The Manor House Hotel & Spa

Fitness fanatic? Pack your snazziest leggings because the Manor House has a swish gym you can use as part of your spa package. It’s crammed with Matrix cardio kit, plus there are weights, so you never have to miss leg day.

But if you prefer to work up a sweat in the great outdoors (and do some sightseeing at the same time) you’ll be in your element. The Manor House is on the Way of Life Northern Saints Trail, a 29-mile ancient pilgrim route that runs from Gainford to Durham. 

Hiking just a section will take you past healing waters and unique destinations like Escomb Saxon Church and Auckland Castle, all the way to Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dreaming of afternoon teas, lingering lunches or a cocktail by a crackling fire? You’ll be expertly fed and watered at The Manor House Hotel. Surrounded by a treasure trove of local food producers, some of County Durham’s finest artisans are right on the hotel’s doorstep. Chefs make great use of the region’s vibrant food culture - and pick their own herbs from the on-site garden.

The Manor Restaurant

Here on a spa day that includes lunch? You can eat it in your robe in this orangery-style dining room, for a spot of laid-back luxury. With garden views and bags of natural light, in the warmer months they leave the French doors open so you can savour the fresh air while you dine. But what to eat? You’ll find everything from quirky Korean burgers to traditional fish and chips.

The Beehive Bar & Lounge

Afternoon tea is delicately poured at the Beehive Lounge. This elegant space has historic charm in abundance, thanks to its unique centrepiece (and namesake) - a brick beehive bread oven set on a high plinth. Relax, sip, and scoff your scones as you soak up the original stonework, oak panelling, and the cosy charm of the feature fireplace.

There is, so don’t forget to bring your cossie. Water babies will love the blissfully warm indoor pool at this five-bubble rated spa. At 14m in length, it's spacious enough for some energetic laps. 

You’ll feel like you’re on holiday thanks to a huge screen showing beaches, sunsets and the odd crackling fire as you swim! There’s a sauna, jacuzzi and steam room to bask in after your dip, plus a conservatory relaxation room full of day beds.

It may be the former hunting lodge of Henry VIII, but at The Manor House you’ll sleep like royalty! With 30 individually designed bedrooms ranging from Cosy Doubles to Manor Deluxe, all have a heritage colour palette and antique furnishings. Rooms are located in the original main manor house and the courtyard, but all boast flat screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities.

You can check-in to the hotel from 3pm and check-out is by 11am on your day of departure. The hotel offers a later check-out time of 1pm for £20, subject to availability. For day spa packages, arrival times vary, so please check your booking confirmation.

You’ll find The Manor House Hotel in the charming village of West Auckland in County Durham. It’s just outside Bishop Auckland, a bustling market town known as the gateway to the Durham Dales. Art lovers will love the Mining Art Gallery - the world’s only gallery of artwork devoted entirely to miners and their work. Auckland Palace is also a must-see, complete with a bright pink throne room.

No, there’s no strict dress code and the hotel feels delightfully informal and unstuffy. You’re welcome to eat lunch in your robe if you’re here on a spa day.

Thinking of bringing the crew? There’s a spacious family room in the main Manor building with room for two additional beds, and a children’s menu full of home-cooked family favourites for guests under 12. Treatments at the Manor are adults-only, but kids can splash in the pool at The Manor Spa from 8am to 9am and from 6pm to 7pm daily. 

Not entirely. If you’re staying overnight, there are level-access bedrooms you can check into, plus the hotel has accessible toilets. But this is a historic hotel so expect to encounter plenty of nooks, crannies and creaky floorboards - and a fair few steps that make access more tricky. 

For example, from the main entrance to the swimming pool changing area, there are 25 steps, with no lift and no ramp. From the changing area to the swimming pool, there are 15 steps. 

Yes it is! The Manor House welcomes furry friends. Pampered pooches can check into dog-friendly courtyard rooms for £10 per night, and they can curl up next to you in the lounge and brasserie so there’s no need to leave them behind when you’re drinking or dining. The meadow to the rear of the hotel makes a good spot for a quick leg-stretch, or take the picturesque riverside path for longer walkies.

It doesn’t, but you could always swing by Bishop Auckland golf course while you’re in the area. Just four miles away from The Manor House, it has beautifully maintained fairways, challenging layouts and stunning views of Auckland Castle.