Headlam Hall Shortlist*

The family Robinson’s handsome 17th-century country manor sits in beautiful walled gardens; further beyond, the working farm gently sprawls. It’s ‘a very pleasant place to stay’, with its thick stone walls, huge fireplaces and traditional furnishings; its spa and nine-hole golf course. Refurbished bedrooms in the main building vary in size and character, with period decor, elegant fabrics and antique pieces; more contemporary spa rooms have superb views over the gardens, golf course and surrounding countryside. Chef Derek Thomson uses home-grown soft fruits, herbs and vegetables in his modern British dishes, served in the panelled dining room, the airy orangery and the spa brasserie. Bar, brasserie, lounge, drawing room, library. Private dining. Lift. Free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview). ‘Easy listening’/jazz background music. Civil wedding licence/function facilities. Terraces, 4-acre garden, lake, ornamental canal. Spa (15 by 6 metre indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, gym, treatment rooms). Tennis, 9-hole golf course, croquet. Parking. Children and dogs (in mews rooms only) welcomed. 8 miles W of Darlington. 38 bedrooms (9 in coach house, 6 in mews, 7 in spa; 2 suitable for disabled). Per room B&B single £100–£200, double £130–£230. Dinner £35. Closed 24–27 Dec.