Fawsley Hall Hotel

Fawsley Hall has a history stretching back over a thousand years. Originally a Royal Manor in the 7th century, it served as a centre for law and administration. By the 16th century, the Tudor South Wing was built, now home to the hotel restaurant, and Elizabeth I even stayed in the room above the kitchen in 1575. The Great Hall, added in 1537, displays the Knightley family crest, stained glass, and a hidden “sub rosa” room once used to print secret Puritan material. Over the centuries, the Knightleys added to the estate. Lucy Knightley built the Georgian North Wing in 1728, later updated with Gothic touches by Sir Charles Knightley.

In 1869, Rainald III Baronet hired Anthony Salvin to add the Victorian South East Wing for his wedding to Louisa Mary Bowater. The courtyard was also altered in the 19th century, traces of which remain today. After the last Knightleys died, their contents were auctioned in 1914. The house was used by the army during both world wars and later leased to a timber company, leading to further deterioration. In 1975, Mr and Mrs. Saunders bought the property and began restoring it, a process that continued into the 1990s when a consortium reinvested to create the hotel guests enjoy today. The estate lands are still owned by the Gage family, while many original features and parkland designed by Capability Brown in the 1760s remain, giving visitors a living connection to centuries of history.

Fawsley Hall feels like a house shaped slowly over centuries rather than built all at once. Its earliest parts follow Tudor architecture, especially in the South Wing and Great Hall, where you still see heavy timber beams, stone fireplaces, and thick walls that give the spaces a grounded, historic feel. Later additions introduced Georgian balance and proportion, followed by Victorian era updates that added more drama through Gothic detailing, tall windows, and decorative stonework. Architects such as Anthony Salvin played a key role in reshaping the house, carefully updating it while respecting its history.

Many original features remain visible, from carved ceilings to historic fireplaces and large sash windows overlooking the parkland. Alongside the historic interiors, the hotel is also known for its spa, housed in former estate buildings. The spa spaces feel calm and contemporary, with an indoor swimming pool, an open-air hydrotherapy pool, and relaxation areas that contrast nicely with the older architecture.

The Cedar Restaurant

Set on the ground floor of the South Wing, the restaurant dates back to the early 16th century. Original Tudor features remain, including the beamed ceiling, exposed brickwork, and a large stone fireplace. The room has been dressed to suit its history, with tapestries, soft lighting, and antique-style furniture.

Awarded 3 AA Rosettes, The Cedar Restaurant offers classic British dishes with a modern touch. Head Chef Joe Gould keeps the focus on good produce, working closely with local suppliers and letting the seasons guide the menu. The cooking is thoughtful, with plenty of flavor and a strong sense of freshness. Guests can choose from the seasonal menu, a five-course tasting menu, and pair their meal with something from the wine list. Dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options can be catered to with advance notice. Just let the team know when booking.

Opening hours:
Lunch: Sunday, 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 6.15 pm to 9 pm

The Tudor Bar

The Tudor Bar was once the estate’s brew house, where both beer and laundry were handled. Today, it’s a warm space to unwind. In winter, log fires keep the room cozy, while in summer the doors open out to the central courtyard and sunny terrace. It’s an easy spot for a light lunch, a coffee with a book, or a few family board games. The menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas, small plates, and a selection of mains. Open until late, the bar is a natural place to meet friends or colleagues. Guests can choose from an extensive list of wines, beers, and cocktails, whether stopping by for a quick drink or staying a little longer.

The Tudor Great Hall

The Tudor Great Hall is one of the standout spaces at Fawsley Hall. High ceilings, tall windows looking across the estate, and carefully chosen furniture give the room a grand yet comfortable feel. Built in 1537 by Sir Edmund Knightley, the Great Hall followed the open hall style of the time. Today, guests can enjoy the space throughout the day, from morning coffee and light lunches to afternoon tea, Champagne, cocktails, and after-dinner drinks. It’s a quiet spot to sit back and relax.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea has been a British tradition since the 19th century, a time to take a break, enjoy tea, snacks, and a little indulgence in the middle of the day. At Fawsley Hall, you can experience it in a historic setting that goes back to the 15th century. Tea is served in the Tudor Bar and Lounge, the Conservatory, or the Great Hall. You’ll get a selection of teas, fresh scones, sandwiches, and some sweet treats. Dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be accommodated if you let the team know when booking. The hotel also sometimes offers themed or seasonal afternoon teas. For something extra, you can add Champagne or an afternoon tea cocktail.

Opening hours: Daily - 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm

Sunday Lunch

If you’re around Northamptonshire on a Sunday, Fawsley Hall Hotel is a nice spot for a proper Sunday lunch. They do a seasonal two- or three-course menu with locally sourced ingredients, covering classic British dishes with a modern touch. You can eat in the Georgian dining room, which has nice views over the countryside. It works well for a family meal or a relaxed weekend lunch. Prices start from GBP 45 (around USD 60) for three courses. On some days, they also host Jazz Sunday Lunch in the Salvin Suite. It’s the same three-course lunch but with live jazz music, making for a fun, elegant twist on the usual Sunday lunch.

Opening hours: Sundays - 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm

Fawsley Hall Hotel is a historic country house in Northamptonshire and a popular spot for weddings. The hall has hosted royalty, and today it offers plenty of space for ceremonies and receptions. The house sits in large parkland with lakes and greenery, giving you plenty of options for indoor and outdoor settings. There’s also Knightley Court, a private part of the estate with its own bar, courtyard, and rooms for weddings and after parties. The team can help plan your day with tailored food menus, décor to suit your style, and support from experienced event planners, making it easier to organize your special day.

Valentine Suite
Venue type and style: A Georgian room in Knightley Court with large, light-filled windows and a hand-painted mural, offering a bright, elegant backdrop for ceremonies and memorable wedding moments.
Capacity: Up to 120 guests

Outdoor Ceremony
Venue type and style: Set amid Fawsley Hall’s parkland, this outdoor space offers lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and scenic countryside views, perfect for open-air weddings and picturesque ceremony photos.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests

Salvin Longroom
Venue type and style: A grand room with high ceilings, an ornate chandelier, an original fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows, combining historic elegance with stunning estate views for impressive indoor wedding ceremonies.
Capacity: Up to 110 guests

Salvin Boardroom
Venue type and style: Smaller yet sophisticated, featuring a gold chandelier, decorative ceiling, large windows, and refined details, offering an intimate, elegant setting for ceremonies and small gatherings.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

A stay at Fawsley Hall offers a chance to enjoy a mix of relaxation, adventure, and countryside charm. On-site, the original lodge houses a luxury spa where you can unwind with a sauna, steam, or take a dip in the heated swimming pool, or enjoy the open-air hydrotherapy pool while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Treatments using sustainable skincare products add a touch of indulgence, and the health club with personal trainers and fitness classes keeps you active. There’s even a tennis court for a friendly match on sunny days.

Beyond the estate, the area is full of experiences for every taste. History enthusiasts can visit Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of George Washington, before returning to the Tudor Great Hall for afternoon tea. For a classic countryside thrill, Honesberie Shooting Adventures offers expert-led clay pigeon shooting on a sprawling farm just a few miles from the hotel. Golfers can tee off at Northampton Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course in nearby Harlestone, while equestrian fans can discover polo lessons, riding, and family-friendly farm activities at Willoughby Park in Warwickshire. Together, these experiences make Fawsley Hall Hotel a base for a stay that blends historic charm with countryside adventure and thoughtful indulgence.

Fawsley Hall offers a festive escape in the heart of Northamptonshire, perfect for enjoying Christmas and New Year in a historic country house setting. Guests can take crisp countryside walks, relax by roaring fires, and indulge in seasonal dining throughout their stay. The hotel hosts a variety of festive meals, including Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and evening buffet, Boxing Day lunch and tasting menu, and New Year’s Eve dinner, along with a special Festive Afternoon Tea served until 31st December. For those looking to elevate their celebrations, the Bollinger Christmas Experience adds Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, Brut 2015, with afternoon tea, aperitifs, and a gift to take home.

Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a private party, or an exclusive family celebration, Fawsley Hall provides the perfect backdrop for any event. The hotel offers versatile spaces, from meeting rooms in the main house to the Knightley Court with its function suite, bar, lounge, and 29-seat cinema. The expansive lawns are ideal for team-building activities or outdoor fun, supported by trusted partners. Every celebration is tailored to your requirements, with bespoke planning, décor, and seasonal, locally sourced menus created by expert chefs to make your occasion seamless and memorable.