Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa
County Durham, United Kingdom[view map]
Local restaurants
In Newcastle: Prickly Pear@The Quayside, Quayside (+44 (0)191 232 5537) has an international menu to a Thursday-evening soundtrack of jazz, blues and soul. Fisherman’s Lodge, Jesmond Dene (+44 (0)191 281 3281), is in a contemporary setting and serves excellent modern dishes. Rooftop Restaurant at Baltic (+44 (0)191 440 4949) – book well in advance.
Local bars
In Quayside: Pravda (+44 (0)191 261 9001), a Russian-themed vodka bar, and the Quilted Camel (+44 (0)191 221 1880) which has a great vibe at weekends. The Angel at Corbridge (+44 (0)1434 632119) for bistro food.
Worth getting out of bed for
Go-karting and quad-biking at Karting North East (+44 (0)191 521 4050), a five-minute drive away. Bamburgh Castle (+44 (0)1668 214515) overlooks miles of unspoilt sandy beach. A walk around the most important Roman remains site in Britain, Hadrian's Wall (www.hadrians-wall.org).
Diary
January New Year’s Day Dip, Whitley Bay, for the first swim of the year. June John Smith’s Northumberland Plate, the North’s answer to Ladies Day at Ascot, Newcastle Race Course (+44 (0)191 236 2020; www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk). July Sunderland International Kite Festival (+44 (0)1923 822085).
