Ready, steady, spa

1. On the 11am train, travelling first class. We are finished our first little bottle of Moet by Motherwell.

2. Off at Durham and it's not long before we pull up the drive of Seaham Hall. We're pretty giggly already, but the first sight of our suite makes us jump up and down. This is the ultimate in glamour. And sea views to boot.

3. By 2.30 we are ready to spa, fluffy gowns and slippers on. We flow along through this amazing place, pass the giant elephant and cross the little bridge. By 3.30 we are in the outdoor hottub.

4. Dinner is complicated but ultimately lovely and very tasty. We are relaxed. Our shoulders are down and we're smiling.

5.All day long lovely, lovely messages have been popping up and beeping in from lovely, lovely people. The cava flows, there are candles to blow out and a proper old-school present from the Charles', a little Harris tweed treasure and some good old fashioned luxury makes for a very, happy birthday. Hip hip...