Headlam Hall, Durham
Headlam, Nr Gainford, Darlington
Reviewed by Helen
Headlam Hall is a fabulous hotel for a country getaway, whether it's for the golf, the spa or the surrounding countryside, you'll come home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Headlam Hall is a luxury 4 star country house hotel between Darlington and Barnard Castle in Co Durham and is perfect for your romantic getaway. Here you can escape and unwind amidst stunning surroundings and indulge in the luxurious accommodation.
Upon arrival on a sunny autumn day I was very impressed with the rich colours of the landscape and expanse of the grounds and estate. The combined mix of the new and the old buildings has been thoughtfully exectuted. There is a the stunning Headlam Spa to unwind and relax in as well as the superb 9 hole golf course all within in the grounds.
Set amongst 4 acres of beautiful grounds in the peaceful Durham Dales, historic Headlam Hall is a friendly family run business owned by the Robinson family who have farmed the land at Headlam for generations. This award winning hotel is proud to boast AA 4 stars with a Rosette award for dining, as well as winning North East England small hotel of the year 2009/10. It has been beautifully transformed in to a luxury hotel combining contemporary touches with its traditional Jacobean features.
There are 40 guest rooms and suites in total, including Classic, Deluxe, Spa rooms and Suites. The Spa rooms are more contemporary in design whilst some of the Deluxe rooms have traditional four-poster beds. The bathrooms have luxury fixtures and fittings and power showers. The majority enjoy beautiful garden or countryside views.
Guests have a choice of three dining areas, each with it's own personality to suite your mood. The Panel room is traditional and intimate and the Orangery is nice and bright with a fresh relaxed ambience and a sheltered outdoor patio area. Here the British and Continental cuisine will enable you to experience some of the area's best local and fresh produce accompanied by an extensive wine list and served by courteous and knowledgeable staff. The outside terraces are perfect for a summer cocktail or afternoon teas and the evening bar is ideal for a glass of champagne before dinner or a night cap by the cosy fire in the winter.
As well as the fine dining, Headlam Hall is great for spa breaks and golf breaks, so whatever your choosing, you will not be let down. Headlam Spa has 5 treatment rooms as well as a 14m swimming pool, outdoor spa pool and thermal zone. You can indulge here and feel rejuvenated once more ready to return to the hustle and bustle of family life.
The 9 hole golf course is a most enjoyable way to spend your time in the fresh country air, with many of the natural features presenting a challenge to even the most experienced of golfers. For something less demanding, the hotel will also provide you with booklets for local romantic scenic walks ranging from 1-6 miles.
Headlam Hall is a warm, friendly and welcoming haven, away from it all, but not too far from the A1 near Darlington, to make it easilly accessible. It is perfect for a romantic country getaway, a spa break with the girls, or a golf weekend away with the boys. There are some great offers on the website, so please check for further details and don't forget to mention "away without the kids" when booking.