vast majority of attractions, shops and restaurants are open in York. York's city centre is not affected and is as busy as ever and Middlethorpe Hall was not affected by the December floods. The hotel looks forward to attracting guests to York whilst emphasising #Yorkopen4business.

Trees & Teas The manicured gardens and parkland that surround Middlethorpe Hall are a delight to discover at anytime of the year. A parterre includes a rose garden, intriguing walled garden and meadow, which leads to a lake surrounded by beautiful specimen trees. Highlights of these trees include the Ermans Birch, rarely grown but beautiful birch whose snowy white bark often has a tinge of pink and stands out well at all times of year but especially when leafless in winter. Admire the Judas tree, whose large bunches of rich purple pods last well into winter. Guests can download ‘A Brief History of Middlethorpe Hall and trees of interest’ for a selfguided garden tour complete with map. Each day, afternoon tea, the traditionally English ceremony takes place in one of the grand public rooms of the historic hall or on warm, sunny days on the terrace. Enjoying tea in such a historic National Trust setting with views of the grounds is a wonderful way to spend time. Traditional Afternoon Tea, £19.50 per person and Champagne Afternoon Tea, £29.50 per person are both available. The Piper-Heidsieck 'Sublime' Chocolate Afternoon Tea, £31.50 per person is also available for those looking for that added sweet treat. Middlethorpe Hall was once home to members of the Terry family and it is with this famous family of confectioners in mind that Pastry Chef Paul Harrison has designed this exciting tea. As well as the traditional finger sandwiches, guests enjoy a tasting of chocolate delicacies, both dark, milk and white including orange and chocolate chip. History & Art in York Visitors can explore York's Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage plus a wealth of attractions like the iconic York Minster (the largest medieval gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and a treasure house of over 800 years of stained glass). For full atmospheric effect, approach the Minster via The Shambles, an ancient cobbled street mentioned in the Domesday Book, where the upper stories of the 14th-century timber houses lean out, almost to within touching distance. Since it re-opened in the summer of 2015, critics have been raving about the £8m redevelopment of York Art Gallery. A new mezzanine level has been created within the original Grade II-listed Victorian building, to showcase the gallery’s world-class ceramics collection - including a 17 metrelong Wall of Pots by Anthony Shaw, arranged in the colours of the rainbow; and Clare Twomey’s specially commissioned installation built from 10,000 slip-cast bowls. Alongside the gallery’s famous collection of Italian Old Masters, there are works by David Hockney, Sarah Lucas, Stanley Spencer and L.S Lowry. Tailor Make Break at Middlethorpe Hall Experience all that Middlethorpe Hall and its surroundings have to offer with tailor-made breaks from £139 per person per night, based on two sharing a twin or double room, with a three-course dinner (£43 food allowance pp), early morning tea, use of the spa and overnight parking plus one of the following: chilled Piper Heidsieck in room; one-day Yorkshire Pass to discover York’s attractions; afternoon tea for two or a 25-minute Decleor Aroma Back treatment for two. Valid Sunday to Thursday. www.middlethorpe.com Middlethorpe Hall, York, Yorkshire, YO23 2GB, Tel: +44 (1904) 641241 B&B priced from £199.00 per night based on two sharing Media Enquiries: boutique da silva public relations [email protected] or [email protected] 07727 084 058