We had packed our bags the previous day and I had pre programmed the Sat Nav so we were able to set off more or less on time. We stopped off for a late breakfast in one of our favourite tea shops which is near to Dorothy Clive Garden. When we were suitably refreshed we made our way to the M6 so that we could enjoy the views over the lakeland moors. We didn’t have the usual spectacular view as we were travelling through low cloud, which however had a beauty all of its own.

We stopped for lunch in Kirby Steven and by the time we had finished the cloud had lifted and we drove the final leg of our journey in perfect sunshine. We easily found Jesmond Dene House, checked in and went to find our room. When we opened the door and entered the room, gentle music was playing and another door was open leading us invitingly to a roof terrace. We decided to save this delight until later and after we had unloaded the car we headed off to the Metro station to catch a tram into Newcastle centre.

We had a drink in the tea shop in Waterstones before browsing around the bookshop. I didn’t see any books I was interested in but I did see a board game which I went to pick up later before we headed back to the hotel to freshen up.

We found a welcome note, personalised, from the hotel duty manager wishing us a pleasant stay then we then enjoyed a glass of sherry on the roof terrace. When we went down to dinner, there was a bit of a mix up with the pre-dinner drink order. Mr C was advised that they did not have any Sherry so I said I would have a tonic water instead. He ordered a G&T for himself. Then a sherry arrived at the table, followed by a large tonic water but no G&T. Mr C took the tonic water back and then sat down to wait for his G&T. When it arrived he wasn’t very impressed, he thought the glass was like a vase; it had a slice of orange in it and a straw!

Over the drinks we perused the menu which left me spoilt for choice but Mr C didn’t find quite as much to interest him. When our order had been taken we were taken to our table which was situated in a lovely alcove overlooking the garden. The food was enjoyable although we thought it was pricey. After dinner we retired to the former billiard room to relax in the comfy chairs before it was time to go to bed.