
At the Edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Swinton Estate Offers Elevated Country Calm and a Range of Experiences
The ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, Swinton Estate occupies 20,000 acres of diverse landscapes in the picturesque north of Yorkshire. Guests at its cottages can enjoy access to the hotel spa, cookery school, and the plethora of experiences on offer, from yoga classes to bike hire and birds of prey handling sessions for children.

Swinton Estate is a private estate owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family since the 1880s and the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, occupying 20,000 acres of picturesque landscapes which lie on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. At its centre is the Swinton Park Hotel, an opulent Grade II* listed castle which is joined by the exceptional Swinton Country Club & Spa. The estate is dedicated to protecting wildlife habitats and offers guests endless opportunities to explore its diverse scenery – from calming lakeside walks to days on the trails in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Estate’s three beautiful and dog-friendly cottages are perfect for gatherings of family or friends in spectacular parkland surroundings. Combining historical details with luxurious creature comforts, they provide guests with a sense of laid-back privacy which is uniquely elevated by everything Swinton Estate has to offer. Swinton Grange, Low Swinton House, and High Swinton Cottage are all located within walking distance of the restaurants and activities at Swinton Park, the Country Club & Spa, and the parkland and gardens in the wider estate, so guests can look forward to an idyllic country retreat with excellent food and experiences at their fingertips.
Swinton Estate is home to several renowned dining options for guests to enjoy. Samuel’s Restaurant, led by Head Chef Struan Macintyre, combines an estate-to-plate ethos with a sumptuous dining room, perfect for both celebratory meals and Sunday lunches. Foodies are equally sure to appreciate the Chef’s Table by John Barnes, an immersive eight-course experience behind the scenes in the Cookery School. A relaxed lunch or supper can be enjoyed in the contemporary Terrace Restaurant and Bar, a quintessential Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room, and a hearty lunch or piece of cake at Swinton Bivouac Café. All dining experiences on the Swinton Estate embrace seasonal produce sourced from across the estate and its four-acre Walled Garden, as well as the very best local and regional ingredients. The Estate’s deer herd which roams the parkland provides the venison, its farm tenants the beef and pork products, while the chefs forage for wild ingredients across the Estate.
Swinton Cookery School is a relaxed demonstration kitchen housed in a converted Georgian stable wing adjacent to Swinton Park Hotel which runs a busy program of practical cookery classes throughout the year. The four-acre walled garden behind the hotel flourishes with fruit, vegetables, and herbs, providing a ready source of fresh seasonal ingredients for the Cookery School kitchen, alongside Estate venison, rabbit, smoked trout, and game. The Swinton Estate team is passionate about using sustainable local produce which reflects the changing seasons and offer courses for children, beginners, and professionals, from classes in classic baking and Sunday roasts to South-East Asian cuisine and French Brasserie.
The Estate is home to beautiful indoor pools, an outdoor ‘natural’ pool, wild swimming opportunities in the grounds, thermal experiences, and spa gardens which can be enjoyed in addition to holistic spa treatments, therapies, and classes. Book an evening to a full day at the spa and rest and recharge in stunning surroundings. Further wellness experiences can also be enjoyed in the wider Estate, including sound baths and Reiki drumming, yoga and Pilates classes, and meditation classes.
With over 200 acres of parkland and gardens on your doorstep and the invigorating hills of Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Dales within easy reach, Swinton Estate’s cottages allow you to make the most of some of the country’s most remarkable landscapes. Wander through quaint towns such as Masham, known for its vibrant markets and local produce, or visit the beautiful Aysgarth Falls with its stunning triple waterfalls. Walkers are spoilt for choice for scenic trails, from the challenging Pennine Way to the family-friendly Swale Trail. The area also offers excellent mountain biking routes and diverse wildlife spotting opportunities in protected habitats, each promising breathtaking views and a deep connection to the land.
With numerous exciting experiences on offer, including free taster sessions so your family can discover new interests, the Swinton Estate is the perfect place for a fun-filled family getaway. In addition to children’s cookery classes, your little ones can learn new skills with woodland school, laser clay and clay pigeon shooting classes, and cycling and bike hire. Birds of prey handling, birdwatching, and geocaching sessions are also perfect ways to build their love of the outdoors and enjoy the fresh air as a family. With a children’s play area and nature trails on hand too, you won’t be short of ways to entertain your little adventurers.
If you’re interested in hearing more about our Experiences offering, get in touch with us for more information or an informal chat.
Please call +44 (0) 1573 226711 or send an email to info@crabtreeandcrabtree.com
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