New Hall Hotel and Spa Review: Prices, Pool, Dining, History

New Hall Hotel and Spa occupies a Grade I listed moated manor house in Sutton Coldfield that its operator, Hand Picked Hotels, describes as the oldest inhabited moated house in England. With 60 en-suite bedrooms, a separate spa building, a nine-hole golf course and 26 acres of grounds within seven miles of Birmingham city centre, the property sits at the intersection of medieval heritage and contemporary luxury. This profile draws on verified property data, guest reviews and heritage records to help travellers weighing a stay evaluate the accommodation, spa, dining and overall experience.

Last checked: 2026-05-29

Property name: New Hall Hotel & Spa ·
Location: Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, West Midlands, England ·
Setting: 26-acre historic grounds with moat, gardens, and golf course ·
Key amenities: Indoor pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, spa treatments, free Wi-Fi

What is New Hall Hotel and Spa Known For?

The property’s defining characteristic is its medieval heritage. Hand Picked Hotels traces ownership before the Norman Conquest to Edwin, Earl of Mercia, whose land was annexed after his execution in 1071. The Great Hall and Dining Room are described as Anglo-Saxon in origin, with the moat fed by seven springs. Britain’s Finest records that Sir John Lizours first used the name “New Hall” in 1341, and the current building reflects late medieval construction by the Earls of Warwick as a hunting lodge. The property holds Grade I listed status and a four-star rating.

The moat, drawbridge, turrets and waterlilies create what multiple editorial reviews describe as a fairytale setting. Henry VIII is associated with the property through local tradition — he granted a Royal Charter to Sutton Coldfield in 1528 — and ghost stories involving a neck-ruffed cavalier appear in several heritage accounts, though these are not independently verifiable.

Key defining features

• Oldest listed inhabited moated house in England (reputed, per multiple sources)
• 26 acres of grounds including formal gardens, pasture and woodland
• Grade I listed building; four-star country house hotel
• One of the region’s most desirable wedding venues (Hand Picked Hotels)
• AA-rated accommodation with 14 family rooms and 25 ground-floor bedrooms

What this means: The property’s heritage credentials are its primary differentiator. For travellers prioritising historic atmosphere over modern design, this positioning is likely to satisfy; for those expecting contemporary boutique aesthetics, the medieval bones may require adjustment.

Is the Food Good at New Hall Hotel and Spa?

The on-site restaurant, The Terrace Restaurant, holds 2 AA Rosettes according to Britain’s Finest, indicating that its British cuisine sits above standard hotel-restaurant level. Hotels.com describes it as a fine-dining venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with garden views.

Tripadvisor user feedback frequently praises the breakfast quality and dinner offerings at New Hall. Expedia’s aggregated review summary notes that guests consistently rate the food as very good, alongside positive mentions of staff and room comfort. A Lady of Leisure records midweek rates for Classic Double rooms around £100–£110, though these figures vary with demand and date.

What guests say about dining

• Breakfast receives repeated praise across Expedia, Tripadvisor and editorial reviews
• Dinner quality at The Terrace Restaurant draws positive mentions, supported by the 2 AA Rosette rating
• Several editorial reviewers note that midweek off-peak rates from around £100–£110 represent reasonable value for a four-star country house dinner inclusive

The pattern: Guest feedback leans positive on food quality across platforms. The 2 AA Rosette rating from Britain’s Finest provides an external benchmark for the dining standard above purely subjective reviews.

Does New Hall Hotel and Spa Have a Pool?

Yes. The spa and leisure facilities are housed in a separate building within the grounds, a short walk from the main house, as noted by RatedTrips (AA). Muddy Stilettos describes facilities that include an indoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna and steam room alongside treatment rooms and a gym.

Hotels.com adds a nine-hole golf course to the leisure offering, while RatedTrips also lists a hard tennis court, croquet and a health club. Tripadvisor reviews describe the pool area as clean and pleasant but note that space is limited, with insufficient loungers during busy periods.

Leisure facilities at a glance

• Indoor swimming pool and spa pool (Muddy Stilettos)
• Sauna and steam room (Muddy Stilettos)
• Gym and treatment rooms (Muddy Stilettos)
• Nine-hole golf course (Hotels.com)
• Hard tennis court and croquet (RatedTrips)

The trade-off: The spa building is separate from the main house, requiring a short outdoor walk in all weather. Poolside seating may be insufficient during peak times, per Tripadvisor feedback.

What is the History of New Hall Hotel and Spa?

Hand Picked Hotels records that before the Norman Conquest the land was owned by Edwin, Earl of Mercia, whose property was seized by the Crown following his execution by William the Conqueror in 1071. Britain’s Finest notes that the original moated hall was built by the Earl of Mercia, with later owners including the Earls of Warwick, King Henry I and Sir John Lizours, who first used the name “New Hall” in 1341.

The property functioned as a hunting lodge, private residence and school before its current use as a hotel. Hand Picked Hotels states the building is approximately 800 years old. Henry VIII’s association with New Hall derives from his stay and dining there, linked to his 1528 Royal Charter to Sutton Coldfield. A local legend holds that Charles II spent a night at the property while fleeing Roundhead forces after the Battle of Worcester during the English Civil War, though this claim carries low confidence in the research record.

How Old is New Hall Hotel and Spa?

Hand Picked Hotels describes the property as approximately 800 years old, implying continuous occupation since the 13th century. The Great Hall and Dining Room are identified as Anglo-Saxon in origin, suggesting structural elements that predate the Norman Conquest. Night’s in the Past confirms the Grade I listed status, which applies to structures of exceptional interest or national importance.

The age claim is supported by both the official operator and secondary heritage references. However, the specific “oldest inhabited moated house in England” designation is typically phrased as “reputed” or “probably” rather than as an absolute verified fact across sources.

New Hall Hotel and Spa Prices and Booking

Kayak records a minimum recorded price of approximately €122 per night at New Hall Hotel and Spa. A Lady of Leisure notes midweek Classic Double rooms from around £100–£110, while Luxury Lifestyle Magazine cites starting rates from about £185, likely reflecting peak-demand dates. A Luxury Travel Blog’s 2020 review references prices from around £225 per night including breakfast, illustrating that rates vary significantly with date and package inclusions. The age claim is supported by both the official operator and secondary heritage references, and for more details on the hotel, you can check out Смерть у раю сезон 13.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 11:00, according to Hotels.com. The property offers free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, a bar and lounge, and room service.

Pricing band overview

• Entry-level rooms from approximately £100–£122 per night (off-peak midweek)
• Standard rates from approximately £185 per night (higher-demand dates)
• Suites and weekend rates substantially higher than entry-level pricing

What to watch: Pricing fluctuates considerably with demand, date and package inclusions. Direct booking through Hand Picked Hotels and comparison across platforms (Expedia, Hotels.com, Kayak) is advisable for the best available rate.