Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, Northumberland

Everything in this small estate village (owned by the Lord Crewe Estate) is within walking distance - from the 12th century abbey to the tea rooms in the old school house and the riverside walks along the Derwent.

The hotel is in a chocolate-box pretty stone village on the border of County Durham.

By car: around 45 minutes from Newcastle and Durham, 3 hours from Manchester and 5 hours 30 minutes from London. Free on-site parking available.

By train: Manchester to Hexham takes 3 hours 30 minutes; London to Hexham takes 4 hours - after which, it's a 20-minute drive to the hotel. Book trains to Hexham.

This 12th-century building could be a museum, with its flagstone floors, castle-like mullioned windows and enormous oversized fireplace in the dining room. The various public spaces provide relaxation, such as the upstairs lounge with barrel-vaulted bar and a light bright restaurant.

The staff are all local Northumbrians and happy to please - whether it's to track down a phone left in a taxi or find the right sized pair of Wellingtons for a walk. Facilities include cookery demonstrations, nature walks and even stargazing with a local expert.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are in country-house style with period features, such as fireplaces or woodburners, or a window seat and binoculars to admire the views (and spot the local wildlife). Thick wool curtains and rugs on the floor keep the rooms warm. Little luxuries include coffee machines, speciality teas, hot water bottles and Noble Isle toiletries.

Room types: Cosy Canny, Champion, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The restaurant specialises in local produce on a regularly changing seasonal menu of Modern British cuisine. The wine list is extensive and breakfasts are generous. Ask to eat in the downstairs dining room where the medieval fireplace and mullioned windows create plenty of atmosphere.

The restaurant: seasonal, local dishes, including whole North Sea plaice and rack of lamb with potato fondant. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Crypt bar: Northumbrian ales and bar snacks.