Rockliffe, the 5-star resort in County Durham long known as Rockliffe Hall, reopened in September 2026 following a multi-million-pound renovation. Set within 367 acres along the River Tees, the estate now features 43 rooms and suites alongside six dining addresses by James and Maria Close, including ATLAS, a 36-seat restaurant housed within a brand-new pavilion.
- 📍 Where · Hurworth-on-Tees, near Darlington, County Durham (England).
- 🗓️ When · full reopening in September 2026.
- 🛏️ Capacity · 43 rooms and suites, from £550 per night, up to £1,200 for suites.
- 🍽️ Dining · six concepts by James and Maria Close, including ATLAS (tasting menu from £190).
- ⛳ On the estate · 18-hole championship golf course, 4,650 m² spa and 20m indoor swimming pool.
A Grade II listed Old Hall, reimagined from within
At the heart of the estate is the Old Hall, a Grade II listed building with origins dating back to 1774, rebuilt in the 19th century by architect Alfred Waterhouse. The works left the exterior untouched while entirely rethinking the interior, featuring redesigned suites on the upper floors alongside a bar, lounge and terrace that now flow seamlessly into one another.
Designed by GT3 Interiors, the suite interiors draw inspiration from the industrial heritage of the North East of England, incorporating wool, linen, sandstone and subtle nods to Tees Valley steel. Each suite bears a name, from Brackenvale to Emberfield. The resort now offers a total of 43 rooms and suites.
Six dining concepts by James and Maria Close
James Close, former chef-patron of The Raby Hunt, the North East of England’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant, has led the estate’s culinary direction since 2024. Alongside his wife Maria, he oversees six concepts, ranging from fine dining to the golf clubhouse sports bar.
| Address | Concept |
|---|---|
| ATLAS James & Maria Close | Tasting menu, 36 covers, 6-seat chef’s table |
| Rialto | All-day Italo-American cuisine in the former orangery |
| Ro | Japanese-inspired cocktail bar, whiskies and sakes |
| The Morning Room | Afternoon tea |
| Café TERRA | Café and bakery |
| The Clubhouse | Sports bar overlooking the golf course |
ATLAS occupies a contemporary 584 m² pavilion within the grounds, featuring three open kitchen counters. The singular tasting menu is priced at £190 for lunch and £225 for dinner, ranging from £250 to £300 at the chef’s table. The restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, with Sunday lunch launching in December.
A 4,650 m² spa and a 7,879-yard golf course
The spa remains one of the largest in the UK, spanning 4,650 m² with eleven treatment rooms, a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a six-stage thermal bathing journey and an infinity pool within the Spa Garden. Designed by Hawtree, the 18-hole championship golf course measures 7,879 yards from the back tees, making it one of the longest in Europe, complete with an island green on the 5th hole.
The resort is located 5 minutes from Darlington railway station, itself 2 hours 30 minutes from London King’s Cross by train, and 10 minutes from Teesside International Airport.
- 📍 Address · Rockliffe, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2DU, United Kingdom
- 🏅 Classification · 5 stars, 43 rooms and suites
- 💶 Rates · from £550 per night including breakfast
- 🍽️ ATLAS · tasting menu £190 (lunch) and £225 (dinner)
- 🔗 Official website · rockliffe.co.uk
