Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-fountain-1024x683.jpg" alt="the pond and fountain at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12683" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-fountain-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-fountain-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-fountain-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-fountain.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>A grand country pile set within dramatic formal gardens and overlooking picture-perfect parkland, <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/thoresby-hall-hotel-ollerton-notts/">Thoresby Hall Hotel</a> has just undergone a major refurb of all the bedrooms which has brought it bang up to date and added a splash of luxe.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-signature-twin-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12692" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-signature-twin-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-signature-twin-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-signature-twin-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-signature-twin.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Like your holidays all-inclusive? As a Warner Hotel, you’ll get a slice of that here – with meals, leisure activities and ents all built in to the price (although you can also opt for room only). Because of this &#8211; and the fact it’s adults-only &#8211; this place has long attracted an older demographic of retirees, but the swanky new refurb of 170 rooms and suites is calling to a much younger audience. With a glow-up of the rest of the hotel on the horizon, it’s breathing fresh life into this timeless baronial&nbsp;hall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-library-1024x683.jpg" alt="The library lounge at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12690" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-library-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-library-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-library-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-library.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>This is a place of contrasts. The front of the hotel that greets you on arrival is new build and modern (it’s here you’ll find the swish new bedrooms) and behind it sits the original Grade I listed&nbsp;hall that dates back to 1871. It’s this historic part of the hotel that houses the grandest and most elegant of communal spaces, along with the best views overlooking the beautiful Thoresby Park estate and Sherwood Forest beyond. There are several elegant lounges – one with a grand piano with accompanying pianist, one with a cocktail bar, and an absolutely gorgeous library lounge with splendiferous views down to the fountain and lake beyond. It’s old school cool, with impossibly high ornate ceilings and wallpapers, vast swathes of curtains, intricate wood carvings and leather-bound books on the shelves. It’s also really inviting; I spent a lovely half hour curled up with a book and a glass of vino here.</p>



<p>Walk back (and it is quite a walk) to the more contemporary part of the hotel and you’ll find the laid-back Coffee Nest café/bar, the Late Lounge where the evening acts perform on stage and the reception area. It’s far from shabby, but it feels like this area could do with a bit of an update (likely on the cards soon). Most of the bedrooms – apart from 54 historic rooms and suites in the old hall – are tucked away down modern corridors that run off from the reception area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Blue-Room-Thoresby.jpg" alt="The Blue Room restaurant at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12740" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Blue-Room-Thoresby.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Blue-Room-Thoresby-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Blue-Room-Thoresby-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Blue-Room-Thoresby-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Blue-Room-Thoresby-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are a few options for eats. Contemporary, sit-down dining in Brasserie 32, the more casual Market Kitchen and lighter bites in the café-style Coffee Nest. I opted for the full fine dining experience in the in the exquisite Blue Room (dubbed Brasserie 32) overlooking the gardens. If you’re local and popping in for a posh afternoon tea, this is where it&#8217;ll be served – a quintessentially English experience.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s a jaw-droppingly gorgeous space. Ornate, gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, gilt-framed mirrors. plush fabric and wood panelled walls and vast doors with intricate wood-carved frames. It’s fabulously elegant and properly grand. Just a shame there are only a handful of window seats that really make the most of that beautiful view.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-dessert.jpg" alt="enchanted garden dessert at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12741" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-dessert.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-dessert-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-dessert-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-dessert-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-dessert-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>After ordering a Pinot Grigio from the very decent wine list, I tucked into a starter of Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella salad. Delicate and dainty with very pretty salad leaves, adorned with mozzarella balls, flavoursome tomatoes, red onion, guacamole and balsamic vinegar and croutons, it’s delicious and a winning start. For main course, I opted for the Braised Beef Short Rib. The creamed celeriac it was served with was top-notch; the beef a little chewy but not bad. Lured in by the miniature artwork of a dessert called Enchanted Garden, I finished with a pretty strawberry shortcake with miniature toadstool, edible soil and real flowers &#8211; so pretty and a very sweet treat.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/image.png" alt="outdoor terrace at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12739" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/image.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/image-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/image-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The sun was shining and the outdoor terrace was beckoning while I was at Thoresby, so I enjoyed a sundowner afterwards amid the fairy lights and the big views. If the weather&#8217;s good, it&#8217;s an impossibly peaceful and lovely spot to stay awhile.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-new-bedroom1-1024x683.jpg" alt="new modern bedroom at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-new-bedroom1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-new-bedroom1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-new-bedroom1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-new-bedroom1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>See what I mean about the swanky new bedrooms? Fresh, zingy and calling to a younger crowd, I loved the colour palette of muted blues with zesty citrus pops of pattern. It&#8217;s mis-matched yet put-together and feels contemporary and relaxed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bathroom-1024x683.jpg" alt="new bathroom at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12689" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bathroom-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bathroom-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bathroom-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bathroom.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Bathrooms are nicely done too, with large showers, funky wall coverings and large, well-lit mirrors.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/thoresby-sig-bathroom-1024x683.jpg" alt="bathroom at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12693" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/thoresby-sig-bathroom-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/thoresby-sig-bathroom-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/thoresby-sig-bathroom-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/thoresby-sig-bathroom.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The bed is super-comfy, the TV is big and the rooms are well-kitted out with ironing boards, hairdryers and complimentary biscuits and hot drinks.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bedroom2-1024x683.jpg" alt="bedroom at Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bedroom2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bedroom2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bedroom2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Thoresby-bedroom2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-spa">THE SPA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-pool-1024x683.jpg" alt="thoresby hall hotel swimming pool" class="wp-image-9904" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-pool-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-pool-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-pool-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-pool.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Looking to up the ante with some serious relaxation in the spa? There&#8217;s a decent menu of treatments &#8211; from facials to massages &#8211; and a nice pool, bathed in sunlight. As well as a sauna, steam room and gym, there&#8217;s also a big jacuzzi is large enough for a crowd and there&#8217;s plenty of space to lounge and chill out. </p>



<p>With only an hour before dinner, I tried out the new <a href="https://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/blog/dry-wave-massage-new-spa-treatment-at-thoresby-hall">Dry Wave Massage bed</a> which only takes 25mins. It&#8217;s certainly easy &#8211; just jump on the water bed fully clothed and let the powerful water jets deliver a deep tissue massage while an overhead hood provides light therapy. It&#8217;s an odd experience to start with &#8211; like some sort of AI water nymph pummelling your back, shoulders and legs. But, after a few minutes, I relaxed into it and felt pretty refreshed afterwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-Hall-late-lounge-1024x683.jpg" alt="thoresby hall late lounge" class="wp-image-9902" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-Hall-late-lounge-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-Hall-late-lounge-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-Hall-late-lounge-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Thoresby-Hall-late-lounge.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Sniffy about evening &#8216;entertainment&#8217; at all-inclusive hotels? Give it a go here as Thoresby actually attracts some decent acts in its well-kitted out Late Lounge (pictured). The night I visited it was a fairly average singer so I didn&#8217;t linger long, but decent tribute acts appear here, along with outdoor theatre, top-notch magicians, and the odd big name (Sheridan Smith is dropping by to perform in July).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>Excellent. There may be a long walk between the modern new rooms and the restaurants, but it&#8217;s all wheelchair-friendly, and there are plenty of guest wheels  should you or elderly family members need them. I was tempted to take one for a joyride myself but, er, maybe not appropriate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly-dog-friendly">KID FRIENDLY? DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Neither. It&#8217;s strictly over 18s and service dogs only at Thoresby Hall Hotel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/ThoresbyHall-ext1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Thoresby Hall Hotel" class="wp-image-12686" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/ThoresbyHall-ext1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/ThoresbyHall-ext1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/ThoresbyHall-ext1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/ThoresbyHall-ext1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s stacks of wonderful outdoorsy opps around Thoresby Hall Hotel and you don&#8217;t have to wander far to enjoy them. Start your day with a trail run or walk along the gorgeous woodland trails that lead to the rose garden, punctuated by picture perfect spots to sit and daydream. There are also plenty of activities on offer, like archery, axe throwing, croquet, or sign up for a falconry experience. Just beyond the walls of the hall, you can also explore the wider Thoresby Park estate, where there are frequent events and a lovely shopping courtyard. Sherwood Forest is a stone&#8217;s throw away too for longer stomps or woodland bike rides.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict">THE VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong>&nbsp;A get-away-from-it-all break with more than a dash of luxe, either as a couple, as a group or even on your own. A top spot for a posh summer afternoon tea too.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:</strong>&nbsp;Wild weekender types &#8211; the ents in the Late Lounge could be fun, but not the spot for hedonists. Not one for young families either.</p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong>&nbsp;Good value, especially if you go all-inclusive. There&#8217;s a shedload of offers available, plus room-only options. Time it right and there are bargains to be had.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/thoresby-hall-hotel">Thoresby Hall Hotel</a>, Thoresby Park, Nr. Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9WH. Tel: 0330 1359 580</em></p>


Review: Thoresby Hall Hotel, Ollerton

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