Lifestyle: Unwinding at Walwick Hall, Northumberland

There's nothing quite like escaping the city sometimes. Even if it's only for a night or two. It's like hitting the reset button. Since going self employed, my weeks are a jumble. So getting to check out (in the name of work) for a couple days in the countryside is always welcome. Especially when it's to a boutique hotel with its own spa. Let me introduce you to Northumberland haven, Walwick Hall.

Situated not far from the pretty market town of Hexham, Walwick Hall offers a countryside escape that's only half an hour's drive from Newcastle. With 100 acres of land, the grade II Georgian Hall is the perfect place to unwind. It's not often that you come across countryside hotels that don't come with the expected chintz and dated plaid interiors. But Walwick Hall is a far cry from the usual. With stylish, modern interiors it feels contemporary and cosy, with just a hint of decadence. Modern fabrics mixed with classic styles make Walwick Hall feel like the kind of place you can unwind. Although with the kind of beds that you want sink into and never leave, it's hard to find reason enough for leaving your room. Or the claw foot tub for that matter... Had we not had our evening meal already booked, I'd have happily stayed in there for hours. Food wise, Walwick Hall offers a carefully curated menu using locally sourced ingredients. It's beautifully presented and reasonably priced as far as hotel menus go. To start we opted for the warm potato and aubergine terrine with aubergine bhaji and Romesco sauce, and pickled mackerel with cucumber, beetroot, quail egg and keta caviar; followed by roast rack of local lamb and surf and turf. For dessert, we shared the vanilla and strawberry parfait at our waiter's recommendation. It's not the food though that sets Walwick Hall apart. Along with its beautiful decor, the boutique hotel offers a small but perfectly formed spa that's the ultimate place to unwind. Built on the foundations of one of the estate's outbuildings, the floor to ceiling glass windows offer breathtaking views out across the rolling countryside. The perfect place to spend a few hours watching the world go by after breakfast. Having been offered Walwick Hall's Friyay package for our stay, our package included our luxury overnight stay, dinner for two (£70 allowance), breakfast for two the following morning, use of the spa facilities and one 30 minute massage priced at £320; which means if you're visiting with a friend or partner, you'll need to pay an additional £35 if they're also wanting to indulge themselves with a massage. So not exactly an impulsive weekend getaway. That being said, for a boutique hotel with tranquil grounds, the estate is perfect for a romantic break if you're looking for something a little more luxurious than your average.

Many thanks to Walwick Hall for inviting me along for the review. Our stay was complimentary however we did pay extra to include wine with our evening meal and an extra massage the following.