The Judges Hotel

Virtual Tours & History

360º Virtual Tours

The Lounge, The Judges Hotel Click to View Virtual Tour	The Conservatory, The Judges Hotel Click to View Virtual Tour
Dom Perignon Dining Room, The Judges Hotel Click to View Virtual Tour	The Bridal Suite, The Judges Hotel Click to View Virtual Tour

History of The Judges Hotel

History plays quite a part in this gracious country house hotel and its extensive grounds. Built on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors in 1881 for the former engineering family, the Richardsons of Hartlepool, Kirklevington Hall was their home throughout the 1914-1918 war during which most of the family was lost.

Following the death of the only surviving member in 1940, the estate passed into the hands of a Hartlepool entrepreneur prior to being requisitioned by the Army towards the end of the last World War. The Army built a massive bunker within the grounds, which became a vital, secret command centre for the North East. With two feet thick reinforced concrete walls, it has now been converted to a modern residence for members of the Downs family – Judges current owners.

During the 1970s Kirklevington Hall became home to the countrys Judges when they were on circuit to Middlesbrough courts hence the current name. In 1989 the circuit Judges no longer required the Hall and it was acquired by the Downs family. They were no strangers to developing high quality country house hotels as they had already created Crathorne Hall Hotel, prior to selling it as a successful operation to the Virgin group.

Extensive utility development and a total refurbishment programme were undertaken and in 1994, Judges at Kirklevington Hall was launched. The Family and its small team, many of whom worked alongside them at Crathorne, subsequently set about restoring the 22 acre grounds to their former glory.

The beautiful gardens now comprise graceful lawns that sweep down from the Halls sunny terraces to a tiny river, which meanders across the estate via waterfalls and under ornate bridges. There are extensive rhododendron beds, formal features, herbaceous borders and a herb garden which provides the Kitchen with fresh produce. There is also a Victorian walled garden graced by old fruit trees and current developments incorporate a sizeable vegetable garden and greenhouse.

Natural woodlands complete with a network of unobtrusive pathways provide guests with a chance to stroll, jog or simply sit quietly on a shady wayside seat and watch the many birds, squirrels and rabbits at play or even the occasional deer or pheasant who wander into the grounds to sample the lush vegetation.

The above article is courtesy of The Judges Hotel official website: Read More

Address & Directions

The Judges Hotel
Thirsk Rd
Kirklevington
Yarm
TS15 9LW

Tel: 01642 789000

Postcode for Sat Nav: TS15 9LW

Directions

From the North Via M6
Leave the Motorway at junction 40 (A66/A592) at the roundabout take 2nd exit A66, follow A66 for approximately 50.5 miles.
Scotch Corner (Junction Al/A66/A6108) at roundabout take 1st exit A1 signed Newcastle.
In approximately 4 miles take the left hand lane to join A66(M) Signed Darlington in 2 miles at roundabout take 1st exit A66 cross the River Tees in approximately 1 mile Junction with A67/A167 at the roundabout take 3rd exit signed Teesside.
Junction with A67/B6280 at roundabout take 3rd exit A67 signed Yarm. Follow the A67 through Eaglescliffe into Yarm. Follow the road through Yarm and at the roundabout take 2nd exit signed Kirklevington. Judges is approximately half a mile down the road on your right.

From the North Via A1
Leave the A1 at the Junction with the A19 Signed Tyne Tunnel. At the roundabout (junction with AI068/B1318) take 3rd exit then at the next roundabout (junction with A189/B1505) take 3rd exit. At the next roundabout (junction with A1058) take 3rd exit at the next roundabout (junction with A187) take 2nd exit proceed through the Tyne Tunnel (tollbooths). Junction with A185 at the roundabout take 3rd exit signed The South, Teesside keep on the A19 for approximately 39 miles branch left A67 signed Crathorne follow the A67 and Judges is approximately 1 and a half miles on the Left.

From the South Via M6
Leave the M6 at junction 21A (M62) keep forward then in 0.5 mile branch left signed Leeds to join M62.
In approximately 9 miles Junction 12 (M60/M62) branch left signed Leeds then take left-hand lane.
In approximately 3 miles Junction 15 (M61) take right hand lanes.
In approximately 45 miles Junction 29 (M1) The North (M1) Forward M1 North Junction with A1 Forward A1(M) North.
In approximately 25 miles branch left signed Thirsk to join A168 (A19) Junction 49 follow the road for approximately 25 miles and branch left at junction with A67 signed Yarm.
At the T-junction turn left and Judges is approximately 1.5 miles on your left.

From the South Via M1
Leave the MI at junction 32 (MI8) take left-hand lane to join M18 signed The North, Doncaster.
In approximately 9 miles Junction 2 (Al(M)) branch left & at roundabout take 181 exit to join Al(M) signed the north.
In approximately 51.5 miles branch left signed Thirsk to join A168 (AI9) follow the road for approximately 25 miles and branch left at junction with A67 signed Yarm.
At the T -junction turn left and Judges is approximately 1.5 miles on your left.

Map