AS THE car sweeps along the approach to Rockliffe Hall, our first impression of this red-brick Victorian country house hotel packs an impressive punch. Located on the banks of the River Tees in County Durham, Rockliffe Hall dates back to the 1800’s and still manages to retain many of its original architectural features.
Spa Garden
Rockliffe’s manicured grounds include an 18-hole parkland golf course, a children’s play area and tennis courts. I am staying in one of the hotel’s contemporary self-catering Armstrong apartments, with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge area, marble bathroom and double bedroom, from where I can look across to the hotel’s tranquil 375 acres.
I begin each morning at the spa with a swim in the 20-metre indoor pool, while a breakfast hamper filled with the freshest local produce is delivered to my apartment. Other spa facilities include a fitness suite and a mind therapy room with a stress-reducing SpaWave bed. I select the Body Bliss Signature Ritual from the holistic body treatment menu, which leaves me floating on air after a 90-minute head-to-toe indulgence.
Rockliffe Hall
I soon discover my happy place at Rockliffe. Within the walls of the exclusive Spa Garden is the steamy hydrotherapy massage infinity pool overflowing into the gardens and heated ceramic beds where I relax for what seems like hours.
There is a whole world waiting to be explored beyond Rockliffe Hall. The hotel is near the historic city of Durham, while heading west takes you to the Yorkshire Dales and a drive east brings you to the North Yorkshire coastline. Or if you want to stay local, jump on one of the Rockliffe courtesy bikes to cycle around the picturesque local village of Hurworth.
By Amanda Bernstein
Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2DU, from £220 per night B&B.
For more details, enquiries@rockliffehall.com
+44 (0) 1325 729999