Photos courtesy of Hazlewood Castle
Written records for Hazlewood Castle begin with the 11th-century Domesday Book, that vehicle of taxation and land control for William the Conqueror. Hazlewood’s tenant was Sir Mauger the Vavasour, who, as the name implies, was the 2nd-tier vassal to the king. The Vavasours held the property for over 900 years until they sold it in 1908. A succession of owners and stints as a maternity hospital and a Carmelite retreat mark Hazlewood’s 20th-century history until its opening as a hotel in 1997.
An interesting architectural side note took place during the reign of Henry VIII. The Vavasours were Catholic, and to hide their religion, they added priest holes to the tower and an underground passage leading away from the property. Priests, if caught, were certain to be hanged, drawn, and quartered.
Pamela’s Perspective
If price isn’t a concern, take a room inside the castle.
Owners Brian and Andrea Walker have plans to add 36 new guest rooms in the future.
Hazlewood Castle
A 13th-century castle
Contact
Paradise Lane, Hazlewood
Tadcaster
North Yorkshire LS24 9NJ
Tel: ++44 (0)1937 535353
Fax: ++44 (0)1937 530630
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
21 bedrooms and suites
9 in main castle; 12 in annex
“St. Margaret’s” located in
courtyard
Double rooms:
£160–195
Suites: £230–295
Rates include breakfast and
VAT
Minimum 2-night stay on weekends
Specials available
Open: all year
Getting there
Tadcaster is just off the junction of M1 and A64, which runs between York and Leeds. From the A64 take the A659 exit towards Tadcaster
What to do
On site: archery; falconry; clay pigeon shooting; hiking; cooking classes
Weddings
Yes. Civil ceremonies. Inquire hotel for details
Set in 77 acres of parkland, woods, and gardens, Hazlewood Castle continues a tradition of providing beautiful surroundings for a getaway retreat.
After several hundred years, the castle has retained its architectural integrity. Interiors are warm and inviting, and a personable staff ensures an excellent stay.
Each individually decorated guest room bears the name of a flower; many have four-poster beds and sofas and vary in size.
Nine rooms are found inside the castle. The Rose Suite has a view of the gardens, while the Honeysuckle Suite sits alone in the west wing, with a small stairway leading to the bathroom. The rest of the guest rooms are located across the courtyard in a separate building.
Named the “1086” after the date of the Domesday Book, the hotel’s restaurant enjoys an excellent reputation. If you have good weather during your visit, you can enjoy the gardens from a very pretty patio area.
Something special
Ghost sightings