SIX QUICK TRIPS The UK’S best luxury foodie hotels
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a plush getaway at one of the UK’S finest foodie hotels. Whether you’re travelling with babies, teens or in-laws, there’s something to keep everyone happy
LYMPSTONE MANOR, DEVON Best for… tweens
From the chauffeured arrival to the hot towels waiting at the grand entrance of this Grade-ii listed Georgian manor, it’s clear that this is a deliciously grown-up getaway. The hotel was recently revamped at the inimitable hand of chef Michael Caines, fresh from his 21-year tenure at Gidleigh Park in Devon.
In the guestrooms, gleaming trays of William’s gin, tonics, lemonade and cookies, and freestanding copper baths (complete with l’occitaine bath bombs) provide exemplary pre-dinner R&R. For bolder bathers, the little picketfenced terraces of Lympstone Manor’s 12 garden suites come with showpiece outdoor tubs. Beyond, 28 acres of manicured gardens slope to the Exe Estuary (watch this space for a vineyard). Its colours – muted greys, sage greens, silty blues – inform guestroom decor, each of which are named after a wetland bird. In the main house, those birds perch prettily up the central stairwell on hand-painted wallpaper; in the lobby beyond, swinging birdcage chairs are supremely selfie-worthy.
In the estuary-view bar, a made-toorder virgin peach lychini, classic champagne cocktails and truly artful amuse bouche entertain all ages while menus are poured over. The eight-course Signature Tasting Menu (£140) can be adapted to include dishes from à la carte, Estuary (fish/veggie), and kid’s menus; bespoke treatment encouraging adventurous young diners. Accessible standouts that wowed all: velvety roast Brixham scallop, luxuriant Cornish salt cod with chorizo, and an ingenious white chocolate candle, edible all but the wick. The classic breakfast – kippers, full English – is executed with restraint, so you’re not too full for a trip along the Exe Estuary Trail on the hotel’s fleet of elegant-if-bone-shaking Pashley bikes. Just 15 minutes to Exmouth offers kitesurfing – or at least the reliably breathtaking sight of locals at it – then lunch at Mitch Tonks Rockfish (therockfish.co.uk). Or head north to the village of Lympstone and beyond for a string of great pubs and nature reserves. How to do it Doubles from £305 per night including breakfast; £60 extra for a child’s bed. High tea available from 5-6.30pm for younger guests. Babysitting available on request. Visit lympstonemanor.co.uk.
Sarah Barrell