You know what they say… as one door closes in life, another often opens… And I must add – the one that recently opened for me was an unexpectedly exquisite one. You see, it’s been just over a year now since I upped sticks and left London and its trappings behind. Swapping big city life for a much quieter existence in Cheshire (and going back to my Northern roots)  was by no means an easy decision, but it is fast becoming one of the best I’ve ever made. Particularly, when it comes to exploring the beauty and wonder of the English countryside and National Parks that are a stone’s throw (read as: a couple of hours drive) away, down the M6.

For the last 3-years I’ve been pretty focused on my social media & influencer marketing consultancy and client work. Which means that I haven’t been as active when it comes to pursuing my Lucie Loves lifestyle blogging – give or take the odd press trip and other exciting opportunities here and there.

So when I received the invitation to review a Press Stay at Netherby Hall, I couldn’t have wished for better timing. I was ready to dust off the cobwebs and mark the end of one chapter and the opening of another. Accepting the kind offer of Netherby Hall’s owners, Gerald and Margo, I was completely unprepared for just how welcome the wonderful people and team behind this outstanding Grade II* country mansion house at Longtown in North Cumbria (not far from Carlisle) would make us feel.

I always think, the sign of a truly remarkable and memorable stay or experience, is when you feel completely at home. And no, I do not come from money or wealth – at least not in the ancestral journey I’ve been able to uncover to date… What I’m talking about is the gift of exemplary customer service and hospitality. When you feel both looked after, indulged, relaxed and entertained. That’s what five-star travel experiences are all about for me anyway.

Opening up Google Maps, I planned the route by car. Just 2-hours 20 minutes up M6 later and we would find ourselves passing through the gates and winding up the impressive driveway of Netherby Hall. Standing proud in 36 acres of gardens and grounds, amidst the leafy and green Cumbrian countryside, this impressive country estate is steeped in history from the Roman times to the modern day.

Situated north of the Lake District National Park, close to the English-Scottish Border and just 15 minutes drive from M6 at Carlisle, a super-memorable luxury staycation at Netherby Hall was about to unfold before us.

​Netherby Hall’s Summer Experiences

I had been invited to experience one of Netherby Hall's Summer Experiences, which take place on limited dates throughout the summer, and enable guests to create their own ​staycation choosing from activities such as a Ride and Dine carriage ride experience to the Michelin-starred Pentonbridge Inn; Private tours of the recently restored mansion with Gerald; Carriage rides through Netherby Hall’s gardens and grounds; Guided tours around the restored Walled Garden (which supplies the nearby Pentonbridge Inn); and tours of the working stables, with the opportunity to meet the Gelderlander and American Standardbred horses which pull the carriages.

​Netherby Hall’s Summer Experiences are available to book on selected dates this summer (July 21–23; August 30–31; September 28–30). Mini-breaks without the experiences are also available to book throughout the year.

Netherby Hall, as gorgeous as it is, is definitely in the special occasion / milestone birthday / romantic mini-break territory. *Big sigh* And so, it was with a heavy heart that I couldn’t bring someone special with me to share the experience. I’d imagined wistfully gazing into their eyes and sharing a kiss or three, as we were whisked along to our decadent eight-course evening meal, revelling in the grandeur and spectacle of our private horse-drawn carriage ride...

Sooo… Having explained to my mum that, sadly, on this occasion (mainly as she’s a fussy eater and so wouldn’t eat half of the Michelin Star tasting menu on offer), she wouldn’t be able to come with me this time. I do also have a bit of PTSD from when I took her with me on the 5-star luxury holiday to Crete and arrived at the resort only to feel like I’d stepped into someone else’s honeymoon… Haha! I have never felt more Divorced or Single than in that moment.

Anyway, wracking my brains for who might be free to join me at such short notice and not make me feel like an absolute spinster – I decided to call up one of my best mates, Heather. She said yes, obviously! Note: her train was from Birmingham to Warrington Bank Quay, where I collected her and drove together the rest of the way. However, we did note that her train would’ve carried on all the way up to Carlisle – which is pretty handy, especially for those of you who wouldn’t want to drive there, or are travelling from further afield.

Our one-night at Netherby Hall Summer Experience itinerary

Day 1

• Arrive at 2-4pm and check into The Engineer, our Luxury Self-catering Apartment

• Unpack and get ready for the evening

• Horse-Drawn Carriage ride to Pentonbridge Inn

• Enjoy an 8-Course Michelin Star Set Tasting Menu at Pentonbridge Inn

• Private Mercedes Mini Bus pick up from Pentonbridge Inn to Netherby Hall 

Day 2 

• Breakfast at Pentonbridge Inn

• Tour of the Walled Gardens with Head Gardener, Lorraine

• Tour of Netherby Hall Mansion House and the Peel Hall renovations with Gerald

• Tour of the Stables to meet the horses and visit the Carriage House with Gerald and Margo

• Check out 11:30am

About Netherby Hall

Netherby Hall was purchased by Gerald and Margo in 2014, and since then work has been underway to sensitively restore this historic country manor house and its gardens and grounds back to its former splendour. ​As part of the restoration project, the couple have created nine dog-friendly luxury self-catering apartments and cottages located in its restored courtyard and grounds, as well as reviving the Walled Garden, and bringing the original stable block back into working order. If you dive into the history of this stunning country estate, records show that Netherby Hall has been occupied for at least 2000 years! With links to the Romans, the Grahams of Netherby, a scandalous 19th century jewel robbery that made the headlines and much much more! 

Luxury Self-Catering Apartments and Cottages at Netherby Hall, North Cumbria

Netherby boasts an array of beautifully thought out accommodation options, from one bedroom luxury apartments like Clock Tower, Salutation, and Engineer (the one we stayed in) and a selection of two bedroom luxury apartments – The Sir Walter Scott, The Groom’s Quarters and The Independent.

Engineer apartment is super spacious and perfect for couples. There’s a kitchen area, TV and log burner and a huge roll top bath for those of us who love a good soak with our favourite book. The room has stunning views looking out over the grounds of Netherby Hall and is located just behind the Orangery, off the main building. It was a really comfortable stay and we immediately felt at home. Definitely recommend booking 2-3 nights to really relax and make the most of the accommodation, experiences on offer and to enjoy surrounding area.

They also have a number of tastefully decorated cottages dotted about the grounds – Coach House , Middle Lodge and Gardeners Cottage.

Prices start from £144 per night for a one bedroom apartment, and £157 per night for a two bedroom apartment. Prices subject to change based on seasonal dates & availability.

Prices for the Netherby Hall Summer Experiences start from £150 per night.

Hurry up, Cinders – your carriage awaits…

Looking for pure escapism? A little historic roleplay perhaps? Want to feel like an absolute Queen – or King? Look no further! Step back in time as you climb aboard your very own private horse-drawn carriage ride and head off in pursuit of your very own culinary adventure. Sit back and relax as the lush country views blur beside you, cattle dart across farmers’ fields, and friendly locals wave as you rumble by. Watch in wonder as the North Cumbrian countryside unfolds. Feel the wind in your hair as majestic Carriage horses, Ben and Splash, deliver you in comfort and style to Pentonbridge Inn - a Michelin-Starred, 3 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant-with-rooms on the border between England and Scotland.

Pentonbridge Inn, Michelin Star Restaurant – 8-course set tasting menu fine dining experience

Q. How many Country Estates can you name that have a Michelin Star restaurant down the road which is run by the same owners?

Pentonbridge Inn is a culinary crowning glory, which deservedly was awarded its very first Michelin Star in March 2023. From the moment you enter, the team makes you feel extremely welcome. Front of house is delivered with charm by the delightful young Ross, and superb Sommelier Robert. Whilst Pentonbridge Inn Michelin Star Head Chef Christopher Archer and Sous Chef Arran Seymour whip up a storm in the kitchen, which has an open pass view to the dining room of the restaurant.

The once Coaching Inn now Michelin Star restaurant, Pentonbridge Inn, has a homely yet elegant feel. Its interior are stylish, well-lit and spacious enough that you enjoy the privacy of intimate conversation with friends, family and loved ones, without feeling too crowded. It boasts a soaring modern yet sympathetic architect-designed glass-encased reception area, and a dining room hugged by rustic stone walls and filled with perfect volume background music – the sort of playlist that keeps making you stop and go “I LOVE THIS SONG!” mid-mouthful. Yep, they’ve got taste these cool kids! It is the epitome of oxymoron. At once, extravagant on the palate yet unpretentious in the delivery. I would eat here again and again and again! Great value for money, in terms of Michelin Star tasting menu pricing and locally produced seasonal ingredients – and a stunning wine pairing offering to boot!

What we ate at Pentonbridge Inn…

8-course Tasting Menu 

£115 per person

Wine Flight £75 

Canapés

Ambriel, Classic Cuvee Brut, West Sussex, England 

Cheddar, Onion, Ale

North Sea Mackerel

Piccalilli, Lemon

Furmint, Oremus, Tokaji, Hungary, 2019

St Ewes Egg Yolk Ravioli

Beurre Noisette, Black Truffle *£18 Supplement

Grüner Veltliner, Zöbinger Kogelberg, Kamptal, 2021

*£8.50 supplement

Wild Scottish Turbot

Langoustine, Bouillabaisse Sauce

Fiano, Jade & Jasper, Adelaide Hills, Australia 2020

Cumbrian Shorthorn

Sweetbread, Peas, Wild Garlic “Jusgras”

S38, Cabernet Sauvignon, Los Lingues, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2020

British Isles Cheese Plate

*£20 Supplement

Lemon, Thai Basil, Meringue

“Mille-Feuille”

Garden Strawberries, Elderflower Honey Cream

Sweetheart, Sauvignon Blanc, Oliver Zeter, pfalz, Germany, 2022

Petit Fours

~

Each course is made up of a selection of creatively-composed ingredients from a fantastic range of suppliers and the best hand-picked produce grown in their very own walled garden at Netherby Hall. We enjoyed every single mouthful! And can see why famous food critics like The Guardian’s Grace Dent are raving about this place too!

If you’re looking for something a little bit different to celebrate a special occasion, fancy a country estate rural break or want to mark an upcoming milestone in style, then do take a look at what Netherby Hall has to offer.

They also host a series of big turn-out events such as the upcoming Classic car show on August 5 and 6 which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Hall also stages a series of classical music concerts from September through to Spring. Keep your eyes peeled to their social media for more updates and take a peek at their website for more upcoming events at Netherby Hall.

P.s. It’s always a good time to visit The Lake District. Why not make a bit of a multi-stop trip of it? Go by car and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Even on a grey day, Cumbria is a breathtaking place to visit.

Follow @NetherbyHall and @PentonbridgeInn on Instagram

Disclaimer: Complimentary Press Stay for review purposes. Thank you to everyone at Netherby Hall and Pentonbridge Inn for giving us such fantastic treatment. It was an absolute joy to meet you all!