Well it depends on where up north is in relation to yourself!
This is a lovely hotel though, right on the shore of Lake Ullswater. It is where Paul McCartney proposed to Heather Mills, but don't let that put you off! http://www.sharrowbay.co.uk/
Royal York Hotel.... right near railway station so you don't need to drive there - wonderful city, boat and bus tours, great restaurants .....depends when it's for but York has Xmas market from end Nov inwards too