Luxury in a lavish lodge
Bill McCarthy enjoys a cuppa with glorious views
Relaxing outside in a hot tub in the north of England may not be everyone's cup of Yorkshire tea.
But for the uninitiated, it is a pleasure to look forward to.
It certainly wasn't grim up north for this particular treat, but the truth is, unless it hammering down, the cooler the weather the the better the enjoyment, especially while enjoying a glass of your favourite plonk.
The tub was a luxurious addition to lavish accommodation provided by Hoseasons, in the biggest county in England and some would say, the most beautiful.
Yorkshire boasts hosts of famous sons and daughters including the likes of authors and playwrights, JB Priestly, Alan Bennett and Emily Bronte, actor Charles Laughton, painter David Hockney, explorer Captain Cook, and, ahem, Guy Fawkes. It is also the setting for popular TV series like Heartbeat, Emmerdale, and Last of the Summer Wine and films locations for The Railway Children, Harry Potter and Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.
The list goes on and on because from its bleak moorlands and dales, Pennine peaks and mile upon mile of sandy beaches, there's something to appeal to most tastes, including the awesome Humber Bridge – and the relaxing luxury of a hot tub.
There are also less well-known areas including this tranquil lodge venue, just a stone's throw from that massive structure, but handily placed for pretty market towns like Beverley, renowned for its 13th century minster, lively market, thriving music scene and famous racecourse.
The secluded accommodation at Raywell Hall, just a few miles from Hull is part of Hoseasons' Raywell Hall Country Lodges Autograph Collection of accommodation, set in the landscaped grounds of a 19th century manor house at the foot of the county's lesser known attractions, the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Awarded the David Bellamy Gold Award for conservation and surrounded by rolling countryside, the high end lodges offer peace as well as comfort.
Facilities are minimalist, which obviously suits the mixture of permanent residents and those hiring accommodation. The reception area provides snacks and free books and DVDs, while the delightful traditional tearoom offers the chance for a cuppa while shopping in the adjoining locally sourced farm shop. Minimalist yes, but classy.
All the accommodation offers privacy, yes including the hot tub, with plenty of room for parking.
Our two-berth accommodation provided state of the art infotainment and top class self catering facilities. Other larger accommodation is also available.
There is nothing really within walking distance, but a short drive gets you to local supermarkets and pubs and eateries. The Humber Bridge is a must see as is the the nature reserve that runs beneath the colossal structure. Further afield, Beverley is within a a 20 minute drive or even further afield, you get in to some of the really beautiful Yorkshire countryside and dramatic coastline with famous seaside resorts like Scarborough, Bridlington and perhaps most picturesque of all, Whitby, voted the UK's favourite seaside resort. Famed for its fish and chips and gothic abbey, it's where Bram Stoker created Dracula. There's plenty to see, do and eat along the coastline, but the North Yorkshire Moors offer another attraction for walking and cycling enthusiasts, while historic York is just 30 miles away.
If you love Heartbeat, the village of Goathland, setting of the fictional village of Aidensfield in the Heartbeat television series set in the 1960s has many familiar landmarks. These include the stores, public house and the railway station, which is on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
It is run by a charitable trust with some paid staff but is mostly operated by volunteers. It was also used as the location for Hogsmeade railway station in the Harry Potter films. If you fancy a bit of shopping the thriving city of Hull offers plenty of choice and a visit to The Deep, a spectacular aquarium, will be a wonderland for young and old.
There's plenty to do and see and at the end of it all, there's always the hot tub.
Travel facts
Bill stayed courtesy of Hoseasons in a Spa Hideaway Lodge at Raywell Hall Lodges, Yorkshire. A three-night short break for up two people in a Spa Hideaway Lodges costs from £239, a week costs from £399.
Hoseasons Autograph Collection feature at numerous sites throughout the country. Visit hoseasons.co.uk or call 0345 498 6130.