meetingsclub

Rockliffe Hall Hotel – County Durham

NOVEMBER 2018

Rockcliffe Hall - Spa

Location

10 minutes from the A1M.  Fast trains from London to Darlington in 2 hours 20 minutes.  Durham Tees Valley Airport just 10-minute transfer has 3 flights a day to Amsterdam connecting with worldwide international flights.

What's on offer

Mischmasch – truly unique meeting and event space in six Curious Cabins – not just for children! Ten high quality meeting rooms for between 2-250 delegates.  Sixty-one luxury bedrooms, plus onsite apartments & houses for long and short stay guests alike.  One of the largest Spa complexes in the UK, right next door to the longest golf course in England – perfect for incentive packages.  3 great estate to plate dining options.  All this within a fantastic AA Five Red Star Resort Hotel set in 350 acres of beautiful countryside.  

Why Book?

Superb un-stuffy service levels from the concierge to the General Manager – your top guests, Board Members or need to impress clients won’t be disappointed.  North-east friendliness and genuine warmth as soon as you enter the front doorInnovative meeting space Mischmasch will bring out the child in you whilst traditional meeting areas offer a discreet and secure escape for business executives.  Fine dining at its best, bright and breezy in the brasserie or go informal in the Clubhouse, three difficult choices.  Team Building opportunities abound, tailored to your needs and in-keeping with nature all around.  All this a stonesthrow from the home of the creator of Alice and Wonderland – you’d be mad as a hatter not to go!

STARTER FOR 10:

Impressive. Surprising. Fun. Friendly. Just a few words to describe what is truly an amazing Resort.

And ifyou’re looking for a venue where quality and high service levels are an absolute must for your next event, Rockliffe Hall has really got to be top of your shortlist.

It’s a long way from being a hotch potch of outbuildings covered in ivy, the site of a former derelict hospital. Fast forward nine short years and this brainchild of local businessman and Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson is now a top resort destination where the Old House and modern extension seamlessly blend, combing the best in contemporary and traditional design.

Rockliffe has won countless awards and accolades and it’s easy to see why.
Set on the meandering banks of the River Tees, close to the beautiful North Yorkshire/County Durham border this is as good as gets, anywhere in the UK! One of just a handful of AA five red star resort hotels in the country, Rockliffe is at the top of its game should you be looking for a senior management getaway, incentive weekend or even an international Board meeting.
Offering 5-star sophistication without the stuffiness, the friendliness of the north-eastern staff shines through. In fact, you get the feeling if you wanted to relax and read a book with your feet up on the comfy sofas that would be absolutely fine!

If food is a big thing on your checklist of must haves, then you could have a problem – too much choice. Fine dining in the Orangery, a light bite in the Brasserie or good old fashioned comfort food down at the Clubhouse. But you can always lose a few pounds by making the short journey to Rockliffe’s Spa and high-tech gymnasium where delegates can embark “on a wellness journey though thermal suites, hydro pools and glorious gardens…” Or if you really want to get into the swing of things, head over to the golf course one of the finest in the north and home to the European Tour English Senior Open.

All this and great communication links as well. Rockliffe has a lot of things going for it.

“curiouser and curiouser”- read on

“You’re entirely bonkers.  But I’ll tell you a secret, all the best people are.”  Alice (in Wonderland)

Rockliffe Hall - Alice in Wonderland Poster

WHY SO SPECIAL?

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY, YOU’RE IN FOR A BIG SURPRISE! 

We love the unexpected, particularly when it comes to innovative meeting space.  And if you venture in to the whimsical woodland, you’ll soon discover six Curious Cabins called Mischmasch! German for a ‘disorderly mixture of things’, Mischmasch was designed, themed and built for younger guests.  But the smart Rockliffe management team have been quick to realise that there’s a creative child in every high-flying business executive.   

 Inspired by the children’s author Lewis Carroll (who grew up in the nearby village of Croft) this creative ‘play area’ has quickly established itself as a unique, quirky meeting and event space.  It’s only just opened but has already proved a massive hit with conference organisers because it’s so different to the norm.  

 The beautifully constructed, timber framed ‘artic pods’ are a brilliant place to get creative juices flowing.  Each cabin accommodates between 6 & 8 people, plasma screens are available together with all important Wi-Fi, power and heating.  Images of the Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland and The White Rabbit are everywhere with natural light streaming through the windows. 

It’s easy to move the funky furniture around to create a blank canvass space or private dining area whilst watching the squirrels and rabbits play outside.  Or if you want a further change of scene, take the trail through the wildflower meadow and water wonderland and discover the Glasshouse.  Designed to ensure maximum light at any time of the year, this grand Victorian styled greenhouse overlooks the walled kitchen garden and is an ideal location for product launches, corporate events, weddings and special celebrations.

Rockliffe Hall - Glasshouse
Rockcliffe Hall - Mischmasch outside
Rockcliffe Hall - Mischmasch break out room
Rockcliffe Hall - Mischmasch break out room casual seating
Rockliffe Hall - Inside Mischmash
Rockliffe Hall - Mischmasch Jabberwocky

MEET IN STYLE 

If more traditional meeting rooms are more your thing, Rockliffe delivers here as well.  In terms of group size 25-50 is the ideal number simply because of the size of the majority of meeting spaces and bedrooms available.   

The Sycamore, complete with oval board table is a discreet room away from prying eyes, ideal for interviews when combined with the adjacent Archers Room. For really secret squirrels, the Sequoi fits the bill with no natural light traded by many for short private meetings. And in these days where space outside the main meeting room is considered just as important as the space inside, the Drawing and Morning Rooms with high vaulted ceiling and dual aspects, make great break out areas or two very special private dining rooms.   

It’s also possible to have exclusive use of the traditional Old Hall or indeed the whole resort (excluding Spa) and for larger events and awards dinners, the excellent Rockliffe Suite not only has separate entry points but also a comprehensive inhouse AV package which will save production budgets.  And as the sun goes down, a few sundowners may well be in order particularly as most of Rockliffe’s meeting rooms have outdoor terraces with amazing views.

Rockliffe Hall - Campernella meeting room
Rockliffe Hall - Sycamore Room
Rockliffe Hall - Sequoia meeting room
Rockliffe Hall - Rockliffe Suite natural light

JOURNEY OF THE DISH 

Foodies will most certainly be in heaven after a visit to any of Rockliffe’s restaurants where Estate to Plate is king.  The walled kitchen gardens produce the finest of veg for each of the three Exec chefs ensuring seasonal ingredients are available all year round.  Meat and game doesn’t travel far with the farms of both the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors nearby.  And Whitby’s finest fresh fish and crabs are caught only an hour down the road. 

Executive Chef Richard Allen is justifiably proud to have to been awarded 4AA Rosettes for culinary excellence in the Orangery.  His unique tasting menu concept is a real winner and a special night is guaranteed with in-house mixologists creating your own special cocktail beforehand.  If your delegates are looking for more of informal dining experience then they need look no further than the “bright and buzzy brassiere”, with spectacular views over the golf course.  Last but certainly not least is the Clubhouse.  A real oasis for comfort eaters, this gastro-pub on the edge of the golf course serves some great British classics with a steak and kidney pie to die for. 

Clearly there’s too much choice and with it only one solution.  Stay for a minimum of three nights and try them all!

Rockliffe Hall - Fine dining
Rockliffe Hall - Fine dining experience

AND RELAX…. 

50,000 square feet of luxurious spa.  That’s big!  But it’s also the best in the North of England according to the Good Spa Guide ‘5 Bubble Spa’ rating.  Delegate, partner, weekend or day visitors are taken on a spa journey experiences which according to the brochure “enhances circulation, boosts the immune system and leaves you feeling healthier and re-vitalised.”  We simply say that the infinity pool views are amazing and a trip to the new spa garden worth every penny as Rockliffe cleverly blends the indoors with the outdoors to make you at one with nature.

Rockliffe Hall - Hydo Pool

GOOD TO KNOW!

HIRE MEETING ROOMS FOR AN HOUR OR TWO:  With industry trends showing a dramatic increase in demand for meetings of one or two hours, it’s good to know that Rockliffe Hall are more than happy to fulfil these corporate booking requests. 

AUTOMOTIVE HEAVEN:  There are not many locations in the country where in the space of just half an hour you can be driving in an urban environment on a motorway or along a moorland country road.  Little wonder that Rockcliffe Resort regularly plays home to new car launches and industry special events.  And they’ve three dedicated electric charging points. 

HOME FROM HOME.  In addition to the 61 bedrooms, don’t forget that Rockliffe has access on the estate to self-catering apartments and three/four bedded roomed houses.  A true home from home, these facilities are great for families, long stay guests or production crew there to support a major event.  Eat in or eat on Resort.  The choice is yours. 

BE A BORO BOY FOR A DAY.  Steve Gibson the mastermind behind Rockliffe Hall is also the long standing and highly respected Chairman of Championship football side Middlesbrough FC.  And as you drive down the leafy avenue towards the hotel, you can’t fail to see the magnificent Boro training facilities.  Manicured lawns and modern indoor pitches rival anything in the Premiership and are available to hire from mid-May until the end of July.  Any sporting groups out there can’t fail to be impressed.  #UTB 

FOURRRRRR X 2000 = 8000 YARDS – WELL NEARLY.  Hailed as one of the most challenging championship golf courses in Europe, the 7,879-yard 18-hole course designed by Hawtree will test even the best golfer.

Rockliffe Hall - Golf Course

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as  

six impossible things before breakfast.”  The Queen

BEAR IN MIND…

  • The old part of Rockliffe Hall is a listed building and does not have many electrical wall sockets.  So, if you were thinking of holding a training course or event which requires a lot of laptop power you may wish to consider a more purpose-built venue.  That said projectors, screens and plasmas are readily available. 
  • You might think that this is a large resort and indeed the golf, spa and outdoor facilities are world class.  But don’t forget that there are only 61 bedrooms plus a few apartments and onsite houses available to hire.  No problem if your group will “twin up” but something to take into consideration if they won’t. 

“Curiouser and curiouser.” Cried Alice

ANYTHING ELSE?

  • All rooms are very well appointed and will in early 2019 be undergoing a soft refurbishment programme to create even more individual rooms for guests. 
  • Looking for outside inspiration away from the resort?  No problem.  The Rockliffe team can assist with local visits to places such as the Black Sheep Brewery in nearby Masham or the Wensleydale Creamery where you might see Wallis and Gromit if you’re lucky.  
  • The spa not energetic enough for you?  Well check out the state-of-the-art fitness suite which is about to have even more equipment installed making it a UK showpiece venue for Technogym equipment. 
  • It rarely rains in the north!  True as Rockliffe is on the leeward side of the Pennines.  Plenty of opportunity then to eat alfresco enjoying Fire Pit dining and good old Summer BBQs. 
  • Take time out from your busy schedule to enjoy the beautiful Rockliffe Estate. Explore the Lewis Carol Wildlife Trails through enchanting countryside.  See if you can spot over 90 species of birds which live here together with an abundance of butterflies, bats, dragon flies not to mention otters and owls.  
  • Much to do about a lot.  Still bored? Then learn to fly fish, take part in Nordic Walking treks at the centre of excellence, or start ticking off the A-Z of trees – can you recognise all 26?  

“The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” White Rabbit

Rockliffe Hall - Alice in Wonderland Poster It's always

IT’S A WRAP – SERVICE IS THE SECRET

You’ll have gathered that Rockliffe Hall offers a lot.  But two things stand out to us.  Service and the friendliness of the Rockliffe Hall team. 

Service you’d expect to be good.  It is a five red star hotel after all.   It is great however to see every guest being treated as an individual by all staff who never forget your name 

But the biggest shout out goes to every single member of staff from the room attendants to the General Manager.  ALL were amazingly friendly showing great love of the north east and clearly pride and passion for the place they work in.  True northern hospitality. 

Go and see for yourself.   

“Begin at the beginning and go on until you come to 

 the end; then stop.”  The King