Looking for a lovely hotel break in Nottinghamshire? We recently stayed at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa in Barnby Moor, near Retford, where we enjoyed a night in The Grove Lodge, dinner at the St Leger Bistro and breakfast the following morning.
It’s not too far from Yorkshire, making it a lovely option for a romantic night away, a spa break or simply a change of scenery.
We combined our overnight stay with a five-hour spa day, which included a two-course lunch and a relaxing scalp massage. You can read all about that in our separate Ye Olde Bell Spa review here.
But what about the hotel itself?
Ye Olde Bell Hotel in Retford
Ye Olde Bell is a historic former coaching inn with plenty of traditional character. Think period features, cosy corners and that lovely old-fashioned country hotel atmosphere.
The hotel has a real sense of history, which makes a nice contrast to the contemporary spa facilities. When we visited, it was beautifully decorated for Autumn.
I always think hotels like this are particularly appealing for a weekend away. There’s something about an old country inn that feels rather more special than staying in a modern chain hotel.
And with a choice of places to eat, a lovely spa and accommodation in both the main hotel and its surrounding buildings, there’s plenty of reason to make a proper break of it.
Staying in The Grove Lodge at Ye Olde Bell
For our overnight stay, we were accommodated in The Grove Lodge, rather than in the main hotel building.
The hotel offers a variety of accommodation, including rooms in its separate lodge buildings, so it’s worth checking which part of the property you’re booking when choosing your room.
Our lodge was positioned over two floors, and decorated in a (to my mind at least!) in a Scottish hunting lodge style with antlers and lots of tartan!
Downstairs there was a sofa area with a smart TV as well as a sofa bed ready made up for us.
There was also a dining table and kitchen area with fridge and microwave.
The hospitality tray was well stocked.
Up the pretty wooden staircase you will find a large bedroom with superking bed.
There is also a wardrobe with an ironing board, hairdryer and cosy towelling robes.
The bathroom has a large freestanding bath and a shower.
Staying in The Grove Lodge meant that we could enjoy our own little base for the night while still having the hotel restaurants, bar and spa facilities nearby.
And, of course, one of the nicest things about any hotel stay is knowing that you don’t have to worry about getting home after your evening meal. You can simply enjoy dinner, perhaps have a drink afterwards and then head back to your room.
Dinner at the St Leger Bistro
In the evening, we headed to the St Leger Bistro for dinner.
The St Leger Bistro offers a more informal dining option within the hotel, making it a nice choice for a relaxed evening meal. We tried the fish and chips:
Steak Pie:
And followed up with two lovely desserts:
Breakfast at Ye Olde Bell Hotel
The following morning, we headed for breakfast at the hotel.
Now, I don’t know about you, but hotel breakfast is one of my favourite parts of staying away.
At Ye Olde Bell there is a breakfast station for continental items like fruit:
As well as cereals:
Pastries and juice:
I then ordered some items from the cooked breakfast menu (bacon, sausages and a hash brown!)
While my friend Melanie went for boiled eggs and soldiers!
It was a lovely way to round off a night away.
Is Ye Olde Bell Hotel Good for a Romantic Break?
Ye Olde Bell is certainly the sort of place I’d consider for a romantic night away.
The historic setting gives it plenty of character, and the combination of hotel accommodation, restaurants and spa facilities makes it easy to plan a relaxing break without having to venture far.
You could spend the afternoon enjoying the spa, have a lovely dinner in the evening and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out the following morning.
Where Is Ye Olde Bell Hotel?
Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa is located in Barnby Moor, near Retford in Nottinghamshire. It’s easy to get to via the motorways and a ten minuted drive from Retford Train Station (where I collected Melanie from).
The hotel has lots of parking available too. I didn’t see it, but the website also says there is an EV charger available.
