The Courses - Swinton Park

Swinton Park 

HOTEL, RESTAURANT, SPA & COOKERY SCHOOL 

PACKAGES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS 2013/14

Welcome to our 2013/14 Programme of Events, Activities and Accommodation Packages 

Spring had a late start this year but at last the flowers are blooming, the 

asparagus is coming up and the weather is getting warmer. However, life 

behind the scenes is as busy as ever. Here are our latest developments: 

• A Canadian cedar hot tub has been installed in the exclusive use spa, to 

give you the latest in relaxation experiences. This is just the first stage in 

the ongoing improvement in spa facilities we have planned, of which we 

will have more to tell you as the year progresses. 

• Simon Crannage continues to receive wide acclaim for his Modern British 

cuisine, with his asparagus recipes featuring in The Times during May. 

Simon has also been working hard developing some new menus including 

a Garden Tasting menu of vegetarian dishes as an alternative to our 

Signature Tasting menu, a Day Spa menu and a coeliac Full Afternoon Tea 

menu for gluten free guests. 

• To suit families staying at Swinton Park, we will be opening the 

private dining room most nights during school holidays as a family 

dining room, enabling parents to eat with younger children in a more 

informal environment. 

• Last but not least, Sophie has added 

‘Shakiri’ a one-year old female Russian 

Steppe Eagle, to her flock at the Birds of 

Prey centre. Shakiri has settled in well and 

is being trained by Sophie, ready for our 

new Eagle Experience. 

Left: Shakiri the Russian Steppe Eagle 

Top right: Felicity Cunliffe Lister and Head Chef 

Simon Crannage with the Swinton Park team and 

judges, winning the Taste of England Gold award 

from Visit England. 

We are delighted that our commitment to excellence continues to 

recognised by customers, the press and industry awards. In just the last 

five months we have won a TripAdvisor Travellers’ 

Choice award, having been voted by reviewers 

as one of the Top 10 hotels in the UK, and most 

recently Samuel’s Restaurant won the Gold Award 

in the Taste of England category at the Visit England 

awards. We also received a fabulous review from Travel Editor Fiona Duncan 

in The Sunday Times during May, while Stephen Bulmer’s cookery courses 

were praised by Editor Guy Woodward in the June issue of Food and Travel 

magazine. We hope this all tempts you to come and enjoy a stay with us at 

Swinton Park soon. 

With kind regards 

Mark and Felicity Cunliffe-Lister

Bedroom Tariff 

All rooms are on the first or second floor, with 

double or twin accommodation, and are equipped 

with direct telephone and modem points, CD 

player, flat screen TVs, trouser press, drinks tray 

and coffee/tea facilities. There is complimentary 

WiFi access throughout the hotel. 

A lift serves both floors and four of the bedrooms 

are equipped with additional grab rails. Additional 

equipment to enable mobility is available in all 

bedrooms. Most rooms are wheelchair accessible. 

Cots and Z Beds are available, at a charge of £35 

per night, including breakfast. Children under 8 

years are asked not to eat in the restaurant after 

7:00pm. There is a children’s menu available all day. 

Please note that the following rooms are in a ‘quiet 

zone’ in the hotel where bookings for children and 

dogs in bedrooms are not permitted: Beverley, 

Whitby, Headingley and Haworth. 

Guests are welcome to bring their dogs to stay 

in their rooms. There is a charge of £25 per dog 

per night, dog beds are provided. Guests are 

asked not to allow their dogs into the areas in 

the hotel where we serve food and not to leave 

them unattended in their rooms. 

There are five suites, including one set on three 

floors in the Turret, all with spacious sitting rooms 

and, apart from in the Harewood suite, sofa beds. 

Guests paying full rate in Suites and Dukes rooms 

enjoy a VIP gift. 

Room 

Category 

Suites 

Dukes 

Earls 

Barons 

Room 

Name 

Wensleydale Suite 

The Turret, York Suite 

Richmond Suite 

Semerwater Suite (Family Suite for up to 4 guests) 

Harewood Suite 

Bolton Castle, Bradford, Fountains Abbey, Harrogate, 

Middleham, Newby Hall, Thorp Perrow 

Aldborough, Beverley, Burton Agnes, Castle Howard, 

Haworth, Scarborough, Thirsk, 

Constable Burton, Harlow Carr, Headingley, Masham, 

Knaresborough, Pickering, Whitby 

The Family Suite, Semerwater, offers an Earl’s 

category room with adjoining twin/double with 

shower room. 

Dinner, bed and breakfast packages are available 

for one night stays on Sunday and Monday and 

two night stays for the rest of the week. Bed and 

Breakfast rates are not available for Friday and 

Saturday night bookings. 

The Long Weekender 

Bed & 

Breakfast 

£450 

£415 

£350 

£385 

£330 

Dinner 

Inclusive 

£520 

£485 

£420 

£545 

£400 

£310 £380 

£280 £350 

£240 £310 

Knights Bedale, Jervaulx, Ripon, Swaledale £195 £265 

Please note these rates are valid until 31st March 2014. 

For bookings for a Sunday or Monday night, 

special bed and breakfast rates are available at 

£165 per room per night or you may upgrade to a 

Dukes room or Suite at £199 per room per night. 

All rates are subject to availability, and are per room per 

night, including VAT. 

t: 01765 680900 | e: enquiries@swintonpark.com | w: www.swintonpark.com

Special Offers and Packages 

Midsummer Sojourn 

13th May-6th September 2013 

With all the activities that Swinton Park can 

provide, it’s hard to fit everything into just a 

few days. With this in mind, we’d like to offer 

guests booking three nights’ accommodation a 

complimentary fourth night. Now you’ll have 

plenty of time to golf, fish, cycle the Tour de 

France 2014 route or take in a cookery class – as 

well as strolling around the Parkland and visiting 

local places of interest. 

Friday and Saturday nights excluded. A minimum of one 

night’s dinner to be taken in Samuel’s restaurant. 

Winter Warmer 

26th November 2013-27th March 2014 

A winter break that will warm the cockles of your 

bank manager’s heart – enjoy a 20% discount off 

all standard rooms in the hotel, for all dinner, bed 

and breakfast bookings. Saturday nights included, 

but in some cases a minimum 2 night booking 

condition applies. 

Residents can also repair the ravages of winter 

during January and February, with a free 1 /2 hour 

treatment with every 1 hour spa treatment booked. 

Holiday Heaven 

Stay with us for three, four or five nights during 

any school half term or holiday and enjoy 

fantastic rates for accommodation, inclusive of 

dinner, bed and breakfast for adults and meals 

and accommodation for children. 

The private dining room will be laid up for family 

use most nights, allowing parents with younger 

children to enjoy a relaxed meal together. 

From £265.00 per room per night 

Saturday nights excluded, apart from Easter Saturday. Offer 

applies to a maximum of two children, up to 12 years old. 

Children may order from the bar and children’s menu, as an 

alternative to the restaurant menus. 

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Unless otherwise stated, all special offers and packages are subject to availability, apply to new bookings only 

and are based on double occupancy in standard rooms. Christmas, New Year & Valentines excluded

Special Offers and Packages 

Racing Breaks 

Swinton Park is conveniently situated close to 

York, Ripon and Thirsk, which are some of the 

best race courses in the country. The racing 

town of Middleham is only a few miles away, 

with training gallops on the breathtakingly 

beautiful Wensleydale moors. 

We offer a Racing Break Package which can be 

tailor made to suit your particular requirements. 

The usual format for a race day includes a 

morning trip to the local stables and exercise 

gallops at Middleham, a late morning brunch, 

entry to the races and transport. 

The standard package costs in the region of 

£95 per person, with an additional charge 

for accommodation costs. During the 2013 

season, guests staying at Swinton Park can 

enjoy a “Two for One” offer on tickets at 

Ripon Races. Advance booking required. 

Walking Breaks 

Take to the hills and enjoy the great outdoors 

exploring the Yorkshire Dales, safe in the 

knowledge that all the creature comforts await 

you at the end of the day. There are two walking 

packages available: 

The Swinton Estate Rambler 

Explore the 20,000 acre Swinton Estate, which 

stretches from the River Ure up onto the 

moorland Dales, with a selection of walking 

guides to choose from. The package also 

includes a rucksack picnic and, at the end of 

a hard day, an hour in the spa and a half hour 

walker’s massage each. 

Rates from £320 per room per night, 

including dinner. 

The Dales Explorer 

This package takes you across the Swinton 

Estate and into a neighbouring dale, to one 

of two excellent gastro pubs in the area, the 

Michelin starred Yorke Arms and the fabulous 

Blue Lion. The package includes a walking guide 

and free baggage delivery to your destination, 

please see our tariff page for B&B and DBB rates 

available. 

For those that would like to indulge a little 

we have hampers available, and also the use 

of the Bothy Hut on the moors with blazing 

fire and sweeping views of the countryside. 

Golf Breaks 

We can offer a range of golf breaks, with play at 

the scenic nine hole Masham Golf Course situated 

¼ mile from the hotel on the Swinton Estate. 

Hotel guests may play as many rounds of golf as 

they wish, subject to the club competition fixture 

list. Standard rates will apply for accommodation, 

or any available special offers. Further details 

about Masham Golf Course are on page 17. 

Green Fees for adults are £22 midweek and 

£27 at weekends 

If you would like to spend a little time improving 

your skills and technique, our golf club PGA 

Coach, Andy Marshall, is available to help you 

develop your swing, short play, or any aspect of 

your game you need to focus on. 

From £32.50 for a half hour lesson. 

Andy is also available for Golf Days and group 

events. Advance booking required. 


Spa Events & Packages 

Wellness Days 

A holistic approach to health combined with a 

day of relaxation and detox. The day offers you 

time out to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities 

and also the opportunity to review your lifestyle 

and diet. 

Guests will spend time in the spa with cedar hot 

tub, sauna and relaxation room, enjoy an hour’s 

detox massage and a 90 minute lifestyle and diet 

consultation with nutritionist, Kate Chaytor-Norris. 

The day includes a light two course lunch. 

£140 per person 

(based on bookings for two guests or more) 

or £180 per individual booking. 

Please note that when booking a place on a Wellness Day 

we will need to send you a nutrition questionnaire for you 

to complete and return BEFORE the event, to allow Kate 

time for in depth consideration in preparation for the 

consultation. 

Two-for-One Tuesdays 

Book a treatment on a Tuesday and you can 

receive a second treatment FREE! 

Please note both treatments must be selected from 

the following list and the free treatment will be the 

less expensive of the two: Jessica Manicures; Pedicures 

and File & Polish; Facials; Indian Head Massage; Wraps; 

Back; Neck & Shoulder Massage and Full Body Massage. 

Cannot be combined with Spa Day Experiences nor any 

other packages or offers. 

Pre-Christmas Pamper Afternoon 

Enjoy an afternoon’s pampering with friends, 

preparing for the pre-Christmas party season. This 

includes a selection of half-hour treatments for 

you all to enjoy in the spa, as well as relaxing in the 

cedar hot tub and sauna, plus a voucher for you 

to spend on products and a Festive Afternoon Tea 

with mulled wine in the Drawing Room afterwards. 

£60 per person. 

Fitness Day 

Get back in shape or take a fresh look at your 

fitness regime with a Fitness Day at Swinton Park. 

This includes a personal trainer session, a massage, 

one hour in the spa and a two course lunch. 

See page 17 for details. 

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Spa Heaven 

Enjoy one and two night spa packages at Swinton 

Park. One night packages include dinner, bed 

and breakfast and two hours of treatments (per 

room). Two night spa packages include dinner, bed 

and breakfast on both nights and three hours of 

treatments (per room). 

On offer we have a wide range of face, body, beauty 

and complementary therapy treatments, using the 

[ comfort zone ], Daniel Sandler and Jessica range 

of products. The exclusive use spa with cedar hot 

tub, sauna and relaxation area is available for prebooking 

by the hour. 

Rates are from £175 per person (one night) 

and from £327.50 per person (two nights) 

for a mid-range room, based on two people 

sharing. A 10% discount applies to all 

additional treatments booked. 

Pre-Dinner Makeover 

Take the stress out of getting ready for your 

evening in Samuel’s and have a Jessica luxury 

manicure* and Daniel Sandler 30 minute full 

make up application. 

90 minutes – £50. 

*£10 supplement for Jessica GELeration 

Please see our website for our full range of treatments and 

more packages and seasonal offers. 

Spa Events & Packages 

Total Relaxation 

One hour spa session, revitalising mini facial, full 

body La Stone massage, mud wrap and body tone 

and moisturise. 

3½ hours – £155. 

An Afternoon Indulgence 

Have an indulgent beauty, body or 

complementary therapy treatment for an hour, 

followed by a cream tea in the comfort of the 

Drawing Room, Terrace or Relaxation Lounge. 

(Monday – Friday bookings, and selected 

treatments only available). 


Hen Party Spa Time 

Spend some quality time with your closest 

friends at The Spa at Swinton Park, to relax, 

indulge and catch up on the all important 

gossip! We offer two types of spa experience – 

the Hen Half Day which includes the luxury of 

an individual treatment for each guest and lunch 

in the private dining room, and the Afternoon 

with the Girls with a traditional Full Afternoon 

Tea in the Drawing Room (or in the Terrace in 

the summer months) and mini-treatments for 

you all to enjoy together in the spa. 

Both packages include the use of the new cedar 

hot tub and sauna in the spa which would be 

booked for your exclusive use. Guests are also 

very welcome to enjoy a walk in the 200 acres 

of landscaped parkland with lakes, woodland and 

gardens to enjoy. 

From £60 per person. 


The Red Carpet Treatment 

Romance 

For someone who’s special – these packages 

can be included as part of any accommodation 

booking, for the ultimate indulgence for you or 

your loved one. 

Decadence£70 

VIP gift and Laurent Perrier champagne on ice, 

late check-out. 

Celebration£145 

Chocolates on arrival, champagne on ice, flowers 

and a back, neck and shoulder massage for one. 

Quality Time £175 

Massage for two, chocolates on arrival, 

champagne on ice and flowers in your room. 

Night Out £120 

Luxury manicure and pedicure, head neck and 

shoulder massage, facial cleanse, tone and 

moisturise and professional make-up. 

Total Transformation £155 

Spa session, revitalising mini facial, full body 

La Stone massage, mud wrap and body tone 

and moisturise. 

Valentine’s 2014 

12th-15th February 2014 

Book early and look forward to a romantic 

Valentine’s break to cheer you up after 

Christmas. Enjoy two night’s accommodation 

with dinner on both nights, featuring our Classic 

Menu on Friday night and a lavish, gourmet 

Valentine’s Menu on the Saturday night. The 

package also includes Laurent Perrier champagne 

and strawberries dipped in chocolate in your 

room on arrival, plus a Swinton Park romantic 

gift on your second night. 

From £275 per room, per night in Knights, 

Barons and Earls rooms. From £342.50 per 

room, per night in Dukes rooms and Suites 

A Night of Romance 

Spoil the one you love to with a special treat. 

Enjoy a night’s accommodation with a glass 

of pre-dinner Laurent Perrier champagne and 

Tasting Menu at Dinner, along with an hour’s 

exclusive use of the Spa. 

From £285 per room per night. 

Please see our website for details of our “Setting the 

Scene” proposal packages. 

The Food of Love – 

Valentine’s Chef’s Table 

14th & 15th February 2014 

For a gourmet Valentine’s treat with a difference, 

join Steve Bulmer around the Cookery School 

Demonstration table, seating up to 12 guests, 

and watch him cook a delicious celebration 

dinner in front of you. 

£60 per person, including a glass of bubbly 

Guests on a Valentine’s break may attend a Chef’s 

Table instead of dinner in Samuel’s on either Friday 

14th or Saturday 15th February, subject to availability. 

Reservations essential. 

Ytsara Ritual BathTray 

Pamper yourselves with a relaxing soak in the 

bath with an Asian ritual tray from Ytsara. Tray 

includes products for him and her, including 

Collagen Gel Eye Pads, Candle, Tropical Flowers, 

Body Wash, Bath Salts and Nourishing Cream, 

along with some chill-out tracks to set the scene. 

£30 per couple. 

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Foodie Events and Breaks 

Gourmet Weekends 

18th-19th October, 29th-30th November 2013 

7th-8th February, 14th-15th March 2014 

A celebration of wine and fine cuisine, gourmet 

weekends give our chefs the opportunity to flex 

their culinary muscles, showcasing the wonderful 

ingredients from the Estate with fantastic produce 

made by artisan producers in the region. Events 

during the weekend will include demonstrations 

by our talented chefs, talks by local producers, 

tastings with our sommelier and, of course, 

wonderful gourmet meals. Afternoon tea, dinner 

in Samuel’s on two nights (Classic menu on 

Friday and Signature Tasting menu on Saturday) 

and wine at dinner are included, together with 

accommodation and breakfast. 

From £695 per room for two nights, including 

a programme of demonstrations, talks 

and tastings. 

For details about our Chef’s Table and Pre-Dinner Wine 

Tasting with Canapé Demonstration, please see page 12 

of the Cookery School section. 

The Glorious Grouse Dinner 

Thursday 15th August 

Join us to 

celebrate the 

beginning of the 

Game Season, 

with grouse 

sourced from 

the moorland 

on Swinton 

Estate and 

seasonal produce 

(both wild and 

cultivated) from 

the parkland and 

walled garden. 

The black-tie 

evening starts 

with pre-dinner 

Champagne, and 

dinner is served 

with fine wine carefully selected to complement 

each dish, and introduced by wine merchant James 

Goodhart of Bon Coeur Fine Wines. 

Special B&B rate available from £140 available for 

attendees, subject to availability.’ 

£65 per person – including wine. 

Foodie Heaven 

Dine out in style with this overnight gourmet 

package. Enjoy a night’s accommodation with 

a cream tea on arrival, pre-dinner Champagne 

cocktail, Signature seven course Tasting Menu 

in Samuel’s Restaurant, an hour in our exclusive 

use spa, and a Chef’s Kitchen gourmet gift 

on departure. 

Rates start at £295 per night per room 

(for two guests). 


Foodie Events and Breaks 

Celebration Lunches 

16th July-16th August: Walled Garden 

20th August-4th October: Grouse 

29th Oct-29th Nov: Partridge & Pheasant 

For 2013, Simon Crannage continues with his 

three course lunch menus that champion the 

produce sourced from the hotel’s walled garden or 

from the Swinton Estate, and celebrate the arrival 

of the produce with each season. 

Guests receive a gift at the end of the lunch, 

either flowers from the garden or a foodie gift 

made using Swinton ingredients, and guests 

are welcome to take a stroll in the grounds and 

around the walled garden at their leisure. 

£25.95 per person, advance booking required 

(Sunday Lunch excluded). 

Wine Appreciation Lunches 

Selected Dates throughout 2013 

Our Wine Appreciation Lunches are hosted 

by our sommelier and offer a light hearted 

approach to the world of wine, exploring the 

topical issues of the day, followed by a tasting of 

some exceptional wines and a two course meal. 

Themes include: 

• 9th June: Wines for Summer 

• 22nd June: A Rose by any other name – Pink wines 

• 13th July: And breathe! – is decanting worth it? 

• 28th July: Turning back the years – vertical 

tasting of different vintages of the same wine 

• 21st September: Wine for Fur – Syrah and Shiraz 

for venison 

• 19th October: Brace yourselves – fortified sherry, 

Madeira, port 

• 16th November: Wine for Feathers – Pinot Noir 

for partridge and pheasant. 


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Garden and Parkland Events 

The earliest record of a garden at Swinton Park is 

of one laid out in 1699, but the most extensive 

landscaping was carried out by William Danby 

during the 1760’s. This included the creation of 

five lakes and several follies such as druid’s seats 

and standing stones. 

A track leads from the hotel around the 

parkland, and the route takes in the dramatic 

Quarry Gill with steep wooded slopes and views 

down the ravine and over the nearby moors. 

Closer to the hotel, there are more formal 

gardens and the four acre walled garden. This 

has been restored by Susan Cunliffe-Lister, the 

mastermind behind the design and planting of 

the garden who has transformed the gardens at 

Burton Agnes (voted one of the top ten gardens 

in the UK by Gardener’s World viewers) and was 

awarded Country Life Gardener of the Year 2001. 

There are now over 60 varieties of fruit, herbs 

and vegetables currently grown in the walled 

garden, along with a wide range of flowers 

grown in the cutting garden. 

The grounds are open for the exclusive use of 

hotel and non-resident guests only. 

Garden Lunches 

15th & 22nd July, 5th & 20th August 

Join the celebrated gardener Susan Cunliffe-Lister 

for a two course lunch, garden talk over coffee 

and then a guided tour of the grounds. Each lunch 

is themed on either the parkland and lakes or the 

walled garden. The parkland lunches concentrate 

on the restoration of the landscape and the 

planting programme in the grounds. Susan will 

give an insight into her gardening style, and 

guests will be given a tour up to the parkland to 

view the daffodils or rhododendrons and azaleas. 

The menus for the walled garden lunches will 

include several ingredients from the garden, 

with recipe cards from our chef Simon Crannage. 

Susan will explain her choice of produce, with 

tips for cultivation and harvesting. 

£35 per person – includes a two course lunch, 

coffee, talk and guided tour. 

Hunter Gatherer 

Saturday 17th August 

Spend a day in the parkland learning how to 

hunt with Birds of Prey and ferrets, forage for 

edible wild ingredients, and to build a fire and 

cook a delicious meal which is served in the 

deerhouse. The day is spent with our falconer 

Sophie Abbott and wild food expert Chris Bax, 

and promises to appeal to anyone with an 

interest in countryside skills and who enjoys 

getting back to nature! 


Orchid Lunch 

Sunday 24th November 

Join Ray Creek of Ray Creek Orchids for a talk 

about orchids, the varieties that he grows and 

the growing conditions that they thrive in. 

This is followed by a two course lunch and an 

opportunity to buy orchids from Ray’s display. 

£35 per person – includes the gift of an 

orchid for each guest. 


Children and Families 

At Swinton Park, we take pride in making our 

families and smaller guests feel particularly 

at home. Children staying at the hotel enjoy 

facilities such as indoor and outdoor play 

areas, a nature trail and bird hide in the 

grounds, a wide range of activities and goody 

bags on arrival. The hotel bedrooms are 

particularly spacious, and the Semerwater 

room has a sofa bed and the option of an 

adjoining family room with twin beds and 

shower room. 

Please see Holiday Heaven on page 4 for fantastic family 

accommodation rates during school holidays. 

12 

Family Dining Room 

The private dining room will be laid up for 

families on most evenings during school 

holidays, so parents with younger children can 

dine together in an informal environment. 

Children may order from the bar and children’s 

menus as an alternative to the restaurant menus. 

The Boot Room 

A treasure trove of outdoor toys including bikes, 

kites, croquet and boules for families to enjoy in 

the grounds. 

Play 

An indoor playroom with arts and crafts, 

dressing up, toys and big screen, and an outdoor 

play area with castle den, swings and slide. 

Hallowe’en 

Day: Saturday 26th October- 

Sunday 3rd November. 

Evening: Thursday 31st October 

A family day out with a spooky treasure 

trail in the parkland. On the Sunday 

evening there is also a torchlit Ghost 

Walk from the Deerhouse – for those 

braver souls! 

Day Event: £3 per person (children 

3 years and under half price) includes 

Hallowe’en gift. Evening Event: £5 per person. 

Proceeds in aid of Masham Young Farmers. 

Santa at Swinton 

Sunday 23rd December 

One of our favourite events in the year, 

run by Acorn’s Pre-School in Masham – 

a festive trail in the grounds and Santa’s 

Grotto, with refreshments and craft 

making. 

£6 per child, including Christmas gift. 

Proceeds in aid of Acorns Pre-School, Masham.

Children and Families 

Children’s Cookery Courses 

The Children’s Cookery courses are held in the 

school holidays and run by Gilly Robinson, 

who aims to encourage children to master the 

basics and enjoy and experiment with food, in a 

friendly and fun environment. 

Classes are divided into Mini Chefs (6-9 years), 

Beginners (10-14 years) and Confident Cooks 

(10-14 years). All children will take home an 

apron and recipe card at the end of each course. 

For more details please see page 10 of the Cookery 

School section. 

Go Native Kids Parties 

Join Chris Bax, as recently seen on Blue Peter, for 

a two hour session of foraging for wild food and 

learning woodland and survival skills in the woods. 

Each session lasts two hours, and ends with a 

picnic which parents are welcome to join. 

£30.00 per child (including picnic). Suitable for 

7 years and older, advance booking required. 

Nature Trail and Bird Hide 

There is a trail in the grounds for children 

to follow, taking them around the lakes and 

through the parkland. En route there is a bird 

hide with a feeding viewing area. 

Falconry 

The aviary is in the grounds of the hotel and 

the morning Meet the Birds and half hour 

Taster Experiences are very popular with the 

younger guests. 

There is also the Family Falconry experience, an 

hour spent meeting and flying up to three birds. 

Pony Trekking 

Adjacent to the hotel is the Pony Trekking 

Centre, with lessons and treks available for all 

ages of children. 

Golf Lessons 

The Masham Golf Club PGA coach, Andy Marshall 

runs lessons for children on Saturday mornings 

and at other times for private bookings. 

Advance booking required. 

Bivouac at Druid’s Temple 

The Druid’s Temple is a short drive from the hotel 

on the edge of the moors (or a walk for the more 

adventurous). Situated in a plantation of trees, 

there are walking tracks, wonderful views and the 

Temple itself. Close to the car park is the Bivouac 

glamping destination with café, shop and a wide 

range of activities for children such as pottery, 

painting and Forest School. 

www.thebivouac.co.uk 


The Great Outdoors 

Fly Fishing 

The middle section of the River Ure, which runs through the Swinton 

Estate and downstream from Masham, is a medium sized river with good 

hatches of fly right through the season. It is renowned for its brown trout 

and grayling, and following recent improvements to habitat and smolt 

release, juvenile densities of salmon at some sites on the River Ure have 

now increased to rival those of the UK’s best salmon rivers. 

This section of the river enjoys a fairly sheltered position and does not 

drop too low in the summer months. The River Ure is a typical freestone 

Dales river and the most famous fly-fishing style in these parts is the use of 

traditional Yorkshire Spiders. However, other methods such as dry fly, wet 

fly, upstream nymph and Czech nymphing can all be used to great effect. 

Fishing on the hotel’s section of the river is available to day and resident 

guests, with or without a ghillie. 

The charge for a day’s fishing on the hotel’s stretch of the river is 

£35 per rod (or £30 per rods for groups of four or more). Ghillies are 

available by arrangement (advance booking required). Rates per person 

range from £120 for a half day to £190 for a full day, depending on 

availability. Beginners start their lessons on Home Lake in the parkland. 

Leighton Reservoir is a 105 acre, 90ft deep fly only bank fished reservoir, 

stocked with rainbow trout from the Swinton Estate trout farm. It is 

surrounded by the moorland Dales, just a few miles from Swinton Park, 

and enjoys fabulous views. Traditional wet fly techniques are usually used, 

but don’t neglect the dry fly which can also be very effective. The reservoir 

is open for fishing mid March - mid November. 

Day rates are £25 (4 fish limit), with concessions and advance booking 

discounts also available. For more information please contact Andrew 

Goodacre on 01765 689204. 

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Riding 

The Masham Riding and 

Treking Centre is adjacent to 

Swinton Park and at the heart 

of the Swinton Estate. The 

centre provides trekking in the 

surrounding grounds and basic 

riding lessons in an outdoor 

arena. There are 18 horses and 

ponies of which most are pure 

bred Highlands, but there are 

also Welsh mountain ponies 

and a Shire horse, all of which 

have a friendly disposition. 

The riding centre deals with all 

levels of riding skill and all ages 

of rider. It is also home to the 

Dykes Hill Highland Pony Stud 

with a prize winning lineage of 

over 30 years. 

Visit www.mashamridingcentre.com or telephone 01765 689636 for 

more details. 

For the more experienced rider and those with their own horses there is 

the Northern Chaser course at Ruskill Bank farm, 2 miles from the hotel 

and also permit riding on the Estate. Riding permits are available from 

Swinton Estate Office (01765 689224) for riding on the tracks in Nutwith 

Common. These can be purchased at a cost of £60 per annum, covering 

two horses ridden separately. 

Hirelings are available on arrangement. For bookings contact Joyce Yates 

on 01677 460074. 

Shooting 

Swinton Estate offers some of the most extensive shooting in the UK, 

with 20,000 acres stretching from the River Ure in Wensleydale up onto 

the moorland Dales. The Estate offers a beautiful mixture of woodland, 

heather moorland and deep valleys that produce some of the best grouse, 

partridge, pheasant and duck shooting in the country. The Warren Gill 

Shooting School offers an excellent choice of drives for all standards of 

clay pigeon shooting, providing tuition at every level. The school also has a 

rifle shooting range. 

Swinton Park has a gun cabinet and boot room, and is just a short walk 

from the estate yard and game larder where guns meet and disperse at 

the end of the day. Over half of the ground is maintained with support 

from Natural England schemes as it is recognised to be of worldwide 

conservation importance. Game preservation for shooting provides an 

essential link in the chain of keeping this habitat intact for conservation 

and environmental sustainability purposes. 

For details regarding 

availability, dates, prices 

and arrangements, 

please contact the 

Estate’s shooting agent, 

James Raynar on 01765 

689224, or james.raynar@ 

stantonmortimer.co.uk. The 

hotel’s Events department 

has details of the 

accommodation packages 

available for shooting 

parties (shooting either on 

the Estate or locally). 



Walking 

There is a wide range of walks available on the 

20,000 acre Swinton Estate which stretches 

from the River Ure in Wensleydale up onto the 

moorland Dales which borders the National 

Park, and at Swinton Park, within the 200 acres 

of walled parkland that surround the hotel. 

With miles of footpaths available, the options range 

from a leisurely stroll beside the River Ure to a trek 

up onto the moorland Dales. Guests at Swinton 

Park (day or resident) can also enjoy walks 

within the beautiful landscaped parkland, with 

lakes, woodland and a four acre kitchen garden. 

Parkland Walks 

The 200 acres of parkland that surround Swinton 

Park include a chain of five lakes, landscaped during 

the 17th century, with a walking trail throughout. 

The complete circuit, which passes through 

the steep ravine at Quarry Gill, takes up to 2½ 

hours to complete. The woodland is at its most 

dramatic during April/May for daffodils, in June 

when the azaleas and rhododendrons bloom and 

in September/October with the autumn colours. 

Estate Walks 

Further afield, guests can follow the River Burn 

to where it joins the River Ure and walk into 

the charming market town of Masham. More 

challenging walks include a trip to the Druid’s 

Temple, up on the moorland edge, or a circuit above 

the estate reservoirs and over into Nidderdale. 

There are several trails running through the Estate: 

• The Ripon Rowel Walk – a 50 mile trek 

passing alongside the River Ure, through the 

Estate and over the moors back to Ripon 

Cathedral. The Bivouac café and glamping 

destination at Druid’s Temple is at the halfway 

point on the walk. 

• The Masham Leaves Walk – a gentle, 3 mile 

amble beside the Rivers Ure and Burn following a 

sculpture trail with works by Alan Ayres. 

• The Six Dales Trail – 38 miles crossing through 

the Estate on the Nidderdale to Colsterdale to 

Coverdale section. 

• The Abbeys Amble – a 104 mile circular route 

which links three abbeys; Fountains, Jervaulx 

and Bolton, with three castles; Ripley, Bolton 

and Middleham. 

Just a few miles from the hotel is also Hackfall 

Woods, a beautiful woodland area beside the 

River Ure. It is a Grade 1 listed garden and has 

been recently restored, with extensive walking 

tracks and features. 

16


Golf 

The charming 9 hole Masham Golf course is 

adjacent to the hotel grounds, and the course is 

situated on the banks of the River Burn. Masham 

Golf Club opened its doors to golfers in 1895, 

and is one of the oldest courses in the UK 

Although only a nine-hole course, it can be 

played as an eighteen-hole, measuring 6,068 

yards in total. This may not be the longest 

distance imaginable, but the par of 70 is a good 

indication of the challenges that lie in wait for 

you here. Water, for instance, comes into play 

where the course crosses the river, so beware! 

Hotel guests are welcome to play at all times, 

subject to any club tournaments. 

£22 midweek/£27 weekend per player for the 

full 18 holes. 

The usual strict dress codes apply, with a limit of 

one golf bag per player, and a maximum of four 

players per tee. Players need to purchase tickets 

for their green fees at the hotel reception, and 

sign in at the clubhouse, displaying their ticket 

on their bags whilst playing. 

Other local 18 hole courses include Bedale, 

Romanby, Ripon and Catterick. Please ask 

reception to arrange a tee time for you. 

If you would like to spend a little time improving 

your skills and technique, we can book you 

a lesson with the golf club PGA Coach, Andy 

Marshall, allowing you to develop your swing, 

short play, or any aspect of your game you need 

to focus on. Andy has been a qualified member 

of the PGA for over thirty years and has a 

reputation as a renowned coach throughout the 

North of England and in the USA. He is coach of 

Jodi Ewart (LPGA Professional), and has coached 

many amateurs and professionals to prominent 

levels in the game. 

Andy also runs courses for children and is also 

available to run Golf Days for group events. 

Advance booking is required for all golf lessons. 

Personal Fitness 

Fitness Day – Get back in shape or take a 

fresh look at your fitness regime, with a Fitness 

Day at Swinton Park. Spend a session with a 

personal trainer, who will assess your fitness 

and carry out a health questionnaire, carry out 

a stretch and work out exercise, and design an 

on-going exercise and nutrition plan to fit your 

requirements. The day also includes an hour’s 

Sports Massage (or alternative massage on prior 

arrangement), a two course lunch and an hour in 

the Spa with use of Jacuzzi and sauna. 

£120 per person (individual bookings) 

£110 per person (two guests sharing Personal 

Trainer session) 

Monday to Friday bookings only 

Personal Training – As well as running our 

Fitness Days, a personal trainer is also available 

for private bookings. In a two hour session he 

will assess your fitness and health levels, carry 

out a stretch and workout exercise with you, 

and design an on-going exercise programme and 

nutrition plan to fit your requirements. Training 

will take place in the hotel’s gym and at the 

outdoor exercise area and jogging trail in the 

parkland. 

£100 per two hour session (1 – 3 guests) 

£145 per two hour session (4 – 6 guests) 



Bird Watching 

The moors on the Swinton Estate comprise 

8000 acres of heather and rise to a height of 

540 metres above sea level. Here you can see 

red grouse, golden plover, curlew, red shank and 

lapwing as well as merlin. 

Marfield Nature Reserve, beside the River Ure, 

is a short drive from Masham, or a walk along 

the River Ure, which is a lovely peaceful spot to 

enjoy watching waders, ducks and geese. 

There is also a Bird Hide beside the lake in the 

grounds at Swinton Park (for hotel and non-resident 

guest use) for viewing woodland and water birds 

Free of charge. 

Coracles 

Learn about the 10,000 year history and 

construction of coracles, and explore the 

lakes here at Swinton Park with coracle-maker, 

Dave Purvis. 

From £30 per hour. 

Estate Tours 

Take a tour of the 20,000 acre family estate. 

Visit the local attractions and cottage industries, 

and the surrounding countryside and dales. 


Cricket 

The hotel’s wicket is situated on the lawn below 

the turret, overlooking the gatehouse and drive. 

There is ample space for spectators, and tea 

can be served alfresco or in the nearby Cookery 

School Dining Room or the Snooker Room. 

Pitch hire is £55 per team, with limited 

equipment also available. 

Mountain Bikes 

Explore the off road tracks in the parkland, the 

country lanes or the moorland tracks on one of 

the hotel’s mountain bikes. Adult and children’s 

bikes available. 

Free of charge. 

Off Road Driving 

Learn the skills of Off Road Driving on our 

exciting and challenging course. 


Stable Visits 

A morning trip to see the stables at the 

charming town of Middleham and the horses 

exercising on the scenic gallops on the moors 

£15 per person (based on a group of four). 

Treasure Hunts/Orienteering 

These activities can be arranged within the 

parkland or surrounding countryside – on foot or 

by car, for individuals or teams. 


18

Birds of Prey 

Sophie Abbott has lived on the Swinton Estate 

all her life, and having worked with Birds of 

Prey since the age of 12, is a highly skilled and 

passionate falconer. 

Watching the birds of prey at the aviary and flying 

them to your hand is a thrilling experience. Both 

hotel guests and non-residents are welcome to 

enjoy this, which appeals to all age groups both in 

a leisure or corporate entertainment environment. 

Bookings can be taken for individuals and groups 

and gift vouchers are available for all experiences, 

making an ideal present. 

Enjoy the range of falconry experiences available, 

including hawk and owl experiences and a half 

day of falconry. These provide a close insight into 

birds of prey as you learn to handle and fly them 

under the guidance of an experienced falconer. 

Each experience provides a lot of hands on time 

with birds of prey and a varying range of species 

from hawks, eagles, falcons, owls and corvids all 

within our beautiful landscaped parkland. We also 

provide opportunities to witness the incredible 

natural hunting ability of the birds within 

surrounding estate. 

Bird of Prey Experiences 

Meet the Birds 


An introduction to the birds and tour of the aviary 

Falconry “Taster” Experience £25 per person 

An introductory 30 minute session 

Falconry Lunch 

£95 for two people 

A two course lunch in the hotel followed by a half 

hour flying display. 

Family Falconry Experience £110 per family 

Meet the birds and fly three of them. 

Flying Display & Cream Tea £50 for two people 

Hawk Walk 


Owl Experience 


Eagle Encounter 


Half Day Experience 


Full Day Experience £115 per person (inc. lunch) 

Hunting Day 

£150 per person (inc. lunch) 

We also have doves available for Dove Release 

ceremonies and hawks and owls for ring bearing, 

which are popular at weddings, and the Birds of Prey 

are available for displays for private and group events. 


Festive Christmas Events 

Christmas Lunch 

2nd-19th December 

Join us for a three course festive lunch in Samuel’s restaurant or in one 

of our private dining rooms (depending on group size). The lunch includes 

coffee and petits fours. 

£25.95 per guest (Sunday lunches excluded). 

Festive Afternoon Tea 

2nd-19th December 

Treat family and friends to a full afternoon tea, served in the best of tradition 

with mince pies, mulled wine, Christmas Cake and all the trimmings. Take a 

stroll in the grounds, admire the decorations and relax in front of a blazing fire. 

£19 per person (£10 for children aged 12 years and under). 

Party Nights 

Our party nights this year are on 18th & 19th December, and are available 

to group bookings of four or more guests. 

Tickets cost £45 per guest and include a pre-dinner drink, three course 

dinner with coffee and petit fours and dancing until 1:00am. 

For party guests wanting to book accommodation, there is a special bed 

and breakfast rate available of £120 per room for single occupancy and 

£140 per room for double occupancy. 

We are also running Christmas Party Nights during January 2014 for 

bookings of 30 or over, at the reduced rate of £40 per person which also 

includes two complimentary glasses of wine per guest. Please contact us to 

confirm available dates. 

Chef’s Christmas Table 

Lunches: 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th & 20th December 

Dinners: 12th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 20th December 

Relax and let Cookery School Chef Director Stephen Bulmer entertain you 

with a festive lunch or dinner, as he prepares a gourmet meal in front of 

you around the Demonstration Table in the stylish, informal surroundings 

of the Cookery School. 

Lunch: £35 per person (including glass of bubbly) 

Dinner: £60 per person (including glass of bubbly). 

Christmas Gift Vouchers 

Dining, spa, accommodation breaks and 

cookery school courses can all be given in a 

personalised gift voucher. Please contact us 

for further details. 

Festive Cookery Courses 

Please see page 10 of the Cookery School section for details of our Festive 

Fare and Christmas in a Box courses running in December. 

Christmas and New Year Breaks 

Experience the delights of a stately home at Christmas or New Year with 

our three night Festive packages. 

Christmas: 24th-27th December, from £1,550 

New Year: 30th December-2nd January, from £1,325 

20

Calendar of Events 

JUNE 2013 

6th Cookery School Half Day 

Course – Tapas Morning 

Session 

7th Indian Masterclass – 

Southern 

& Seafood Cookery 

7th Curry Club –Southern & 

Seafood Cookery 

8th Cookery School Day 

Course – Flavours of the 

Orient 

8th Chef’s Table – 

Flavours of the Orient 


Course – Barbecue Cookery 

9th Wine Appreciation Lunch – 

Wines for Summer 

10th- Cookery School Two Day 

11th Course – Mediterranean 

Cookery 


Course – Fish & Shellfish 

14th Celebration Lunches – 

Asparagus End 


Course – Dinner Parties: 

Summer 


Dinner Parties: Summer 

16th FATHER’S DAY 


Course – Italian Cookery 


18th Course – Just Desserts 

22nd Cookery School Day 


Summer 

22nd Chef’s Table – 


22nd Wine Appreciation Lunch – 

A Rose by any other name 

23rd Cookery School Day 

Course – Bread for 

Beginners 

24th Garden Lunch – 

Walled Garden 


Course – Italian 

29th Chef’s Table – Italian 



JULY 2013 

1st- 

2nd 

6th 

7th 

7th 

Cookery School Two Day 

Course – Summer Dishes 

Cookery School Day 

Course - Italian Cookery 

Cookery School Half Day 

Course – Ultimate Sunday 

Lunch 

GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW 



13th Chef’s Table – Fish & 

Shellfish 

13th Wine Appreciation Lunch 

– And breathe! Is decanting 

worth it? 


Course – Cookery Essentials 

15th Garden Lunch – Walled 

Garden 


16th Course – Mediterranean 

Cookery 

16th Garden Design Day 


Walled Garden Begin 



Summer 





21st Cookery School Day 

Course – Tapas 

22nd Home Cookery Day Course 

– Cooking for the Freezer 

22nd Garden Lunch – Walled 

Garden 

23rd Cookery School Day 


Orient 

23rd Garden Lunch – 

Walled Garden 


Course – Modern British 


Course – Jams, Jellies and 

Chutneys 


Course – Quick Suppers 

Morning Session 


Course – Quick Suppers 

Afternoon Session 

28th Deerhouse Barbecue 

Dinner 


– Turning back the years: 

Vertical tasting of the same 

wines in different vintages 

29th Garden Design Day 

29th Rosemary Shrager 

Day Course – Summer 

Entertaining 


Day Course – Summer 

Entertaining 

AUGUST 2013 

5th Spa Taster Day 


Walled Garden 

15th Glorious Grouse Dinner 


Walled Garden End 

17th Hunter Gatherer Day 


Grouse Begin 


Walled Garden 

23rd Indian Masterclass Day 

Course – Eastern Indian 

Cooking 

23rd Curry Club – 

Eastern Indian Cooking 



24th Chef’s Table – Italian 


Dinner 



28th Children’s Cookery – 

Beginners Morning Session 

28th Children’s Cookery – 

Confident Afternoon Session 





Orient 

31st Chef’s Table – 



Calendar of Events 

SEPTEMBER 2013 

OCTOBER 2013 

OCTOBER 2013 cont’d 








Course – Desserts 

9th Cookery School One Day 

Course – Cookery Life Skills 

for Teenagers: The Basics 


Course – Cookery Life Skills 

for Teenagers: Intermediate 


Course – Meat & Poultry 

13th Pre-Dinner Wine Tasting 

and Canapé Demonstration 


Course – Modern French 

Cuisine 


Seasonal Dinner Party 


Dinner 


Lesser Known French Regions 


17th Course – Flavours of the 

Orient 


Course – Regional French 

Cuisine 


Seasonal Dinner Party 



21st Chef’s Table – Italian 

21st Wine Appreciation Lunch 

– Wine for Fur: Syrah and 

Shiraz for Venison 


Course – Aga Workshop 



Chutneys 


28th Course – Fish & Shellfish 



Orient 


Grouse End 

4th Indian Masterclass Day 

Course – Celebration and 

Festive Indian Cooking 

4th Curry Club – Celebration 

and Festive Indian Cooking 



Autumn 


Course – Clever Cooking 

8th- 

9th 

Cookery School Two Day 

Course – Cooking with Star 

Quality 





Lunch 


Day Course – Autumn 

Entertaining 

15th Spa Taster Day 


Day Course – Autumn 

Entertaining 

17th Wild About Food – 

Mushroom Extravaganza Day 

Course 

17th- Gourmet Weekend 

18th (Two Nights) 


Course – Game Cookery 

18th Chef’s Table – Game 

Cookery 


– Brace Yourselves: Fortified 

Sherry, Madeira, Port 


Dinner Parties: Autumn 


Course – Middle Eastern 


Course – Bread Making 





Chutneys 








The many faces of Australia 

26th Hallowe’en Trail Begins 

29th Children’s Cooking – 

Mini Chefs 


Beginners Afternoon Session 


Partridge & Pheasant Begin 




Confident Afternoon Session 

NOVEMBER 2013 

3rd 

7th 

7th 

8th 

9th 

Hallowe’en Trail Ends 


Course – Vibrant Vegetable 

Cookery Morning Session 


Course – Vibrant Vegetable 

Cookery Afternoon Session 

Cookery School One Day 

Course – Desserts 





Autumn 


Course – Italian Morning 

Session 


Course – Italian Afternoon 

Session 



15th Chef’s Table – Game 

Cookery 


Course – Regional French 

Cuisine 


Wine for Feathers: Pinot Noir 

for Partridge and Pheasant 


Regional French Cuisine 



Lunch

NOVEMBER 2013 cont’d 

1st Cookery School Half Day 



21st Cookery School Half Day 



22nd- Cookery School Two Day 

23rd Course – Modern British 

Cookery 

23rd Pre-Dinner Wine Tasting 

and Canapé Demonstration 


Course – Bread for 

Beginners 

24th Orchid Lunch 


26th Course – Game Cookery 

26th Winter Warmer starts 


Partridge & Pheasant End 




Course – Aga Festive 

Workshop 


Dinner Parties: Autumn 

DECEMBER 2013 

1st 

2nd 

2nd 

3rd 

4th 

5th 

7th 

8th 

Orchid Lunch 

Christmas Lunches Begin 

Festive Afternoon Teas 

Begin 


Course – Christmas in a Box 






Course – Festive Fare 


Course – Festive Fare 

12th Chef’s Table – Festive Lunch 


Festive Dinner Party 










DECEMBER 2013 cont’d 

18th Christmas Party Night 

19th Christmas Lunches End 

19th Festive Afternoon Teas End 




19th Christmas Party Night 




22nd Santa at Swinton 

24th- Christmas at 

26th Swinton Park 

30th New Year at 

1st Swinton Park 

JANUARY 2014 

20th Professional Development 

Two Day Course – Meat and 

Poultry 

21st Professional Development 

Two Day Course – 

Baking and Desserts 

22nd Professional Development 

Three Day Course – 

Bread Making 

23rd Professional Development 


Fish & Shellfish 

24th Professional Development 


Mediterranean & Middle 

Eastern Cuisine 

February 2014 



14th Valentine’s Day Chef’s 

Table – Demonstration 

Lunch 


Table – Seasonal Dinner 

Party 


Table – Italian Dinner 

19th Children’s Half Day 

Cookery Course – 

Mini Chefs Afternoon Session 

20th Children’s Half Day 



21st Children’s Half Day 


Confident Morning Session 

February 2014 cont’d 

22nd Cookery Life Skills for 

Teenagers – 

Basic Cookery Skills Day 

Course 

23rd Cookery Life Skills for 

Teenagers – 

Intermediate Day Course 

MARCH 2014 


5th Course – Desserts 




19th Course – Cooking with Star 

Quality 

27th Winter Warmer ends 

30th MOTHERING SUNDAY 

April 2014 


9th Course – Italian Cookery 

22nd- Cookery School Two Day 

23rd Course – Bread Making 

18th GOOD FRIDAY 

19th EASTER SATURDAY 

20th EASTER SUNDAY 

21st EASTER MONDAY 


Swinton Park 

Cookery School 

COURSE PROGRAMME 

& TARIFF 2013/14

The Chefs 

Stephen Bulmer 

Stephen Bulmer joined the Swinton Park Cookery School in January 2013 

as Chef Director with over twenty years’ experience at Michelin level 

restaurants throughout Europe, having been Chef Director of the Raymond 

Blanc Cookery School for ten years and run his own school at Brook Hall in 

Buckinghamshire. 

Stephen rose to prominence early in his career, reaching the national finals of 

the Young Chef of the Year in 1992 and 1993 and the semi-finals of the Roux 

Brothers’ Scholarship competition. Since then he has appeared on various TV 

programmes including Ready, Steady, Cook and Total Fishing. 

He is also is widely 

acknowledged to be one the 

leading cookery school tutors 

in the UK. He combines his 

top-level cookery skills with a 

gregarious personality, a winning 

combination – ‘He is one of my 

most experienced chefs and a 

great craftsman – his enthusiasm 

is completely infectious’, 

commented Raymond Blanc. 

Cooking has taken Stephen all 

over the world, and he has an 

extensive portfolio of skills and 

styles of cooking. During his 

cooking career he has cooked 

Italian cuisine at Zafferano, 

Knightsbridge; Thai cuisine at 

Nahm, London and Japanese 

cuisine at Nobu, London. 

2

The Chefs 

Rosemary Shrager 

Rosemary Shrager is one of the school’s guest 

celebrity chefs, and she is running a series of 

seasonal day courses during 2013. Rosemary 

has been teaching at the Swinton Park Cookery 

School for over 10 years, in between her 

numerous filming commitments. 

She has also published several books, including her 

current series of Absolutely Foolproof cookbooks. 

Gilly Robinson 

Gilly has been 

running Children’s 

Cookery Courses 

at Swinton Park for 

many years and has 

always championed 

the importance 

of nutritious and 

wholesome family 

food. She takes delight 

in inspiring children to 

enjoy and experiment 

with cooking. 

Prett Tejura 

Prett is the brains behind the highly successful 

Curry Cuisine spice label, and now also runs 

our Friday night Curry Club and the Indian 

Masterclass Day Courses. With her roots in India, 

she draws on influences from different ingredients 

and styles of food throughout Asia. 

Chris Bax 

Chris is the instructor 

on our Wild About 

Food half-day courses, 

and also our Back to 

Nature foraging and 

survival skills courses 

for private groups. Chris 

trained as a chef, before 

venturing into wild 

food. As recently seen 

on BBC’s Countryfile, 

Chris is passionate about 

living from the land and 

preserving rural skills. 

t: 01765 680969 | e: cookeryschool@swintonpark.com | w: www.swintonpark.com

The Courses 

The courses at the Cookery School offer a choice 

of intensive “hands on” two day courses through 

to shorter pre-dinner canapé demonstrations. 

The courses are designed so that all levels of 

experience can be catered for, although there are 

some specifically tailored for beginners, children, 

home cooking and students. 

Stephen Bulmer Two Day Course 

Summary 

A two day “hands on” course that includes two 

light lunches and a more formal dinner. Stephen will 

also demonstrate additional skills and masterclass 

sessions during the course. These courses provide 

an opportunity to study a subject in depth, covering 

a wider range of techniques than are possible in one 

day. It also provides time to expand the repertoire 

of dishes covered, including some dishes that 

require advance or two-stage preparation. 

Themes 

• Around the Mediterranean 

• Bread 

• Cooking with Star Quality 

• Fish & Shellfish 

• Game Cookery 

• Italian Cookery 

• Delicious Desserts 

• Kitchen Garden 

• Summer Dishes. 

Course Structure 

Day One: Arrive at 9:30 and cook throughout 

the day, stopping for a light lunch served at the 

demonstration table. There is a break for guests 

to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities and change for 

dinner from 3:30-7:00pm at which point they 

return, help put the finishing touches to the 

day’s work and then enjoy a formal dinner in the 

Cookery School Dining Room. 

Day Two: The day starts again at 9:30am with 

a day of cooking, a break for a light lunch at the 

demonstration table, and the course comes to 

an end at 3:30pm. 

£295 per person (Cooking with Star Quality 

and Fish & Shellfish – £310). 

Partners are welcome to join the course for lunch and/or 

dinner, subject to availability. Pre-booking is essential.’ 

Partner’s Lunch – £35 per person 

Partner’s dinner – £45 per person 

4


Stephen Bulmer One Day Course 

Summary 

A one day “hands on” course, including lunch. 

Stephen will also demonstrate additional skills 

and masterclass sessions during the course. 

Expand your cookery repertoire with tried-andtested 

chef’s recipes that will teach you new 

techniques and professional tricks of the trade. 

These classes are a mix of hands-on practical 

and demonstrations, for adults with some 

cookery experience. 


• Aga Cookery 

• Barbecue Cookery 

• Bread Making – Beginners 

• Bread Making – Intermediate 

• Classic French Cuisine 

• Clever Cooking 

• Cookery Essentials 


• Flavours of the Orient 

• Game Cookery 


• Jams, Jellies & Chutneys 

• Kitchen Garden 

• Meat & Poultry 

• Mediterranean Cookery 

• Middle Eastern 

• Modern British 

• Modern French 

• Regional French Cuisine 

• Seasonal Dinner Parties 

• Stocks & Sauces 

• Vegetarian Cookery 

• Wild About Food 

Course Structure 

The day starts with coffee at 9:30am, before 

the class begins at 10:00am. The course runs 

throughout the day, with hands on cooking 

interspersed with demonstrations from Stephen, 

ending at approximately 3:30pm. Lunch will be 

served either around the demonstration table or 

in the Cookery School Dining Room. Partners are 

welcome to join for lunch. Pre-booking essential. 

£160 per person (Aga Cookery, Fish & 

Shellfish, Flavours of the Orient, Meat & 

Poultry and Game – £175). 




Stephen Bulmer Half Day Course 

Summary 

These courses run morning and afternoon, ending 

either with a light lunch or high tea served at the 

demonstration table. The course combines hands 

on cooking with demonstrations. 


• All Things Chocolate 

• Classic French 

• Game 

• Healthy Cooking 


• Modern British 

• Quick Suppers 

• Regional French Cuisine 

• Stocks & Sauces 

• Tapas 

• Vibrant Vegetable Cookery 

Structure 

The morning course starts at 10:00am, with a 

two hour cooking session ending at 12:30pm 

after a light lunch served at the demonstration 

table. The afternoon course starts at 2:00pm, 

with a two hour cooking session ending 

at 4:30pm after high tea served at the 

demonstration table. 


These cooking themes are those found in the Two, One and Half Day courses run by Stephen: 

Aga Cookery 

Delicious, sophisticated dishes to make the most 

of your Aga. 

All Things Chocolate 

Delicious desserts made from chocolate 

including mousses, cakes and cookies. 

Around the Mediterranean 

Enjoy a culinary tour of the countries bordering 

the Mediterranean through a selection of 

flavoursome, sunshine-filled dishes. 

Barbecue Cookery 

Expand your repertoire beyond the burger and 

sausage with these delicious dishes, salads 

and accompaniments for summer lunches and 

dinners, most of which can be part-prepared in 

advance for stress-free entertaining. 

Bread Making – Beginners 

This is an introduction to bread making aimed 

at those who have never made bread by hand 

before. It covers the basic techniques necessary 

to make several simple breads. 

Bread Making – Intermediate 

This course is aimed at those who regularly 

make bread at home by hand and are familiar 

with the fundamentals of the bread making 

process and the basic skills required. 

Classic French 

Learn some of the classic dishes from French 

cuisine that have timeless popularity. 

Clever Cooking 

Save money without compromising on taste by 

using cheaper cuts of meat and seasonal fruit 

and vegetables. 

6

Course Themes 

Cookery Essentials 

If you haven’t cooked much before, this course 

will teach you the basic culinary techniques 

that will enable you to prepare a wide range of 

simple, delicious dishes. 

Cooking with Star Quality: 

A Stephen Bulmer Two Day Masterclass 

Restaurant-style cooking for the experienced 

home cook, featuring sophisticated dishes 

requiring more complex techniques and 

specialist ingredients. 

Delicious Desserts 

Delicious desserts, covering the key techniques 

and chefs’ top tips that ensure success. 

Fish & Shellfish 

Learn how to fillet fish and break down shellfish in 

preparation for a range of delicious, healthy dishes. 


Learn the secrets of creating authentic classics 

from the Far East, exploring the special 

ingredients and techniques that lie behind them. 

Game Cookery 

A seasonal favourite for novice and experienced 

cooks alike, learning how chefs create delicious, 

moist and tender game dishes. The course includes 

how to prepare ahead, portioning birds for easy 

service, making great stock using the bones and all 

the traditional garnishes and accompaniments. 

Healthy Cooking 

Nutritious, delicious dishes that help you enjoy a 

balanced diet. 

Italian Cookery 

Learn the techniques that underpin classic Italian 

cookery through a selection of delicious recipes. 

Jams, Jellies & Chutneys 

Make the most of abundant summer produce to 

make your own jams, jellies and chutneys. 

Kitchen Garden 

Delicious, flavoursome recipes that make the 

most of abundant summer produce in the garden. 

Meat & Poultry 

Rich and delicious meat and poultry recipes from 

around the world. 

Middle Eastern 

Understand the ingredients and flavour 

combinations that create the exciting dishes that 

make this the ‘hot’ cuisine of the moment. 

Modern British 

Gutsy, flavourful dishes featuring the best of 

local produce, served gastro-pub style. 

Modern French 

A modern take on French food, featuring the 

techniques and presentation style of leading 

restaurant chefs. 

Quick Suppers 

Simple ingredients made special with store 

cupboard stand-bys. 

Regional French Cuisine 

Dishes from the French regions cooked in the 

traditional style, using classic French techniques. 

Stocks & Sauces 

Core techniques and top tips for making 

restaurant quality sauces to enhance a wide 

range of dishes. This not only includes meat 

sauces with alcohol reductions, but also fish and 

vegetable stocks and classic egg-based sauces. 

Seasonal Dinner Parties: Tastes of Spring, 

Tastes of Summer, Autumn Flavours and 

Winter Favourites 

Make the most of delicious local produce that 

emphasise the flavours of each season. 

Tapas 

Delicious small dishes for sharing with friends 

including fish, meat and vegetables. 

Vibrant Vegetable Cookery 

You don’t need to be a vegetarian to enjoy these 

delicious dishes that can be served on their own 

or as an accompaniment to meat and fish. 

Wild About Food 

A morning foraging in the parkland followed by a 

half day cookery course, creating gourmet dishes 

with the wild ingredients you have gathered 



Ultimate Sunday Lunch Course 

These courses run on a Sunday morning and 

are aimed at those who want to master the 

essential skills required to serve the “Ultimate 

Sunday Lunch” (including roasting and carving), 

and enable family and friends to relax and enjoy 

a Sunday together. While cooking guests are 

on the course, family and friends can spend the 

morning enjoying the hotel’s activities such as 

golf or falconry, spending time at the hotel’s 

spa, or taking a walk in the grounds – then join 

the cookery course for a leisurely Sunday Lunch 

served in the Cookery School Dining Room. 

£85 per person (£35 lunch only – spa discounts 

available on selected dates). 

Chris Bax & Stephen Bulmer: 

Wild about Food – Mushroom 

Extravaganza 

Thursday 17th October 

The most accomplished chefs are now using 

edible, wild food again. This one day autumn 

course is an opportunity to learn how to make 

foraged ingredients into haute cuisine. 

This course combines a morning identifying 

and foraging for wild mushrooms and other 

ingredients in the parkland, with foraging expert 

Chris Bax, followed by a half day cookery class 

with by Stephen Bulmer. 

The day starts with coffee or tea at 9.30am, 

ready for the course to begin at 10am. After a 

couple of hours foraging with Chris Bax, guest 

will return to the cookery school for a hands-on 

cookery course with Stephen Bulmer, creating 

some delicious dishes with the wild mushrooms 

and foraged ingredients they have gathered, 

which will be eaten as they are made throughout 

the afternoon. The course ends at 3.30pm. 


Rosemary Shrager 

One Day Masterclass 

Add a little celebrity to the mix of this course as 

Rosemary joins the school for her Summer and 

Autumn Entertaining Masterclass day courses. 

During the course she will cook many of her 

favourite dishes from her television shows 

and her cook books, using a seasonal blend 

of ingredients and drawing inspiration from 

traditional and French cuisine, and with “hands 

on” cooking for all throughout. 

The course starts at 9:30am and ends at 

approximately 3:30pm after a late lunch served 

in the Cookery School Dining Room. Partners are 

welcome to join the course for this meal. 


8


Prett Tejura: Curry Club & Masterclass 

Prett Tejura runs the highly popular Curry Club on selected weekend dates 

throughout the year. The event is a “demo and dine” experience and offers 

a truly unique way to unwind and relax at the end of the week. 

Each evening will start with an introduction from Prett on that evening’s 

style of cooking, focusing on a particular region and its culture, climate and 

traditions, along with the principal ingredients most commonly used. After 

a demonstration from Prett, a delicious and authentic Indian meal is served 

in the demonstration kitchen. 

The Masterclass is a day course run by Prett that offers more in the way 

of “hands on” experience. It is designed to teach the basics, understanding 

the essential spices, Indian herbs and other ingredients that will give you 

the confidence when creating your mouth watering Indian food. 

The Curry Club starts at 7:30pm with both demonstration and hands on 

cooking, ending at 10:30pm after a dinner served at the demonstration 

table. The Masterclass day course starts at 10:00am and ends at 3:00pm, 

with lunch during the day served at the demonstration table. 

Northern: Colourful and aromatic food, with roti, dhal and pickles. 

Western: From Gujarat to Goa, a wide range of styles of curry, including 

vegetables and pulses. 

Southern & Seafood: Fragrant food with curry leaves, coconut and spices, 

including several fish dishes. 

Eastern: Mainly rice based, Bengali food is characterised by the use of 

mustard oil and is also renowned for its sweets. 

£52 per person for the Curry Club 

£140 per person for the Masterclass Day Course (includes lunch). 

Stephen Bulmer: Cookery Life Skills for Teenagers 

Basic Cookery Skills: Monday 9th September 

Intermediate Cooks: Tuesday 10th September 

Day courses for older teenagers: 9:30am-5:30pm (including lunch). 

Basic Cookery Skills: This is a course for older teenagers, designed to give 

them the essential cookery skills to make delicious and wholesome meals. 

This is ideal for today’s busy lifestyles, when family members come home at 

different times and for those going to college or university and living away 

from home for the first time. 

Stephen Bulmer will teach the class all the basic techniques that underpin 

day to day cookery, from simple grilling and pan-frying to a roast dinner 

and delicious puddings. 

Intermediate Cooks: This course will enable proficient teenage cooks to 

improve their technical skills and expand their recipe repertoire, as Stephen 

Bulmer leads them through a seasonal dinner party menu. 



Children’s Cookery Courses 

The Children’s Cooking courses are 

held in the half term holidays and 

run by Gilly Robinson, who aims to 

encourage children to master the 

basics and enjoy and experiment 

with food, in a friendly and fun 

environment. All children will take 

home an apron and recipe card at 

the end of each course. 

Mini-Chefs – 6-9yrs £50 per child 

Lots of hands on experience as 

children master the basic skills. An 

afternoon session, with goody bag to 

take home. 

Basics for Beginners – 10-14yrs 

£60 per child 

Designed to build confidence in the kitchen, learning skills children can 

try at home including essential skills such as bread making and basic knife 

skills. Morning session with lunch/afternoon session with tea. 

Confident Cook – 10-14yrs 


For those who have been on a Basics course or had enough experience 

in the kitchen to be able to cook with confidence and, for simple tasks, 

unsupervised. This course will inspire a young chef to experiment with more 

styles and themes of food than before, and cover some fairly complicated 

techniques. Morning session with lunch/afternoon session with tea. 

Private Children’s Course 


If the scheduled dates don’t suit, or if you would like Gilly all to yourself 

for a birthday party or private children’s event, then courses for groups of 

up to four children at a time can be booked (larger groups can be booked, 

price on application). 

Christmas in a Box 

3rd, 4th & 5th December 

This popular course will now be run by Stephen Bulmer, leading the class 

through the preparation of a delicious menu of seasonal, festive dishes. 

Designed to take the stress and hard work out of Christmas by preparing a 

menu for 6 in advance, the dishes created during this afternoon course will 

be ready to freeze for finishing and serving at a future date. 

£150 per person (includes meal for 6 to take home) 

10

Professional Development Courses 

Stephen Bulmer: Professional Development Courses 

In addition to courses for amateur cooks, Stephen Bulmer also runs 

cookery courses for professional cooks and chefs. Available either as either 

a 5 day course, or two separate modules of 2 days or 3 days, these courses 

will give smaller businesses and less experienced chefs ideas to improve 

the range and quality of the dishes they offer, to make their menus more 

appealing, as well as new techniques to help them deliver consistent 

quality, reduced wastage and improved profitability. 

Stephen has that rare of combination of skills to unlock their potential. He 

has trained to the highest standards at Michelin restaurants, but also has 

hands-on, commercial experience from running his own restaurant and 

cookery school. He can help deliver effective, practical solutions for all 

types of catering businesses. 

The courses are aimed at those with regular experience of professional 

catering, so are fast paced and intensive. Subjects offered include: 

Two Day Course: £300 per person 

• Meat, Poultry and Game 

• Baking and Desserts 

Three Day Course: £450 per person 

• Bread Making 


• Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food 

Taken together as a five day course: £600 per person 

Professional development training is also valued by staff, as an opportunity 

to enhance their personal skills and as a reward for hard work. This has the 

secondary benefit of improving staff motivation and retention, so reducing 

staff turnover and ongoing recruitments costs. 

Preferential accommodation rates available on request. 


Demonstration Dining Experiences 

Guests at the table have his undivided attention 

and are able to converse freely with him 

throughout the evening, should they want to 

take some tips and suggestions home with them 

at the end of the evening. 

Chef’s Table 

Selected weekend dates throughout 2013 

The Chef’s Table is a set menu demonstration 

dinner served to you at the demonstration table 

in the cookery school. The evenings are based 

on different styles and themes of cooking such 

as Flavours of the Orient, Italian and Seasonal 

Dinner Parties. 

The meal is cooked by the Cookery School Chef 

Director Stephen Bulmer, and guests enjoy the 

unique experience of seeing an expert at work, 

whilst at the same time being able to savour 

a delicious meal in the relaxed and informal 

surroundings of the demonstration cookery 

school kitchen. 

What is unique about the Chef’s Table at 

Swinton Park is that Steve cooks just for the 

guests at the demonstration table and no 

other, without the usual distractions found in a 

commercial kitchen. 

£60 per person (includes a glass of bubbly 

on arrival). Wine and other drinks charged 

separately. Guests staying at the hotel on a 

DB&B basis can attend the Chef’s Table as an 

alternative to dinner in the restaurant. 

Pre-Dinner Wine Tasting & Canapé 

Demonstrations 

Evening dates throughout 2013-14 

Come and join sommelier David Borwick for an 

informal tasting of a range of wines selected to 

match our current menus, with complementary 

canapés by Stephen Bulmer Chef Director, of 

Swinton Park Cookery School. 

The tasting will take place in the relaxed 

surroundings of the Cookery School and lasts 

45 minutes. Perfect as a little early evening 

entertainment before dinner. 


12

Cookery School Courses: Additional Information 

Accommodation 

We appreciate that our rural location, lovely 

though it is, is quite a distance for some of our 

guests. With this in mind we have created a 

special accommodation rate for cookery school 

guests attending 2-day and 1-day courses: 

From £110 per night, including breakfast, for 

Sunday to Thursday nights. Standard rates 

apply to Friday and Saturday nights, but 

complimentary upgrade will be given. 

For those wanting a more rustic alternative, 

the Bivouac at Druid’s Temple glamping 

destination is just a few miles from the school 

and offers Bunk Barn, Yurt and Woodland Shack 

accommodation. 

Applies to new bookings only. Maximum of two consecutive 

nights at this rate. Castle Club privileges will apply. 

Spa Treatments 

For guests who are attending a cookery course, 

and guest partners, a 10% discount is available 

on any spa treatments booked during the course 

or during your stay at the hotel. 

Partners 

Partners are welcome to join the cookery course 

for lunch on one day and two day courses , and/ 

or dinner on two day courses. Depending on 

numbers on the course, meals will either be 

served around the cookery school demonstration 

table or in the cookery school dining room. 

The rates for partners’ meals are £35 for 

lunch and £45 for dinner. 

Drinks and Refreshments 

Refreshments will be served either at the 

beginning of or during most courses, at no extra 

charge. Wine and beer will be served during 

meals, to be charged for separately. 

Recipes 

All Cookery School guests will receive a recipe 

folder or card at the end of every course. Children 

are also given aprons to take home. Please also 

sign up to the Friends of Swinton Park on our 

website for our monthly seasonal recipes.

The Courses - Swinton Park

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