Swinton Park
After several days of touring Edinburgh and St. Andrews, it was time to wave goodbye to Scotland and head back south. We decided to break up the journey back to London with a stop over at Swinton Park - a beautiful old castle near Ripon that was refurbished and opened as a hotel about ten years ago.
My mom's friend Lynne had visited Swinton Park recently with her husband and recommended it to my mom when she learned of her impromptu trip. When my mom sent me the link, I (being an admitted Downton Abbey fan) was giddy and practically insisted that we work it in to our adventure - and I am so glad that we did!
A spot of tea before we went exploring
Croquet anyone?
After a bit of exploring, it was time for dinner. Swinton Park is a bit of a foodie's paradise, priding themselves on their fine dining restaurant Samuels. Before being seated in the dining room, we enjoyed canapes and a bit of bubbly in the drawing room.
Pre-dinner bubbly in the Drawing Room
Both our dinner and breakfast the next morning were delicious. For our dinners, mom enjoyed a smoked trout starter, guinea fowl and a dessert of poached pears and praline. I was delighted with my rabbit rillettes starter, fresh halibut entree and a wonderful white chocolate mousse with salted caramel ice cream. We both somehow found room the next morning for some of the very best eggs benedict I've ever tasted.
After breakfast, we explored the beautiful walled garden and the aviary, where they keep a number of falcons and owls (separately of course!) and continued to explore the grounds and house on a beautiful day.
The beautiful walled garden, where they grow lovely flowers as well as much of the produce used on site
There was a bit of news happening in London while we were away
Swinton Park is simply lovely. The house, the rooms, the grounds and the food were all wonderful. I am only sorry we were not there a bit longer to take advantage of the activities they offer, especially their cookery school! Perhaps another visit will be in my future...