Headlam Hall

The real charm of this grand country house, with sweeping gardens, terraces, oak panelling and swish spa, lies in its warm and informal atmosphere. Staff ‘really looked after us and made us welcome’, says one reader. ‘A comfortable and homely place to stay,’ comments a long-time fan. Run by the Robinsons, a local farming family, the creeper-covered 17th-century hall has flagged and polished-wood floors, panelled walls, an orangery brasserie, and terraces overlooking walled gardens. Yet there’s nothing stuffy about the interiors, with their tartan carpets, tweed-covered armchairs, walls with hunting prints and Victorian watercolours. There is plenty of space to relax in, from the elegant drawing room and fire-warmed library bar to the spa and gardens. Spacious bedrooms have a modern country house feel, and range from ones in the main hall, with original features and antiques, to contemporary spa bedrooms and more rustic mews and coach-house rooms. The ‘excellent’ Modern British menus offer ‘variety and value’ from roast venison or cod with Thai-spiced prawns to pasta and risotto. ‘We will visit again.’ (Alwyn and Thelma Ellis, and others)