'Charming family, quiet surroundings, excellent food,' are the phrases that encapsulate Farlam Hall. For nearly 35 years now, Helen Quinion and her family have assiduously improved their solid but elegant Border country house. It has its roots in Elizabethan times, but what you see today is essentially a large Victorian family home, extended for a big family and frequent entertaining. No coincidence that it makes such a good hotel.
  The dining room and public rooms are discreet and the atmosphere is one of traditional English service and comfort. The bedrooms vary widely, with some decidedly large and swish. Nevertheless, all are luxurious and charmingly done out, and some have beautiful views of the grounds that are home to a variety of llamas and sheep.
  The chef takes pride in his food and it shows. The menu changes daily (so guests staying for longer than one night don’t get bored) and there is an impressive wine list that is overseen by Mr Quinion, not to mention the extensive English cheese board or a choice of deliciously unhealthy puddings.
  Farlam Hall is well placed for the Lakes, Dales and Northumberland Coast as well as Hadrian’s Wall.