Hotel with stunning scenery on doorstep

Yorkshire has hills that look like they’ve been photoshopped into existence, and somewhere among them sits The Burgoyne Hotel, formerly Hill House. Promising a weekend of luxury and gourmet indulgence, I admit I was sceptical. With a toddler in tow, my weekends usually involve negotiating snack wars and the exact angle of the booster seat en route to the gym. Yet, somehow, The Burgoyne managed to make a family escape feel not only possible but… really enjoyable.

A gourmet dinner 

A toddler at a fine-dining table is usually a recipe for disaster or cold fish fingers. But The Burgoyne gets it. Before we even arrived, Steven and his team checked in about Cyrus’s food preferences. A personalised menu awaited him, turning what could have been a test of patience into a brilliant experience. Watching him tuck into a perfectly portioned mini rump steak while I savoured my own felt like we were actually winning for once.

The Muker Room: amazing views

Our top-floor Muker room had a view so perfect I almost forgave the 6:30am wake-up calls. Crisp sheets, Noble Isle toiletries, and fluffy robes that didn’t make me feel like I was pretending to be posh elevated our weekend from “just another hotel stay” to “blissfully luxurious.” A few quiet moments gazing at rolling hills, coffee in hand, reminded me that midlife indulgence is not a crime, it’s survival.

Thoughtful treats for tiny humans (and adults)

The Burgoyne doesn’t just acknowledge that toddlers exist, they plan around it. Games, treats, and yes, a small adult indulgence or two, meant we could actually relax without constant negotiation. Whoever decided to put a few board books and biscuits in the room deserves a medal.

Food that actually makes you forget parenting

The 1783 Bar and Restaurant is where locally-sourced ingredients meet creativity without being intimidating. The chef, seasoned in AA rosette kitchens, presented dishes that made me momentarily forget I had to keep one eye on a four-year-old. Seasonal soups, rump steak cooked exactly as ordered, and sticky toffee pudding to die for. Even Little C felt like a VIP with his own menu. Dining here isn’t just a meal; it’s a rare, beautiful, grown-up experience.

Sleep, sweet sleep

After dinner, the hotel rewarded us with the midlife equivalent of a spa miracle: silence. Crisp sheets, hot bath bubbles, and no chores. Morning coffee in bed and a buffet breakfast (berry smoothie for the little one, full English for us) made us briefly forget about the pile of washing awaiting at home.

Rolling hills and fresh air

While the temptation to linger in the hotel’s cocoon of calm was strong, we ventured outside. Rolling hills, fresh air, and the sheer happiness of not having to rush anywhere reminded me that family escapes are as much about little moments as gourmet indulgence.

The verdict

The Burgoyne Hotel is proof that a family-friendly hotel doesn’t need to feel like a compromise. It offers calm, culinary adventure, and surprisingly, sanity. A post-pandemic escape that makes you feel human again without guilt.

• Star Rating: ★★★★☆
• Gourmet dining: ★★★★★
• Family-friendly: ★★★★☆
• Rooms and comfort: ★★★★☆
• Overall experience: ★★★★☆

“Our weekend at The Burgoyne was more than a stay; it was a rare, restorative pause in midlife. Toddler tantrums aside, it’s the kind of place that makes you consider booking another escape, this time without any guilt, just coffee, cake, and quiet moments stolen between adventures.”