FEVERSHAM ARMS HOTEL & VERBENA SPA

Fabulous Yorkshire coaching inn with newly minted spa

IF YOU THINK OLD COUNTRY INNS are all about draughty windows and tweeds, you haven’t stayed lately at the Feversham Arms. This fabulous one-time coaching inn in pretty Helmsley, beside the north Yorkshire moors, has notched up the indulgence factor to the Nth degree.

Helmsley’s top lodging spot since the 1850s, the Feversham Arms now ticks all the boxes for an indulgent country getaway. It’s the perfect escape for weary townies – a  hideaway that’s both boutique and blissfully un-stuffy. We’re talking gourmet restaurant, state-of-the-art spa, heated all-year outdoor pool and lashings of designer good looks. 

Mellow Yorkshire stone is mixed here with log fires, deep sofas and country-chic decor. All 27 bedrooms are big on luxe factor, whether you go for a cosy studio double (room 4 has sexy deep red walls) or one of the swishy poolside suites.

Wood burning stoves

Big beds dressed in Egyptian cotton, vibrant artworks, piles of plump cushions, wool and faux fur throws and tactile textures set the tone.  Colours range from creamy oatmeal and naturals to duck-egg, charcoal, rich berry reds and raspberries-and-cream.

Black slate walk-in showers, double ended baths, L’Occitane toiletries and fluffy bathrobes make for pamper zone bathrooms. Some rooms have a gallery, wood-burning stove or private terrace, while toys and technics include a Bang & Olufsen TV and PlayStations on request.

After a lazy read through the papers in the lounge or drinks in the snug bar, you’ll be ready to try the Feversham Arms’ much-lauded restaurant, with its claret-coloured walls, original art and skylit roof. Expect first-rate food here in a country-chic setting.

Of course you’ll want to spend a delicious day being pummelled and preened in the hotel’s swanky new Verbena Spa, linked by a glass bridge. This brand new hedonistic haven (opens October) has it all, from foot spas and an aromatherapy room to a hot tub, ice cave and foot-long list of treatments.

You’re in Harry Potter country here (nearby Goathland station was the set for Hogsmeade) with moorland walks starting from your doorstep. There’s a gun room should you want to bag a few pheasants during your stay, and welcoming, can-do staff provide seamless service. Mind you, some guests at the Feversham Arms never even leave their bedroom. Say no more.


The Feverham Arms was reviewed by Room for Romance

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
There’s an emphasis on local game, lamb and seafood from nearby Whitby in the Feversham Arms’ modern British menu. Tuck into chef Simon Kelly’s wild duck, braised oxtail, game in season, slow-roasted lamb and rare-breed pork – and a more-ish bacon sarnie for breakfast. Don’t worry, vegetarians are well catered for too.

There’s a wine list of more than 200 bins, poolside dining menu in summer and a full Do Not Disturb room service menu if dressing for dinner is too much of a chore. Order a picnic if you’re planning a day out.

Breakfast
Full Yorkshire breakfast is served until 9.30am (weekdays) or 10am (weekends). You can order a room service breakfast until 11am.

Room service
Available morning and evening.



See & Do
Helmsley is an appealing Yorkshire market town with pretty riverside walks, traditional tearooms and genteel country pubs. It’s a mecca for walkers and also boasts a 12th century castle and fine stately home – Duncombe Park.

You’re in great walking country here, and a three mile stroll takes you to the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. Other big attractions in the area include Castle Howard, setting for Brideshead Revisited, York Minster and the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby.  

Hop aboard the North York Moors steam Railway – rife with Harry Potter connections – at nearby Pickering. There’s also game shooting on the moors, in season, and a riding stables five minutes away.

Spa
The hotel’s new Verbena Spa has it all, with a fully equipped heat experience – saunarium, foot spas, aromatherapy room, rasul bath, salt vapour room, monsoon showers and ice cave. 

There are seven treatment rooms – one designed for a side-by-side massage – where you can be pummelled and preened. Then there’s the outdoor pool – heated all year – and hot tub. You’ll also find a beautiful relaxation room with south-facing terrace, spa-tisserie and juice bar.

Guests can use the heat experience and hot tub for £25 per day;  refunded if you spend £50 or more on treatments. 

Diary Dates
May
Celebrity chefs take to the stage at Castle Howard’s annual food festival at Ryedale. There’s also a Christmas fair in December.

Summer months
Open air concerts are staged at nearby Dalby Forest.

August
There’s music, dance at theatre at the Helmsley Arts festival.

GETTING THERE

Location
Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AG

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
York station – 23 miles; or Thirsk – 15 miles.

Taxis
The Feversham Arms can arrange private chauffeured transfers for GBP 40 from York station.

Airport
Teesside Airport – 35 miles.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 140 – 325 including breakfast and a newspaper. Dinner, bed and breakfast rates start are GBP 200 - 395. 

Open/closed
Open all year.

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends. Guests are expected to have dinner in at weekends.

Children
Welcome. The restaurant has a children’s menu and babysitting and cots are available.

Pets
Dogs are welcome by arrangement – though not in the restaurant. 

Air conditioning
Yes, in suites.

Wedding license?
Yes – weddings can be held on both an exclusive-use and non exclusive use basis. Celebrations can be held for up to 150 guests.