Following a strong start to the year, I thought some good old R&R might be in order.
Both my wife Lisa & I fancied somewhere we could really unwind, yet also somewhere in close proximity to Durham where our daughter attends university. Ramside Hall seemingly ticked all the boxes. A sprawling resort with an array of facilities on-site, it’s also a stone’s throw away from the A1 which makes it the perfect base camp from which to explore all that County Durham has to offer.
The hotel’s winding driveway really builds a real sense of anticipation on arrival, while the site boasts all the hallmarks of a top class destination retreat. In addition to 127 guest rooms, there’s two championship golf courses, three restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa.
Already hugely impressed, we were warmly received and soon reclining in our deluxe bedroom. Rooms at Ramside range from classic doubles to the suitably opulent Celebration Suite which features a private, ‘Juliet’ balcony and a free-standing copper bath. Ours was decked out immaculately in subtle shades of grey with plush bedding and a marbled bathroom. It even overlooked the 18th green of the Prince Bishop’s course, much to my amusement and Lisa’s dismay!
Nicely settled in, we set off to meet Holly in Durham city centre. Just a 10 minute drive away, we elected to take the car yet later learned that the hotel operates a chauffeur service. We thought this was a novel idea and can be booked for shopping excursions, day-drinking trips or adventures to local tourist attractions. Those looking for a real touch of class can even ride in the back of a Bentley Mulsanne a four door luxury sedan. Now that is what I call VIP treatment.
Buoyed by the fact Holly appears to be acclimatising well to university life, we returned to the hotel in fine spirits and looking forward to our evening meal. Sadly, Lisa couldn’t be coaxed into a meal at the Golf Course clubhouse (the cheek!!) so we were pleased to find a host of other options on site.
First up, there’s Pemberton’s Carvery, a familyfriendly, “help yourself” affair which features fresh roasts, a salad bar and a decadent desserts counter. The dining area has a lovely, casual ambience and often plays hosts to a variety of live entertainment.
In addition, there’s Fusion an award-winning, Pan-Asian eatery. Housed within the spa itself, Fusion has amassed a fine reputation for crafting colourful, nutritious dishes aimed at replenishing body and mind.
For Lisa & I though there was only ever going to be one destination. The Rib Room is another local favourite and a real must for any steak aficionado.
The dining area boasts a warm, brasserie-style atmosphere with arty wall imagery and empty wine bottles lending added charm. Here we dined regally, kicking off with the pan-fried North Sea scallops with black pudding bhaji and cauliflower puree and the Shetland steamed mussels in a rich garlic & herb sauce.
As the name of the restaurant suggests, steaks are the house speciality, courtesy of some choice cuts of fine Durham beef which have been matured for 28-32 days. This is proven to produce a tender and succulent steak especially true of my 8oz fillet with all the trimmings.
Although steaks obviously assume centre stage, fish, poultry and pasta dishes are also available for an all-round dining experience. Lisa opted for a delicious chicken supreme with smoked mash and asparagus in a wild mushroom sauce.
Following dinner, we lingered into the night over an excellent bottle of Cabernet, before collapsing into bed for a full 8 hours sleep. The following morning, Lisa headed for a dip in the pool (this place has five!) which allowed me to sneak off to the driving range and hit a few balls. Reconvening over a light breakfast, we both agreed that this mini-break had done us both the power of good.
Whether you’re looking for a spa retreat, golf break or simply after a change of scene; Ramside Hall is a classy outfit with all the bases covered.
