YESTERDAY (5th November), England went back into lockdown meaning this month’s travel and holiday plans have to be put on hold.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as we can still plan our next luxury local weekend break for when we are out of lockdown once again.

As it stands, the lockdown is expected to last until December 2nd- restrictions will then start to ease if the infection rates start to decline.

Hopefully, the prospect of a luxury staycation can help get some of us through the uncertainty of lockdown and give us something to look forward to.

From quality glamping pods to countryside huts, there is something to suit everyone’s luxury staycation preferences.

Here are five unique and luxurious places to stay in County Durham when lockdown restrictions ease:

Stanhope Castle Breaks, Bishop Auckland

The Northern Echo: Would you like to stay in a castle? (Photo: Stanhope Castle Breaks)Would you like to stay in a castle? (Photo: Stanhope Castle Breaks)

After a worrying lockdown, you deserve to be treated like royalty.

Luckily for you, it’s possible to spend a night in a historic Bishop Auckland castle.

Castle Keep is the most luxurious room up for grabs and it sleeps up to seven people.

There are four “well-presented” bedrooms to choose from and all have modern furnishings.

The focal point of this luxe room is the shower room/sauna.

At the bottom of the garden is the Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool- it has been heated to 30 degrees meaning it can even be enjoyed on cooler days.

If you plan to book this luxe room in December, prices currently start from £798 for a two night stay.

Find out more on the Stanhope Castle Breaks website.

Cottage with a hot tub, Rookhope

The Northern Echo: (Photo: Airbnb)(Photo: Airbnb)

Fancy renting out an entire cottage after lockdown?

This Bishop Auckland property sleeps up to four people and is perfect for those planning a quiet and luxurious getaway.

It’s marketed as a ‘mini moon’ escape- but it’s also ideal for couples on a weekend break.

The cottage has stunning panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales and guests even have their own private hot tub to relax in.

The Northern Echo: The property has a hot tub (Photo: Airbnb)The property has a hot tub (Photo: Airbnb)

The furniture in the cottage is all handmade and there is even a log burner in the spacious lounge which is perfect to huddle up next to.

As a thoughtful finishing touch, guests will have a bottle of fizz waiting for them on arrival.

If you are planning to stay for two nights in December, prices currently start from around £150 per night.

To find out more, visit Airbnb.

Rockcliffe Hall Hotel Golf & Spa, Darlington

The Northern Echo: Fancy a getaway here? (Photo:Rockcliffe Hall Hotel Golf & Spa)Fancy a getaway here? (Photo:Rockcliffe Hall Hotel Golf & Spa)

If you’re looking for a luxurious five-star hotel break then we have a great option for you.

The hotel is described as a “hidden gem” in the region and there is even a luxury golf course and spa for guests to enjoy.

Each of the hotel’s 61 bedrooms are designed to offer guests “the ultimate in luxury”.

The king-size beds are plush and the bathrooms modern- there are even ‘Tile TVs’ so guests can watch their favourite films and TV programmes in the tub if they choose.

Want to learn more? Visit Booking.com

Treehouse stays at Ramside Hall, Durham

The Northern Echo: This luxury treehouse is the definition of decadence (Photo: Ramside Hall)This luxury treehouse is the definition of decadence (Photo: Ramside Hall)

The luxurious treehouse rooms at Ramside Hall are often reserved for big occasions such as weddings- but who is to say they can’t be rented for a decadent post-lockdown getaway?

Earlier this year, we took a look inside these decadent suites.

Each treehouse has three bedrooms which can be divided up or booked as one bedroom.

The terrace area is where the real party begins as it is the perfect place to enjoy drinks with your loved ones.

While here, guests can enjoy food prepared by a hotel chef and also use the on site spa and golf facilities.

White View Lodge, County Durham

The Northern Echo: Photo: White View LodgePhoto: White View Lodge

Fancy staying in a luxury lodge after lockdown?

This luxe accommodation has an outdoor hot tub and a Canadian spa which seats up to six people.

Ideal for children, there is also a games room in the lodge.

There is also a log burner in the lounge- ideal to huddle up next to during cold nights.

This property can sleep up to 12 people and prices currently start at around £195 per night.

Find out more about this lodge on the company website.