Review: Hotel spa offers relaxing experience at foot of the Mournes – with probably the most scenic sauna in NI
Driving towards Newcastle, with the sweeping Dundrum bay to my left and the impressive Mourne mountains straight ahead, is a sight I never get sick of. You could be anywhere in the world, but you are less than an hour's drive from the hustle and bustle of Belfast city centre.
A visit to the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is always something special, with an aura of calm as soon as you pass through the front gates and the grand red-bricked façade of the Victorian hotel comes into view.
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BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway celebrates track extension
A heritage railway is celebrating an extension of its track which it hopes will give customers a "more complete experience".Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, at Wetheringsett, near Stowmarket, has added just under a kilometre of track after being given permission by the secretary of state for will be able to travel in a steam train along the new track during a special event on Saturday and Meigh, chairman of the railway, said the extension had meant "a lot" to the volunteers. "I think the families and children are our bread and butter - that's what we're doing it for," he said."We're giving them a taste of what it was like 100 years go and with Victorian carriages, they are different."It's not an experience they necessarily would have had another time." With the extension it means passengers can enjoy almost 2km of railway in total, whereas the original line ran to 19 miles (30km) between Haughley and first carriages to run on the new section of track will be hauled by the 135-year-old guest locomotive, the Sir Berkeley. Paul Davey, a volunteer driver and founding member of the heritage group, said he "loved" steam locomotives."It's a dream come true," he said of the line extension."Half my lifetime really I've been involved with [the railway]. It's a great achievement for everyone involved." The railway is only open to the public for 30 days of the year and Mr Meigh said he believed it had struck the right balance between ticket prices and its for the weekend are £12 for an adult, £10 for concessions for people over 65, £6 for children, and a family of four pay £30."We do rely a lot on our supporters, it is about donations as well as ticket receipts because to run a steam engine is not cheap," Mr Meigh added."It's very much more expensive than diesel. Coal is expensive."It's old technology; it requires a lot of skilled volunteers to maintain and look after them, but it's a pleasure."There's something magical about steam." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
The countryside hotel with underground spa that's minutes from one of the best cities in the UK
Feel free to book a spa treatment or round of golf while you're there ESCAPE THE CITY The countryside hotel with underground spa that's minutes from one of the best cities in the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DUNSTON Hall is the best place to relax and explore the city of Norwich, or even head to the Norfolk Coast. Read on to find out how to book yourself a room and spa treatment. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Dunston Hall sits just outside of Norwich city Credit: supplied 7 On site is an 18 hole golf course with ponds and greenery Credit: supplied Where is Dunston Hall? The grand 4-star hotel sits just outside Norwich, Norfolk, perfect for those exploring the city but wanting the peace and quiet of the countryside. It's completely secluded on a huge estate of 150 acres of woodland. Norwich city centre is just 12 minutes away by car, or if you fancy a trip to the beach, you can get to the popular seaside resort of Great Yarmouth in 40 minutes. For any drivers, it has a free car park on-site. Without a car, you can reach the hotel by bus, which from the city centre takes around 14 minutes from the city centre, or hop in a cab. What is the hotel like? Dunston Hall is the most striking building, it looks like a set from a period drama. It was originally constructed as a manor house in the 1800s and still maintains its Victorian charm on the outside, but has been updated with modern amenities on the inside. It's surrounded by lush parkland and there's plenty of greenery everywhere you look, there's an incredibly long driveway on arrival, and a fountain outside the hotel. What is there to do there? On-site is an 18-hole golf course that's open to guests as well as those on a day trip, and the course is suitable for golfers at all skill levels. There's a spa too that's on the ground level, it has a pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room as well as treatment rooms for massages and a manicure and pedicure suite. Or you can head into Norwich to take a wander around the city, explore the shops and see the famous cathedral. The pretty English coastal village with huge sandy beaches where you can spot seals and even your pets are welcome 7 On the ground floor are sports facilities and a pool Credit: supplied 7 You can book in for treatments at the Elemis spa too Credit: supplied What is there to eat and drink there? Breakfast is served between 7am and 11am on weekends, so it's perfect for early risers and those who want a lie in. The hotel offers hot and cold buffet options. The Brasserie restaurant's menu has plenty to offer from sticky pork starters to classic British mains. There are lots of desserts too from cheesecake to chocolate fondant and smaller temptations like truffles and affogato. For snacks and drinks, you can head to the Terrace or Bunkers Bar, the hotel also serves afternoon tea from £30pp. If it's a nice day, head out onto the patio area and choose from the lengthy wine and cocktail menu to enjoy in the sunshine. 7 You can have something to eat at the hotel bar, restaurant or on the patio outside Credit: supplied What are the rooms like? The rooms are very spacious, with some furniture that matches the Victorian look, and other modern touches like a television, kettle and mini fridge. The beds are huge and comfy, and the bathroom was spotless. We slept in a room on the third floor and it was very quiet despite there being a wedding at the hotel. Some rooms have air conditioning and others don't so check beforehand and book according to what you need. The room rate starts at £109 per night. 7 There are many spacious rooms around the hotel Credit: supplied Is Dunston Hall family-friendly? Families can choose from a classic room to deluxe and superior family options and it's easy to get into the city to spend a day together. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, the Classic Accessible rooms are specially adapted rooms with wider doorways and alarm pulls, and there's lift access available throughout the hotel.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
The countryside hotel with underground spa that's minutes from one of the best cities in the UK
DUNSTON Hall is the best place to relax and explore the city of Norwich, or even head to the Norfolk Coast. Read on to find out how to book yourself a room and spa treatment. 7 7 Where is Dunston Hall? The grand 4-star hotel sits just outside Norwich, Norfolk, perfect for those exploring the city but wanting the peace and quiet of the countryside. It's completely secluded on a huge estate of 150 acres of woodland. Norwich city centre is just 12 minutes away by car, or if you fancy a trip to the beach, you can get to the popular seaside resort of Great Yarmouth in 40 minutes. For any drivers, it has a free car park on-site. Without a car, you can reach the hotel by bus, which from the city centre takes around 14 minutes from the city centre, or hop in a cab. What is the hotel like? Dunston Hall is the most striking building, it looks like a set from a period drama. It was originally constructed as a manor house in the 1800s and still maintains its Victorian charm on the outside, but has been updated with modern amenities on the inside. It's surrounded by lush parkland and there's plenty of greenery everywhere you look, there's an incredibly long driveway on arrival, and a fountain outside the hotel. What is there to do there? On-site is an 18-hole golf course that's open to guests as well as those on a day trip, and the course is suitable for golfers at all skill levels. There's a spa too that's on the ground level, it has a pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room as well as treatment rooms for massages and a manicure and pedicure suite. Or you can head into Norwich to take a wander around the city, explore the shops and see the famous cathedral. The pretty English coastal village with huge sandy beaches where you can spot seals and even your pets are welcome 7 7 What is there to eat and drink there? Breakfast is served between 7am and 11am on weekends, so it's perfect for early risers and those who want a lie in. The hotel offers hot and cold buffet options. The Brasserie restaurant's menu has plenty to offer from sticky pork starters to classic British mains. There are lots of desserts too from cheesecake to chocolate fondant and smaller temptations like truffles and affogato. For snacks and drinks, you can head to the Terrace or Bunkers Bar, the hotel also serves afternoon tea from £30pp. If it's a nice day, head out onto the patio area and choose from the lengthy wine and cocktail menu to enjoy in the sunshine. 7 What are the rooms like? The rooms are very spacious, with some furniture that matches the Victorian look, and other modern touches like a television, kettle and mini fridge. The beds are huge and comfy, and the bathroom was spotless. We slept in a room on the third floor and it was very quiet despite there being a wedding at the hotel. Some rooms have air conditioning and others don't so check beforehand and book according to what you need. The room rate starts at £109 per night. 7 Is Dunston Hall family-friendly? Families can choose from a classic room to deluxe and superior family options and it's easy to get into the city to spend a day together. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, the Classic Accessible rooms are specially adapted rooms with wider doorways and alarm pulls, and there's lift access available throughout the hotel.
