Split Farthing Hall

Everyone's got an opinion on how and where to de-stress, but sometimes the hunt for a 'cure' can in itself get those fight-or-flight hormones pumping. Not so at Split Farthing Hall, a family home in the middle of the North Yorkshire countryside that focuses on nothing else but how to re-balance your life in an atmosphere that is designed to feel a million miles away from your daily cares. It's definitely not just another chain spa retreat, offering a bit of pampering and high-end healthy food (though it does both of those things rather well).

Run by Andrea and Dr Claire Maguire (an unusual stepmother and stepdaughter combo), Split Farthing Hall is the real deal, essentially offering wellbeing retreats that take in yoga, healthy eating, life coaching and meditation, and provide a nurturing environment to re-connect with who they are and what's important in their lives. It's about activities and workshops rather than pointless pampering, but the accommodation is very comfortable, and all eight bedrooms are nicely furnished with en-suite bathrooms. There are two cosy sitting rooms, plus a library, hot tub & infra-red sauna and the grounds in summer are lovely, with plenty of outdoor seating and places to roam. Nothing is too much trouble, though it's not a luxury hotel – just a serious alternative to merely getting away from it all for a while.