To the manor born
An elegant County Durham hotel offers the ideal place to escape from the city and explore the country, says Vicky Robson
Beamish Hall Hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind if you’re in need of a night away.
Situated close to the A1 motorway, it’s easy to reach and well sign-posted.
It’s also slightly off the beaten track – far enough away from towns and cities to go ‘off-grid’ for a night.
My other half and I were given a warm welcome by friendly reception staff who pointed us in the direction of our deluxe double room.
Spacious and beautifully presented with period furniture including a marbletopped dresser, large wooden wardrobe and comfortable double bed, the room also had the modern conveniences you would expect, such as an en suite with shower over a bath and mini-toiletries, flatscreen TV and kettle with complimentary tea and coffee.
It was clean, comfortable and cosy, overlooking the front of the hotel with views towards the 24 acres of peaceful woodland.
Steeped in history, the 12th Century manor has formerly been a grand family home, headquarters for Durham County Council, an educational retreat centre and later, part of Beamish Museum in its early days. As well as being owned by various notable families – the Shaftos, the Edens and the Percy family among them – it has also been used by Durham Coal Board.
The traditional country house hotel is today a popular wedding venue but also has a busy events schedule, regularly hosting murder mystery nights, afternoon tea, live bands, music and beer festivals, and a Christmas fair, to name but a few.
After freshening up, we had dinner in the adjoining Stables restaurant which sells a varied range of local specialities and has its own micro-brewery.
For starters we ordered, and shared, deep-fried falafal and firecracker king prawns which were delicious.
My main of vegetarian mousaka arrived piping hot in a ceramic dish and was neatly placed on a rustic wooden board along with two slices of pitta and some salad on the side.
My other half opted for the traditional Northumbrian beef casserole, which was hearty and filling.
For dessert I chose the toffee apple and pecan crumble with custard and my partner opted for the mulled pear with marscapone ice cream. Both were impressive, substantial and tasty – and finished our meals off perfectly.
The restaurant is again very welcoming and staff were on hand to answer any questions we had.
Afterwards, we sat in the courtyard and enjoyed a couple of the hotel’s signature cocktails before retiring to our room for a peaceful night’s rest.
Next day, breakfast felt a bit more formal and was in the hotel’s elegant Eden Tearoom. There was a good choice of cooked breakfasts and a continental buffet area offering yoghurt, fruit juice and cereals.
Food was prompt and of good portions, and staff were friendly and attentive.
With the whole day ahead of us, we were spoiled for choice as to what to do. The hotel is ideally situated for a range of activities and attractions.
Beamish Museum is less than half a mile from the hall.
The 300-acre open-air museum is a popular local attraction with staff dressed in authentic period costume recreating what life was like in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times.
Durham city is also within easy reach and has plenty of places to visit including Durham Cathedral, Durham Museum and Durham Castle.
Alternatively, you can stay close to the hotel itself and enjoy a day exploring the 24-acres of wooded parkland which encompass the country estate.
You could also try your hand at a high ropes course, zip wire and rope bridges at Beamish Wild, which is located in the hotel’s grounds.
It’s also worth taking a tour of the hotel’s microbrewery, which can be followed by a taster of the ales produced on site.
Overall, Beamish Hall Hotel is a charming place to stay.
Quiet and cosy, yet with plenty of interesting things to see and do, both on site and nearby, it is one of the region’s most successful country house hotels, which has been lovingly restored to give 21st Century luxury while retaining its period charm and character.
Not surprisingly, it’s a popular venue for weddings, gala dinners and balls and if you’re looking to take a winter break or celebrate in style, you won’t go wrong staying here.