With our wedding anniversary just around the corner, I thought it was about time to treat my wife Lisa to a luxurious night away, and Beamish Park Hotel provided the perfect place.
Situated in Marley Hill just one mile from Beamish Museum, the independent hotel boasts 42 chic bedrooms, a unique conference and banqueting suite and, much to my delight, a par 3 golf course overlooking the idyllic surrounds of County Durham. Catering for various events including weddings and christenings, the hotel accommodates for both leisure and business guests alike, so I was sure an enjoyable trip was in order.
After a warm and welcoming reception, we checked into our room. Met with a luxurious king-sized bed, traditional decor and a complementary tea/coffee tray, the room really did promote feelings of comfort and relaxation, whilst still exuding sophistication with a large plasma screen TV, radio and state-ofthe-art sound system. What I was most delighted by however was the hotel’s commitment to going above and beyond for its customers, as we were provided with wide patio doors which gave us the option to conveniently park right outside our room.
Not wanting to put the slippers on just yet, we swiftly dropped the bags and visited the hotel’s attractive bar and lounge area where I unusually ditched the Guinness and instead opted to share a chilled bottle of rosé with Lisa. Taking advantage of the recent heatwave, we supped our drinks on the hotel’s stunning outdoor beer garden where we immersed ourselves in the picturesque views.
Feeling rather crispy after an afternoon’s roasting, we decided to have a quick freshen up before heading down to the hotel’s bistro for a much-needed nosh up. The venue immediately offered a light and airy feel with floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary oak strip flooring and exquisite jazz-themed wall art. Feeling relaxed already, the friendly service continued to put us at ease throughout.
As a family-run establishment, one can really be assured of the hotel’s personal investment in its customers. This is of course reflected in the bistro’s offering as the hotel aims to provide high quality, varied produce in line with the changing seasons.
Feeling famished after the afternoon’s refreshments, we were delighted by the arrival of the starters. As a self-professed chilli addict, I devoured fresh king prawns soaked in a tangy sweet chilli jam and pineapple salsa. Meanwhile, Lisa savoured classic prawn cocktail with a contemporary twist as she enjoyed the heavenly apple and Bloody Mary dressing which accompanied.
With much Asian-inspired cuisine on offer, I then opted for the tempura sea bass, a scrumptious dish served with zingy Asian salad, crispy prawns and delectable black bean dressing. Conscious of her summer diet, the mains also appealed to Lisa as she tasted an exquisite blackened chicken, bacon and avocado salad. Coated in mouth-watering honey & harissa dressing, the dish was loaded with flavour. Despite feeling satisfied, we made sure to leave a little room to share a delicious cheeseboard, which was washed down with tasty coffees and liqueurs.
The following morning, with Lisa fast asleep, I attempted to burn some of the previous night’s calories with an early round of golf. The hotel provides fantastic golf facilities with a driving range, short game area and 9-hole Par 3 golf course. Unfortunately though, the several glasses of pinot did not do much for the swing but at least the beautiful surroundings made up for it.
After a delicious cooked breakfast, we then left Beamish Park Hotel after a truly memorable and relaxing stay. Given that the hotel is only seven miles from the centre of Newcastle, the venue is easily accessible yet still offers a welcome escape from the humdrums of working life. All in all, a great place that we can’t wait to return to.
Beamish Park Hotel can be found at Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 5EG. For more information visit their website www.beamish-park-hotel.co.uk or call 01207 230 666.
