From a ten-bedroom country house hotel to a sprawling hospitality empire, Ramside Estates has become a cornerstone of the North East’s leisure and tourism scene. With a portfolio that includes luxury hotels, quirky bars, fine dining, championship golf and even treehouses, Ramside is all about good times, done properly.
Swinburne Maddison has been proud to support the Adamson family and the Ramside team through decades of growth, transformation, and innovation, helping shape one of the region’s most iconic independent hospitality brands.
The Situation: From Family Roots to Regional Powerhouse
Originally known as Belmont Hall, the Ramside estate was transformed into a hotel in 1964. Since then, under the stewardship of the Adamson family, Ramside has evolved into a four-star destination offering 127 bedrooms, two championship golf courses, a luxury spa, treehouse accommodation, and multiple restaurants.
John Adamson, who took over the business in 2010, has continued to expand the vision, bringing new venues, experiences and energy to the Ramside brand.
The Solution: Legal Expertise Fuelling Hospitality Ambitions
Swinburne Maddison has proudly served as the legal advisor to Ramside Estates for over 30 years, supporting the entire portfolio across a wide range of legal matters.
Over the years, Kate Stephenson, Partner in our Commercial Property team, has been a key contact for John Adamson as he’s built his hospitality empire.
We’ve supported Ramside through:
- Commercial Property – Advising on acquisitions, leases and various matters associated with the redevelopment and evolution of the facilities.
- Licensing – Securing premises licences for new venues, including the multi-million-pound spa and Fusion restaurant.
- Corporate & Commercial Advice – Supporting the group’s strategic growth and operational needs.
- Employment Law – Helping manage a workforce of over 750 employees across the group.
Our focus has always been on enabling Ramside’s ambitious plans while protecting the integrity of the business and its people.
Resorts for every occasion An award-winning hotel and resort group
The Adamson family continues to invest significantly in Ramside across the wider group and through JA Property Ltd, as they expand their portfolio of residential and commercial developments across the North East. Over many years, we have proudly supported and championed Ramside through a number of landmark projects.
A Luxury Spa at the Heart of the Estate
In 2015, Ramside Estates invested £16 million into a luxury spa. This major development included 47 new hotel rooms and a wide range of spa facilities, from hydro pools and treatment rooms to an infinity pool and Fusion, an Asian-inspired restaurant.
We supported Ramside through:
- Advising on and securing the premises licence for the spa and Fusion restaurant.
- Negotiating and completing a Section 106 Agreement with Durham County Council to enable planning consent.
- Advising on the sale of development land to fund the expansion.
The spa continues to be a standout feature of Ramside Hall, setting a new standard for wellness in the region.
New beginnings for The George Hotel at Teesside Airport
The popular airport hotel closed in 2018 and has remained empty for many years. Ramside have recently acquired a 150-year lease for the site and hope to breath new life into the premises with ambitious plans for a hotel with a conference and banqueting centre.
We were please to support Ramside with commercial property advice on this latest project.
Personal Legacy and Future Vision at Hardwick Hall
In 2019, Ramside introduced ten treehouses of varying shapes and sizes, including one designed to host weddings for up to 40 guests. These additions brought a new level of luxury and creativity to the estate.
Our team supported Ramside with:
- Planning applications for the new accommodation.
- Commercial property advice to ensure the developments aligned with long-term goals.
For over a decade, John has also raised the profile of Durham through Hardwick Live, a family-friendly music festival that draws 30,000 people to the estate each year. Acts have included Becky Hill, Blossoms, Noel Gallagher, Nile Rodgers, Rag’n’Bone Man, Kaiser Chiefs, Madness, and Adam Ant.
The Results: A Legacy of Leisure
Today, Ramside Estates stands as one of the North East’s most vibrant and diverse hospitality groups, offering a wide range of experiences across its growing portfolio:
- Ramside Hall Hotel – A four-star country estate with luxury spa, two championship golf courses, treehouse accommodation, and multiple dining options.
- Hardwick Hall Hotel – A grand venue with lakeside views, home to the Hardwick Festival and future site of a spectacular new spa.
- Bowburn Hall Hotel – A charming three-star hotel with woodland lodges and a strong community focus.
- The Funky Monk – Five quirky serviced apartments in Durham city centre.
- The Impeccable Pig – A bold and eclectic restaurant and rooms in Sedgefield.
- Sticky Wicket – A popular sports bar at Durham’s Riverside cricket ground.
- WonderBar – A lively venue in Newcastle’s The Gate, known for entertainment and events.
- Colonel Porter’s – A characterful bar on Newcastle’s Quayside, filled with antiques and stories.
- The Fed – A transformed function venue in Dunston, now hosting weddings, conferences and serviced offices.
Each venue brings something unique to the table, yet all are united by Ramside’s commitment to quality, creativity, and community.
Behind the scenes, Swinburne Maddison has played a key role in supporting Ramside Estates’ transformation, from a family-run hotel to a multi-site hospitality brand. Our legal support has helped:
- Enable strategic growth across hotels, leisure, and entertainment venues.
- Provide trusted legal advice across employment, property, and commercial law.
- Support a hands-on, people-first approach to hospitality that keeps customers and staff coming back.
What Ramside Group had to say…
We’re proud to continue working with Ramside Estates as they celebrate 60 years of success, and look ahead to even more exciting ventures.
“Ramside have enjoyed a close working relationship with Swinburne Maddison for over 50 years, as they have helped support, protect and grow our business with professionalism and integrity.”
John Adamson, Owner, Ramside Estates
A Trusted Partner in Hospitality and Growth
At Swinburne Maddison, we thrive in the leisure and hospitality sector. Supporting landmark businesses like Ramside Estates is a privilege and a partnership built on trust.
Whether you’re expanding a hotel, launching a new venue, or planning a festival, you can be confident your legal needs are in safe hands.
Looking for a legal team that understands your ambitions? Let’s talk.
Call us on 0191 384 2441
