Hotel of the week
You might not have thought of visiting the East Midlands for a weekend break – but you should. Kettering Park Hotel & Spa is a 55-minute train ride from London, and an easy drive from Oxford, Leicester and Birmingham. It’s perfectly placed to explore the nearby towns of Corby and Wellingborough. Our room was luxurious without being ostentatious, with tasteful framed prints, plush linens and the comfiest bed to sink into for a great night’s sleep. The lounge area was also cosy. Home comforts such as a TV, fluffy robes, a hairdryer, a fridge and an iron were all on hand. There was even a pillow menu allowing you to choose from firm to soft. A nice touch.
The restaurant offers a topnotch British selection. Our waiter Billy knew the menu and was confident making recommendations – service of a standard we
saw throughout the hotel. The twicecooked pork belly with cauliflower and apple mash was especially tasty. Breakfast didn’t disappoint either, with a fresh daily special to set us up for the day, along with a well-stocked buffet and hot counter, we were spoiled for choice. standard when staying in the hotel. The spa provides a wonderfully relaxing retreat to unwind in. Immaculate and really well maintained, the facilities were excellent, so much so that we didn’t get as far as sampling the gym. On the outskirts of Kettering is the 750-acre nature reserve Stanwick Lakes where you can walk, watch birds, or enjoy a barbecue picnic in the gorgeous surroundings. Whether you’ll want to even leave the hotel is another thing.
B&B from £89 a