The loveliest season of the year is upon us and if you're looking for the perfect place to hole up for a staycation this spring, you'll want to know all about Lucknam Park in the Cotswolds, one of Britain's best hotels.
A hotel nestled in 500 acres of glorious countryside and packed with antiques and classic style, Lucknam Park is straight out of a Jane Austen novel - and frankly a place to return to every season.
Whether you're visiting from a city or similarly idyllic countryside location, you'll be excited by arriving at Lucknam Park as you make your way along its avenue of 400 imposing lime and beech trees planted in 1827 - and entrance you'll never forget.
Once you've parked up and head inside, you'll feel all of your stresses melt away as you step into the drawing room for afternoon tea or spend a few hours in the splendid spa.
Ideal for couples (or anyone) in search of a grand setting for a mini-break, Lucknam Park offers everything you need for a memorable UK break: the world-class dining, a soothing spa, wonderful walking routes and a friendly welcome that keeps guests returning year after year.
The five-star hotel is perfect if you're looking for an unforgettable country escape. Here's why you'll want to visit this season...
Michelin-starred dining
For some of Britain's best Michelin-starred dining, look no further than Welsh chef Hywel Jones' elegant restaurant at the hotel. From the service to the flavours, this is one hotel restaurant you'll be talking about all year.
First, start with a pre-dinner drink in the atmospheric Library complete with antique books, sumptuous drapes and cosy armchairs. The Lucknam French Martini with vodka, Chambord, raspberry infused syrup, lime juice and pineapple juice is one of the signature cocktails you'll want to try.
Sparkling chandeliers, fine upholstery and a warm ambience set the scene in the sophisticated Restaurant Hywel Jones, where the well-dressed staff await your arrival for dinner. There are three seven-course tasting menus to choose from: seasonal, signature and vegetarian.
Perfect for a meal for two (especially if you're celebrating a romantic occasion), each of the seven dishes is as delectable as the next. From the citrus cured Loch Duart salmon topped with blood orange and complemented with dill and fennel, to the braised day boat turbot (served as fresh as possible from this country location) with buttered iceberg, Cornish crab and hand-rolled macaroni; and even the Wiltshire venison with Brussel sprouts, Bromham parsnip and Medjool date, Jones uses a contrast of flavours to delight and surprise diners.
Heading up the Michelin-starred restaurant since 2004, he was previously at Foliage at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, where he earned his first Michelin star. Relocating to the countryside, the Executive Chef has brought his incredible passion for flavours found near and far to this sublime corner of Wiltshire. With an ever-changing menu that has many guests returning to sample month after month, you'll taste his love of diverse flavours in these exciting dishes.
An indulgent spa
After an unforgettable culinary journey, you'll be ready to while away a few hours in Lucknam Park's outstanding spa the next day. Its enormous indoor pool overlooked by the dancing flames of an electric fireplace and indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool are ideal for enjoying during winter.
Behind the padded poolside loungers is a collection of thermal rooms including the Japanese salt room, a steam room and sauna. For those who book a spa treatment (or don't), there's a post-treatment relaxation room and a social lounge with a skincare mixology bar.
If you choose to spend most of the day in the spa, which is thoroughly recommended, the Brasserie is close by when you're ready for lunch.
The spa is also open until 9pm, giving you the choice to visit during the day (perfect when the weather doesn't play ball) or opting for an evening session.
Country-chic rooms
The rooms and suites at Lucknam Park complement the countryside surroundings, with their sumptuous beds, cosy armchairs and rich drapes. Many of the Country Rooms have a cottage vibe, with some housed just off the main building in converted cottages for a homely feel.
Each of the rooms boast a refined style thanks to the antiques, dark wood and luxury wallpaper, and you'll find some with four-poster beds for added romance. For a grand getaway, you'll want to check into the best room in the house, the Grand Master Suite, which features a huge marble bathroom with double sinks, a four-poster bed and glorious views over the avenue of trees to enjoy from the large seating area or dining table.
Some of its thoughtful details include an open fire set up for you to light yourself, a Wedgwood tea set and a chess set for you to while away the hours in a space filled with history.
Out and about
Two or three nights is an ideal amount of time to spend at Lucknam Park and there's plenty to keep you entertained within the grounds. The hotel has a 20-minute, one-hour and two-hour trail for you to follow, which passes the horses that reside here (there's an equestrian centre) and past Lucknam's famous avenue of trees. There are bikes if you'd like to cycle the grounds or Muck Boots to borrow if you prefer to walk.
Nearby, Castle Combe, one of the prettiest villages in all of the Cotswolds, is only a 10-minute drive away and a must-visit to soak up its traditional, picturesque charm. Bath is also only a 20-minute drive away if you fancy leaving the peace and quiet of the countryside behind for a few hours and enjoying the Georgian city's wonders.
Room rates start from £350 per night.
