Nestled in the honey-stone village of Blanchland, beneath a cloak of forests and heath, stands our storybook bolthole. Offering the warmth of twenty-six bedrooms, each decorated in soothing North Pennine hues, we’re ideally positioned for a relaxing north east getaway. Soaked in Northumberland soul – this is hillside living with heart, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love us for it.

Built in 1165, our home began its life as a guest house to the newly-formed Blanchland Abbey. The guest house enjoyed 400 years of self-sufficiency and kind hospitality, until the Dissolution of the Monasteries of England in 1539.

The ownership of the building then moved from family to family, before becoming the responsibility of the ‘Lord Crewe Trustees’. It was around this time that The Lord Crewe Arms sprang to life, the perfect place for lead miners to enjoy a pint after a shift.

To this day, it has remained a place to eat, sleep and most importantly enjoy. Today we are the proud custodians of this magical place, thread by heritage, culture and unflinching love of the moors.

Tucked away in the heart of the North East of England, our location is pretty enviable, even if we do say so ourselves. Sat snugly on the southern edge of Northumberland and just across the border from County Durham, the beautiful village promises plenty of adventure right on the doorstep.

With moors that shout adventure, we encourage you to head out and explore our surroundings during your stay – whether on foot, by bicycle or from the weather-proof comfort of your car.

ACCOMMODATION
Woven by the intimacy of the wilds and warmed with monastic soul, each of our inviting rooms & suites are just what you’ll want to relax in after a long day exploring the North Pennine moors. Swoon over the stunning scenery before you slink under soft knits, drifting off into a deep and peaceful slumber.

SUITES
Bound by heritage, heavenliness and an unflinching love of the wild, our Suites have been thoughtfully nurtured into dreamy idylls of escapism and style.

Sitting at the end of the Miners Cottage row and flaunting berry red front doors and porches perfect for Wellington boots, there’s just enough room for two! Stoke up the fire and sink into the sofa before soaking endlessly in your dreamy roll-top tub.

Designed with country living in mind, each suite features an inviting lounge area and log fire, perfect for snuggling up in the evening. You’ll find it easy to relax thanks to an indulgent selection of Noble Isle luxury toiletries.

CHAMPION ROOMS
Roomy, ravishing and rooted in Northern soul, our Champion Rooms are tip top rural refuges for relaxation, with some featuring sink-into baths, a chaise longue or a sofa for chilling and two even include outside space with fire pit.

Take your pick from an ancient abbey vista, dreamy purple hues, medieval fireplace or outside space for that extra bit of nature watching – discovered just for you.

Offering the perfect balance of Northern charm and homely comforts, each room features a Nespresso coffee machine and tasty treats from Chef. You’ll find it easy to relax thanks to an indulgent selection of Noble Isle luxury toiletries.

CANNY ROOMS
Our Canny Rooms offer a peaceful retreat. With soft chequered blankets and warm lighting inviting you to hunker down, hideout and huddle in, these handsome lot are all set for escape.

DINING
Smitten with seasonal simplicity and sense of place, our food and drink is a culinary collaboration between heritage and landscape. Guided by the evolutionary imagination of Emma Broom and faithful to the cultures of the North; expect heavenly patchwork feasts, dainty dishes, and the occasional fix of comfort food, cooked to the highest order, of course.

Our food sprawls across a treasure trove of ancient spaces. Climb the sweeping stone staircase and discover The Bishop’s Dining Room – a valiant champion of strict seasonality, where each plate to grace the table lovingly emulates the rhythms of our growing year.

For a cosier, abundant affair, snuggle up by the fireside in The Hilyard. Duck-or-Grouse into The Derwent, the perfect destination for afternoon tea if you’re craving tasty sandwiches and moreish sweet treats, and, if seeking to quench your thirst with a local beverage or two, join us in The Crypt, our medieval vaulted pub serving up real ale and ‘Bar Bait’.

Emma is a passionate produce-driven chef, celebrating and showcasing the best regional and seasonal foods, including ingredients grown in our own kitchen garden.

Emma has more plans afoot with the introduction of hens to the garden to lay eggs for the freshest English breakfast and the planting of many more crops, as well as putting on more cookery demos in The Gatehouse and lots of lovely foodie events… watch this space!

THE CRYPT BAR
Unlike your average local, our pub, The Crypt, invites you to enjoy a truly unique experience. Tucked away in our medieval vaulted chamber, lit with a candle-like ambience, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the sound of gregarious banter, chatter and revelry from the moment you step through the door.

Add to the mix a hearty stock of Northumbrian ales – including our very own ‘Lord Crewe Brew’ on tap. Throw in a rather thoughtful selection of cracking wines. Top with a good few measures of highland whisky, then spice it up with a Geordie cocktail or two and there we have it: the finest free house for miles around.

Oh and not forgetting of course, Chef’s ‘Bar Bait.’ Otherwise known as Northumberland tapas, it fills up our trusty black board with hearty snacks daily.

WEDDINGS
Hankering after a house party? We can grant your wish with exclusive use of the house, welcoming a congregation of 60 for your civil ceremony and up to 100 for your evening do, with the run of our 26 bedrooms, all of our dining spaces and our lovely gardens.

Looking for a bigger bash for up to 120? You can opt for a takeover of the whole estate, complete with a boho tipi tent in the garden, overlooking the moors beyond, and with plenty of extra room to let your hair down!

Fancy something smaller? For a more intimate wedding, The Gatehouse seats up to 16 with a dose of historical style. Our crenellated treasure (across the village square) was once gatekeeper to the moors and protector of Blanchland Abbey.

Now home to a welcoming open kitchen, cosy dining space, lounge for mingling and fireplace for snuggling, take it all over for the ultimate small wedding party.

MEETINGS
If it’s escapism that you and your team are after, where else but high up in the North Pennine moors would you rather be? A space primed for relaxation and with fresh-air-for-fresh-thinking by the bucket load, ours is just the spot for an inspired day.

The Gatehouse is our historic meeting space, standing just across our country lane in a handsome building that once held the keys to the tranquil village of Blanchland. This crenellated treasure features a sweeping staircase, a cosy fireplace and flagstone floors. Sitting 4 to 12 conference-style, or up to 18 theatre-style

Designed with a rural escape in mind but with the added benefit of a few ‘mod cons’ and cosy country comforts, we offer just the right environment for a productive meeting or a healthy dose of team building.

We can also arrange a variety of outdoor fun, from quad biking, paintballing and clay pigeon shooting from Allout Adventure, to duck and sheep herding from Phoenix Leisure and guided history tours from Ancient Britain. If a less vigorous activity is more up your street, let us create a bespoke demo cookery class in The Gatehouse!

DURHAM & NORTHUMBERLAND
Set in the beautiful village of Blanchland, on the southernmost tip of Northumberland, bordering County Durham beneath the fells of the Pennine moors; we’re perfectly located for those seeking a break in the North East. Walk the moors, ramble upon Roman ruins, discover mystical castles or venture further afield to the dramatic and stunning Northumberland coast.

Hadrian’s Wall
Any Northumberian adventure goes hand in hand with a visit to the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching across the north of England, Hadrian’s Wall offers vivid landscapes, startling solitude and a rare insight into Roman life 1600 years after it was left. Our closest spots include Vindolanda and Chester’s Roman fort.

High Force Waterfall
We definitely recommend making the trip to the High Force Waterfall at the Forest-in-Teesdale, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the North Pennines, the breathtaking 21 meter drop is a must-see, and perfectly photogenic.

Villages & Towns
Dotted across our county is a wealth of picturesque towns and villages and pretty. Head down the road to Corbridge, lined with quaint tea rooms, honey-coloured cottages and quirky shops or the nearby town of Hexham, a market town steeped in history with picturesque parks, stunning architecture and an Anglo-Saxon abbey.

Pow Hill
Just up the hill and around the corner lies Pow Hill, a beautiful country park which is one of just five designated Dark Sky discovery sites in the Northern Pennines. The perfect location for astronomers or couples seeking star-filled skies, the large uninterrupted views of the northern sky are truly spectacular.

Derwent Reservoir
Just three miles from our home, nestled in the heart of our valley, is the beautiful Derwent Reservoir, perfect for a spot of fishing, sailing, windsurfing or even paddle boarding. On the north shore of the reservoir you’ll find Derwent Sailing Club, offering fantastic facilities that will make your expedition even more enjoyable.

Kielder Forest
Head North and explore England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe. It’s a haven for cyclists, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts alike and is also recognised as having some of the best dark skies in the country.

Ancient Britain Tours
Join Kev Robson from Ancient Britain for a guided walking tour to explore the hidden gems and iconic sites of beautiful Northumberland. Learn about the rise and fall of one of Rome’s most famous constructions at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall. With romantic moorland, sweeping coastlines and historic villages, you will be captivated.

Alexander Adventures
Enjoy some active relaxation with our friends from Alexander Adventures who have a passion for outdoor activities from paddle boarding to canoeing….fresh air and exploration in the beautiful North East.

Website: www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

Rooms: 26

Price: from 208 EUR per night

A hidden gem in the North East of England, Rockliffe Hall is a five-star luxury golf and spa hotel offering an award-winning spa, an 18 hole championship golf course and a wide range of restaurant options which cater for all palates and purse strings.

Whether you are looking for a romantic break, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, a unique wedding venue or a place to do business, this world-class resort is a memorable destination.

Set in the quiet village of Hurworth, on the edge of the County Durham and North Yorkshire border, Rockliffe’s location is perfect for discovering the treasures of Durham city, the drama of the North East coastline and the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire moors.

Or, with five-star leisure facilities at your fingertips, forget the outside world and enjoy everything that this country retreat has to offer. Relax or be active, celebrate or focus on business, the choice is yours and the pleasure is all ours.

Drift off in our luxury hotel bedrooms
Rockliffe Hall offers the most elegant and luxurious hotel rooms in County Durham. At Rockliffe Hall we believe that bedrooms should be about relaxing so all of our guest bedrooms are big on space, big on comfort, and big on little luxuries.

From the super king-size beds to the ‘Tile TVs’ in the bathrooms, you will be surrounded by indulgence (even most twin rooms have double beds). Each of our 61 bedrooms are designed to offer guests the ultimate in luxury.

Look out onto the beautiful golf course, surrounding countryside, and the meandering River Tees. Bathrooms are crisp, modern and spacious. Relax in the Villeroy & Boch bathtub and enjoy the peace and quiet or watch your favourite program on the bathroom ‘Tile TVs’.

Further accommodation options are also available on the resort. Tiplady Lodge is stepping distance from the Old Hall but screened by trees and offers contemporary-styled rooms with the ultimate privacy.

Our Woodland Mews Holiday Homes are a short distance from the hotel and offer the chance to experience all the benefits of Rockliffe Hall from the privacy and intimacy of a four bed-roomed holiday home.

Another luxury ‘home-away-from-home’ option is the Armstrong House Apartments which offer one and two bedroom apartments a short walk from the hotel and provide the ultimate freedom and are great for families.

We also have a selection of rooms that are wheelchair accessible and specially designed to accommodate disabled guests.

Old Hall Rooms
Enjoy the understated elegance of our Old Hall bedrooms, each one as unique and individual as the next. Picture traditional furnishings with contemporary elegance and tastefully restored original features which results in a timeless classic style with a modern edge.

New Hall Rooms
Each room is south facing and enjoys magnificent views over the gardens and golf course. Many also have interconnecting doors which are ideal for families.

New Hall bedrooms offer extra spacious luxury en-suites with king sized bed, mood lighting, air-conditioning, extensive lounge seating, dressing area and separate WC. Beautiful marble clad bathroom with double sinks, walk in monsoon shower and separate bath with featured tile TV.

Tiplady Lodge Rooms
With perfectly landscaped gardens, the rooms in Tiplady Lodge are sumptuously fitted featuring double beds, spacious bathroom and seating areas and are furnished in rich velvet cushions and throws with a contemporary twist.

Tiplady Lodge is a short walk from the hotel with close access to the Old Hall, golf course and all restaurants. Most have either patio or Juliet balcony and all rooms overlook the Old Hall and golf course beyond.

Armstrong House Apartments Suites
Armstrong House is a short walk from the hotel, surrounded by woodland and ideal for guests trying to escape the mainstream hustle and bustle.

All of the apartment suites in Armstrong House have separate living and dining areas as well as a modern comprehensive kitchen area, which makes them ideal for extended stays.

Ground floor apartment suites are perfect for families as they contain 2 bedrooms. The one bedroom apartment suites on the second floor have beautiful views over the pond and gardens.

The Orangery
Experience a unique foodie journey in Rockliffe Hall’s flagship 3AA Rosette Orangery restaurant. The 3AA Rosette Orangery restaurant offers an unrivalled dining experience, garden-to-plate ethos and exceptional wine pairings from some of the world’s most exquisite vineyards.

Many of the dishes you will enjoy in our restaurant use ingredients foraged from the Rockliffe estate or grown within our kitchen garden.

Enjoy exquisite wines from around the world specially selected by our Sommelier team. Our mixologists are on hand to concoct delicious cocktails and you’ll enjoy first class service from our hospitable team.

The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse Kitchen and Bar is the perfect venue for tucking into popular and wholesome British classics whilst drinking in the stunning views across the golf course.

Our friendly team look forward to welcoming you to enjoy popular British classics with a focus on quality, wholesome food. Dishes are homely and comforting, with a touch of ‘Rockliffe flair’. On a Sunday, tuck into a delicious roast with all the trimmings, beef with Yorkshire puddings is a must-try!

Afternoon Tea
We look forward to welcoming you…
The 18th century Orangery offers a traditional afternoon tea experience with stunning views of the immaculate grounds and stunning countryside around.

There are no set rules for afternoon tea apart from delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and a selection of sweet things with a selection of tea options to accompany. For a little more decadence, include a glass of Champagne.

Bookings after 3pm will now be served in the setting of the elegant Old Hall lounges, rather than within the Orangery restaurant. This is to ensure the restaurant can be deep cleaned and set for dinner to allow us to open for 6pm.

The Cocktail Bar
Whether you’d like to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails, a glass of wine in our relaxing bar or a post-meal digestif, our expert mixologists and sommeliers offer a mix of outstanding drinks served in luxurious surroundings.

While tea and coffee are available in the Cocktail Bar from 11am to 5pm, the cocktails are the main attraction in this area of the hotel. Classic cocktails are classic for a reason, but the mixologist team work closely with Rockliffe’s chefs to create unique infusions and garnishes which put a Rockliffe twist into the mix.

The comprehensive cocktail menu is sure to satisfy even the most discerning and sophisticated of tastes and in the rare instance that nothing tickles your fancy, let the mixologist know what flavours you like and let them surprise you!

Wine
At Rockliffe Hall we believe the difference between good wine and great wine is its ‘uniqueness’. Awarded the AA Notable Wine List 2018-19.

Our philosophy is simple – we are passionate believers that great wines are made in the vineyard and we have an affinity with winemakers who understand and respect their ‘sense of place’ and who strive to use sustainable viticultural methods, rather than applying unnecessary pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.

The greatest wines are made by inspired artists who work hand in hand with the vineyard site to harness the natural expression of the grapes grown there.

In every region of the wine-producing world there is usually a winemaker whose approach is slightly different to that of his or her neighbours, and this is usually the wine you will find on our wine list.

Private Dining
Whether an informal lunch party for the family or a banquet for 150 guests, private dining at Rockliffe Hall is a great way to celebrate a special occasion. With a dedicated team on hand to look after your every need, there are a range of private dining options available at Rockliffe Hall.

Venue options include the atmospheric Campernella situated next to the Orangery Restaurant, the Old Hall Sequoia or the Stanwick in the Clubhouse for a more intimate affair or the sleek and spacious Rockliffe Suite which is ideal for an extravagant banquet. In regards to food, impress your guests with an Orangery tasting menu and matched wines.

Spa
Winner of the Good Spa Guide ‘Best Spa for Wellness’ Rockliffe Hall’s award-winning spa provides the perfect environment to relax, unwind and indulge.

The Spa and Gym at Rockliffe Hall is now open to hotel residents, spa day visitors and members. Our team are fully trained and ready to offer a safe, socially distanced spa experience.

For now, to enable social distancing and enhanced hygiene practices, we will ask you to book a two hour session in the spa during your stay or spa day experience. Guests can also book a two hour experience in the beautiful Spa Garden as part of their visit.

Spa Garden
Nestled in nature, your Spa Garden experience awaits…A special garden spa experience, blending indoors and outdoors for when you need an extra touch of tranquillity. Adjacent to the current spa, the Spa Garden offers an enhanced spa experience.

Take in panoramic views whilst enjoying the very best facilities. This versatile space is excellent to add on as an extra or can be hired on an exclusive use basis – perfect for a memorable celebration or for the ultimate indulgence.

Spa Treatments
The luxury spa treatment menu brings together the finest spa products with the most effective and exquisite treatments.

You can still enjoy the exceptional experience you would always expect. For manicures and pedicures a Perspex screen is in place. For all other body treatments guests are lying face down and your therapist will wear a visor. Each treatment now commences with the ‘A New Beginning’ sanitising welcome ritual.

Therapists will invite you to follow along with a hand sanitisation which then focuses on pressure points, reinforcing meridian lines on the hands, an application of Tranquillity blend and breath work concludes the ritual.

Weddings
Fall in love with Rockliffe Hall, the ultimate wedding venue…
Boasting beautiful bedrooms, secluded grounds, award-winning food, a world-class spa, championship 18 hole golf course and sublime service, Rockliffe Hall is a wedding venue like no other.

As the only AA-rated 5 red star resort in the north, it is the first choice for couples aspiring to have the ultimate five star wedding. Set within 375 acres of stunning grounds, our luxury resort offers an exquisite choice of settings for wedding celebrations.

We aim to deliver a unique and bespoke experience for each and every one of our couples. Our experienced team can arrange all the extras too and, because no two weddings are held on the same day, it truly is your wedding day.

Celebrate special occasions at Rockliffe Hall
Rockliffe Hall is one of the finest venues in the UK at which to celebrate a special occasion. From birthdays, weddings, engagements and anniversaries, to christenings, proms and graduation balls, Rockliffe’s tailor-made celebrations allow you to relax while the experienced events team does all the planning and organising for you.

As the only AA-rated 5 red star resort in the North of England and set within 375 acres, Rockliffe Hall offers a choice of 10 unique function rooms, three different restaurants, an award-winning spa and PGA-accredited golf course.

Meetings & Conferences
We’ve notched up a number of awards for business and meetings. Let our experienced team create the perfect proposal for your next event!

Business at Rockliffe means having the peace to concentrate and time to think and be creative. Throw in 21st-century communications technology, easy parking, guaranteed privacy – plus a round of golf when the going gets tough – and what’s not to like?

Enjoy white water rafting or car racing at Croft International Circuit, to add an extra dimension to your business plans. Our grounds also offer an ideal setting for team-building exercises.

We have eleven meeting rooms and can accommodate 2 to 250 delegates. Many have an outdoor terrace, views over the grounds and a private entrance; all are wired for smooth business presentations. Refreshments, meals and fabulous service are all part of our product offering.

All of our meeting packages include meeting room hire, LCD projector & screen hire, flip chart, pens & conference stationery, parking, Rockliffe Hall bottled mineral water, WI-FI & VAT.

GOLF
Take a swing on one of England’s best golf courses and enjoy world-class service and facilities right here in the North East of England.

Join Rockliffe Golf as a member, play for the day or choose to stay with five-star golfing facilities at your fingertips. Please note the golf course is now open for members, visitors and hotel residents.

Designed by Hawtree, the world-renowned course architects, Rockliffe Hall’s 18-hole championship golf course is one of the most challenging in the UK and Europe.

While its full 7,879 yards from the back tees will give even the best professional tour golfer a stern test, most will find the five individual tee boxes on each hole a welcome addition, offering players of all abilities the chance to experience the challenge.

Alongside this exceptional North East golf course is a fully stocked Pro Shop, extensive practice facilities and driving range, a luxurious yet relaxed clubhouse and a top-quality golf services team including 3 PGA professionals.

The combination of this beautifully conditioned 18-hole championship golf course and the five-star luxury hotel resort within which it is located makes Rockliffe Golf Hotel the perfect location for golfing days, golf breaks and golf membership in the UK.

Golf Course & Facilities
Find out why golfing stars choose to make the most of Rockliffe Hall’s golf course and facilities. Rockliffe Golf is not just any golf course… Famous for exciting tournaments, world class facilities and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere it is easy to see why this is the North’s premier golf destination.

Although this parkland golf course is one of the longest in the UK, the stunning North East countryside scenery means that players often don’t want the experience to end.

Three lakes, eight reed beds and 25,000 new and mature trees have been added to a course and the A4 creeping bent grass greens have a slickness to them which sadly offer no excuses for missed putts.

The golf facilities include an extensive clubhouse with a golf shop, changing rooms and a relaxed restaurant and members bar. Venturing out towards the golf course is a 8 bay covered driving range, golf academy, practice greens and short game area, not to mention the halfway house for snacks and drinks during your round.

But what really sets Rockliffe Golf apart is the golf services team who are on hand for anything from cleaning your golf clubs to teaching you the tricks of the trade.

Buggies and golf clubs are available to hire or invest in a set in our custom fitting studio with brands such as Callaway and PING. Add to that a luxury five star hotel, award-winning spa and additional restaurants on-site and you’ve got all of the ingredients a perfect day.

Golf Days
Looking for a prestigious North East golf venue for your corporate or society golf day? Look no further than Rockliffe Golf.

With an 18 hole championship golf course and an award-winning luxury hotel, Rockliffe Hall is the ultimate venue for your next society or corporate golf day. Or maybe you just want to enjoy the greatest golf day out with a few friends?

Talk to the dedicated golf team about a bespoke golf day experience that meets all of your requirements and ensures your guests enjoy their day. A Golf day includes use of luxurious changing facilities and an extensive practice area with bunkers and putting greens.

You can also include optional extras such as a dedicated event host, starter, registration desk, longest drive and nearest the pin competitions, a qualified referee and scorecard markers if required – you’ll notice the five star difference.

Each of the golf day or society packages are tailored to meet with your specific requirements, please note a minimum of 12 people are required for a society or golf day.

Golf Academy & Tuition
Rockliffe’s Golf Academy offers expert coaching and golf tuition for achieving the perfect swing. The state-of-the-art teaching bay with Trackman Launch Monitor to help analyse and improve your swing sets the Rockliffe’s Golf Academy apart the most from other clubs in the North East.

In addition to individual golf tuition, the Academy Team, Simon Robinson and James Maw offer a number of teaching programmes throughout the year. The programmes include those for juniors, ladies, intermediate players and beginners. The team are also happy to tailor coaching programmes to suit your individual or group needs.

Website: www.rockliffehall.com

Rooms: 61

Price: from 243 EUR per night