Frequently Asked Questions

Rockliffe Hall Submits Plans for Multimillion-Pound Renovation to Elevate Resort and add New World-Class Dining Experience

Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort hotel and historic destination in the north east of England, has submitted two planning applications as part of a renovation project aimed at cementing its reputation as the leading resort in the region with international appeal.

The first planning application seeks approval for a purpose-built pavilion that will house a flagship restaurant of award-winning quality. The second application focuses on restoring the hotel’s iconic Grade II listed Old Hall, preserving its historic charm while enhancing guest accommodations and experiences at the resort.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter in our history, we've gathered the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

CATEGORIES

- Hotel

- Events

- Spa

- General

If you can’t find the answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to email us at hello@rockliffehall.com.

Your Questions Answered

Hotel

How long will the Old Hall refurbishment project take and when will it be back on sale?

The project timeline indicates that the Old Hall will close in February and re-open in October.

When will the new build restaurant open?

The project timeline indicates that the new build restaurant will open in December 2025.

Why is the new restaurant being built externally and not within one of the current internal spaces?

During the research phase of the project, a feasibility study was carried out on a number of locations. The outcome of this research was that none of the areas in the Old Hall could offer the required level of guest experience in a Grade 2 Listed Building, without compromising the heritage value. The New Hall was also included in this study, however space and location restrictions have prevented the use of this area.

How and where will breakfast be served / will times be affected?

During the refurbishment, breakfast for residents will usually be served in the Rockliffe Suite. Breakfast will also be served as normal in The Clubhouse and Nu Sana for residents and non-residents. There will be no impact to service times.

What if I have an Afternoon Tea booking - will this still go ahead?

If you have Afternoon Tea booked after January 13th 2025, please  contact our reservations team on 01325 729999 or hello@rockliffehall.com to discuss your booking.

Will Room Service be affected?

Room service will be unaffected.

As a guest will my stay be disrupted by noise / building work?

All work will take place in the Old Hall and the area to the East, therefore noise levels within the operational areas of the resort should be minimal. All contractors have been briefed that the hotel remains operational during the refurbishment period. Any works, refurbishment or otherwise that create additional noise / disruption, will be carried out sympathetically to the daily running of the resort.

Where can I eat and drink on resort while the Old Hall is closed?

During the refurbishment period, there will be a number of places you can come in and enjoy drinks and dining. The Clubhouse will remain open as usual, Nu Sana will serve breakfast and lunch daily along with refreshments and cakes / pastries available in the afternoons. TERRA will continue to serve dinner Wednesday to Saturday and the new external bar space will also be open throughout.

I have a booking during the refurbishment period, what will happen to my stay? What are my option?

Although the Old Hall will be closed for a period, the New Hall bedrooms, activities on resort, other dining experiences, golf, and the spa & wellness facilities will all remain open as usual throughout, offering the same Rockliffe experience as currently. If you are concerned about your booking during this period, we would be happy to look at alternative dates with you. Please contact the reservations team on hello@rockliffehall.com or 01325 729999 if you would like to discuss your booking.

Can I still come in for a coffee even if I’m not staying over?

Yes. During the refurbishment period, there will be a number of places you can come in and enjoy refreshments. The Clubhouse will remain open as usual, Nu Sana will offer these daily and the new external bar space will also be open throughout.

Will we still offer valet parking?

Yes, valet parking will still be available.

Will resort activities be affected such as biking and walking routes? 

Activities on resort will remain, however some walking / cycling routes may be affected. Please ask at reception during your stay for the most up to date information.

Will pre-booked guests be made aware of the work ahead of their stay?

Yes. All guests who are currently booked in during the refurbishment period will be contacted.

Can I still use my gift vouchers during the refurbishment period?

Yes, gift vouchers can still be redeemed as usual, throughout the resort.

Will Tiplady Lodge and Armstrong House be affected?

Tiplady Lodge and Armstrong House will remain off sale and will be part of the ongoing refurbishment programme.

If I do not wish to visit the resort during the refurbishment period, and I have a gift voucher, what are my options?

Although the Old Hall will be closed for a period, the New Hall bedrooms, activities on resort, other dining experiences, golf, and the spa & wellness facilities will all remain open as usual throughout, offering the same Rockliffe experience as currently.

If you are concerned about your using your overnight stay voucher during this time, we would be happy to look at alternative dates with you.

Will I still be able to charge my car?

Yes, you will still be able to charge your car during the refurbishment period.

Events

I have an event taking place in another part of the resort. Will the refurbishment affect my Event?

Although the Old Hall will be closed for a period, the New Hall bedrooms, activities on resort, other dining experiences, golf, and the spa & wellness facilities will all remain open as usual throughout, offering the same Rockliffe experience as currently.

If you are concerned about your event during this period, we would be happy to look at alternative dates with you.

Please contact the events team on events@rockliffehall.com or 01325 729999 if you would like to discuss your booking.

Spa

Will the spa be open during my stay?

Yes. The Spa is unaffected by the refurbishment works.

Will there be any noise disruption from the building works during my spa session?

All work will take place in the Old Hall and the area to the East, therefore noise levels within the Spa should be minimal.

All contractors have been briefed that the hotel remains operational during the refurbishment period. Any works, refurbishment or otherwise that create additional noise / disruption, will be carried out sympathetically to the daily running of the resort.

General

Will the landscape of the estate be affected by the addition of a new restaurant?

There will be minimal impact on the landscape and the project will include significant enhancements to the area surrounding the Old Hall.

Ecology surveys have concluded minimal wildlife impact and similarly an archaeological survey has not revealed anything of concern. In accordance with planning regulations a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment has been made and the project includes a new biodiversity habitat exceeding that lost as a result of the new building.

There is no external impact affiliated with the Old Hall refurbishment.

How sustainable is this project?

The project will be delivered in full accordance with current planning and building regulations in relation to energy conservation and carbon emissions.

Linked to this project, Rockliffe Hall will be investing in a new solar / photovoltaic installation to offset additional energy consumption.

How will I know when I'm onsite, which areas are being worked on?

Areas that are being worked on will be clearly identifiable by hoarding or fencing as well as being clearly signposted as a contractors only area.

How will Health & Safety be managed?

Health & Safety of guests, visitors and staff is our number one priority and has been thoroughly reviewed as part of project planning.

The project contractor selection process included health & safety performance. Regular reviews between the hotel and contractor will identify risks and agree steps to eliminate or mitigate any impact..

Where have the contractors been sourced from for this project?

The project team are all North-East based and when appointing contractors and sub-contractors, our aim is to keep them as regional as possible.

I am interested in working at Rockliffe Hall. How do I find out about available roles?

We recognise that it is the people who work at Rockliffe Hall who make our guests’ visits truly special.

We are keen to hear from exceptional individuals who are passionate about service delivery, who have a friendly and positive disposition, and who want to be part of a dedicated team.

Find out more and discover our vacancies by visiting our careers page.