New Hall is the romantic castle, complete with water lilies floating on the moat, where you have always wanted to stay. There are more coats of arms, griffins, stone fireplaces, Norman French mottoes, crenelated towers, timber beams, cupola topped by a weather vane and mullioned-windows than you can shake a jousting lance at. Rumour has it that Charles ll stayed a night at New Hall as he fled from Roundhead forces during the English Civil War.
New Hall is probably the oldest inhabited moated house in England. Though through the ages and wars, the castle’s owners had an unfortunate habit of picking the wrong side. Not just for the Norman Conquest when William the Conqueror had owner Edwin of Mercia executed but also the for War of the Roses and the Civil War too. No surprise then that the ghost of a dandy cavalier in black velvet suit – and rocking an extravagant neck ruff – is allegedly said to walk the passages.
New Hall was spruced up for a visit from an ageing, limping and obese Henry Vlll. But today New Hall Hotel – with some four-poster beds, a recent lighter make-over and historic tapestries lovingly cared for by Hand Picked Hotels – probably looks better than it ever has.
The welcome
This may be a medieval moated castle but there is plenty of parking just a couple of minutes walk away.
After a welcoming check-in you are guided to your room or suite. Help is given with luggage. Planning permission would not be given for a lift in such a historic listed building.
Ask for a tour of a castle that for over a millennium has celebrated the Great British custom of adding on extensions.
The room
Dawn on the second floor, named after a water lily, has dual aspect views through rose-mullioned windows over the moat. Although restful Arcadian scenes on the tall curtains add to a sense of a more restful bygone age there is a contemporary balance and harmony to the dark-wood furnishings. A four poster, without the drapes and canopy, as well as neutral toned walls and carpet, create a light ambience.
In a spacious room, two comfortable armchairs wait. Gold gilded frames feature pastel sunny watercolours of aristocratic country houses from yesteryear.
The bathroom
When it comes to bathrooms, New Hall Hotel draws a line under Tudor and Stuart authenticity. There is instant hot-water, a large bath and power-shower, plenty of mirrors, white fluffy towels, heated towel rails and ample light.
Horrible History odours are banished with generous provision of Hand Picked’s collection of toiletries.
Facilities
Henry Vlll would have knighted the sommelier and given the chef the freedom of the kingdom. In these more restrained times, the AA have awarded two coveted rosettes to the wood-panelled and refined Bridge Restaurant.
The Modern British cuisine is lighter and more delicately presented than the fare served to Henry Vlll, though sourcing is still regal: Yorkshire cod fillet served with a butter bean cassoulet, a creamy pork fillet contrasting with garlic mash and black pudding, corn-fed chicken supreme. Carnivorous Henry would have struggled with the concept but vegetarians savour the roasted cauliflower, curried carrots and saffron risotto.
Between his fifth and sixth wives, history does not record whether Henry Vlll arrived at New Hall with a plus one. If he did, she would surely have wished for a calming spa, to escape the intrigue of the Henrician court. There is a deep tranquility to a spa that uses Comfort Zone products for therapies, facials and deep tissue massages. The facilities also include a well-equipped gym and a tennis court.
A nine-hole pitch and putt course threads its way through the grounds, ideal for both beginners and golfers wanting to sharpen their short game.
Location
Seven miles north-east of Birmingham, New Hall Hotel and Spa is an idyllic rural retreat for those who have business in the city. In the past Kylie Minogue and other celebs have been spotted around the bar.
Other nice touches
Guests are given a map for local walks, including a sun-dappled woodland trail through blackberries, holly, rhododendron, saplings, firs and oaks. The grounds are a leafy glade in Warwickshire, 26 acres of pasture, gardens and woodland where Henry Vlll may have hunted boar on his visit.
Formal geometric gardens and spectacularly sharp topiary are a Renaissance take on Gardener’s World. Walk out from the lounge to stand on the rear bridge over the moat and time-travel back to another age.
The cost
Prices start from £225 per night, per room, including breakfast.
The best bit
To stay at New Hall is to walk through more than a millennium of history. Portions of the house have their origins in Anglo Saxon times.
Mullioned windows contain Renaissance craftsmen’s Flemish glass work from the 16th century. While there is also a 17th century fireplace with a carved oak overprice.
The final verdict
Worth splashing out for one of the suites or feature rooms, each one named after a water lily, to feel like royalty, and to be gently woken by the babbling of seven springs feeding the moat.
Looking down on an early morning mist shimmering over the water-lilies on the moat is an unforgettable experience.
Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael had his first travel pieces published nearly four decades ago, he is still finding new luxury destinations to visit and write on.
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8 Comments
My in-laws live in Sutton Coldfield so I’ll have to ask if they know about this place. I’ve always exploring old castles but I’m yet to actually stay in one. I think the next time we visit them I’d be tempted to stay here instead of with them in their house, but they’d probably want to come too. The grounds look superb, and the patio area is excellent if you have some nice weather to sit outside and enjoy a drink. I’ll never say no to a dip in a pool or a massage either. In fact, hubby can see his folks and I’ll just stay in the hotel spa the whole time, that seems fair. Sounds like a lovely place so I’ll keep this one in mind as I’m sure it won’t be long before we can get back to seeing the rest of the family.
An astounding combination of Olde Worlde history and modern comfort. Sometimes in this sort of hotel they over do the antiquity theme and it can all become cluttered and dark. From what I can see from these pictures it looks as if they’ve nicely balanced old and new. It is amazing to think that you can stay in a place where Henry Vlll slept.
After shelling out on extensions and improvements New Hall were lucky that they got their visit from royalty. There was many a wannabe aristo who bankrupted himself decorating his home, in the hope of ingratiating himself with royalty, only to discover that the king or queen changed their plans.
I think Henry’s wife, future wife or whoever went with him to New Hall would probably have needed more than a shoulder massage and a facial to relax her. As those Hilary Mantel stories have told us they were brutal times and there weren’t many people around who you could trust. I doubt that a swim would have relaxed me if I’d been travelling with that King.
It is not too much to ask to feel and live like a royalty even for just a night, right? I just love how they preserved the beauty of this moated house. If I will ever have the chance to stay here, I will definitely feel that I am taken centuries back. Look just how lovely the New Hall is. Henry VII for sure had the best stay in New Hall, if the rumours are true. There’s so much history there.
I think Henry’s wife, future wife or whoever went with him to New Hall would probably have needed more than a shoulder massage and a facial to relax her
The hotel is amazing, it looks like a movie set from the middle ages and the time of kings and queens. I bet you can really feel the vibe of the old days when you stay here for a couple of days or so. The area also looks peaceful and calm, surrounded by nature. I also love the theme of the place, the rooms aren’t much modern and it blends in with the castle theme. The cost per night is also value for money as you would be able to enjoy prime amenities and services, and it’s also interesting to know that some of the old designs back when the place was build are still there. I would love to stay in something as grand and old-worldly as this.
New Hall is probably the oldest inhabited moated house in England. Though through the ages and wars, the castle’s owners had an unfortunate habit of picking the wrong side. Not just for the Norman Conquest when William the Conqueror had owner Edwin of Mercia executed but also the for War of the Roses and the Civil War too. No surprise then that the ghost of a dandy cavalier in black velvet suit – and rocking an extravagant neck ruff – is allegedly said to walk the passages.
New Hall is probably the oldest inhabited moated house in England. Though through the ages and wars, the castle’s owners had an unfortunate habit of picking the wrong side. Not just for the Norman Conquest when William the Conqueror had owner Edwin of Mercia executed but also the for War of the Roses and the Civil War too. No surprise then that the ghost of a dandy cavalier in black velvet suit – and rocking an extravagant neck ruff – is allegedly said to walk the passages.
New Hall was spruced up for a visit from an ageing, limping and obese Henry Vlll. But today New Hall Hotel – with some four-poster beds, a recent lighter make-over and historic tapestries lovingly cared for by Hand Picked Hotels – probably looks better than it ever has.
The welcome
This may be a medieval moated castle but there is plenty of parking just a couple of minutes walk away.
After a welcoming check-in you are guided to your room or suite. Help is given with luggage. Planning permission would not be given for a lift in such a historic listed building.
Ask for a tour of a castle that for over a millennium has celebrated the Great British custom of adding on extensions.
The room
Dawn on the second floor, named after a water lily, has dual aspect views through rose-mullioned windows over the moat. Although restful Arcadian scenes on the tall curtains add to a sense of a more restful bygone age there is a contemporary balance and harmony to the dark-wood furnishings. A four poster, without the drapes and canopy, as well as neutral toned walls and carpet, create a light ambience.
In a spacious room, two comfortable armchairs wait. Gold gilded frames feature pastel sunny watercolours of aristocratic country houses from yesteryear.
The bathroom
When it comes to bathrooms, New Hall Hotel draws a line under Tudor and Stuart authenticity. There is instant hot-water, a large bath and power-shower, plenty of mirrors, white fluffy towels, heated towel rails and ample light.
Horrible History odours are banished with generous provision of Hand Picked’s collection of toiletries.
Facilities
Henry Vlll would have knighted the sommelier and given the chef the freedom of the kingdom. In these more restrained times, the AA have awarded two coveted rosettes to the wood-panelled and refined Bridge Restaurant.
The Modern British cuisine is lighter and more delicately presented than the fare served to Henry Vlll, though sourcing is still regal: Yorkshire cod fillet served with a butter bean cassoulet, a creamy pork fillet contrasting with garlic mash and black pudding, corn-fed chicken supreme. Carnivorous Henry would have struggled with the concept but vegetarians savour the roasted cauliflower, curried carrots and saffron risotto.
Between his fifth and sixth wives, history does not record whether Henry Vlll arrived at New Hall with a plus one. If he did, she would surely have wished for a calming spa, to escape the intrigue of the Henrician court. There is a deep tranquility to a spa that uses Comfort Zone products for therapies, facials and deep tissue massages. The facilities also include a well-equipped gym and a tennis court.
A nine-hole pitch and putt course threads its way through the grounds, ideal for both beginners and golfers wanting to sharpen their short game.
Location
Seven miles north-east of Birmingham, New Hall Hotel and Spa is an idyllic rural retreat for those who have business in the city. In the past Kylie Minogue and other celebs have been spotted around the bar.
Other nice touches
Guests are given a map for local walks, including a sun-dappled woodland trail through blackberries, holly, rhododendron, saplings, firs and oaks. The grounds are a leafy glade in Warwickshire, 26 acres of pasture, gardens and woodland where Henry Vlll may have hunted boar on his visit.
Formal geometric gardens and spectacularly sharp topiary are a Renaissance take on Gardener’s World. Walk out from the lounge to stand on the rear bridge over the moat and time-travel back to another age.
The cost
Prices start from £225 per night, per room, including breakfast.
The best bit
To stay at New Hall is to walk through more than a millennium of history. Portions of the house have their origins in Anglo Saxon times.
Mullioned windows contain Renaissance craftsmen’s Flemish glass work from the 16th century. While there is also a 17th century fireplace with a carved oak overprice.
The final verdict
Worth splashing out for one of the suites or feature rooms, each one named after a water lily, to feel like royalty, and to be gently woken by the babbling of seven springs feeding the moat.
Looking down on an early morning mist shimmering over the water-lilies on the moat is an unforgettable experience.
My in-laws live in Sutton Coldfield so I’ll have to ask if they know about this place. I’ve always exploring old castles but I’m yet to actually stay in one. I think the next time we visit them I’d be tempted to stay here instead of with them in their house, but they’d probably want to come too. The grounds look superb, and the patio area is excellent if you have some nice weather to sit outside and enjoy a drink. I’ll never say no to a dip in a pool or a massage either. In fact, hubby can see his folks and I’ll just stay in the hotel spa the whole time, that seems fair. Sounds like a lovely place so I’ll keep this one in mind as I’m sure it won’t be long before we can get back to seeing the rest of the family.
An astounding combination of Olde Worlde history and modern comfort. Sometimes in this sort of hotel they over do the antiquity theme and it can all become cluttered and dark. From what I can see from these pictures it looks as if they’ve nicely balanced old and new. It is amazing to think that you can stay in a place where Henry Vlll slept.
After shelling out on extensions and improvements New Hall were lucky that they got their visit from royalty. There was many a wannabe aristo who bankrupted himself decorating his home, in the hope of ingratiating himself with royalty, only to discover that the king or queen changed their plans.
I think Henry’s wife, future wife or whoever went with him to New Hall would probably have needed more than a shoulder massage and a facial to relax her. As those Hilary Mantel stories have told us they were brutal times and there weren’t many people around who you could trust. I doubt that a swim would have relaxed me if I’d been travelling with that King.
It is not too much to ask to feel and live like a royalty even for just a night, right? I just love how they preserved the beauty of this moated house. If I will ever have the chance to stay here, I will definitely feel that I am taken centuries back. Look just how lovely the New Hall is. Henry VII for sure had the best stay in New Hall, if the rumours are true. There’s so much history there.
I think Henry’s wife, future wife or whoever went with him to New Hall would probably have needed more than a shoulder massage and a facial to relax her
The hotel is amazing, it looks like a movie set from the middle ages and the time of kings and queens. I bet you can really feel the vibe of the old days when you stay here for a couple of days or so. The area also looks peaceful and calm, surrounded by nature. I also love the theme of the place, the rooms aren’t much modern and it blends in with the castle theme. The cost per night is also value for money as you would be able to enjoy prime amenities and services, and it’s also interesting to know that some of the old designs back when the place was build are still there. I would love to stay in something as grand and old-worldly as this.
The hotel is amazing, it looks like a film set from the Middle Ages and the time of kings and queens.