Jesmond Dene House has the rare distinction of combining the feel of a country house hotel with easy access to a bustling city. Housed in an Arts and Crafts mansion created for an eminent Victorian scientist, on the edge of the wooded valley of Jesmond Dene, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat in elegant surroundings. But it is also a convenient base, just a short distance by public transport from Newcastle city centre and from the airport.
Thanks to Jesmond Dene House for their hospitality during my recent visit to Newcastle.
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Affordable Luxury And Relaxed Hospitality
Jesmond Dene House is a boutique hotel in a Grade II‑listed Arts and Crafts building in the smart Newcastle suburb of Jesmond. The original Georgian house was redesigned by Norman Shaw in the 19th century for Andrew Noble, a scientist and the business partner of the noted industrialist and philanthropist Lord Armstrong. Since then it has served many purposes – including a wartime hospital and a girls’ boarding school – before reopening as a hotel in 2005.
Today it forms part of The Kronen Collection, a small group of four independent hotels with a commitment to affordable luxury, hospitality and tranquil, picturesque locations. Their properties – including two in the Lake District and one in Newquay – are designed for guests seeking comfort, character and personal service. All types of guests are catered for, from families to solo business travellers, from hikers and road trippers to wedding parties.
A Grand House And Gardens
This hotel retains the atmosphere of a grand house. The exterior, with its extravagant stonework, chimneys and gables, is matched by the wooden panelled interior. The former billiard room is now a comfortable lounge area and, if it is not in use, you can peek inside the magnificent Great Hall, a massive space with oak panelling, fireplace and a minstrel’s gallery.
Although not extensive, the gardens are pleasant and provide hidden corners where you can while away the time. And they back onto the public park of Jesmond Dene, so that you can hear the sounds of birdsong and waterfalls while sitting outside.
Rooms At Jesmond Dene House
The hotel has 41 rooms, mostly in the main house, but with a few in the adjacent and more modern New House. You can choose between superior, classic and deluxe bedrooms, as well as suites. The Garden Suites are particularly suitable for families, each with a sofa bed in the sitting area, private garden space and their own hot tub.
I stayed in the spacious and well-appointed Noble Suite, in the main house. This included a bedroom and bathroom, separate sitting area and a secluded turreted roof terrace. The bathroom had a bath (with a jar of bath salts for a leisurely soak) and separate walk-in shower. There was also a desk to work at, tea and coffee with fresh milk in the fridge, bottled water, and a well‑stocked minibar.
Contemporary interior design has been carefully chosen to complement the Arts and Crafts building. The eclectic architecture means that no two rooms are precisely the same, but they are all comfortable and welcoming.
Eating And Drinking At Jesmond Dene House
I ate dinner one night in the Fern Dining Room, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, with 2 AA Rosettes. The meal began with an exquisite amuse-bouche of truffle gougère, setting the scene for a carefully prepared and beautifully presented meal. The menu is gourmet (my starter of crab came on a sourdough crumpet garnished with nasturtium and horseradish) and there is an emphasis on local produce.
The restaurant is open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, and for Sunday lunch. At other times you can order from the Daytime Dining Menu in the bar. The hotel is renowned for its wide selection of wines, stored in its own wine cellar, and for its Afternoon Tea (with a separate children’s menu).
At breakfast you can sit in the dining room or the adjoining light-filled conservatory area. I enjoyed the continental breakfast but, for those with larger appetites, the cooked options include full breakfast – classic or vegetarian – and a range of other dishes including kippers and smoked salmon.
Making The Most Of Your Stay
The hotel is right next to Jesmond Dene, a narrow wooded valley stretching for 3 km towards the city centre. Here you can follow woodland paths and bridges across the river. The park is associated with the aforementioned Lord Armstrong, and you will see the remains of industrial activity, including artificial waterfalls and an old mill. (Note that walking through the Dene involves steep steps and uneven paths at some points.)
A short walk takes you to the shops of Jesmond and to Ilford Road metro station. From here it is a quick journey to the city centre, the coast and the airport. And, if you have arrived by car, you have the many attractions of Northumberland and County Durham to choose from (have a look at this post on Day Trips from Newcastle).
Practicalities For Your Stay At Jesmond Dene House
- Jesmond Dene House is around 3.5 km from Newcastle City Centre and 11 km from Newcastle Airport. It has convenient access to the A1 (around 6.5 km away).
- The hotel has a large car park. There are two electric vehicle charging points.
- Ilford Road underground metro station is a 15 minute walk away. The metro journey to Newcastle Central Station takes 10 minutes, and it is 17 minutes to the airport.
- The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, plus outdoor seating.
- There is a range of room types including junior suites, deluxe bedrooms, classic rooms, superior rooms and the apartment suite. Family rooms are also available.
- Most rooms are accessible via the lift. There are a few ground floor rooms and one fully accessible room. Have a look at the hotel’s access statement for more information.
- Jesmond Dene House is a member of the Kronen Collection.
