Somewhere to stay: Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Set on the edge of a wooded valley, yet just minutes from the heart of Newcastle, Jesmond Dene House in Northumbria feels completely ‘away-from-it-all relaxing'. The Georgian boutique hotel, a former school, mixes Arts and Crafts style with smart modern interiors. Independently owned, it has 40 rooms with bathrooms, which are a treat of power showers, full tubs and underfloor heating, and a superb restaurant. As well as its convenient distance from the city, this award-winning hotel also makes a perfect base for exploring the spectacular Northumbrian coast and visiting Alnwick Castle and gardens.

Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 2EY, (0191 212 3000; www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk)