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Ramside Estates Magazine
Artist Mel Holmes created this mural featuring Hardwick Hall’s owner and friends – among them former prime minister Tony Blair whose home in his Sedgefield constituency was close by. Back row: Rita Martins, George Bolam, the late Michael Adamson, Tony Blair, Geronimo Martins. Front row: John Adamson, Freddie Watson, Chris Dawson, Robin Ward, Denis Craggs, the late Frank Craggs, John Wade.
conveniently situated in the Tees Valley: close to Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington and Durham. Not only does it boast extensive conference facilities with free Wi-Fi and ample parking, for private parties, business meetings and corporate events, but it is surrounded by the magnificent Hardwick Country Park. This spectacular setting is just one of the reasons why Best Western Hardwick Hall Hotel is also one of the North East’s leading wedding venues. Licensed to hold civil ceremonies, the hotel’s choice of function rooms and suites means it is perfectly placed to host everything from small, intimate weddings to large-scale celebrations. During the summer months the Paddock Marquee with its own private garden and lovely views is a special venue for a traditional summer garden wedding and larger marquees – able to seat up to 1,500 guests – are available during selected months of the year. In fact, these large marquees are one of the reasons that Hardwick Hall Hotel has become one of the North East’s major events destinations. Their capacity has enabled the venue to stage spectacular festivals and fund raisers and its Lobster Charity Ball, Hardwick Live and annual North East Oyster Festival are now firm fixtures in the region’s social calendar, attracting hundreds of partygoers keen to enjoy a night to remember.
a venue for spectacular festivals and fund raisers such as the oyster Festival and lobster Ball
And, when the party is over, business concluded or the last glass of after-dinner port has been drained, Hardwick Hall Hotel has a choice of 50 stunning and luxurious bedrooms. Lavish and individually designed, luxury is evident at every turn – from the exceptionally comfortable beds to the extra large baths and walk in showers – not only meeting, but exceeding, the expectations of even the most discerning guest. But of course a good hotel is always more than the sum of its parts and, as excellent as they are, the facilities at Hardwick Hall Hotel are only part of the story. What is really impressive is the attention to detail, the imagination and the energy that positively crackles around this venue – all of which ensure that people don’t just visit it; they remember it – and they return. Why don’t you join them?