An 18th-century estate in North Yorkshire where “Scandinavian meets Yorkshire” has been revealed as one of the best "brilliant" British hotels for a winter getaway by train – and its nearest station is in County Durham.

Middleton Lodge in Richmond, North Yorkshire featured on the highly-praised list by The Telegraph among 17 other hotels and is ideal for those who want to ditch the car for their next weekend adventure.

Whether it’s from the North York Moors or the “mountainous heart of Snowdonia”, The Telegraph commented: “Into these middles-of-nowhere you can simply step off with your overnight bag, as travellers have been doing long before cars were invented, when the grandest country houses and Scottish castles had their own request stations.

“Some still do, or are well placed near stations for guests arriving by train. And just as the trains themselves have come a long way since the industrial revolution, so country houses and inns have been spruced up over the years, once-draughty bedrooms now cosy and inviting, the cooking ever more accomplished.”

It adds: “So here is exactly where to step off to find Britain’s finest country hotels you can escape to by train.

“All within roughly a 10-minute taxi ride of a station, and some even close enough to stroll to – sturdy boots not required.”

You can see all 17 of Britain’s best “brilliant” hotels for a winter weekend getaway by train here.

The Northern Echo: This is why The Telegraph said Middleton Lodge is one of the best places for a winter weekend getawayThis is why The Telegraph said Middleton Lodge is one of the best places for a winter weekend getaway (Image: Tripadvisor)

What did The Telegraph say about Middleton Lodge?

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5

The publisher said: “Owner James Allison and creative director Rebecca Tappin have breathed new and sustainable life into this 18th-century estate set in 200 acres on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

“The light, open spaces have been designed by Rebecca, a mix of limed wood, ticking upholstery and sheepskin rugs – Scandinavian meets Yorkshire in natural shades of stone and milk; plants and glassware echo the greens of the Dales outside.

“Some rooms have the most wonderful flagstone terraces with outdoor baths beneath wooden arbours.

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“There’s fine dining in Forge: a tasting menu includes creative combinations such as trout, blackcurrant and caviar.

“In the relaxed Coach House, heartier dishes are inspired by what’s grown in the two-acre walled garden.”

Middleton Lodge is located 4.7 miles from Darlington train station (around 10 minutes away by taxi).