This year on our way back from Glasgow we had an overnight stay at Hazlewood Castle. I only happened upon this castle when looking at our route home and saw that it was also a hotel. I was extremely excited to find that it was quite reasonable for an overnight stay. We didn’t manage to get a room in the castle itself but in one of the buildings surrounding the place.
Hazlewood castle dates back to 1066 and was in the possession of Gamel, son of Osmund. It was during the time of King Edward the Confessor.
1086 Doomsday notes that it was given to Mauger le Vavasour by William de Percy.
From 1183 until 1826 it was in the hands of the Vavasour family and it was only due to the death of the 7th baron that it was passed to a relative – Edward Stourton, who then took the name Vavasour.
In 1290 it was granted a licence to crenallate the medieval building.
In 1908 it was put up for sale and the Vavasour family moved to New Zealand where they started the famous Vavasour Winery.
This of course is just a very short timeline and below is the history of events that took place during the different reigns. The family certainly had their ups and downs but always seemed to come together again.
Coincidentally Vavasour is one of my favourite Sauvignon Blancs so I was especially intrigued that the name was originally from France. The restaurant was also called Vavasour.
The surrounding buildings and gardens
The castle is situated in beautiful countryside and the views are amazing. We had a pleasant walk through the gardens and were also surprised to be given a key to enter the small chapel. I think the key must date back hundreds of years as it was extremely large and difficult to open the door.
The door to the chapel
Inside the Castle
This is a fabulous hotel for a night or two, great for an anniversary or birthday treat. There is also a day spa offering relaxing and revitalising treatments, ideal for a girls’ weekend away.
Also posting for Lens Artist Challenge, In the Garden, hosted by Ann-Christine.
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Looks beautiful Alison – so many highlights in the world that get less publicity than they deserve!
Thanks Tina, it’s our job to put them on the map 😁
What a beautiful post! Your photos took me there to visit the castle and its garden.
What an interesting place, Alison
Thanks Sue, yes there was so much to look at and I loved the history
Thanks Egidio ☺️
A lovely part of the world too. And a fairly long history in the brewing industry too, as it happens…
Yes it was, it was our first time
This is beautiful. I love the idea of staying in a castle. Was your room comfortable? How was it decorated. Was the bath in the room or down the hall?
Thanks Suzanne, yes the room was very comfortable and had ensuite, gone are the days of shared bathrooms for me! All the rooms are named after flowers and decorated kind of 19th century with old wood and heavy drapes
Sounds perfect. I’ll Pin it for future reference.
In the days when we would just set off on a road trip with no reservations, we were once seduced by a B&B in a “castle”. It sort of was, but what the signs didn’t say was that it was a Christian retreat and we had to listen to a sermon after dinner!
Haha oh no, Anthony would have killed me!
Fortunately it was only one night!
What a fun place to stay. When we were in UK this year we learned that when castles were being built the owners had to receive permission from the Crown to add crenellations, right back to Norman times.
Thanks, yes that was something I learnt that day too
So much fantastic history to absorb. 🙂
what a great place to visit and capture nice photos
Yes it was, such a lovely find
🙂
What a lovely place to stay! And I do like your ‘To the manor born’ shot – perfectly posed!
Haha thanks Sarah, I do like a good pose 😬
What an incredible place to stay! Staying here, I would never want to leave and just spend all my time wandering through and finding all the delightful corners and spots of interest through the castle 🙂
Yes it was Meg, I would have liked to have delved deeper into all the people that lived there 😊
After staying at Roch Castle in Wales maybe I need to check out Hazelwood too! Looks so nice Alison.
Right up your alley Marion, you would love it 😊
Gorgeous Alison.
Thanks Leanne 😊
Lovely photos of the castle and its gardens, Alison.
Thanks John 😊
What an amazing place with its history and gardens, its doors and windows. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Thanks for your comments Teresa ☺️
This looks lovely, Alison! A treat to stay at a Castle!
Thanks Leya, it really was a treat, such a great find
just lovely.
Thanks Ritva 😊
Such an impressive place and your photos are beautiful.
Thanks Sofia, it was just lovely
Beautiful photos, amazing history. I imagine it wasn’t easy for a single family to hold a majestic residence for so many centuries, history being as tumultuous as it is. Perhaps I’m naive. 🤷♂️ I’d love to stay there. Prices look ‘reasonable’.
Thanks for your comments John, yes I was surprised at the prices. Loved the history, especially when you consider some were also imprisoned
Wow, such a beautiful castle! I think that one of the best ways to experience one of these historic structures is by spending a night or two! Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Hi Aiva
Thanks for reading, I had a wonderful time staying there, felt very spoilt 😁
🥰🥰🥰