Middlethorpe Hall & Spa review: a luxury weekend of winding down and country house living in rural Yorkshire

And that's exactly what we got when my wife and I made the short trip north into Yorkshire for a weekend of winding down at stunning Middlethorpe Hall & Spa.

With its striking exterior and traditional decor mixed with impeccable service in a formal, yet friendly atmosphere, this is a place that ticks all the boxes for couples looking for an 'extra special treat' getaway.

Celebrating its 40th year as a hotel, Middlethorpe Hall is in an ideal location with the historic city of York just a 10-minute drive away, but there's certainly no suburban feel as it's surrounded by pristine gardens and acres of parkland.

For my wife and I, immersing ourselves in the grandeur of our surroundings was top of the agenda and from the moment we parked up, the boutique spa facilities were calling.

Friendly porter Michael, who's knowledge and love for the hotel was plain to see, was on hand to point us in the right direction, leading us to a quaint cottage building that, if not for the sign, you'd never have guessed had a pool, steam room and sauna.

Wallowing in total relaxation, we lost ourselves for a couple of hours switching between swim, steam and snooze, with so much of the latter we were almost caught short for our 2pm champagne afternoon tea reservation in the main house.

But the 'chill time' was just what the doctor ordered and with timing crisis avoided, we had built up more than enough of an appetite for Middlethorpe's take on one of the great British traditions.

Set in the Drawing Room oozing elegance, one of several welcoming lounges in the house, the impressive three-tier stand of sweet and savoury treats was visually fitting for the room we were seated in.

The generously-filled finger sandwiches and variety of dainty cakes certainly didn't disappoint, with the 'standard' home-made scone offering warm and delicious accompanied by the surprise of an apple and black pudding sausage roll. And despite the seemingly-endless supply of English and Earl Grey tea consumed, the bubbling glass of Champagne Bernard Riemy barely touched the sides.