Review: The Perfect Weekend at Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park near Hexham
Seeking a relaxing weekend to switch off and unwind, we head for Hexham to check into a luxurious lodge for the weekend
Just a stone’s throw from the North Pennines, surrounded by breathtaking views in a truly peaceful environment, is Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park. Operating an 11-month season, this gated five-star boutique holiday park is ideal for families, couples and pet-owners, and a great base for both exploring and relaxing. Heathergate is made up of 70 holiday homes, as well as eight lodges which are available to rent, some of which come with their own private hot tub. We’re checking into the deluxe Pinehurst Lodge – a spacious two-bedroom home-from-home with a private sunk-in hot tub.
There’s a boot room-style entrance complete with washer-dryer and sink and we’re pleasantly surprised by the size of the open-plan living/dining area, with a large kitchen island with stools, dining table and comfy sofas. The two double bedrooms are just as spacious, and I selfishly bag the ensuite room. The lodge is decorated with faux flowers, pretty vases and trinkets, and there’s plenty of storage including a pantry which hides a coffee machine.
After unpacking and making ourselves at home, we decide now is the perfect opportunity for some quality mum-daughter time before our partners arrive so we pour two glasses of wine and have a catch up. When my stepdad and partner arrive later in the evening, they join us in the hot-tub (taking a corner seat each), which has colour-changing lights and the essential cup holders for wine. The views across the rolling fields are a beautiful sight as the sun sets. We enjoy dinner at the dining table indoors, playing a couple of games of chess before calling it a night.
A peaceful night’s sleep turns into a lazy Saturday morning. All four of us enjoy bacon sarnies and a cuppa whilst we wait for the fog to fade. Heathergate is perfectly situated for exploring some stunning countryside and we decide to check out nearby Corbridge – the river and the bridge, its independent shops including Forum Books, Corbridge Roman Town (saying hello to the sheep in the fields on the walk there), and ending up back in the village and on the third floor of The Pele – a micro pub within the Grade I-listed converted pele tower, a must-visit in Corbridge. We grab lunch from The Corbridge Larder and Corbridge Sandwich Bar and head back to our car ahead of an afternoon of relaxation.
We’ve booked a slot to enjoy exclusive use of Heathergate’s spa facilities (heated pool with lights, sauna, steam room and rainfall shower). While my partner checks out the gym facilities, we swim a few lengths of the pool before unwinding in the sauna. We make the most of the spa for an hour before we walk back to our lodge. The sun has appeared and we spend the rest of the afternoon on the decking, playing Scrabble and unwinding in the hot tub before it’s time to get ready for dinner.
Whilst Pinehurst has everything we need to eat in, we’ve decided to book a table at Danielle's Bistro in Hexham, which turns out to be a fantastic choice. We enjoy a three-course meal with our partners declaring their pork belly delicious, and my mum and I struggling with the huge portion sizes. Certainly full, and admittedly a little tired, we head back to Pinehurst to relax but first take a stroll around the park, taking a peek at the fountains with seating areas, the nearby spa lodges (which come complete with their own private sauna and steam room attached), and the surrounding fields. You’d never grow tired of the view of the fields and rolling countryside from the lodge and we take time to appreciate it as the sun slowly sets.
The rest of the evening is spent with a bottle of fizz, playing games indoors – important family time away from our usually busy schedules – exactly what I’d hoped for from this weekend away.
Fully rested, we’re sad to be leaving the following morning. We’ve made great memories at Heathergate and would love to return to explore more of this beautiful area.
To find out more about owning your own holiday home at Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park, visit heathergate.co.uk.
