Hotel Nafferton Farm (Durham, United Kingdom)

You know you've arrived as you navigate the bumpy lane to this rustic farmhouse. You wanted a ‘get away from it all' break ... and that is what you get here.

Everything here is super clean and the warm welcome you receive puts you immediately at ease. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the wine in the fridge is a much appreciated bonus.

What a change to most people's routine to look out of the bedroom window on to the farm's sheep, cattle and varieties of wildlife. It may be cold outside, but it's cosy and warm indoors. Breakfast is truly impressive and lasts many guests through to their evening meal. Finally, the cost is more than reasonable, making this memorable break one that you'll want to repeat sooner rather than later.

They are made of hardy stuff here, but 'you' might feel the cold at night when the heating goes off.

You'll need to get used to (again) separate taps and do your own hot and cold mix. Wi-Fi is advertised but. in truth, it's a dead loss.

Heading off into Durham for a meal and a couple of drinks? Better get a cab … and re-mortgage the house too! The cost of a taxi into ‘Durham town' is monstrously high. Depending on the time scale, though, it's only a five-minute drive to the Park and Ride system into Durham.