Our Favourite Staycations

This Georgian retreat, set within 200 acres of rural North Yorkshire countryside has a choice of rooms across its estate buildings, all lovingly restored and with muted, elegant furnishings. The Main House – set amongst private gardens  –has several grand reception rooms, five suites and 11 bedrooms is available for private hire and is a popular party venue. There’s the Coach House, with nine cosy bedrooms, or The Potting Shed’s three botanical bedrooms and The Dairy with 11 pretty rooms including an original dovecote. But you’re looking for space for all the family, the six-bedroom Farmhouse with it’s own small garden is the one to book. There are two restaurants, where seasonal produce sourced from the estate’s own Kitchen Garden dominant the menus; the ever-popular Coach House Restaurant is the spot for casual, Mediterranean-inspired dining (and breakfast), while Gareth Rayner’s Forge serves up modern British dishes packed with innovative flavours. After dinner, pop into The Library Bar for a digestif, or head down to the covert Cellar Bar and party late into the night.

Kneeton Lane, Middleton Tyas, Richmond DL10 6NJ

01325 377977 www.middletonlodge.co.uk

 

An award-winning B&B, the historic building in the heart of the bustling  seaside village of Seahouses, has been renovated with style to provide luxury accommodation; crisp Egyptian Cotton sheets and comfortable beds with king-sized pillows allow for a good rest after taking in plenty of fresh Northumberland air. The breakfast is also not to be missed as it boasts hearty food that is prepared fresh that day. Guests will enjoy the local produce that can be appreciated in the peaceful setting of this house with its elegant decor. It’s just a short walk from the busy harbour where you can take a boat to the famous Farne Islands, walk north to the iconic Bamburgh Castle or simply take in the typical tourist attractions (there’s a great crazy golf set up here) before scoffing fish and chips as you watch the gulls diving into the (usually) choppy North Sea.

192 Main Street, Seahouses NE68 7UB

01665 720456 www.stcuthbertshouse.com

This 17th century luxury haven is a relative newcomer to Yorkshire’s hospitality scene, and its owners have worked hard to ensure that the hotel delivers fun alongside serious relaxation, and sophistication with country charm. Grantley Hall’s 47 rooms and suites set across the restored Old Hall and newly-built Fountains Wing are the place to enjoy the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Feeling really flush? Their Presidential Suite, with an entrance leading from the rooftop courtyard, promises a uniquely private experience, with its own lounge and dining area overlooking the gardens. The dining options here are already renowned, with everything from fine dining (at Shaun Rankin’s restaurant) to tempting Pan-Asian at EightyEight, Fletchers for casual, all-day dining and Valeria’s, the subterranean den for the coolest vibe and weekly jazz nights. Complete your stay with a trip to the Three Graces Spa; relax in the 18-metre indoor pool or outdoor hydrotherapy pool, and indulge in their menu of holistic and award-winning treatments.

Ripon, HG4 3ET

01765 620070 www.grantleyhall.co.uk

 

With chef Andrew Pern at the helm, The Star Inn at Harome is the destination for food-lovers. This award-winning rustic bolthole revolves around the culinary delights that emerge from the kitchen – every ingredient is of the highest quality, including local game and seafood. The original thatched (dog friendly) pub boasts roaring fires for cooler days and just across the road is the Cross House Lodge, the Star’s nine-bedroom hotel where each room is individually styled with many quirky features.

High Street, Harome, York YO62 5JE

01439 770397 www.thestaratharome.co.uk

 

Northumbria Coast and Country has a huge selection of properties in some of Northumberland’s most sought-after locations. The Shed, a one-bedroom stone-built, barn conversion boasts light and airy open-plan living, has its own private patio and garden. Within easy walking distance of Low Newton, (two well-behaved dogs are welcome too), it is the ideal romantic rural retreat.

Carpenter’s Court, Riverbank Road, Alnmouth NE66 2RH

01665 830783, www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk

 

Originally built in 1881, this Gothic mansion has retained many of its original features and now it’s an elegant country retreat. Whether you fancy a four-poster bed or a roll-top-bath, at Wrea Head Hall each of the 24 bedrooms are individually decorated and most enjoy views over the North York Moors National Park. An adults-only retreat, relaxation is the name of the game here – our favourite place to unwind is the Library with its crammed bookshelves offering hours of escape. Whether enjoying cocktails out on the terrace, strolling in the beautiful gardens, or watching as young deer gambol past during breakfast before heading out to explore the wilderness on your doorstep, it’s a great place to escape to when you can.

Barmoor Lane, Scalby, Scarborough YO13 0PB 

01723 371190 www.wreaheadhall.co.uk

High on the cliffs above the town, this unique Grade-I listed stone cottage has jaw-dropping views across Whitby’s bustling port. Dating back to the 1700s, and tucked within the grounds of the famous Abbey, this beautiful stone-built property has been transformed into contemporary space sleeping up to 10 guests, as old and new combine to create a beautiful home-from-home –  ideal for a special family gathering. The open plan kitchen, huge dining table and large sitting room lend themselves perfectly to larger groups, whilst most of the five bedrooms enjoy breathtaking views of the Abbey and the town below.

Stay North Yorkshire, 27 Milton Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1DJ

01287 658327 www.staynorthyorkshire.co.uk

 

The dog-friendly Rose & Crown is everything you’d expect in a country inn; flag-stone floors, open fires and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The popular restaurant fuses classical cuisine with contemporary culinary techniques while the 14 ensuite rooms combine period character with quirky boutique design – the spacious double suite Grassholme has its own sitting room with sofa bed, perfect for families. While you are here, don’t miss the nearby High Force waterfall, the pretty market town of Barnard Castle, and Upper Teesdale with it stunning upland meadows and rare wildlife.

Romaldkirk,  Co Durham DL12 9EB

01833 650213 www.rose-and-crown.co.uk

 

Chillingham, in the middle of beautiful Northumbrian countryside, is perhaps best known for its castle – reputed to be the most haunted in England – just ten minutes from No12 Ford Cottage named after the pretty ford which run alongside its garden. The historic cottage, which sleep four guests, has a cosy lounge with log burner, large squishy sofas and shuttered windows to keep out any inclement weather, a bright dining kitchen and two large bedrooms. There’s a private garden overlooking the steam, but it is likely you’ll want to spend most of your time out and about exploring the nearby Cheviot Hills, the vast Northumberland National Park, and of course the castle. There’s a great pub just over a mile away, and the famous beaches of Bamburgh a little over 10 miles to the east.

Coquet Cottages, 2 Station Road, Warkworth NE65 0XP

01665 710700 www.coquetcottages.co.uk

 

Within the 20,000 acres of the estate you’ll find Swinton Bivouac, made up of charmingly unique, hand-built Tree Lodges, which sleep up to seven guests, and Meadow Yurts for up to five (each Yurt coming complete with their own wood-burner, outdoor hot tub and rustic furniture) – perfect for making the most of the great outdoors. There is also a café on site. For a somewhat different experience, the majestic, Grade II-listed Swinton Park Hotel is where you can enjoy a traditional stately home experience, with 21st-century amenities at your fingertips. Rooms are lavishly furnished with antiques and there’s a state-of-the-art Country Club & Spa to enjoy alongside a variety of other pursuits, including the Cookery School.

Masham, Ripon HG4 4JH

01765 680900 www.swintonestate.com

 

Coastal Retreats’s award-winning portfolio of stunning self-catering cottages range from modern barn conversions and cosy fishing cottages, to lakeside lodges and waterfront apartments. We love the contemporary Bamburgh Five apartment, at the foot of the village’s iconic castle, with its sleek and spacious kitchen, a modern living area with double doors leading to a private patio, and two lavishly-designed bedrooms. For a pretty perfect morning, take a seat on the patio, coffee in hand, and watch the sunrise over Bamburgh Castle.

Causey Street, Gosforth NE3 4DJ 

0191 285 1272 www.coastalretreats.co.uk

 

Made from solid reclaimed oak, with sheep’s wool insulation, you’ll certainly feel at one with nature in one of Huts In The Hills’ four hand-crafted and beautifully-furnished shepherds huts all set in their own secluded area within the spectacular surrounds of the Cheviot Hills. Each of these charming huts is designed to provide peace and tranquility, and a certain amount of real luxury for its guests. Outdoor fire pits accommodate alfresco dining, and the antique French cast-iron bath outside the Hedgehope hut certainly offers a bathing experience with a difference. All sleeping two, except for Maylies which can sleep four, any of these individualistic retreats offer the perfect place to get back to nature.

Prendwick Farm, Whittingham, Alnwick NE66 4UZ 

01669 630273 www.hutsinthehills.co.uk