The Manor House Hotel

Parenthood may be filled with many amazing moments but a romantic interlude by a log fire in a country retreat, cocktail in hand generally isn't one of them. That is unless you've booked a break at the historic Manor House Hotel in County Durham.

At the Manor House Hotel parents no longer have to mourn the loss of a romantic weekend away. A long list of useful baby gear, day and evening babysitting, and a mini guest-friendly restaurant menu, means it is not just possible, but thoroughly enjoyable even with tots in tow.

Steeped in history dating back to the 12^th Century, The Manor House Hotel is reputed to have been Henry VIII's hunting lodge and home to the Eden family. Children of that era who were seen and not heard would struggle to recognise the welcome young guests receive today!

Baby Friendly Boltholes prides itself on hand picking accommodation where the needs of parents and children are not mutually exclusive and The Manor House Hotel is no exception.

There are 35 bedrooms furnished in contemporary heritage style. All have room for cots with Four-Poster and Executive rooms being the most spacious, easily accommodating an extra bed and/or cot, as well as a separate sitting area. Executive rooms have the benefit of being ground floor with no stairs for little legs to tackle, or to lug cases and babies up. Standard rooms are a little more snug, with room for a cot or a z-bed, but not both, they are also pet-friendly. Each room has a flat screen TV and DVD players can be requested. A kettle is provided, ideal for those who need to warm bottles and tea and coffee are complimentary (just in case that wake up yell comes a little earlier than hoped for).

There's no need to invest in a roof rack as everything you need is provided (see grey box on the right). Additionally, if pre ordered, baby packs including baby shampoo, wipes, nappies and other requested items will be in the room on arrival (additional charge applies).

Dining options are plentiful. If dining with the kids the Juniper Brasserie has an informal atmosphere but the food won't disappoint. In spring and summer the Stables Bar in the courtyard overlooking the gardens is fabulous for al fresco dining. For those who prefer to relax in the room after a long day of fresh air there is a comprehensive room service menu. Best of all, children's menus and baby food are offered for all the hotel's dining options. For an extra special stay, The Manor House suite is great for families since it has a separate bedroom and dining room.

For some of us, a true weekend break means a spot of adult only dining. If this is the case, the Beehive Cocktail Lounge followed by the Jupiter (fine dining) Restaurant is hard to beat. Babysitting is available. As the building is so old the walls are very thick and baby monitor signals don't carry to the dining areas. However, there are rooms, which are within monitor range of reception, and staff are happy to provide a listening service. Parents are well advised to request one of these rooms on their booking form.

Hotel guestsenjoy complimentary use of the leisure club complete with beauty room, offering gorgeous Darphin treatments, and health club with steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, pool and gym. Daytime babysitting is also available.

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Situated in the historic county of Durham and 10 miles from Durham City which Bill Bryson called ‘a perfect little city' and Condé Nast's Traveller magazine readers voted the ‘Best city in the UK', Manor House is an ideal base for exploring this breathtakingly beautiful area. The city itself is captivating with its winding cobbled streets and a prominent peninsula crowned with the dramatic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. There's history on every corner yet it has a vibrant contemporary feel with great cafés, artisan workshops, boutiques and galleries.

Shoppers won't be disappointed as the city is crammed with stylish boutiques and quirky craft shops alongside top-name brands. Those searching for a bargain should take advantage of Dalton Park, the biggest outlet shopping centre in the North East.

Visitors really are spoilt for choice as the area is literally busting with things to do: visit the beautiful market towns of Barnard Castle, Bishop's Auckland or Stanhope (with the added attraction of a heated, open air pool). Weather permitting a trip to North Beach at Seaham is well worth it even if it's just for a walk along the heritage coastal footpath.

Top of our list of paid attractions to wear the kids out is Beamish, an open-air museum recreating life in the North East in the early 1800s and 1900s. Younger visitors will particularly love a ride on the steam train or on the museum's newly added attraction, the Steam Gallopers, a 116 year-old steam carousel.

For Bob the Builder fans of all ages, Diggerland is just 30 minutes away. Kids (and adults!) have the opportunity to ride in, and drive, different types of construction machinery including Dumper Trucks, Mini Diggers and Giant Diggers (open weekends only except school holidays).

If the weather doesn't realise you're on holiday don't despair, a trip to Ruffntumble is a great indoor option. Toddlers have their very own dedicated area including slides, activity boards, a ball juggler and ‘Little Tykes' ride-on area. Older kids will love the Bungee Trampolines, Climbing Wall, and Ten Pin Bowling.

For eating options near the hotel try The Eden Arms, a local pub with a separate children's menu and enclosed outside play area or The Colliery at Crook, which we've heard described as ‘a hidden gem'.

Nearest Medical Services: There is a GP surgery within a mile, an urgent care centre is available within 3 miles and A&E is 12 miles away

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