THINK of a city break further north and Manchester or Liverpool might first spring to mind.

It is time to think again, and consider Newcastle.

Convenient by plane from Gatwick Airport, it is also getting easier on the train via London.

Admittedly the drive is around six hours from Sussex but there is plenty en route, like York or Sheffield, to break up the journey.

If luxuriating and escaping from it all is in order, Jesmond Dene House is the place to stay.

The four star hotel has the best of both worlds – all the hallmarks of a relaxing country retreat with peaceful woodland right on the window sill, stylish, comfy rooms, and fine dining.

But the independently owned Grade II listed Arts and Crafts mansion is also just moments from a Metro stop. A venture into the heart of the city centre is inexpensive and could take as little as 15 minutes.

It is the only city other than London to have an underground train service and it stretches over many levels reaching right down to the water’s edge of the Tyne.

There is something for everyone – history, culture, architecture, entertainment all served by the Metro and equally as easy to reach on foot.

Wander from the medieval castle, to the shopping, bars and restaurants bursting out of the wide roads full of grand, towering Regency buildings like Grey Street and the waterfront with the millennium bridge and Gateshead Quays as well as the famous Tyne Bridge.

It is also only eight miles to Tynemouth beach and charming coastal towns like Whitley Bay.

Once a 19th century residence, Jesmond Dene House was a school before it was converted and opened as a hotel in 2005.

All 40 rooms are different, maintaining historic features like timber ceilings but adding sleek, modern designs and thoughtful touches like complimentary fruit and magazines. Everything to induce a peaceful and luxurious night’s sleep is thought of, like goose and duck down pillows.

The eight rooms in a separate building are perfect for a wedding party hosting a reception in magnificent great hall or for a conference party using the meeting rooms.

The award winning restaurant offers a seasonal menu of classic dishes with contemporary twists using local produce.

Sample the team of chefs’ creativity with a complimentary amuse bouche before starters like roast squash and goat’s cheese with Northumberland honey and a different take on a main course of Aylesbury duck. There is wine from the cellar to complement any dish and an extensive cheese trolley.

Breakfast is in a similar vein with every appetite catered for. A huge continental buffet offers everything from freshly baked bread and poached pears to Gravalax. Hot dishes include perfectly cooked boiled egg and soldiers, to Haggis and a full English.

Wire dog sculptures dotted around the public quarters made by local artist Gary Tiplady spark interest, as do the cartoons by Morpeth-based national newspaper cartoonist David Haldane which adorn the walls. The arrival of the hotel’s pet cat Riley to tuck into his meal and 'man' reception delights guests.

Celebrities like Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell come here to relax discreetly, says marketing manager Nicky Sherman. She believes the attraction of the hotel is its ability to suit everyone with its relaxed and informal yet upmarket style. There is a steady stream of visitors for meals and afternoon tea as well as walkers taking a break from their stroll through the wooded valley with which the hotel shares its name.

Wealthy industrialist Lord William Armstrong donated his enchanting ‘garden’ of waterfalls and bridges to the city. The myriad of paths is a gift for any photographer and families enjoy the pets’ corner and cafe.

To explore the Northumberland countryside north of Newcastle, the hotel’s sister establishment St Mary’s Inn is an ideal bolthole.

Converted in 2014, it is set in a private estate just footsteps away from rolling fields. The high ceilings and big windows of the 1900s red brick county asylum administration block lend themselves to the tasteful redesign as a cosy country pub.

Bedrooms are light, airy, uncluttered and tranquil. Comfy armchairs are perfect to sink into with a book and the Egyptian cotton sheets on generously large beds make it impossible to avoid a deliciously deep slumber. Bathrooms are clean and spacious with a sizeable bath for a long soak and a rainfall-style shower.

The buffet continental breakfast alone will set you up for a day of exploring. If you’ve managed to tuck away freshly baked pastries, cereals, fruit, yoghurt, cured meats and tasty cheeses topped off with locally made preserves and St Mary’s honey, and still have room, the cooked breakfast options are also delicious.

Choose from a typical northern fry up – complete with black pudding but not too greasy spoon – avocado on sourdough, omelette, kippers or eggs benedict served on a giant muffin with a thick cut of ham.

One bedroom, and the bar, are dog friendly so popular with hikers. Those preferring a wander can try the town of Morpeth – home to suffragette Emily Davison.

It is minutes in the car from St Mary’s Inn and has a good choice of cafés and shops to browse. The reusable parking disk is easy to buy and very reasonable at £1 for three hours.

After a long day of travelling you can relax and unwind in the pub’s low key restaurant, complete with crackling fires. Hearty and tasty gourmet pub grub is served in an informal setting popular with locals.

The North Sea beer battered cod and all the trimmings washed down with a glass of cider hits the spot.