We’re often kindly offered breaks away thanks to this blog here but they’re usually a little far for us to head to for a weekend now that Oliver has started school…
However, thanks to the lovely The Boy and Me who recommended us to review the Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, we found ourselves not too far from home, in the picturesque seaside town of Scarborough for a gloriously sunny weekend of fresh country air, fine food and family fun!
A luxurious country house hotel enveloped in seventeen acres of dreamy forestry, farmland (with mooing cows) and rolling Yorkshire hills within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, you start to feel soothed the minute you arrive.
My husband, Peter, and I shared the photography with him mostly snapping away at the view and I, the food! And it was all glorious and hot too-we were so lucky to have picked such a sunny weekend!
…A stunning vintage-style wedding reception was in full swing when we arrived on Saturday, showcasing the Ox Pasture for the romantic setting that it is- so much so, I wondered if Peter might consider renewing our vows there, it really is a fairytale setting for a wedding or ceremony!
I know we’ve already had a wedding in South Africa and a Greek one in Harrogate but another ceremony won’t hurt! Go on, Peter! Just look at the backdrop!
We were quickly shown to our epic king size family room (surprisingly apt as it was named Ikley-where I grew up), stopping to enjoy the pretty waterfalls scattered around the hotel patios on the way…
A huge room, it was both luxurious and functional with lots of space for the kids, two small beds for them and one gigantic one for us (although we all ended up piling into the big one of course).
The open plan room was divided into a lounge and bed area with an adjacent wet room style shower and bath- I spent a lot of time relaxing in that tub I can tell you! Bliss!
With tea and bottled waters (still and sparkling), a huge flat screen and breathtaking views into the open countryside, we couldn’t have asked for more.
A room with a view and what a view it was!
And pretty furnishings at every turn..
…Someone liked the mammoth brown leather sofa and being in charge of the remote!
…Stunning en suite with marble finish-dreamy!
And plenty of soaps for little hands!
After watching some TV, we roamed around the area with a trip to the pretty seaside close by (Scarborough and Filey are not far), before heading for afternoon tea in the homely parlour on the ground floor.
An array of sandwiches including gluten free ones for me, along with tasty cakes from parkin to brownies and gigantic scones- with wheat alternatives of mango-adorned rice pudding, clotted cream and strawberry meringues and raspberry milkshake, it was the pick-me-up we all craved at 3 pm!
Nothing was too much trouble, decaffeinated tea and coffee offered if we wanted it, delicate smoked salmon with cucumber and finely cut roast beef among other sandwiches and light, creamy desserts we lapped up, loving every single bite!
Gluten free sandwiches above and desserts below-delicious!
…My milkshake definitely brought all the boys to the yard and this one nicked it!
…After watching some kids’ films back in our room and taking the chance to relish the sun set, it was time for more eating. Tough job I know, but someone’s got to do it.
…Dinner was out of this world, staggeringly good- it’s no surprise the hotel restaurant has been listed in the Michelin Guide over the years and being food-obsessed, it was definitely one of the highlights of our stay.
…These £2 toy trucks from a shop nearby also came in handy, keeping the boys entertained throughout dinner and most of our stay…
Now back to dinner, it was course after sumptuous course of tasty but never heavy dishes including creamy tomato soup, tender lamb shank, delicate fish pie, hearty sausages and mash with seasonal salads and vegetables followed by heavenly crème brûlée, vanilla and white chocolate ice cream and Yorkshire cheese for dessert, washed down with deep house red wine. Feast your eyes on it all below!
Mini version for the kids in coffee cups-cute!
As you can imagine, we all retired to bed happy little campers and fell fast asleep in that enormous bed as soon as our heads hit the pillow.
…Coming from a family of expert foodies and award winning restaurateurs, I have high standards when it comes to fine dining and this award winning Courtyard Restaurant truly met those!
What must also be noted is that children are made so welcome at the Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, absolutely everywhere, there’s no discomfort or formalities that can intrude on family time and although the boys were well behaved, it made the stay so relaxed and enjoyable for all…
It is also no wonder the Courtyard Restaurant is widely regarded as the best restaurant in the Scarborough area, and with an (EVEN) more relaxed adjacent gastro pub style Bistro if you prefer, there really is something for everyone at the Ox Pasture.
We actually dined in the bistro for breakfast, another veritable feast consisting of porridge, fruit and full English for myself and the boys.
Peter plumped for the goats cheese and sundried tomato omelette-all flavoursome, faultless food that will make you come back to the Ox Pasture time and time again!

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