- Play Hard
- 29th Apr 2026
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Why Matfen Hall is the only way to do the Belsay Horse Trials this year
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If you’re heading to the Belsay Horse Trials this year and you haven’t sorted your stay, we’ve got just the place. Just 20 minutes down the road, Matfen Hall, one of Northumberland’s only five-star hotels, is calling.
With a complimentary chauffeur, award-winning dining and a spa, you’ll never want to leave, and it’s not hard to see why.
THE MOST EXCITING WAY TO EXPERIENCE BELSAY HORSE TRIALS 2026
The Belsay Horse Trials have grown into one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the country since launching in 2013, welcoming competitors and visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Alongside the world-class equestrian action, there’s a shopping village, dog show, family entertainment, a main arena programme and seriously good food and drink. It’s a full day out, and it deserves a stay that matches the occasion.
That’s where Matfen Hall comes in. Northumberland’s first and only five-star estate has put together an exclusive Belsay Horse Trials Stay package that takes care of absolutely everything, so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy every single moment.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE BELSAY HORSE TRIALS STAY?
Let’s get into the good stuff. The package includes tickets to the Belsay Horse Trials, complimentary chauffeur transfers to and from the event, a welcome drink on arrival, overnight accommodation, full access to The Retreat spa and an à la carte breakfast each morning. This is a proper experience from start to finish.
The chauffeur transfer alone is a game-changer. No stressing about parking, no navigating country roads after a long day – just a smooth, seamless journey there and back while you sit back and enjoy the ride. It’s the kind of detail that turns a good trip into a brilliant one.
ARRIVING AT MATFEN HALL – FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
Set in over 300 acres of stunning Northumberland parkland, Matfen Hall is the kind of place that makes you exhale the second you pull up outside. This historic country estate has been welcoming guests since 1999 and has recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment that has elevated every corner of the property, from the Great Hall and bar areas through to the bedrooms.
It received its prestigious AA Five-Star rating in 2024 and joined the exclusive Pride of Britain Hotels collection in 2025 – both of which tell you everything you need to know about the standard of the experience here. Among the best hotels in Northumberland, Matfen Hall sits in a league of its own.
The 63 bedrooms range from Classic rooms through to luxury suites, all finished beautifully and designed to make you feel completely at home from the moment you arrive.
DINING AT MATFEN HALL – 6 REASONS TO STAY FOR DINNER
One of the things that makes Matfen Hall so special as a Northumberland hotel is the sheer quality and variety of its dining. With six distinct spaces to eat and drink across the estate, you could visit multiple times and have a completely different experience each time.
The Emerald Restaurant is Matfen Hall’s flagship fine dining destination, offering tasting menus and Sunday lunch in a truly luxurious setting. Cloisters offers relaxed all-day dining with the most spectacular views of the Great Hall’s magnificent stained-glass window. The Drawing Room is the home of Matfen Hall’s celebrated Afternoon Tea, and the 1832 Bar is exactly where you want to be for a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail after a day at the trials. The Keepers, set just off the golf course with a large balcony, rounds things off beautifully.
Whether you want a celebratory dinner after a brilliant day at Belsay or a lazy breakfast before heading back out, the restaurants at Matfen Hall have got you covered.
THE RETREAT SPA – YOUR WELL-EARNED WIND DOWN
After a full day on your feet at the Belsay Horse Trials, full access to The Retreat spa is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. This is one of the finest spa hotels Northumberland has to offer, and the facilities are exceptional. Wind down, recover and wake up the next morning feeling genuinely refreshed and ready for another day of it.
BOOK YOUR BELSAY HORSE TRIALS STAY AT MATFEN HALL
Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a first-timer or simply someone who knows a brilliant excuse for a luxurious Northumberland getaway when they see one, this package is not to be missed. Spaces are limited, so book sooner rather than later.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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