Having survived our day’s adventures, it was time to make our way to our home for the night: Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant, Wark. From the road, this stone building is beautiful, and our accommodation in Lodge 20 proved just as impressive, complete with its own decking/terrace for chilling on in warmer months.
Inside, the huge bed was decked in pristine white linens, with accents of colour from the runner at its foot and the plump cushions on the pillows. There was a double sofa to sink into whilst watching the large wall-mounted TV, too. Just inside the door were a tray for boots and shoes, hooks for coats, and even an umbrella in case the weather was being a baddie. Super-high ceilings with recessed lights gave the lodge a palatial feel, and the fully stocked hostess tray offered Ringtons refreshments and a jar of homemade shortbread rounds – yum!
Lovely so far, I’m sure you’ll agree? We then opened the bathroom door, and it was an “oooh, yeah, baby” moment! A massive double shower with a rainfall head and toiletries had His Maj drooling, whilst I was trembling at the sight of a huge corner bath, complete with massage jets for bath hippo me. I hadn’t missed the hand-held attachment for washing your hair, either...or the his-and-hers washbasins. No waiting for The Man to brush his teeth or shave!
Having spruced up, we headed down the steps of the immaculate walled garden and into the rear of the hotel’s bar area, ready to tuck into the tasting menu for dinner. You can read how we fared here.
When we’d finished dining, it was time to don our warm coats and make our way to Battlesteads’ very own Dark Sky Observatory for an evening of guided stargazing. At £22.50 each, this was something rather extraordinary, and I can’t recommend it enough! The Moon was just about full and jolly bright, so we got a great view through the provided binoculars before seeing it in incredible detail through the telescope. We even managed to view Saturn and its rings, and its biggest moon, Titan!
You’d think the evening couldn’t get better...but it did! We actually held a piece of the Moon in our hands, followed by a piece of Martian rock. By now, I was fit to burst with glee; my inner geek was at capacity!
All I can say is that, even if you’re not fussed about the tasting menu – and the dishes going out from the regular menu looked rather scrummy – just go for the Observatory! It took a while for me to calm down enough to sleep, but once I did, it was a very restful slumber thanks to that comfortable bed.
Breakfast the following morning was in the conservatory, with views of the garden, and consisted of cold and hot courses, plus toast and preserves. We both started with natural yoghurt with berry compote, served in pretty bowls.
His Nibs had his usual Full English, with a poached egg, and each element was top-notch and piping hot. Special mention goes to the large square of black pudding and the meaty rasher of bacon. I got passed the mushrooms as usual; despite his enthusiasm for them in soup the previous evening, His Nibs still wasn’t going to tolerate them on his breakfast plate!
I had the smashed avocado and poached egg on sourdough toast, adding some salmon for good measure. There is absolutely zero chance of you going hungry at Battlesteads, a fact we were extremely grateful for with another full day of exploring ahead.
Hot Wings very happily given to Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant at Wark; we would certainly return!
To book your stay at Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant, Wark, Northumberland, NE48 3LS, visit www.battlesteads.com, call 01434 230209, or email info@battlesteads.com.
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