“This relaxed country house hotel offers a spa, golf, and tennis, or you can just chill out with books and newspapers. The rooms are large and uncluttered, with a modern, country style, and there’s a choice of dining options. ”

Hotel review

Upon your arrival at Headlam Hall, prepare to abandon any plans for local walks or exploring the nearby area, as you'll find yourself content to simply linger in this idyllic retreat. Offering all the quintessential attributes of a country house hotel—spa, golf, tennis, gardens, library, and newspapers—Headlam Hall exudes a relaxed and clubby atmosphere, likely due to its ownership by a local family deeply rooted in farming.

Nestled within the hamlet of Headlam, this country house boasts a Jacobean core complemented by Georgian and Victorian additions, presenting a charming façade adorned with creeper-covered walls, leaded windows, a gravel terrace, and lawned gardens. And, there are plenty of walks to enjoy either at a leisurely stroll or at a hiker's pace. Inside, you'll find comfortable and unfussy interiors, characterised by tartan carpets and rugs adorning stone-flagged or wooden floors, Chesterfields and tweedy chairs, a grand piano gracing the panelled main hall, and walls adorned with hunting prints and Victorian watercolours.

The bedrooms exude a modern country-house aesthetic, featuring a neutral colour palette, tartan accents, a blend of contemporary and antique furnishings, and luxurious bathrooms with Molton Brown produts. Whether you choose a room in the main house (there is no lift and some rooms are on the second floor), converted stable block, dog-friendly mews cottages, or spa, each offers delightful views of the surrounding landscape. The spa is in a separate building and features an indoor pool, steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi and two fully-equipped gym spaces. The treatment menu is extensive and includes Thalgo and Elemental Herbology products.

Enjoy a spot of Afternoon Tea or borrow a classic car for a countryside jaunt. Opt for the contemporary-style Orangery for a formal dining experience or the brasserie in the spa for a more lively atmosphere (open until 4.30pm), both serve a Modern British menu, or savour simple classic dishes in the cosy bar area.

In essence, Headlam Hall offers a true country escape—a haven where time slows, worries fade, and relaxation reigns supreme.

Lulu Townsend
Lulu Townsend Review published: 2024-10-21

Recommended for

  • Total relaxation

    • Whether at the spa, the golf course, the restaurants or amidst the rolling countryside: there are plenty of ways to unwind.
  • Great walks

    • Around the four acres of manicured grounds or the property is located between the Yorkshire Dales.
  • Spa breaks

    • Named as Thalgo'a 'Spa of the Year 2012' there are plenty of packages to try out.
  • Cycling

    • There are bikes available for exploring Teesdale's rolling hills. Free of charge.
  • Country Escape

    • This fine example of Jacobean architecture is the ultimate country escape.
  • Romantic Break

    • Perfect for a weekend away in the country with just you and a loved one.
  • Pet friendly

    • Allowed on request in the Mews rooms. Free of charge.
  • Golf

    • There is a scenic 9 hole golf course on the property.
  • Restaurant

    • Two, one in the main house and one in the spa
  • Other Activities

    • Rent a classic car and go for a spin.
  • Tennis

    • Recently re-surfaced.
  • Owner managed

  • Conference facilities

  • Wedding license

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Country House

  • Spa

  • Artworks

  • Fishing

  • Gym

  • Antiques

  • Village

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Luxury

  • Free wifi

Facilities

  • Rooms

    38 rooms in this hotel
  • Pet friendly

    Allowed on request in the Mews rooms. Free of charge.
  • Restaurant

    Two, one in the main house and one in the spa
  • Safe

  • Parking

  • Conference facilities

  • Shops

  • Bar

  • Wedding license

  • Bicycles available

  • Fireplace

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Meeting Room

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • Library

  • Room service

  • Spa

  • Swimming Pool

  • Garden

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Games room

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Hot Tub

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Wifi

  • Free wifi

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Around the four acres of manicured grounds or the property is located between the Yorkshire Dales.
  • Cycling

    • There are bikes available for exploring Teesdale's rolling hills. Free of charge.
  • Golf

    • There is a scenic 9 hole golf course on the property.
  • Other Activities

    • Rent a classic car and go for a spin.
  • Tennis

    • Recently re-surfaced.
  • Fishing

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? For relaxation, peaceful countryside and the friendly service. What is there to do in the area? Beyond our spa, golf and tennis there is great walking and cycling and historic local attractions such as Raby Castle, Bowes Museum and Durham City. What kind of breakfast do you offer? Full English with local produce. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Lunch and dinner is served daily in the hotel and the spa brasserie serves lunch/snacks daily as well. Which are your most popular room types, and why? It really depends on guests requirements – main hall rooms offer period charm, Mews rooms are perfect for dogs and the spa rooms have direct access to the pool via lift. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Children can enjoy tennis and golf with our resident PGA Pro being an accredited County Junior coach. We have a number of family bedrooms and can let adjoining rooms in the Mews as family suites. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Headlam Hall is an authentic family run country house with local staff who care and an atmosphere that is very much a home from home feeling.

Other reviews

Headlam Hall

Originally published by Good Hotel Guide

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