'It's a bit bleak isn't it?' observed the Brunette as we approached Ravenscar. Darkness was falling and a heavy fog was rolling in off the North Sea. This is not the Brunette's usual idea of a pleasant destination. Me ? I've lived in the north of England and have come to terms with its 'interesting' climate.

Luckily the hotel was of such a standard as to render weather conditions a merely disagreeable aside. The Raven Hall hotel emerged out of the gloom in a suitably impressive fashion and apprehension fell away. The hall was built in 1774 by a Captain William Childs who owned the Ravenscar Alum Works. It passed down through his family to his rather decadent grandson who, true to his Regency times, squandered the family fortune on gambling and 'grand projects' including the terracing of the grounds. The house was sold and passed through a reserved Victorian phase with its new owners before being turned into a country resort hotel for the gentrified of the late 19th century.

The public areas of the hotel are pleasing in a slightly stuffy way with wood panelled walls, an open fire and an abundance of sofas. There's a billiards room, pool, small gym, sauna, outdoor tennis courts and a golf course. We had a ground floor room with a somewhat tired en suite bathroom. The bedroom was decorated 'in the country house style' (hmmm) but was spacious and boasted a large double bed. Sunday morning, however, brought the coup de grace. When the fog finally lifted we had marvellous views over the croquet lawn, across the cliff tops and up the coast to Robin Hoods Bay.

We ate particularly well at the Raven Hall. Breakfast was included with the room and consisted of a hot buffet with all your standard English breakfast components and a never-ending supply of toast. The dining room is lined on three sides with windows and offers marvellous views - when the weather allows.

There were once big plans for Ravenscar (an old plan can be found on the wall). The Hall's owner used his influence to get a station built but the project came to nothing and Ravenscar remains a sleepy village. With a car, however, Raven Hall is a good base for exploring the North Yorkshire moors and the windswept-and-interesting stretch of coastline including Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay, Scarborough and Filey.

I liked the Raven Hall - a country hotel in the old tradition. Not as well kept as some but it is comfortable, has a dramatic setting and you'll be well looked after.
The Raven Hall Hotel