Reviews for USHAW: HISTORIC HOUSE, CHAPELS & GARDENS, ESH

3/5 from Joe
2 years ago
This was a visit rather than a stay. The buildings used to be a Catholic seminary. If you are interested in architecture then the buildings themselves are very interesting. They include elements from all members of the Pugin family and there is an interesting exhibition about the Pugins. There are also some exhibits about the formation of the seminary in the early nineteenth century. However, it is lacking in any history post World War 1. We went in Winter and a couple of hours were sufficient. This included a light lunch in their cafe which was very pleasant. In Summer there are also gardens to enjoy. It is a place with much potential.
4/5 from Michael
3 years ago
Just came on a day visit, and wasn't disappointed. Lovely historic building with lots of interesting features and artefacts. The cafe sold gorgeous sandwiches and cakes at reasonable prices. The formal gardens were fairly small, and would have looked much better in a season other than winter. I would definitely recommend it.
5/5 from jax
3 years ago
Had an excellent visit. Lovely staff nothings a bother to them very helpful. l will definitely be returning. It was snowing when we were there, so we were unable to see the garden but the Chapel alone is well worth the visit.
5/5 from Christina
3 years ago
For some reason, I can't seem to leave a review for Ushaw College itself...I haven't stayed in the hotel but live close by and we go all the time. It is a fab place to spend a few hours wandering the grounds - they have a gorgeous garden, a large open field and a play area for kids - and visiting the house. We almost always go to the café as well, with their friendly service and nice selection of food and drinks. A real highlight is the children's playroom, the pre-loved books room (you find some great stuff for next to nothing!) and the chapels. If you go at the right time, you'll even hear a nice lady playing the organ. If you haven't already bought your yearly pass, do it!
4/5 from sue
3 years ago
My friend and I went to enjoy the Christmas carol service at St Cuthberts chapel. A lovely evening spent with like minded people. The history of the college can be seen everywhere and is well worth a visit.
1/5 from Jo
3 years ago
Events only- we went to one of the evening events a play of sorts. It was 4 degrees inside the theatre. I asked if the heating could be put on but was told it would take to long to feel the benefit and should have been put on yesterday. So the main question is why wasn’t it? I was told some fan heaters may be brought in but these didn’t come until the interval which was far too late. I went home at that point. We all can see the weather forecast the drop in temperatures shouldn't come as a surprise. When I spoke to staff on my way out he just waved me away without speaking. I then complained to another and she said we are all volunteers. Again that’s not my fault. Come on you took the money, changed the date, made us freeze then gave us staff that couldn't problem solve!
4/5 from Sarah
3 years ago
Bathroom was not level in our room and the water leaked into the bedroom. The rooms walls were so thin you could hear every movement everyone made. Tea and coffee was generous and the breakfast was good very accommodating when we said we was vegan although I didn't think they quite knew what that was. Overall a nice stay the grounds are lovely. shame about the room issues. Would stay again if there was something to do at night if they install a bar or a restaurant on site.
5/5 from Steve
3 years ago
Visited for an afternoon of dancing in the refectory, including tea and cakes. It is a new venture just starting, hope it continues next year when the weather improves. Very friendly hope to return. Even got to look around the chapels which are very ornate.
4/5 from a
3 years ago
Very pretty and well maintained gardens. I thought it was a little steep at £8/pp for a wander around the gardens at £32 for the 4 adults, but I did find someone's gold ring in the car park - the national trust giveth and the national trust taketh away.
5/5 from Baz
3 years ago
Happened upon Ushaw by accident on the way to Durham and what a gem of a find. A quick change of direction to pass an hour or so we thought. Nice and easy to park and bought a day ticket from a very friendly staff member. 4 Hours later ….. a great day out that included; meandering around the halls and chapels, great tasty lunch at a very reasonable price, fascinating tour from an old boy student, loverly meander around the gardens with amazing views. We enjoyed it so much that we bought an annual ticket in the way out so we could finish off the areas that we missed. Yes so much to see.