Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, County Durham - Explore & Book
"Take the comfort of a country-house hotel, mix with the heartiness of a rural pub, deliver with a cool eye for design - and you’ve got the measure of this place. Commanding the centre of tiny Blanchland, a pin-neat estate village (think honeyed-stone cottages and hanging baskets), the Lord Crewe was originally the Abbot’s house of a 12th-century monastery. All thick walls, flagged floors and oversized fireplaces, it’s the sort of place where you take wrong turns and discover another staircase. In the 21 bedrooms, the style is stripped-down but comfortable with lots of exposed stone and plain woods, battered leather and wool throws. Fires and candles burn throughout, enhancing the already atmospheric building. Most guests (including smart shooting parties in season) disappear all day to walk, cycle or explore Hadrian’s Wall, then return to skilfully cooked yet honest food (including spit-roast options at weekends), a good local pint and a blissfully quiet night’s sleep. Highs Ridiculously relaxed, but with a well-honed professionalism Located in a seriously beautiful part of the country; come here to get outdoors Rooms are generous in size, with luxe linens and Noble Isle toiletries A choice of eating areas so you can go smart, casual, cosy or romantic; if you’re staying several nights, each dinner feels different Friendly staff who all live locally and are great sources of advice and tips Lows Although it’s in a small village, few bedrooms have countryside views You'll need a car to get here, and it's a 20-minute drive to shops No mobile signal, not even outside Some bedrooms are a little dingy and feel rather spartan in their décor" - Helen Pickles
