Travel: Slaley Hall, Hexham, Northumberland

Slaley Hall is an Edwardian mansion surrounded by 1,000 acres of prime Northumberland moorland and forest, which has been upgraded into a luxury hotel. Driving off the country roads into the winding approach, past luxury holiday lodges, one has the feeling of stepping back in time. The four-star hotel has 139 understated yet luxurious bedrooms, all but seven of which are in the modern building attached to the main hall. It's definitely a foodies' hotel, and after a round of golf on one

Wining and dining? You will be spoiled for choice by the range of food and locations in which to eat it. Head chef Paul Patterson is passionate about using produce sourced within 15 miles of the hotel. In Duke's Grill, located in the Edwardian drawing room, try roast cod with clam linguini and pepperade sauce, followed by baked plum tart, vanilla ice cream and plum compote. Hadrian's Brasserie has stunning country views and a menu to match, featuring British classics such as watercress soup with mature cheddar glace, roast belly of pork, black pudding, celeriac and apple mash, and steamed simnel pudding. Finally, the Claret Jug is the perfect 19th hole with light meals during the day and deluxe bistro fare in the evening.

Room Service? We stayed in a deluxe twin room with a period feel and views over the golf course to hills beyond. There is widescreen satellite TV, an iPod docking station and free internet connection. A choice of teas, coffee and biscuits kept munchies in the night at bay.

Budget or boutique? The newer part of the hotel does feel a little "DeVere homogenous" – this chain is aiming for the family market and Slaley Hall wants golfing families in particular. While sitting firmly between budget and boutique, this middle-market hotel has boutique touches - like the floral-tiles in the bathroom, the toiletries and bedding. The seven classically elegant Edwardian suites in the original hall, however, do more to bridge the luxury gap. Our twin beds were bigger than singles, and the Egyptian cotton bedding so welcoming it was difficult to resist an early night. Despite a stiff breeze , the room was cosy without being stuffy.

Worth getting out of bed for? Quad biking, off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, aqua sphering, paintballing and more are all available from a centre in the grounds at Slaley. Further afield, browse in Hexham's specialist shops, revel in the history of Hadrian's Wall, visit Alnwick Castle and garden or explore Holy Island. If you're more town than country, take in the Sage concert hall or the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, at the Quayside in Gateshead or head down the A1 to the Metro Centre to splash your cash, and don't miss The Angel of the North.

Hidden extras? You name it, Slaley has it – from the fluffy white bathrobes and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries to the unique health and beauty treatments using ESPA and Jessica products, and the superb 20-metre leisure pool, children's splash pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room in the spa. Or how about a round of golf?

Guestbook comments? A warm welcome, a beautiful setting and a cosy room. The place is awash with golfers and weddings – a sporting, romantic spirit abounds.Easy to find from the A1 – take the A69 towards Corbridge, follow the A68 south and look for the signs. Or hop on a connection from Newcastle to Hexham, only seven miles from the hotel. Newcastle Airport is 28 miles and a 35-minute taxi journey away.

Slaley Hall, Hexham, Northumberland (01434 673350, www.devere.co.uk).

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday July 4, 2010