Grand locations for small getaways
Words: Russell Cook
Whatley Manor
The two restaurants here are overseen by Michelin-starred chef Martin Burge. Those who want quality food with their peace and quiet will enjoy the modern French cuisine, served in both the formal Dining Room and Le Mazot, a more relaxed chalet-style brasserie. Nearby, minimooners can enjoy clay pigeon shooting, polo, golf and watersports.
Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0RB
01666 822888 Bedrooms: 23
Spitbank Fort
This former military base in the Solent offers something a little different. Its alfresco terrace, complete with fire-pit and 360-degree sea views, is the place for sipping champagne before retreating to the Officer’s Mess for dinner. And the best bit? Guests can arrive by speedboat.
Royal Clarence Marina, Weevil Way, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1FX
0330 3337 222 Bedrooms: 9
Thornbury Castle
England’s only Tudor castle that operates as a hotel, Thornbury has 14 acres of space. Plenty for guests to pursue heritage sports such as archery, croquet and falconry.
Castle Street, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire BS35 1HH
01454 281182 Bedrooms: 26
Dormy House
This Worcestershire boutique hotel is surrounded by 400 acres of parkland and has views across the Vale of Evesham. A new spa ensures relaxing isn’t a problem, and foodie couples will enjoy the fine dining option.
Willersey Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LF
01386 852711 Bedrooms: 38
Ockenden Manor
An Elizabethan manor tucked away in a charming Tudor village, Ockenden’s terrace lets couples enjoy Michelin-star cuisine outdoors. Inside, bedrooms are period decorated and feature views across the Sussex Downs.
Ockenden Lane, West Sussex RH17 5LD
01444 416111 Bedrooms: 28
The Pig
Foodies who haven’t been to The Pig are missing out. Nearly all of the ingredients the New Forest restaurant uses are sourced from its own garden. Everything else is bound by the menu’s 25-mile rule.
Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QL
01590 622354 Bedrooms: 26
Hotel du Vin Cambridge
Suites feature bathrooms with side-by-side bathtubs and a flat-screen TV each. Minimooners can futher spoil themselves by ordering spa treatments to be enjoyed in the room.
15-19 Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1QA
0844 736 4253 Bedrooms: 41
Gleneagles
When it opened in 1924, Gleneagles Hotel was described as a ‘Riviera in the Highlands’. Since then, it’s become a mecca for golf lovers, with three championship courses on offer. Newlyweds not interested in scoring birdies can tee up dinner in Scotland’s only two Michelin-star restaurant. Or chill in the sizeable spa.
Auchterarder, Central Scotland PH3 1NF
0800 587 8806 Bedrooms: 232
The Belsfield
Deep in the Lake District, this grand Victorian hotel is ideally placed for active couples, and comes with impressive view across Lake Windermere to the Langdale Pikes. It being a Laura Ashley hotel, the brand’s decor features heavily, while the restaurant and brasserie make dinner-time formality optional.
Kendal Road, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3EL
01539 442448 Bedrooms: 62
Chewton Glen
This five-star country house hotel in Hampshire has six treehouses, each with its own terrace where couples can relax in the evening sun. The grounds include footpaths, a croquet lawn, tennis centre and golf course.
New Milton, New Forest, Hampshire BH25 6QS
01425 275341 Bedrooms: 70
This article was first published in Square Meal Weddings 2015