A Restful Weekend at The Coniston Hotel, Yorkshire Dales

*this article discusses a PR stay

Tucked away in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa offers that perfect balance of countryside calm and modern comfort. I visited in late September, courtesy of Bloxham PR, and from the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into a pocket of peace.

Exploring the Estate

The hotel sits within 1,400 acres of rolling hills and lakeside views, a landscape that instantly slows your pace. I spent my first afternoon wandering the estate, watching the light dance on the lakewater and breathing in that unmistakable Dales air. It’s the kind of place that makes you exhale all stresses and worries away.

The Nàdarra Spa Experience

Then it was spa time. At Nàdarra Spa, the staff couldn’t have been kinder, I was quickly wrapped in a robe and shown to my treatment room for a head, shoulder and back massage. Tension melted away, and afterwards I lingered in the relaxation room, a dark, cocoon-like space with soft music and mood lighting. It was perfect for a few minutes of stillness and cucumber water before re-joining the world.

Dinner at The View Restaurant

As the afternoon light faded and evening came, I headed to The View Restaurant, which lives up to its name with sweeping scenes of the lake and hills. With game season in full swing, I chose dishes celebrating the best of the estate, starting with, Cured Coniston Lake Trout, Estate Shoot Game Terrine and juniper chutney. The main was a standout Gamekeeper’s Venison Loin with beetroot, blackberry and woodland mushroom polenta. Each dish felt rooted in the land, beautifully presented and paired with a glass of house red.

By the end of the day, I craved total rest and loved that The Coniston offers restaurant service to your room. My Chocolate Tart with home-made malted ice cream arrived right at my door. I enjoyed it in bed with a cup of tea and my current Netflix binge, which felt like pure indulgence.

Early Morning Serenity

The next morning, I was up early to beat the spa rush and slipped into the outdoor heated pool at 7am. Steam rose off the water as the sun broke over the hills. Just me, my coffee, and complete silence. It was simple, beautiful, and exactly what you hope for on a countryside escape.

After a refreshing shower, I went for another stroll through the grounds, sharing the path with pheasants, geese, and the occasional horse. At first they darted away, but after a while, they relaxed and carried on as though I weren’t there.

Breakfast and Countryside Adventures

Breakfast back at The View was a vegetarian full English with a pot of tea, enjoyed while watching the mist lift from the lake. Reluctantly, I packed up and loaded the car, but my morning wasn’t over yet. Down on the estate, The Coniston offers a range of outdoor experiences, from the thrilling Land Rover adventure to the traditional clay shooting I’d booked that day.

Inside the Shooting Lodge, I sipped coffee by the fireplace beneath a proud stag’s head and it felt like a proper countryside hunting lodge. Soon I was fitted for a gun that suited my frame, and my instructor led me out for an hour of clays. The session was exhilarating; a perfect blend of focus, laughter and fresh air.

A Perfect Yorkshire Dales Escape

As I finally drove away, sunlight spilling over the hills, I realised how seamlessly The Coniston brings everything together: wellness, adventure, and the wild beauty of the Dales.

The Coniston Hotel captures the very essence of the Yorkshire Dales: restorative, breathtaking, and quietly unforgettable.

 Quick Travel Notes

• Location: Coniston Cold, Skipton, North Yorkshire

• Best for: Spa breaks, couples’ getaways, and countryside retreats

• Don’t miss: The View Restaurant’s seasonal game menu

• Spa tip: Take an early swim in the outdoor heated pool for the best sunrise views

A Night at The Bildeston Crown: From Brewery to Boutique Pub

*this article discussed a PR stay and experience. 

Let’s continue our Suffolk diaries, shall we? You joined me for a tour at Mauldon’s Brewery (read about it here) and it’s time to settle in for a weekend stay. This was a PR invite and stay - thank you to Bloxham PR and Mauldon’s.

Tucked away in the rolling Suffolk countryside, The Crown Bildeston is more than just a place to stay - it’s a story, a setting, and a deeply satisfying experience. Once a 15th-century coaching inn, this beautifully preserved building has found new life as a boutique pub and restaurant with rooms. And after an afternoon tasting my way through the best of Mauldon’s Brewery - just a few miles away - The Crown made for the perfect next chapter.

Owned by the same estate as the brewery, there’s a subtle continuity between the two. From hops to hospitality, there’s a thread of care, craft, and quiet pride that ties it all together. The moment I stepped inside, it felt as though the pace shifted. Timber beams, flickering hearths, and gentle touches of modern comfort greeted me like an old friend. This is a place that wears its history with elegance, not heaviness.

The village boasts so many adorable cottages.

The Boule-In

Before settling in for the evening, I took a short stroll around Bildeston and stumbled upon something completely unexpected: The Boule-In. Tucked just off the main square, this charming boutique is a treasure trove of French antiques and decorative collectibles, curated by husband-and-wife duo Cathy and Peter Bullen. The boutique is held in their garden -- and they open their doors to welcome in antique enthusiasts. Their shared passion for French design is evident in every carefully selected piece, sourced directly from the romantic landscapes of Provence. The Boule-In offers a unique blend of timeless French elegance and contemporary British interiors, enhancing modern living with heritage style.

I had arrived towards the end of their day, but not too late to enjoy a decaf coffee from their garden café. I strolled through the theatrically curated spaces filled with authentic antiques, mid-century decor, garden plants, and much more. It was a beautiful surprise to discover such a place. Although I had no idea about it, The Boule-In is a major event where hundreds of visitors from all over the UK visit this humble abode to seek treasures and inspiration. 

Sadly, after 13 years, The Boule-In has closed its doors as Cathy and Peter decided to sell their beautiful home and retire to the South of France. I felt privileged to have stumbled across their last event. Even in its final hours, I could sense how important this business had been to the area

Dinner at the Crown: Quiet Luxury on a Plate

Exhausted from the day’s excursions, I was ready to  settle in for the evening with a three-course dinner that was as thoughtful as it was delicious. The starter was a delicate, fresh trout salad and was beautifully balanced and in its simplicity. A perfectly cooked steak followed, paired with golden, crisp chips. It’s a classic dish, but done with real finesse, the sort of cooking that respects the ingredients. Dessert was a personal highlight: a burnt Basque cheesecake, all silky texture and caramelised depth. Rich, but not cloying. Decadent, but restrained.

What truly elevated the night, though, was the service. George, the general manager, struck that rare balance between professional and personal - warm, attentive, and quietly meticulous. It wasn’t just that I was looked after; it was that I felt genuinely welcomed. That ethos of care runs deep at the Crown, from the kitchen to the front of the house.

Later, I slipped upstairs to my room, where thoughtful details awaited: crisp white linens, a view that opened onto the quiet village square, and that rarest of travel sensations—feeling instantly at home. In the morning, I woke to the soft hush of rural life, with birdsong drifting in through the old leaded windows and the promise of a slow Suffolk breakfast downstairs.

The Crown Bildeston isn’t flashy or overdone. It’s something better—calm, confident, and completely itself. It’s the kind of place you want to return to before you’ve even left.

• Where to find the hotel:

The Crown, Bildeston is located at 104 High Street, Suffolk IP7 7EB - for bookings, please visit their website https://www.thebildestoncrown.com/

• The Brewery tour:

To visit Mauldon’s Brewery and book a tour, please visit their website https://mauldons.co.uk/

Thank you to Bloxham PR for the amazing opportunity once again.

Adventure Calls You to a Hidden 14th Century Castle Hotel

Come join me as I continue to share hidden secrets in the Northumberland county series. 

The car turned into the driveway and the trees cleared to reveal an impressive fortress. One of the best restored medieval castle tower houses left in England. Found in the village of Langley, in the valley of the River South Tyne. This Grade I listed building is Langley Castle Hotel, and the place that my family and I settled upon for New Years Eve. 

Our stay 

We arrived in the late afternoon and took tea in the drawing room. Paintings of monarchs like Edward III and Elizabeth I hung over us and the roaring fire kept us cosy. The grandfather clock struck upon the hour and we headed to our rooms to prepare ourselves for dinner. 

It is pretty typical for my family and I to dress up for New Years but it was the first time we were staying in a castle for it. We donned our black tie and returned to the grand drawing room for pre-dinner cocktails. I opted for an espresso martini and wandered around the room, inspecting every little detail. The stone walls are adorned with golden-framed paintings. Miniature silver knights are high up and watch over the room. I peered through stained-glass windows and found I could see nothing but the rain lashing and the wind whipping ferociously. 

We ordered our meal in the drawing room and were called down to our dining table 30 minutes later. I chose the scallops for starters, monkfish and seasonal veg for my main, and chocolate mousse with lemon sorbet as dessert. I wasn’t crazy about the dessert, I found the sorbet and orange curd to torte for a pairing with an equally rich chocolate, but the first two courses were exquisite. 

We dined and laughed and cheered for the forthcoming new year. Then, it was dart back to our rooms and we readied ourselves for the Allendale Tar Bar’l, which you can read about here. When we returned back to the hotel, a little after midnight, my brother had brought champagne for us to toast together in the warmth. The perfect way to round off the evening and retire to bed, ready to awaken to a new year. 

Our hotel stay package included breakfast so we came down for that the next day.  I enjoyed homemade granola with berry compote, fruit salad and yoghurt. The hotel offers continental and cooked breakfast (with veggie options available too). A delicious and hearty meal ahead of our short trip back home. 

Overall, it was such a wonderful stay. We had a fabulous time and a massive thanks must go to the helpful and kind staff at Langley Castle. A place that is brimming with history and legacy, with longstanding ties to royalty and has stood firmly during raging wars. It’s a beautiful place to stay and all the more magical during New Year's Eve. 

If you do opt to stay during NYE, then I would also suggest their dinner event. It is quite a ceremonious event, with bagpipes playing as you enter the hall and feast on an eight-course dinner. The evening concludes with live music and you can go to your room with ease, instead of the dreaded commute back home amongst the New Years Eve crowds. Had we not already organised the Allendale trip, we probably would have done this and been very happy. 

The History

The history of this place is incredible. In the 12th century, the first records of it were found 200 years before Langley Castle was even constructed. The property was first owned by the Tindal family in 1165, but the castle itself was built in 1350. 

Langley Castle has had many owners over its 674 years of existence. It has stood proudly against the turbulent history of England. It has survived fires, its stewards have been beheaded, it has belonged to relatives of royalty (Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots) and it has supported Jacobite risings and the exiled Bonnie King.

Northumberland is a wildland. Due to its close proximity to the Scottish Borders, it’s a county that has endured so many battles and territorial claims. The county has the most castles built than anywhere else in England. This is pretty incredible, considering that it is also one of the largest counties with the fewest inhabitants. It’s a strategic area to control, especially during the historic Scots and English battles. 

Langley Castle had strong ties in support of the Scottish Kings. In fact, a cross stands by the road from the Castle to Haydon Bridge, commemorating their loyalty to the King of Scotland. 

If you would like to learn more about the history, then the website offers a knowledgeable read here

Langley Castle History Tour

The hotel also offers free daily tours that expand on this and we were lucky enough to attend on New Year's Day, which was great! I loved that they still offered the tour on a bank holiday and lucky thing too, because it was a very big group of us who attended. 

The history walking tour takes through different rooms of the castle and you get to visit the roof and see wonderful panoramic views of the beautiful countryside and nearby villages. We even went inside one of the towers! Inside was a chapel built by Josephine d'Echarvine that was dedicated to her late husband and blessed by the Pope. The history here is rich and diverse. You would never believe that such a building could have so much legacy attached, considering how small and relatively unknown this area of England is. 

Congham Hall Hotel & Spa

*Ad - PR stay

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Disappear and no one knows where you are. I certainly needed it towards the end of June. No big or bad reason why, sometimes I just want some alone time to recharge the social battery. 

Congham Hall Hotel & Spa had kindly invited me for a weekend stay and I still can’t believe how lucky I am for these opportunities. Bloxham PR did it again - You know I am always going to sing those incredible women’s praises!

I arrived early on Friday morning and enjoyed the space before checking into my cabin. The spa had my name on it for sure, and I couldn't wait for an early morning swim and soak in the hot tub. A tip for anyone visiting, please book any spa treatments in advance - they get very busy on weekends especially. I was too last minute to book something, so just a heads up! But the pool and hot tub is free to use at any time.

The Georgian manor house is every bit the country hotel aesthetic you expect to see on Pinterest. The boots all lined up, flowers on every table top, vintage furniture in the lounge areas. The spa and restaurant have a more contemporary look and it feels elevated. The cabins remind me of Scandi architecture, where the sliding doors open up and nature can be welcomed in.

Friday evening and I sipped a glass of wine as the golden glimmer of sunset enveloped the sky. Baby deer foraged amongst the wild grass. You couldn’t make this up, it was something I imagined in a film. As I journaled and listened to the soft coo of cows in the distance, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Over the last couple of months, I have felt a grounding sense of peace within. As a producer in the media industry, your mind is always racing ahead to the next potential obstacle. Anxiety and over-preparation become your closest friends. But despite this, I have found a way to block that noise so I can be truly present.

Now, I couldn’t give that peaceful energy away if I tried. It’s too precious. I finished my wine, closed up the blinds and sank into the glorious bed. What is it about hotel beds? How do they find the softest, comfiest bedding, and those linens are just always perfectly white and crisp. I have tried hard to replicate it, but yet to be successful. Maybe that’s why travelling can feel even more magical.

I am an early bird so I got up around 5am and began running the roll top bath outside. I grabbed my Country Living magazine, a cup of coffee and continued to enjoy my solitude. That’s the thing about Congham Hall, you can just lie back and feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Even though the cabins are closely located to one another, I always felt a huge sense of privacy. As far as I was concerned, I was the only person staying there.

It was a big day ahead and the forecast was sunny skies - a rare one for us presently. A morning swim to clear the mind and a hearty breakfast in The Samphire Kitchen to keep me energised, were on the cards. That Saturday, I headed to Sandringham Estate. I figured with it being my first time in Norfolk, I should go and see an iconic royal residence. The house stands in a whopping 22,000 acres estate in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate has been occupied since Elizabethan times, when the manor house was constructed, and is listed as Grade II. 

I opted for just the Gardens visit as it was too hot to be inside. There are eight rooms in the house available to the public for viewing. But there are also gift shops, a restaurant, multiple cafes, St Mary Magdalene Church and the royal park, all available to visit. You easily need at least half a day if you want to explore thoroughly. The church and the park are free to roam if you want to opt out of paying tickets. But the Gardens give you great views of the house.

Whilst sunbathing, I had to get an ice cream, which fun fact - the milk is sourced from Windsor farm. It was really delicious and a big hit for the day. I leisurely made my way back to Congham Hall, but stopped off for a pub lunch at The Three Horses. It was such a cute roadside pub and the meal was so good! I inhaled my food and people watched. It was really nice to see lots of locals greet each other as you’d expect in a small village. That wholesome neighbourly energy is exactly what I search for in my future. Being back in London for two years now, I do enjoy the bustle, but I can imagine that it will later become fatiguing. Village life, where I walk my dog and say hello to people in my street, will call upon me soon.

As I sipped one last cup of tea in the cabin, I couldn't help but wonder, what was it about Congham hall that brought me so much peace? Was it the natural beauty of Norfolk, the peeled back simplicity of the cabin’s interior design? Perhaps it was the wildlife, unafraid and unabashed by my presence? All of the above and it embodied how I feel energetically. You can’t beat inner peace. When you feel this good, things align and those that do not, will be removed from your space. Don’t fight it, let it go, with ease. And if you’re really lucky, you can stand and look at an apple orchard, knowing that life couldn’t be any better right now.

The Painswick

As we sipped the last few drops of our tea, basking in the breathtaking views of the valley, and listening to the busy hum of bees, I turned to my mother and smiled. ‘This is all I want in the future.’ I said to her earnestly. ‘A garden, a great view and good company.’ 

Our taxi pulled up to the late 18th century Palladian building, known today as The Painswick hotel. The first thing I felt was how cosy and elegant the furnishings were. The second thing I felt was the warmth of The Painswick staff. Before we get going on this article, I want to offer the biggest thank you to The Painswick staff and of course, Bloxham PR, for a fantastic stay.

To those that have never been to the Cotswolds before, you can’t imagine a more idyllic and picturesque vision of England. It’s how most tourists believe England looks everywhere (lol)! The storybook villages, rising valleys, undisturbed landscapes - you can’t really go wrong with this particular region of the country. 

The town of Painswick perhaps isn’t as well known but in it, you will experience all the quintessential trimmings of countryside living. The hotel is in the heart of the town, and as we sat down to enjoy our afternoon tea, we gasped at the views. Large valleys sit in the background as Mum and I dug into our sandwiches, scotch eggs and desserts. The afternoon tea was exceptional! It doesn’t seem like a lot when you first gaze upon the board, but I can assure you, you will be stuffed to the brim. We sat upon the balcony that screamed Romeo & Juliet vibes. The last few remnants of wisteria hanging onto the edge and the gentle, warm breeze blowing through our hair. 

It had been a long time since my Mum and I had done something just the two of us. With all these incredible experiences I have had with brands and PR stays, I really wanted to take someone along this time. And who is a greater cheerleader of your accomplishments, than your Mum? Forever fueling my confidence, I wanted to thank her in a special way. A huge shout out to the fact that she travelled all the way from the north to join me on this trip.

Next, we wanted to explore the area. We left our bags comfortably and ventured into the village, which is also known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ and is one of England’s oldest ‘Wool Towns.’ The wealth generated from wool production and weaving gave the area many fine buildings, like the Painswick and St. Mary’s Church. One of our first stops was the church, which is less than 5 minutes walk from the hotel. The tall beautiful spire grabs your attention in any direction you walk.

Just like any church in England, this one is stunning to view from an architectural perspective. The churchyard is well-known for its 99 Yew Trees. Dating the planting back to the 18th century, the walkways of these trees are not one to miss and legend states that the 100th Yew will never grow! 

Bask in the Cotswold stone buildings and Georgian era windows. It’s Jane Austen and Bridgerton rolled into one. Every corner is scenic, you want to take photos constantly, and I was just obsessed. 

Ok, one of the highlights you’ll have during your stay at the Painswick hotel, are the meals. Mum and I opted for the lamb chops. We tend to always eat the local produce for the restaurant and places like these, the ingredients are always locally sourced. Oh my word, the lamb chops were the greatest I have ever eaten. Succulent, tender and we were served healthy portions! Lots of meat haha! Complemented by seasonal vegetables, Mum and I cleaned our plates. We paired it with a malbec and oh chef’s kiss, the meal went down beautifully. Sadly, we were just too full to try dessert, but next time!

The same goes for breakfast the next day. The restaurant itself is understated, with imposing archways that open up to wood panelled walls and herringbone flooring. It’s a contemporary setting with a country living twist, and I think that best describes the hotel overall. After we had eaten well (Mum had avocado on toast and I opted for granola), it was off to explore some hidden gems in the area.

First up was a visit to Stroud Farmers’ Market. The award-winning market is hailed as one of the biggest and most popular farmers’ markets in the country. The weekly market is exceptional, with hundreds of locals coming out every weekend to support local businesses. The market opens from 9am, we arrived at 9:30am and were shocked at how crowded it already was. 

Most things were nearly sold out already! I had never seen anything like it before, and what was available to purchase was some of the best produce I had seen at a market. No wonder it was crowned ‘Best Farmers’ Market’ in 2013 by FARMA. It was living up to its reputation and the quality of goods on sale, makes it understandable how Stroud Farmers’ Market is somewhat of an institution now.

My personal favourite purchase was the mushrooms from Slad Valley. Lions mane and speckled chestnut mushrooms were unfamiliar to me. They were wild and exotic looking and I had to get my hands on them! I ended up using them in pasta dishes and the flavour was spectacular. Lions mane has a bit of a meaty taste to it and the speckled mushrooms pair beautifully with scrambled eggs and avocado on sourdough toast. It’s true that finer ingredients elevate the simplest of dishes. I shall be ordering online or better yet, I will be able to grow my own with the Slad Valley Mushroom starter kit!

Our final day concluded with an afternoon at the Painswick Rococo Garden. As gardening enthusiasts, Mum and I adored this place! Rococo Garden is a 15 minute walk from The Painswick, so it's a great thing to visit locally during your stay. In 1748, Benjamin Hyett asked local artist Thomas Robins to paint Rococo. Little did either of them know that the painting would be used as inspiration for the restoration for the garden from the 1970s, right up to today!

Take in vista views from the magical follies and race each other in the maze to get to the centre. Take a seat and enjoy the beautiful Cotswold views, the garden is built within a valley so you can imagine the extravagant parties that were held here, centuries ago. Enjoy the sunlight streaming through the trees on your woodland walk and grab a bite to eat at the cafe before you depart. Oh did I mention that they are growing a vineyard there and a food kitchen? Soon, you’ll be able to purchase their wine in their gift shop. Mum and I love local businesses and support where we can. 

Overall, Mum and I had the most amazing time. It was Mum’s first visit to the Cotswolds and she couldn’t get over the natural beauty of the landscape. Although we did visit local places, we found ourselves really enjoying sitting in the hotel gardens and the balcony, just enjoying the views. This trip was equally significant for me, because I had some of the deepest conversations with Mum. The kind of talks you can only rarely have. Most likely because now you're an adult child rather than a child child, and you’re away from home with all the familial baggage. 

We can talk frankly, and one of my fondest memories will be sitting in the balcony until 1am, talking to my mother, as one woman to another. Seeing her not just in the roles of ‘Mum’ and ‘Wife’, but as a woman in her own right. A woman who had dreams and nightmares well before our family came into the picture. She’s human with flaws and she didn't always get everything right. She’s no superhero, but she’s pretty damn close to one. There’s so much wisdom, pain, love and determination beyond her beautiful, brown eyes. We argue as mothers and daughters tend to do, but there’s no person I have higher respect for than her. No woman I hold in higher regard. I strive to be as strong as she is and she has had to be. 

Hands down, this was one of my favourite trips. Sitting in the gardens, enjoying our afternoon tea and listening to the hum of bees in one of the most beautiful corners of England. I want to thank The Painswick hotel and their staff for the incredible hospitality and warmth. We were very well taken care of there and I couldn’t recommend this cosy spot more. As always, I am very grateful for the lovely Bloxham PR agency. They are incredible and their clientele speak volumes in elegance and countryside living. Another trip down to Painswick is due!

Lord Crewe Arms

The family and I in front of the Lord Crewe Arms entrance. How cute are they, please?

My family and I have long been visitors of Blanchland. Being only an hour away from my home city of Sunderland, it was always a great day trip away. There is something truly magical about this honey-stone village. It feels like a world away, despite it being so close to major cities, and I think it's down to the fact that the area has been established since the Mediaeval period. Blanchland Abbey was founded in 1165, by Walter de Bolbec and in 1327 King Edward III stayed at the village during his campaign against the Scots. The cobbled streets and winding lanes lead you to the heartbeat of Blanchland, the beautiful hotel that is the Lord Crewe Arms. Initially built as a guest house for the neighbouring abbey.

The beautiful stonework of these buildings.

I have already expressed that for my family, this hotel and village has sentimental value. My father and brother are obsessed with one of their ales, Best Bitter. We have been known in the past to drive down specifically just for that! So, when the wonderful LCA team and Bloxham PR invited me for a PR stay last month, this was bigger than the already amazing opportunity! Thank you to both of them again for helping me achieve a childhood dream! I had always wanted to stay at the hotel, ever since we had first visited back when I was a little girl. This was also my first ever PR stay and to be able to experience this for the first time in the north east, was the icing on the cake. 

So, I am going to break down what you can do in 48 hours at the Lord Crewe Arms. I would love for you to journey here and experience the wonderful staff, to soak up the amazing history and experience my favourite county of England - Northumberland.

DAY ONE

You awake refreshed from the best night’s sleep in the Radcliffe suite. The stresses of city life rolls away as you open the windows overlooking the abbey and listen to birdsong. If you live in London, then you understand that high water pressure is liquid gold, so you stand in the shower and breathe out all of life’s pressures. 

Your room has an abundant selection of teas and coffees, with shortbread and fudge sweet treats as well. So, pour yourself a mug and breathe. Head down to the restaurant for a good breakfast. I opted for the avocado on sourdough toast, with poached eggs and feta cheese. 

Time to explore, so get those wellies on! March this year was wet and windy, but no such thing as bad weather, only bad attire! Plus, you are in northern England darling, expect the sun to be few and far between. No excuses though, put your field coat on and get wandering. You can enjoy circular walks around the village and there are river trails that are also perfect for dog walkers. Nearby, there is Slaley Forest which is great for woodland trails too. Once you have tired yourself out, it’s time to head back for food. 

And why not opt for the afternoon tea?

The afternoon tea menu is seasonal and you can opt for a champagne version, as well as amend for any dietary requirements. Beyond delicious were the small bites of heaven desserts. My favourite was the pistachio and rhubarb cake. The sweetness mixed with torte felt like a burst of springtime! The sandwiches were stuffed perfectly with filling. A mixture of chicken coronation, egg salad, cheese and chutney, and tuna mayo. Fair to say, I inhaled them!

The evening concludes with the world’s longest soak in the roll top bath. Full disclosure, I am not a bath person. I am a shower get-in-and-get-out kind of gal. The idea of lying in water for hours is just not my vibe. BUT, when in Blanchland…I took a deep breath and submerged. Hearing the gentle birdsong and refusing to look at my phone meant I was conditioned to just sit and soak. And when sitting was a little too much, I read. I actually read a book and it has been a while (I have succumbed to reading from a screen). I felt so at peace. No distractions. The simple joy of a book and bath. 

DAY TWO

Arise on day two and enjoy those simple quiet moments you have before the world (i.e. your mobile) interrupts it. Head downstairs for breakfast and this time, I opted for granola, with fresh fruit and yoghurt. The highlight was the berry compote and I was not the only guest to say so! 

Time to explore the historic Blanchland Abbey, because essentially, we wouldn’t have the village without it. Walking around, under those huge pillars, you will marvel at how humans built this impressive place of worship, and boggle at how it has stood for centuries, close to a 1000 years. Blanchland Abbey is humble in its décor and unassuming in its artworks. A chapel in Rome, it is not! But that’s what makes English churches, abbeys and cathedrals so interesting and diverse in its architectural design.

The beautiful Blanchland Abbey.

Onwards with our exploring of the village. Meet some of the locals along the streets and let them share stories of their home and the magic of this place. Step back in the Lord Crewe Arms for a well deserved lunch and soak in that glorious tub once more (I only have a shower back home)!

If you have journeyed to stay over the weekend, then do not pass up the opportunity for a Sunday roast. This was glorious! A classic meal to dine on with family and friends. Who can resist those giant Yorkshire puds either?!

But like all meals and time spent, it is just as much about the company you keep. I opened with this article and I wanted to highlight once more, how special this place is for my family and I. As an urbanite, it is so hard to switch off and disconnect from the outside noise, but so necessary. As I get older, I appreciate these moments even more.

I have to give my family a special shout out too - they were fully invested in shooting content with me. So much so, they were arguing on who received more close ups in the final version of my reels! And that is what ultimately made this trip so special. I can count on my family to help support me with making media content, to make me laugh as we battled through the rain and cold, and to guide me in these new experiences like PR stays, even if they don’t quite get it sometimes! I am grateful for being on this life journey, and being able to share it with the ones I love.

Whether you venture here solo, with family or friends, you will have the ultimate experience at the Lord Crewe Arms. The team there are an absolute credit to the hotel. Let this magical become your home away from home. Book now!

The dining options here are exquisite. I had slow-cooked ox cheek with panackelty, wild mushrooms, in red wine sauce.

Blog Post Title One

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Two

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.