The Retreat at Elcot Park, Berkshire
WHERE AND WHY
This elegant 18th century red-brick country house hotel lives up to its name. It’s an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle – tucked away in the heart of the Berkshire countryside between Newbury and Hungerford.
We soon settled into the Percy Shelley suite – one of the hotel’s three signature suites – named after the renowned 19th century romantic poet. Although his portrait hangs above the main reception, Elcot Park was actually his mother’s home. She bought the property 20 years after his death from drowning at 29, living here with Percy’s two sisters until 1874. The spacious suite felt very opulent with a super king-size bed, rolltop bath and stunning views of the 16 acres of parkland.
All 55 rooms also have access to landing pantries to raid for homemade cookies, brownies, fruit and soft drinks.
ON THE MENU
Pre-dinner drinks, sipped al fresco while watching cows grazing in an adjacent field, set us up for our meal in the 1772 Brasserie in the new Orangery. We kicked off with a chilled tomato Gazpacho (£10) and creamy burrata (£15), sharing the warm sourdough and focaccia (£8). For our main course we couldn’t resist the 8oz heritage breed beef bavette (£30) served with Bearnaise sauce, fries and baby gem lettuce.
And my wife’s sweet tooth was more than satisfied by the chocolate filled bombolini (£10) while I had only room for a couple of scoops of ice cream (£5). If you fancy fine dining, book a table at pan-asian restaurant Yu. For light bites and sharing boards relax in the Atlas Room.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Spend time unwinding in The Signet Spa, with its heated outdoor infinity pool, hydrotherapy pool, aroma steam room, sauna, salt flotation pod and treatment rooms.
The stable block has been transformed into the Courtyard, a social hub where you can grab a coffee and pastry at farm shop the Clodagh Store (owned by TV chef Clodagh Mckenna). You’ll also find the Wine Cellar by Lay & Wheeler and Sequoia, the hotel’s hair and nail salon.
The nearby North Wessex Downs are good for a walk, while Downton Abbey fans can head to Highclere Castle (highclerecastle.co.uk) 11 miles away. To explore on two wheels, hire one of the hotel’s electric adventure motorbikes (from £50 for two and half hours).
WAKE-UP CALL
Double rooms start at £150 a night, B&B. retreatelcotpark.com