Bubbly Claire Spreadbury soaks up the joys of outdoor baths
Ican’t actually remember the last time I had a bath with a friend, but it was probably about 35 years ago. It’s not an opportunity that crops up often, but that’s set to change at Congham Hall’s new Orchard Cabins, as the star attraction of the sleek open-plan spaces is an outdoor bathtub.
Wiggling into skintight swimming costumes – after a three-course meal of roasted beetroot, goat’s cheese, plump pillows of ravioli and a decadent assiette of (not so) mini puddings – seems like a good idea at the time. That might have had something to do with the lashings of delicious Fleurie we washed it down with.
And once the taps are spurting water into the ginormous tub, there’s no turning back. Bubbles spill over the top as we hurl ourselves in and decide an outdoor bath is exactly what every single one of us needs in our lives right now. Putting the world to rights while trying to stay above water, we fight back the giggles and debate the monstrosities of life in 2022.
The apple trees watch over us, swaying disapprovingly at the drowning slippers and robes mopping up our overspill, and the shrieks we can’t bear to keep in. The stars twinkle from a distance, promising a better display in brighter months, as we lay back and savour the dark night sky.
The Norfolk hotel has built five luxurious rooms with outdoor bathtubs, all overlooking its orchard. Launched to celebrate 10 years of hotel management by Nicholas Dickinson and his team, the timing couldn’t be better.
As the Great Resignation rumbles on, with people choosing to move away from cities and into the countryside, it offers a great taste of Norfolk life. Already, Burnham
Market in North Norfolk has been nicknamed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, due to swathes of Londoners moving there. Congham Hall is in
the west of the county, near
King’s Lynn, and there’s still an abundance of fresh air and green spaces, beautiful beaches, hugely affordable stunning houses, and it’s teeming with nature.
As well as the outdoor bath, the new rust-coloured cabins (which look like house-shaped shipping containers from the outside), give you the option of bathing inside, like a normal person. Much less fun, but because one roll-top is sometimes not enough, you can take your pick from the brushed tin tub outside, or the pretty pink bath in the bathroom, both big enough for multiple bathers.
Inside the cabin, a squashy bed awaits our weary limbs, beside a large pink sofa and comfy spinning chair; the perfect spot to sit and take in the views of the orchard.
A bistro table and chairs sit on the balcony for morning brews and sundowners. It really is a place to relax, and the slow pace makes you feel like you’re on holiday.
“We’re in Norfolk, there’s no such thing as late,” Nicholas tells us as we apologise for our tardiness at dinner. We’re then encouraged to sup on aperitifs by the bar before heading over to our table in The Samphire Kitchen, a two AA Rosette restaurant, which has recently had a restyle.
We peruse the menus, shortlist wine and nibble on edamame
beans. Game and fish feature heavily because of the location – Congham aims to source 80% of ingredients from within a 20-mile radius, as long as they’re the best available.
There’s a separate vegetarian menu, too. Mains cost between £20 and £30, starters are around £10 and desserts about £9, but room rates that include dinner are a good idea.
Wine is well chosen, around £40 for a really good bottle, and staff are attentive. The co-owners wait on tables – either a sign of their hands-on nature, or the post-Covid impact on hospitality.
The Secret Garden Spa features a 40ft swimming pool, steam room, saunas, treatments rooms and a new outdoor deck with hot tub. Roomy enough not to feel awkward when you clamber in among other guests, it’s the perfect spot at dusk, when pink skies light up the surrounding woods and meadows, and warm bubbles heat our cold bodies.
If you feel the need to explore further afield, local walking routes are available from reception, along with pairs of Dubarry boots. We blow the cobwebs away on a flat three-mile loop, taking in the old railway line and woodland. We’re told Old Hunstanton Beach is worth the 25-minute journey, but instead we choose to while away an hour or two at nearby award-winning distillery and gin school WhataHoot.
We gather on sofas with AJ, who talks us through the history of gin, and the brand, and why husbandand-wife team Nicky and Jason decided to set it up.
“In the summer, Norfolk is beautiful,” AJ tells us. “But in the winter, everything closes – people need something to do.” And doing gin comes highly recommended.
Whether you do the distillery tour (£15), a Cocktail Masterclass (£35) or go the whole hog and book into the four-hour gin school (£95, or £135 for two) where you make your own gin, you’re likely to wobble out with a big smile on your face.
For someone who’s not a fan of doing shots, I seem to be sampling the straight gins without any trouble. Fiery but smooth, each variety is really quite delicious.
Back at the hotel, waking up to the early morning sky – light dancing on fruit trees as I sit with a cuppa on the balcony – feels like a moment out of a self-care manual. And before we leave, there’s time to squeeze in one
more bath.
The cabins are positioned so each balcony area is private and not overlooked, although I do almost come a cropper when relaxing in the tub and a couple bring their dog for a walk in the orchard.
Thankfully, the size of the bath and the soap suds surrounding my naked body save my dignity. And my heart rate returns to normal as I sit amid the bubbles, watching a family of blue tits flit from one apple tree branch to another, the sunlight falling on their fluttering wings, nature’s soundtrack of birdsong filling the air. Undoubtedly, I am an outdoor bath convert. So much classier than a hot tub.
More peaceful, more sustainable, more stylish. It’s self-care on tap – excuse the pun – and I really want one in my garden.
You’re likely to wobble out of the distillery with a big smile on your face