Lumley Castle in Durham bills itself as 'No Ordinary Hotel', and in many ways it fulfils that claim. The luxury hotel is as good to its business travellers as it is to its romantic weekenders, and it's an excellent host for a traditional country wedding.

The facilities

This luxury hotel is a great place for an indulgent stay - curl up by the log fire in the Library Bar, or have a proper traditional English meal at The Black Knight restaurant. If you want to pick up the pace a little, have a swim in the heated indoor pool, or be extra angelic and use the fitness centre.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Lumley Castle, which is particularly handy in the 150-seat business conference rooms.

The rooms

Lumley Castle has 59 individually designed rooms and suites, with antique furniture and rich, country house print fabrics. From Courtyard rooms to Executive Suites, from Castle bedchambers to Feature Rooms (which have extra special touches like fourposter beds), all rooms have satellite TV, internet access and en-suite bathrooms.

If you want to splash out, go for the King James suite. Converted from the castle's chapel, this huge room has its own Jacuzzi bath and 20ft high Queen Anne four-poster bed. Stay here for a deliciously romantic weekend, with views of Lumley Castle's gorgeous parkland from every window.