Grinkle Park Hotel, North Yorkshire Moors

You know you have arrived somewhere special when you drive down a long drive, pheasants cross your path, the sun gleams through the trees and at journeys end stands one of the Yorkshire Moors hidden gems.

Grinkle Park Hotel is an elegant baronial mansion house cradled between the North Yorkshire Moors and the stunning North East Coast, Whitby is less than 30 minutes away by car.

The hotel sits on over 3,000 acres of country estate and lies amongst 35 acres of beautiful parkland littered with Rhododendrons, Azaleas and numerous species of wildlife including Swallows who return every year to nest.

It does though feel to be in the middle of nowhere, if you want to be whisked away from the stress of the modern world here is your answer. Even my mobile signal was practically non existent.

All 21 bedrooms offer a high level of comfort and luxury. We stayed in the Commondale Room. 2 bottles of Harrogate Spring Water lie on the table, letting you know you are on the Yorkshire Moors. There is no fridge in the room nor Air conditioning. The thick stone walls keep the place hot in the cooler months though I dare say that come the hot summer months the rooms could become stifling.

Tea and coffee making facilities are provided along with a large TV, a well equipped bathroom and very comfy beds in a large bedroom - and the windows open too so you can get some fresh Yorkshire Moors air!

There are no disabled adapted rooms either so if you have mobility problems you should be aware all rooms are above ground floor level and there is no lift either.

Apart from that everything is stunning. Original oil paintings hang on the walls throughout the hotel, well tendered lawns lead down to a small pond and you can understand why the place is a popular wedding venue.

Meals are taken in The Conyers restaurant, a bespoke events suite with a terrace, roaring log fires which overlook the lawns in a southerly sun facing direction.

The restaurant was very busy with a mix of couples of all ages and wedding guests for the preceding day's wedding. My Penne Pasta Chorizo had more bite than a Whitby fisherman's fishing hook whilst my sister's mushroom soup was thicker than the Yorkshire Moors mist.

For mains, my vegetarian sister had a bespoke omelette made for her by the chef which was thick and tasty whilst my 10oz Sirloin Steak was cooked to my liking, though I found the peppercorn sauce indistinguishable. Served with proper chunky chips too.

The Yorkshire Ginger Parkin was light and a perfect finish to a wholesome meal served by some very friendly staff. Most of the staff are local, though the manager is from the south but we can forgive for that as he leads a well trained team.

I chose the cheese board to finish complete with homemade chutney. Served at room temperature the Brie was slightly chalky, the Stilton strong though I would suggest a nice Harrogate Blue would be a better choice.

If you need a bolthole to escape 21st century life, you've found it. Though be aware the internet signal is very strong if you need to keep in touch.

A true hidden gem indeed.

Grinkle Park Hotel, Grinkle Lane, Easington, Saltburn by the Sea, TS13 4UB
Telephone: 01287 640515
www.classiclodges.co.uk/Grinklepark