Admit it, this is a view to die for.  Better yet this beautiful gem of a location is in the UK, yes really! 

After stopping over in York the night before, we headed northwards Scarborough to stay at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel, a luxury hotel situated in the Yorkshire Moors.

We were treated to the most stunning 360 degree views of the Yorkshire Moors, a place neither Alfie and I had ever visited before.  It felt like we had found a little spot of paradise in the English countryside.  An expanse of rolling fields and greenery, seemingly untouched by industry and far removed from city life. 

 These long winding country lanes and beautiful scenery were perfect for Alfie’s car:

It definitely looked the part here and Alfie had fun giving it some exercise around the Yorkshire Moors.  

Once we had arrived at the hotel we were greeted by the lovely Lindsey who made us a pot of Yorkshire tea, which was much welcomed after our journey from York.  Then we were shown to our room in the new part of the hotel that has only been open for about a year.  Admittedly, we wasn’t sure what to expect from the rooms as we hadn’t checked previously online, but we were very impressed with our suite.  With most luxury hotels I find that they can be overdone and pretentious, however Ox Pasture Hall Hotel have completely shunned the norm and have gone for a more home from home ideal where the rooms are concerned.  They are very apt for the surroundings, relaxed with lots of home comforts included.  

 Here we both are all dressed up for dinner!

For our first meal in the Yorkshire Moors we had made reservations at the 2 rosette hotel restaurant called the Courtyard Restaurant, which again was decorated in a lovely simple fashion, creating a relaxed atmosphere.  The dining room is arranged so that you are ensured that you get to view the gorgeous surroundings – either the Yorkshire Moors on the doorstep or the hotel court-yard. 

The food was presented beautifully in fine dining fashion and tasted just as good as it looked.  We started the meal with a chicken roulade before getting stuck in to the main meal:

 I really enjoyed everything that I picked from the menu to create super delicious meal:

Pan-fried mackerel//Oven roasted cod//Assiette of lemon

Alfie chose something entirely different from me which was great as it meant that we got to enjoy each others food.  Yep, we are one of those annoying married couples that like to try each others food. =) 

Ham, eggs and peas//Slow cooked pork belly//Caribbean cocktail

The main meal was precluded by an amuse bouche called ‘Essence of Mushroom’ – a dish designed to celebrate the humble mushroom, serving as a palate cleanser: 

 I love mushrooms, but even Alfie who isn’t their biggest fan really enjoyed this homage to mushrooms. 

Breakfast the Yorkshire way!

A full English breakfast was on the cards the next morning served with a side of white or wholemeal toast.  Also on offer were freshly made croissants, fresh fruit, cereals and yoghurt. Alfie had the English breakfast on both mornings of our stay, but I opted for a cheese and tomato omelet on the second day, yum!

One of our favourite parts of the trip was the hotels afternoon tea enjoyed on the terrace in the evening sunshine.  Every item served tasted delicious, although neither of us were fans of the strawberry crème brulee, but that is just down to personal taste.  We ate this after driving and walking around the nearby towns, so it served as dinner for us. Obviously, we were suitably stuffed and our bellies were happy afterwards.  This is definitely the life!

During our stay there were two weddings at the hotel, notably they both made use of the beautiful grounds which have been designed upon a Caribbean/African summer theme with the West African huts, one of which you can get married under.  The bride can use the lovely walk under the tunnel of pergolas as her aisle which leads to the ceremonial hut. Despite the weddings neither of them intruded on our stay as the reception is segregated in a separate building, which is essentially a blank canvas where the couples can let their creative juices flow to design their special day. 

Although it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere in virtual seclusion the city centre was easily accessible, just  a 10 minute drive away.  Over the two days we walked a lot, visiting the Scarborough sea front and shops, Whitby Bay, Thornton le Dale and Pickering. Wandering around the market towns and villages eating fish and chips and ice cream and taking in the sights was lovely. 

Considering that we had never visited this corner of the UK before, we honestly had the best time and agreed that we would absolutely visit again in the future and would happily stay at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel – a hotel just like home, but with the niceties of being away!

Ox Pasture Hall Hotel can be found on Facebook and Twitter. 

Have you stayed in North Yorkshire before?  Do you enjoy staying in countryside hotels?

*Our two night hotel stay was courtesy of Ox Pasture Hall Hotel and we would like to thank the lovely Lindsey for her wonderful hospitality.  All opinions are my own.