The Spectator in the Dales, Great British Game at Swinton Park Hotel, Sunday 9 – Tuesday 11 November
The Spectator in the Dales | Sunday 9 – Tuesday 11 November 2025
We are delighted to offer Spectator readers an exceptional, bespoke two-night package, as an extension of Great British Game Week at the glorious Grade II Swinton Park Hotel. Join your hosts, business editor Martin Vander Weyer and drinks editor Jonathan Ray at the ancestral seat of the Earls of Swinton, set in 200 acres of garden and parkland in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
What’s Included
Two nights’ accommodation, afternoon tea, two Champagne receptions, port tasting, topical debate hosted by Martin Vander Weyer, falconry display, tour of the castle, game-themed cookery lesson (an optional extra), access to Swinton Country Club & Spa, one lunch and two wine-fuelled dinners celebrating Great British Game Week, featuring bottles handpicked by our drinks editor, this promises to be a hugely entertaining, waistband-straining couple of days.
Itinerary
Sunday 9 November
Arrive at leisure throughout the day – hotel check-in is from 15.00pm.
15.30pm – 16.30pm Private Afternoon Tea welcome event in the Sitting Room
19.00pm – Brimoncourt Champagne reception in the Lower Hall (wines presented by Jonathan Ray)
19.45pm - Wine Dinner in the Library hosted by Martin Vander Weyer (wines presented by Jonathan Ray)
Overnight accommodation and breakfast at leisure
Monday 10 November
Morning activities:
· 10.00am– Falconry Display on the Lawn
· 11.00am– History Tour of the Castle
· A lively and topical debate with Martin Vander Weyer
or
Game-themed Cookery School – 12 places available (chargeable activity at £120 per person)
1.00pm: A light 2-course lunch in the Terrace Restaurant
Afternoon Activities:
· Freetime in the Swinton Country Club & Spa (Spa treatments available during your stay – please book directly with the hotel)
· Visit to the Druids Temple and Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail
· Tour of the Deer Park
· 16.30pm Port Tasting in the Billiards Room hosted by Jonathan Ray (max. 12 guests)
19.00pm – Champagne and canapés reception in the Drawing Room (wines presented by Jonathan Ray)
19.30pm – Private Dinner in Samuels (wines presented by Jonathan Ray)
Overnight accommodation and breakfast at leisure.
Prices:
£1,600 for the two-night package based on 2 people sharing a double or twin room.
£1,100 for the two-night package based on single occupancy.
Supplements available for upgraded room types as follows:
o Baroness Rooms - £50 per night
o Barons Rooms - £60 per night
o Earls Room - £75 per night
o Dukes Room - £100 per night
o Signature Suite - £175 per night
Non-Resident Drinks & Dinner Package on each evening – £150
Cookery School Places - £120 per person
All prices include VAT at the current rate.
For more information click on the link above or visit: https://www.swintonestate.com/
To book please call Swinton on (+44) 01765 680900 or email reservations@swintonestate.com
How to find Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon HG4 4JH
The Swinton Estate is situated a mile outside the small market town of Masham and 11 miles from Ripon. Just an hour’s drive from historic York, a scenic hour and a half drive from the beautiful Lake District and just 45 miles from Leeds.
