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Rockliffe Hall reveals post-refurbishment plans to become a world-class, gastronomy-focused, luxury resort. 

Read details of our exciting refurbishment below, and be the first to book by signing up to our Rockliffe Reimagined mailing list. 

Rockliffe Hall's Grade II listed Old Hall is planned to reopen in summer 2026
Focussed on setting a new benchmark in gastronomy & hospitality
Inspired by the global travels and experiences of James & Maria Close

Following a multimillion-pound transformation, Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort in the North East of England, is re-emerging as a world-class, gastronomy-focused, luxury hotel destination set to fully reopen this summer 2026. 

The project, which includes the meticulous renovation of the resort’s Grade II listed building and a new extensive culinary offering led by Culinary Director James Close (previously two Michelin stars at the Raby Hunt), is focused on setting a new benchmark in contemporary luxury hospitality, shaped by exceptional craft and meaningful guest experiences.
 
Set within 375 acres just outside the village of Hurworth, County Durham, the resort will have 43 rooms and suites and a new collection of six distinctive dining and bar experiences including a newly built, 36-cover standalone restaurant led by James and Maria Close, an all-day dining space, a cocktail bar, the Morning Room for afternoon tea, Café TERRA, and The Clubhouse. The transformation will complement Rockliffe Hall’s already exceptional leisure offering with its award-winning 50,000-square-foot spa, gym, championship 18-hole golf course, tennis and padel courts, and bike hire.

A New Culinary Landmark

Rockliffe Hall’s new 36-cover standalone restaurant will form the heart of the resort’s transformation into a world-class, gastronomy-focused destination. Led by Culinary Director James Close, the concept is shaped by the global flavours, emotions and traditions he and his wife, Maria have encountered on their travels.

The 584-square-metre pavilion restaurant pairs contemporary architectural lines with sweeping views across the estate. Guests begin in a dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge before moving into a dining room centred around three open kitchen islands. Dishes arrive in thoughtfully curated sequences rather than a traditional tasting menu, opening with globally inspired small plates and progressing to refined expressions rooted in specific locations, such as an oyster reflecting a visit to La Rochelle or a delicately spiced broth from Kyoto.

The restaurant features a six-seat chef’s table, visible ageing fridges, a citrus fridge and a floor-to-ceiling spice wall, all reinforcing the transparency and craft behind the culinary philosophy.

Rockliffe Hall will also introduce a refined collection of dining and bar experiences that together elevate the resort’s culinary offering. The former Orangery will reopen as a lively all-day restaurant with an Italian-American inspired menu that moves effortlessly from relaxed daytime dishes and cocktails to a more polished evening service, while the cocktail bar offers a curated list of classics and creative signatures beside a new central fireplace.

Rockliffe Hall's new 36-cover restaurant led by Culinary Director James Close
Pairing contemporary architectural lines with sweeping views
The former Orangery will reopen as a lively all-day restaurant
The thoughtfully reimagined Old Hall will introduce enhanced suites
Historic features will be carefully celebrated
Inspired by the North East’s rich industrial heritage

Overlooking the championship golf course, The Clubhouse continues as a relaxed setting for golf members and guests, Afternoon Tea will be an elevated take on the British classics accompanied by an extensive range of English Sparkling wines and speciality teas enjoyed in the stunning Morning Room, and Café TERRA will continue to develop as a boutique café with exceptional bakery offering and nutrient-conscious dishes crafted with meticulous detail.

The Old Hall Reimagined

The Old Hall at Rockliffe Hall has been thoughtfully reimagined, introducing enhanced suites and redesigned communal spaces, including the cocktail bar, morning room and terrace. The interiors are inspired by the North East’s rich industrial heritage and the influence the region has had globally, pairing historic architectural detailing with a refined, contemporary approach. Historic features have been carefully celebrated and their forms and motifs subtly echoed in bespoke furniture, joinery and finishes, creating a clear dialogue between old and new.

The new suites reflect the materials and craftsmanship of the region, as well as the impact it has had globally. Textures are inspired by the area’s history of wool and linen production, and bathrooms reference the timeless solidity of North East sandstone architecture. A palette of creamy neutrals is layered with deeper warm tones and burnished brass details, while generous bathrooms with oversize showers and baths, and considered vanity spaces add an element of indulgence to the suites.

A Destination for Wellbeing, Sport and Outdoor Living

The transformation will complement Rockliffe Hall’s already exceptional leisure offering, reaffirming its place as one of the UK’s leading destinations for an immersive stay.

The award-winning 50,000-square-foot spa is a sanctuary shaped around holistic wellbeing, blending hydrotherapy, thermal contrast therapy and expert-led treatments.

Facilities include 11 treatment rooms, a 20-metre indoor pool, an indoor hydro pool, outdoor hot tub, a comprehensive thermal suite, and a tranquil infinity-edge pool in the Spa Garden, supported by poolside attendants and bar service.

Beyond the spa, guests have access to a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Technogym Artis, Skill Line and Kinesis ranges, a full studio programme, personal training, nutritional guidance and sports therapy.

The resort’s championship 18-hole golf course, one of the longest in Europe, complements the resort’s focus on wellbeing and outdoor living, alongside tennis and padel courts, bike hire, landscaped gardens, nature trails and wildlife-rich grounds that follow the natural curve of the River Tees.

 

The transformation will complement the exceptional offering
Beyond the spa, guests have access to state-of-the-art facilities
The championship 18-hole golf course complements the focus on wellbeing
"This transformation represents a defining moment for Rockliffe Hall."

“This transformation represents a defining moment for Rockliffe Hall,” says Shauna Robb, General Manager.

“Rockliffe Hall has been reimagined to celebrate its North East heritage while introducing a new standard of luxury as a world-class destination. From the reimagined suites and public spaces to the new standalone restaurant and our expanded dining experiences, every element is designed to offer guests a luxurious experience that combines a sense of discovery with a connection to the region. This is about more than luxury. It’s about creating memorable experiences that capture the essence and spirit of this remarkable part of England.”

Booking Information 

Rooms at Rockliffe Hall will start from £550 per night up to £1200 per night for suites, both on a bed and breakfast basis.

Guests can register their interest to be the first to book both bedrooms and the new restaurants by following the button below.

Ahead of summer, during the renovation period, the spa, Café TERRA, the golf course, The Clubhouse and some rooms remain open.

Latest News Articles

Investing in the Future of Rockliffe Hall

As part of Rockliffe Hall's ongoing Old Hall refurbishment and the development of a brand-new, world-class dining destination, the hotel has confirmed a short pause in resort operations this January.

James Maw Returns to Rockliffe Hall

Rockliffe Hall is delighted to announce the return of James Maw, who this month steps into the role of Head PGA Teaching Professional at the Rockliffe Golf Academy.

Introducing a Refreshed Café TERRA

A space thoughtfully refreshed to do it all, exceptionally. From delicious breakfasts and leisurely lunches to relaxed dining and coffee & pastries for all those moments in between.