- Play Hard
- 17th Jun 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
The best North East solo stay destinations for summer
With summer finally within reach after months of grey skies and gloomy days, the appeal of a solo escape has never felt stronger for us Northerners.
Whether you’re craving a peaceful coastal retreat or a countryside reset, there’s no better time to plan a getaway just for you.
Solo trips can feel daunting at first – but do it once and you won’t look back. Total peace, no compromises and nobody’s itinerary to follow but your own.
So, to give you the nudge you might need, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots for a solo stay in the North East this summer.
Matfen Hall
Matfen Village, Northumberland, NE20 0RH
If a grand country escape with five-star luxury at every turn is what you’re after, Matfen Hall could be exactly the solo retreat you didn’t know you needed. Set within 300 acres of stunning Northumberland parkland, this magnificent Gothic mansion, Northumberland’s only five-star hotel, offers beautifully appointed rooms ranging from classic to suite, exceptional dining across multiple restaurants, and a championship golf course on the doorstep. With a personal concierge on hand to attend to your every need, it’s the kind of place that makes switching off feel effortlessly easy.
Dakota
112 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DX
For those of you who are looking for a city break and to have plenty of retail therapy opportunities on your doorstep, Dakota, located on the Quayside, could be the perfect spot for your solo summer stay. Offering bold and spacious rooms, exceptional food in their Grill restaurant, as well as a bar that will make sure you’ve got a tipple in hand to reach a maximum relaxed state. This hotel offers everything you need for a solo evening escape from normality.
Yorkshire Spa Retreat
Gale Lane, York, YO62 7SD
If you’re suffering from office burnout and a real inability to get that work-life balance just right, this spot located on the edge of the North York Moors is the perfect place to change all of that. Yorkshire Spa Retreat offers the ultimate place to stay, spa, and dine, all in the pleasure of your own company. And if you’re looking for something with that little bit extra luxury, their new immersive three-night luxury wellness retreats could be perfect for that no-responsibility stay.
Hesleyside Huts, Hexham
Think luxury glamping nestled in the heart of Northumberland National Park, that’s exactly what you can experience at Hesleyside Huts. These huts are all kitted out with everything you could need for a night off-grid. From log burning stoves to luxury outdoor baths, you’ll be relaxed as soon as you step through the door. So whether you want to escape the day-to-day or reconnect with yourself after a stressful week, Hesleyside Huts is the perfect place to do so.
Kip and Nook, Darlington
Located in the stunning Yorkshire countryside, Kip and Nook have everything you need for a solo recharge from the stresses of the day-to-day. With a range of luxury cabins to choose from, you’ll have everything from private wood-fired hot tubs and open-air baths under the stars to sleek, Japanese-inspired interiors featuring cosy log burners. It’s the ultimate setting to unplug, read that book you’ve been putting off, and be present in your own company. And if you’re someone who relaxes by doing, they have plenty of onsite activities to get involved with, too.
Saltmoore, Sandsend
Nestled between the rolling North Yorkshire moors and the dramatic Yorkshire Coast, Saltmoore is the perfect excuse to escape the noise of the city and the stresses that may come with it. Its wellness-led approach is perfect to catch some well-needed R&R, and The Sanctuary, their serene spa space, can give you all of that and more. Kitted out with a sauna and steam room, a heated indoor pool, as well as a whole menu of relaxing treatments to choose from, your solo date night probably hasn’t ever been as good.
Huts in the Hills, Alnwick
Prendwick Farm, Alnwick, NE66 4UZ
Set on a remote Northumberland farm near Whittingham with views stretching across open countryside in every direction, Huts in the Hills takes luxury glamping seriously. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted shepherds huts — built from reclaimed oak with sheep’s wool insulation — each kitted out with a wood burner, power shower, outdoor fire pit and antique French cast iron bath beneath the famous Northumberland dark skies. It’s a proper off-grid escape, and all the better for it.
Seaham Hall, Seaham
Set along the County Durham coastline, Seaham Hall is the ultimate solo stay for anyone craving a luxury wellness escape this summer. Home to the award-winning Serenity Spa, the five-star hotel combines calming sea views, indulgent treatments and stylish interiors designed for complete relaxation. Whether it’s a spa day, coastal walk or slow morning spent recharging, Seaham Hall is the perfect place to switch off and unwind solo.
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.








