Police found guests staying at luxury hotel after 'domestic incident' lockdown call

Police found guests staying at a luxury hotel during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown while they investigated reports of a domestic incident.
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Discussions involving Durham Police, Durham County Council and Ramside Hall have since taken place about business regulations during the pandemic.

The hotel and spa, just off the A690 at Carrville, confirmed key workers have stayed at the premises since the lockdown and that “other than that the hotel is not open”.

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The incident is said to have happened at one of the three plush tree house lodges unveiled earlier this year.

Police were called to Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City, during the lockdown following reports of a domestic incident involving guests at the site's luxury tree houses.Police were called to Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City, during the lockdown following reports of a domestic incident involving guests at the site's luxury tree houses.
Police were called to Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham City, during the lockdown following reports of a domestic incident involving guests at the site's luxury tree houses.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 12.20am on April 7 to reports of a domestic incident at one of the tree house lodges at Ramside Hall, near Durham.

“Officers attended and spoke to the couple involved, neither of whom wished to make a formal complaint.

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“On arrival the premises, it was clear to the officers that a number of guests were staying at the hotel, despite the covid-19 lockdown.

A view from outside one of the luxury tree houses.A view from outside one of the luxury tree houses.
A view from outside one of the luxury tree houses.

“This information was shared with Durham County Council.”

Michael Yeadon, Durham County Council’s environment and health protection manager, added: “We were contacted by Durham Constabulary in April regarding an incident at Ramside Hall and informed people were staying at the site.

“We have provided information to the hotel’s management on the government regulations which are in place for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.”

A spokesman for Ramside Hall said: "The person staying with us was a key worker whose partner had won some money on a scratchcard.

The tree houses include their own hot tubs and balcony areas.The tree houses include their own hot tubs and balcony areas.
The tree houses include their own hot tubs and balcony areas.
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“We have had key workers staying with us throughout lockdown, as have many hotels. Other than that the hotel is not open."

Launched in January this year, each tree house is individually styled with guests able to enjoy private dining with food prepared by one of the hotel’s chefs.

Ramside managing director John Adamson said at the time: “This is something brand new, not just for the North East, but for the whole of the north.”

A message from the Editor:

Inside one of the new tree houses.Inside one of the new tree houses.
Inside one of the new tree houses.

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