Hotel Review: Walwick Hall, Northumberland

Set back from what is known locally as the Military Road, which runs between Newcastle (24 miles to the east) and the Cumbrian border, the hotel sits on the line of Hadrian's Wall in the tiny hamlet of Walwick. With views south over the Tyne Valley and surrounded by farmland, it's a peaceful spot. Hexham, the nearest town, is a ten-minute drive. Chesters Roman Fort, on Hadrian's Wall, is practically across the road while Housesteads Fort and the excellent Roman site of Vindolanda are a 15-minute drive. Equally close are the chi-chi shops of pretty Corbridge.

By car: around 2 hours 30 minutes from York, 3 hours from Manchester and 6 hours from London. Free parking on-site.

By train: trains from Manchester (3 hours 30 minutes) and London King's Cross (4 hours) to Hexham. It's a 10-minute drive to the hotel. Book trains to Hexham.

Rooms are traditional country-house in style - pelmet curtains, gilt-framed mirrors, candelabras - but with a light touch and soft colours. Splashy wallpapers, deep velvet sofas, a marble-lined hall and a smart contemporary bar, as well as a rather glitzy dining room, give it a contemporary edge.

The hotel has it well-covered, whether guests want to chill or be active. For the former, as well as the spa, there's a very agreeable lounge and a wide terrace while for active types there's a gym, pool and tennis court. Staff are courteous and professional yet never overly formal.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Board games
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The smart bedrooms have all the comforts but none of the fussiness of traditional country house style, with thick Aubusson carpets, pretty Cole and Son wallpapers and a mix of bespoke hand-painted and faux-Georgian furniture. All have plenty of light through the sash windows while marble bathrooms are sparkling bright, many with free-standing baths.

Room types: Classic Room, Deluxe Room, Luxury Room, Family Room

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

With a taster menu as well as an à la carte, it's clear this place is aiming high, offering creative Modern British dishes where everything is made from scratch, including the bread. Starters might include beef cheek waffle with tomato ragu and quail's egg, and a typical main dish could be pot-braised pheasant with parsnip mash potatoes and pancetta.

The Dining Room: classic British cuisine, seasonal menus. All-day dining, open daily. Tasting menu from £89.

The Drawing Room: cosy lounge, open fire. Afternoon tea served daily.