Longhirst Hall

This supremely elegant Georgian home was designed by Newcastle architect John Dobson in 1824. It has since been converted into a luxury manor hotel surrounded by gorgeous landscaped gardens. This property is about 29km (18mi) north of the Newcastle city centre, but it might as well be a million miles away, such is the peace and tranquillity.

In the heart of 75 acres of wooded land is the imposing and elegant main house, where the bedrooms come equipped with all the luxuries you'd expect from a fine country hotel: Egyptian cotton sheets, luxury toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and a tip-top service. Surrounding the house is Micklewood village, which is not quite a village but a series of outhouses converted into self-contained units. They are perfect for families but are primarily aimed at conference and business groups looking for somewhere to work in a relaxing environment. Besides the lovely gardens and woodland trails, there is a host of sporting facilities, including football and hockey pitches, a croquet green and two golf courses. And, for something a little extra, the hotel can organise a bunch of other additions, from flowers on your arrival to day trips in the surrounding county - all for an extra fee, of course.