So it was my birthday at the weekend.  I was 43. How the devil did that happen?

I decided I wanted a night away somewhere lovely. Crathorne Hall Hotel , Yarm had caught my eye a few weeks earlier. It’s part of the Hand Picked Hotel Group who describe it as follows:

‘As you meander down the drive, past the meadows and through the oak trees, you will arrive at one of Yorkshires grandest country houses and finest examples of Edwardian Architecture and Design’

That’s.me.Sold.

The BF (D) was totally against it insisting that we couldn’t afford it. He’s right we couldn’t. Saying that I can’t afford a lot of things, but it doesn’t stop me doing / getting them. One of my favourite sayings is ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’. Will is something I have in abundance, life is short and made for living, plus we hardly spend any quality time together? The more he said No the more I dug my heels in and said Yes. (There’s a lesson to be had in there somewhere gentleman) In the end I just booked it, the indulgence package was too good to miss.

So Here’s a little photo montage of what we got up to and Yes D came with me. His life wouldn’t have been worth living if he hadn’t, after all its not every day a ladies 43…

Welcome to Crathorne Hall Hotel. Do I suit lady of the manor?

We checked out our room. Gorgeous, then headed downstairs to partake in some Afternoon Tea.

Before heading into Yarm – a 5 minute taxi ride way -for a wander and an afternoon of more drinking. Only this time it was alcohol.

Cheers!

The Hand Picked Hotels Indulgence Package at the Crathorne includes the following:

• Upgrade of Room to an Executive for 1 night stay for 2 people
• Cream Tea on arrival with a glass of champagne
• Canapes and a glass of wine pre-evening meal
• 3 Course Evening Meal
• Full English breakfast the next morning.
• All for £159 – I think that’s brilliant value!

Back at the Hotel I had a little pamper with a glass or two of fizz before our evening meal. I love a long hot soak… even better with champagne.

Below canapés courtesy of the chef…

The rest of the evening was spent chatting, eating and drinking in the beautiful surroundings.

Breakfast the next morning…

There was nobody else in breakfast when we strolled down. Just D and I sat next to a roaring log fire, Christmas tree lights twinkling and Christmas music playing in the background. Its my Downton Abbey moment and one I shall treasure for a while yet…the simple things eh?

My eggs and soldiers arrived a short time later and I nearly combusted in a ball of happiness! Its my favourite breakfast in the world..

D opted for the full monty

It looked and by all accounts … tasted great.

Washed down with lots of coffee action!

After breakfast we had a brisk walk around the Hotel grounds to clear our heads before heading back down the M1 to Sheffield. I was doing it all again later that day… a night out with the ladies. It’s a hard life….

For more info on Hand Picked Hotel resorts and particulary Crathorne Hall Hotel click HERE I cant recommend this hotel enough. Friendly staff, yummy food, great rooms and all in beautiful surroundings.

Happy Birthday to me. Tracey x