Travel: 48 hours in Alnwick

By Pamela Moffat
Published on 18/06/2012 00:00

Friday, 2pm Leave city life behind and enter the private estate of Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa. (Until the end of June, midweek stay for two nights: B&B £62.50 pp pn. Add dinner for £97.50 pp pn.)

Friday, 2pm

Leave city life behind and enter the private estate of Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa. (Until the end of June, midweek stay for two nights: B&B £62.50 pp pn. Add dinner for £97.50 pp pn.)

3pm Afternoon tea is served in the Georgian Room but if, like us, you’re travelling with children head outside to explore the grounds.

4pm There’s a treat in store for children and adults alike – the leisure facilities. With a swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to unwind.

6:30pm If there’s time, squeeze in a cocktail before dinner.

7pm Dinner is served in the George Runciman restaurant. Fresh, local produce is abundant.

10pm Collapse into bed after all that fresh air and exercise.

Saturday, 10am After a full-on hotel breakfast head for Alnwick Gardens (www.alnwickgarden.com).

3pm Book lovers can visit Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand book shops in Britain, which is housed in the old railway station.

6:30pm Dining at Doxford Hall is divine and the restaurant has been awarded an AA rosette.

Sunday, 8am Don’t bother getting dressed – just slip on a swimsuit and dressing gown and head for the pool.

10am Visit Hogwarts. Scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed at Alnwick Castle (www.alnwickcastle.com) and there’s more than enough to impress the kids and keep them entertained all day. Our highlights included the Broomstick Training on the spot of Harry’s first lesson.

Pamela Moffat

The Facts

Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa, Chathill, Alnwick, Northumberland, tel: [phone], spa: 01665 589709, www.doxfordhall.com; Alnwick Castle and Gardens family ticket £58, parking £3.50. Opening times 10am-6pm. Tickets can be validated on site for unlimited free entry