Headlam Hall is a family-owned former farm turned country house in Darlington, just a short drive from the A1M. This fancy retreat stands in four acres of beautiful walled gardens with 9 hole golf course to boot.
We received the warmest of welcomes from the lady on reception at Headlam Hall who immediately made us feel like old friends. This warm North East spirit definitely took the chill off on a snowy day, and it became obvious very quickly that there’s no pomp or prestige here – just local charm and comfort at this luxury hotel.
Getting There
Located around 15 minutes from Barnard Castle and Sedgefield, Headlam Hall Hotel & Spa is just a short drive after turning off at junction 58 of the A1M. Teeside is the nearest airport – just a 30 minute drive away, while Darlington station is 15 minutes away with rail connections direct to London.
Barnard Castle and High Force Waterfall are just short drives away.
History
The estate was owned by the Birkbeck family in the 16th century, with this historic home constructed in the 17th century by Henry of Headlam, being updated in the 18th Century with a north wing added by new owners the Brocketts.
In 1977, the Robinsons acquired the property in a bid to expand their neighbouring farm and began turning the property into a 6 (now 16) bedroom property.
There’s been a lot of reconfiguration with the stunning Panel Restaurant a former store room and the ballroom a former stable yard. Today you’ll find the main lounge and the drawing room relatively true to form with a library and a bar, rooms in the main house and cottage style lodgings outside.
In addition, Headlam Hall now boasts an orangery basked in sunlight, as well as a separate spa and pool, and the pristine 9 hole golf course beyond.
Rooms
There are a range of luxury boltholes at Headlam Hall including the coach house and mews rooms as well as suites and dog-friendly Hideaway – which is located 30 metres away from the main house and enjoys total privacy with a hot tub and garden.
We stayed in the main house in the Birkbeck Room which was luxurious and comfortable while still retaining its traditional character, with the original fireplace now housing a shiny black electric fire which created a lovely warm cosy feel. Thick and heavy curtains framed the picture perfect views beautifully, while we also loved the charm of the window seat and could just imagine the former residents reading, sewing or admiring the scenery from here.
The spacious and elegant bathroom is super modern with an extra hot Porcelenosa Shower and free standing bath tub with a whole range of Molton Brown products to choose from.
The Spa
Headlam Hall Spa isn’t one I’d been to before but were suitably impressed by the facilities and would definitely return. Including a cosy reception area with magazines and newspapers, a brasserie overlooking the golf course and a perfectly formed spa, the outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi bubbling away in the corner was a lovely place to relax – especially with comfy loungers covered in fur blankets! A morning jacuzzi dip allowed us the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular sunrise as the first golfers headed out onto the turf beyond the steam rising from the froth. The 15ft pool indoors was tranquil and relaxing with enough space to comfortably get your lengths in without crashing into anyone, while the steam room and sauna were a welcome form of relaxation following a swim.
With several treatment rooms upstairs, products brands include Elemental Herbology, OPI and Thalgo they offer facials, massages and essential grooming.
The Restaurant
The restaurant at Headlam Hall is truly stunning letting in all the sunshine through the day and atmospherically lit at night. Local produce makes up this seasonal menu with many ingredients taken from the hall’s own garden. We loved the tasty braised ox cheek and Yorkshire blue bon bons with tomato and chilli chutney, pickled garden turnip and micro herbs. while the crab buttered crumpet is now known as ‘crab gate’ between me and my partner because it was so delicious I completely forgot to share it! Pan-roasted chicken breast was succulent with an earthy wild mushroom mousse and rich black garlic, while crispy chicken skin added texture. The roasted loin of cod was a clever nod to the traditional fish and chip supper but refined with a salt-and-vinegar potato terrine, fresh minted crushed peas and a curry sauce that added a warmth and complexity without being overpowering. Crispy scraps added a playful crunch. Service was easy-going and well paced and the wine list offered a good selection.
Anything else?
Be sure to take a stroll through the walled gardens while you’re at Headlam Hall. There are surprises around every corner including the incredibly picturesque stream if you follow the gardens down to the road. Pavilions, tennis courts, chair swings, the kitchen garden.. there’s so much to explore. If you fancy heading further afield, e-bikes are available for use – just ask at reception.
Headlam Hall Hotel & Spa is a wonderful relaxing place to escape to, striking the balance between modernity and history quite perfectly. Book your stay here.