High Hill Stay: A relaxing countryside lodge and spa stay in the North East

Exterior of High Hill Stay’s Valley Lodge with rural landscape and private outdoor area with hot tub.

By Ania Askwith


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High Hill House Farm, Dean Bank, Ferryhill, DL178RL


Use discount code ANIA10 for 10% off your stay.

Best for: hot tub lodge, countryside spa break near Newcastle, luxury lodge stay North East, romantic lodge with views, group staycation North East, fire pit and s’mores getaway, family staycay

Why High Hill Stay should be your next North East staycation 

If you’re looking for a super chilled countryside escape where you can completely switch off – all without having to drive for hours – I’ve got just the place. Tucked away in Durham countryside, just a short drive from NewcastleHigh Hill Stay offers a peaceful, luxury lodge experience that feels like a million miles away from the city, but is right on your doorstep.

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Stylish countryside lodge with private hot tub and scenic views at High Hill Stay near Newcastle.
The Valley Lodge, High Hill Stay, Durham

We stayed in The Valley, one of their private lodges, with friends over the bank holiday weekend – and it was genuinely the loveliest, most relaxing stay; gorgeous views, hot tub, fresh air, spa access, and evenings by the fire pit with s’mores. Absolute bliss.

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Colourful cocktail resting on the edge of a bubbling hot tub at High Hill Stay lodge.
Your Private Hot Tub at High Hill Stay, High Hill Farm, Durham

The Lodge

The Valley is beautifully set up for a stay with friends or family – it sleeps up to 4 people, with two bedrooms and the attention to detail is spot on. Everything was immaculately clean, the decor was stylish but still warm and welcoming, and it came with the dreamiest countryside views – even from the hot tub!

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Cosy and stylish bedroom in The Valley lodge at High Hill Stay.
Lodge Bedroom at High Hill Stay, Durham

The living area is open plan and feels really sociable – perfect for cooking, chatting, or just relaxing.

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Warm and welcoming open-plan lodge interior with kitchen, dining, and lounge space.
Living area at The Valley Lodge, High Hill Stay, Durham

Outside, the large, private area with hot tub and firepit is ideal for soaking up the rural surroundings. We spent hours (even though it felt like 5 minutes – time really flies when you’re having fun!) just sitting in the hot tub, chatting with a drink and enjoying the view – not to mention the s’mores we made at the fire pit later that night.

Private outdoor hot tub overlooking Durham countryside at High Hill Stay lodge.
Hot Tub with Countryside Views at the Valley Lodge, High Hill Stay, Durham
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Outdoor fire pit setup for roasting s’mores at High Hill Stay lodge.
Fire Pit at High Hill Stay, High Hill Farm, Durham

Spa & relaxation

As part of your stay, you get complimentary access to the spa and leisure facilities, which include a heated pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. We loved making the most of the pool and taking a few quiet moments in their relax room, which comes with snooker and darts – ideal if you’re after a laid back activity.

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Heated indoor pool and spa area at High Hill Stay with sauna, steam room, and relax lounge.
Just Relax at High Hill Stay Spa, Durham
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Tranquil sauna and aromatherapy steam room at High Hill Stay spa in Durham countryside.
Just Relax at High Hill Stay Spa, Durham

The vibe

One of my favourite things about High Hill Stay is just how calm everything feels. It’s peaceful and remote enough to feel like a proper getaway, but close enough to Newcastle so it’s not a huge drive. You’re surrounded by rolling hills, and there’s a real sense of being able to completely switch off. Even though there are 4 lodges, you do not feel overlooked or crowded at all. 

Peaceful countryside view of trees and open sky from the private lodge at High Hill Stay.
View from the Valley Lodge, High Hill Stay, Durham

It’s a perfect setting for a romantic retreat, a weekend with friends, or a mini family holiday – the site is small, stylish, and welcoming, with everything you need for a self-catered stay (plus a few thoughtful extras like snacks in your lodge when you arrive).

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Snooker table with soft, cosy lounge seating in the background at High Hill Stay leisure suite.
Games and lounge area at High Hill Stay Spa, Durham

And if you’re planning your own trip, you can get 10% off your booking with the code ANIA10 – just enter it at checkout on their official website here

Location

High Hill House Farm, Dean Bank, Ferryhill, DL178RL

Only about 30 minutes from Newcastle and easily accessible by car, High Hill Stay is close enough for a quick weekend break, but far enough out for proper rest and countryside relaxation. There’s private parking right next to each lodge too – super handy. 

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Stylish bathroom with modern fixtures and elegant design in The Valley Lodge at High Hill Stay.
The Valley Lodge at High Hill Stay, Durham

Tips for Visiting

  • Use the High Hill Stay discount code – Don’t forget to apply ANIA10 for 10% off your stay.
  • Bring your swimwear – The spa access is a major bonus and you’ll want to take full advantage of the pool, sauna, and aromatherapy room.
Compact on-site gym with cardio and strength equipment at High Hill Stay.
Gym area at High Hill Stay Spa, Durham
  • Perfect for all seasons – whether it’s warm summer and sunsets or autumn nights by the fire pit, this place is charming all year round. 
  • Book in advance – there are only a few lodges on site, so make sure you secure your preferred dates early.
Serene white light treatment room with calming ambiance at High Hill Stay spa.
White Light Treatment Room at High Hill Stay Spa, Durham
  • Check out the extras – they offer some extras you can order for your stay; we kept it simple and just requested some fire logs, but you can make the stay more special, like some spa packages  – so do check out their website for more information and current deals on those. 
  • Convenient location – its just a few minutes away from the nearest village which has a ton of takeaway places, if you prefer to get a takeaway instead of cooking
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Self-serve drink station with tea, coffee, and refreshments at High Hill Stay spa.
Complementary Drink Station at High Hill Stay Spa, Durham

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Heated indoor pool and spa area at High Hill Stay with sauna, steam room, and relax lounge.
Just Relax at High Hill Stay Spa, Durham

Link

For updates, special offers, upcoming events, and a peek behind the scenes visit their website here or follow them on their socials here.

Enjoyed this post? 

If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram @ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!


Magpie and Mash, a blog about food and drink, things to do and travel in the north east of england

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