After the government announced plans to reopen the hospitality sector from 4th July I know a lot of people have been thinking about booking something in this country. It’s still early days, so even if you don’t fancy travelling too far in this country just yet, there’s actually no need to. Our lovely North East hotels are really pulling out the stops to open soon, and to make it as safe as possible. I’ve spent quite a bit of time browsing the deals and information, so thought I’d pull some of the best together for you. Here are some of the best hotel getaways in the North East from 4th July.

Just a note before I dive in, I have worked with some of these hotels before, but none of them have asked to be included here. Please also keep in mind at the point of writing this there is no date yet for spas to be able to open, but each hotel I’ve mentioned is fabulous in it’s own right without the need of a spa. Many have altered pricing to reflect this, some are putting in booking measures for some facilities, and some actually have new services that really take into account the social distancing guidelines – picnics, spa in a box and bubble pod dining to name a few!

I personally would feel safe visiting any of these, (I’m just having trouble deciding which one), and although it may seem odd to book something after so long, a change of scenery, country walks, and having really good food made for me sounds like heaven right now. And if that helps some of our wonderful hotels after a really difficult time then it’s win win.

Rockliffe Hall

Rockliffe are currently taking booking from 4th July, and are working towards full facilities to be open then including the spa for members and anyone staying. Based on this weeks announcement however I’m not sure the spa will be open, so be prepared for it not to be. They are taking bookings for spa days and experiences from 1st August.

If the spa isn’t open they are offering a ‘spa in a box’, which brings a spa to your own 5 star bedroom while you stay. They look so cute and would be a good alternative until you can enjoy a real spa experience, and you get to keep the products – more details and pricing here.

The golf course is open, and from 4th July the restaurants and bar will be too, or you could get one of their picnic baskets if the weather is good to enjoy a beautiful lunch in the grounds.

Their cancellation policy is a lot better than normal, usually you have to book and prepay in full, but at the moment you can book with no deposit, and cancel free of charge up to 3pm the day before. There are also 14 day policies available for golf and spa experiences. Full details on site.

Details on their COVID-19 info here.

Matfen Hall

Matfen Hall in Northumberland have a summer offer for stays from 4th July – 31st August, a one night stay, with breakfast and dinner (£40 allocation per person) is £72 per person, or £144 per room. Again who knows when the spa will be open, but it’s a gorgeous place with beautiful grounds, and a golf course so it’s a lovely choice to just get away somewhere different in this country, have your meals made for you, and the local area offers so much to discover too.

I really love the idea of their cocktail bar outdoors, where they bring your drinks to you and there’s no wait at the bar. Have a look at their full reopening plans and what to expect at Matfen Hall here.

Matfen actually have a number of other offers for different circumstances – girls getaway, baby moon, mini moon, gourmet breaks etc and full details of these can be found on their offer page here.

Walwick Hall Chester Stables

Walwick Hall were one of the first I received emails from when there were rumours of them being able to reopen, so they’re obviously on the ball. Based in Northumberland on Hadrian’s Wall, you can choose from a hotel stay (although at the moment the hotel offers are limited and are still priced to include the spa – so maybe wait on that one) or a stay at the self catering Chesters Stables (min 3 nights) located within the grounds.

Your stay will be a traditional English country getaway, and it really is a gorgeous spot and building. Chesters Stables also offer what look to be absolutely beautiful country homes, there are 7 of them to choose from and a stay here also gives full access to the open facilities within the hall itself – so the restaurant, bar and lounge rooms. The smallest sleeps just 2, but there are a few that sleep 4 or 6, and one sleeps 8 – so this would be perfect for a big family or two families/households.

Take a closer look at Chester Stables here, prices for these have been reduced to reflect the lack of spa.

Ramside Hall

Ramside are opening on 4th July, and have a couple of offers direct on their site. On site you can save 10% booking directly – this was a pop up I got when I first went on, but they also have a stay for 2 nights and get a 3rd night free offer for July.

Like the others there is no opening date for the spa just yet, but other facilities like the restaurants, bar and golf course are all available. Full details of the facilities and how they will be managed can be found on their COVID-19 page here.

Ramside Hall now also offer luxury treehouses which just look fabulous, they are also included in the book 2 nights and get a 3rd night free through July offer. As you can guess by the name, the tree houses are right among the trees and nature, perfect for maintaining that distance and being a bit more self contained. Full details and photos on the Ramside Treehouses can be found here – they look fabulous.

South Causey Inn

This is the one I’ve got my eye on, as I just love all the little quirks I’m seeing on their site, and it’s not somewhere I’ve stayed before. Kieran’s playing golf and I’m going to ambush him to book this when he gets in. South Causey have their hotel rooms, but also some additional luxury rooms, all themed, some with outdoor hot tubs, and some even allow pets so perfect for us with Arthur. These have their own entrance so arent part of the hotel, much more private, and the idea of a private hot tub sounds pretty good to me.

They have a full section on their COVID-19 policies, and what will open and be available when here. They are setting up a ‘hotspot’ for staggered booked dining, and al fresco dining bubble pods for 2-6 people outside, a great addition to keep up the social distancing.

There are all sorts of additional things you can add to your stay to make it a bit different too. Definitely one for me I think.

Slaley Hall

Slaley Hall have really marketed their reopening well, with the Great British Breakaway concept, which includes various offers that cover couples and families. A two night B&B rate is £99 per person, and a two night family break is £258 per room. They are also doing couples breaks and golf breaks, all a welcome change from being stuck in the house.

The hotel is lovely, so are the grounds so perfect for walks or picnics, and there are two golf courses to choose from. I arranged a round for Kieran and two of his friends last week for his 30th birthday and forgot how nice it is up there.

A few of their changes in light of regulations include grab and go breakfasts, bookable slots in the pool, in room dining options and some of the rooms are pet friendly. All exactly what you need for a staycation.

Malmaison

I know it’s right on our doorstep on the quayside but I really love a Malmaison stay even that close to home. They currently have a Cool Britannia offer on, with up to 33% off depending on what you book and various vouchers towards food and drink. Full details can be found here.

Even a pre booked meal at a restaurant in Newcastle, within walking distance of a lovely hotel with a view, and no taxi requirements sounds pretty good after so long in our own homes.

A few others:

Seaham Hall – opening 7th July – more details here

Doxford Hall – opening 10th July – more details here

Beamish Hall hotel – opening 17th July – more details here

Wynyard Hall – gardens and farm shop currently open, they are advising to keep an eye on their social channels for updates on the hotel.

I will update this post as I see new deals or details emerge.

Other posts you might like:

How I found socially distanced shopping in Newcastle

Why you should revisit places you’ve already been to

At home with Blackfriars, Newcastle