Britain's oldest recorded town, Colchester is steeped in history. The Romans, Saxons, Normans and Victorians have all left their mark here, making it a must-visit town for history buffs. That being said, Colchester is a truly modern town with a wide variety of things to see and do. Located near the gateway to East Anglia with its picturesque villages yet only a stone's throw away from the coast, it's the perfect destination for a weekend escape. Where to stay in Colchester - Wivenhoe House During our visit to Colchester, we stayed at Wivenhoe House, a 4-star hotel on the grounds of the University of Essex that is run by students undertaking hospitality degrees, a unique concept that I've not seen anywhere else previously. From the check in desk to the waiters, all staff (with the exception of management) are students. Room options at Wivenhoe House include doubles, suites and luxury suites, to cater for all needs. The hotel is a popular wedding venue and is also a great spot to enjoy a stylish afternoon tea in Colchester. Upon check in, I heard animated shouting coming from one of the rooms, which I was informed was the popular murder mystery dinner, a fact that was confirmed when I saw a woman in a French maid's outfit and a man dressed as I presume Colonel Mustard, if his uniform was anything to go by! Our room at Wivenhoe House We stayed in room 210, a simple and tastefully decorated room overlooking the university's playing field (I'm not into sports, so I couldn't tell you what sport it was for, but it was a playing field nonetheless). My favourite feature of the room was the expansive, cedar timbered balcony (which could have comfortably held 10 people), where I spent my time gazing over the field at the ducks who were wandering around the grounds. What to see and do in Colchester There are an abundance of activities to keep you occupied in Colchester including the Colchester Castle and gardens, St. Botolph's Priory, First Site Museum, The Colchester Zoo and The Bourne Mill (a National Trust property) to name a few. If you can't be bothered seeking out specific places, simply enjoy a stroll around the town to see a wealth of architectural and historical delights. During our visit, we loved taking a peaceful walk in the gorgeous gardens located on the Colchester Castle grounds, which would be perfect for a picnic on a sunny summer's day. Sadly, we couldn't go inside the castle during our visit as a wedding was taking place, but it looked spectacular from the outside! While taking in the sights, we also walked past the gorgeous St Martin's Church, a redundant Anglican church and Grade II listed building that has an almost ethereal appearance. Before we knew it, our weekend jaunt was over and it was back to London! Whatever you decide to do during your visit to Colchester, we'd advise that you plan the activities you'd like to do in advance, to ensure you make the most of your visit. If you're not sure where to start, The Colchester Visitor Information Centre (VIC), the tourist office for Colchester which is situated in the heart of Colchester's historic town centre, is the place to start!
For more information visit: Visit Essex Visit Colchester Visit England During our visit, we were hosted by Wivenhoe House and Visit Essex. All views opinions and photography are my own. A.A. Miln
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Longing for Lucknam...If you're in need of a bit of R& R to calm your frazzled nerves, then Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is your ticket to relaxation. Located in the heart of the English countryside only a stone's throw away from Bath, it is one of England's finest 5-star luxury country house hotels. A truly magnificent hotel, it boasts a seriously elegant spa, a renowned Michelin Star restaurant (The Park), an informal restaurant (The Brasserie) and 42 luxurious rooms and suites to ensure that you feel exceptionally pampered during your stay. For guests who like to keep active even when getting away from it all, there are a wealth of options on hand to keep boredom at bay. Test your inner cheffing skills at the new Cookery School or explore the 500-acre Equestrian Centre. If this all seems a bit much, simply sink into their therapeutic spa pool and forget the strains and stresses of life.
So, go on, make your own special occasion and book a stay today... Rooms from £395 per night. Colerne Chippenham Wiltshire SN14 8AZ A.A. Miln Love living in luxury amidst stunning natural surroundings...Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, you'll find Limewood Hotel, a sumptuous luxury spa hotel that oozes charm and sophistication. From the opulent accommodation to the exquisite English cuisine and stunning natural surroundings, it's practically perfect in every way. Whether you're a serious foodie in search of culinary delights, a spa snob seeking a relaxing respite or an outdoors enthusiast looking for an energising escape, Limewood ticks all of the boxes and then some. Dining at Limewood Hotel The restaurant Hartnett Holder & Co. features fresh country food sourced either from Limewood's garden, the forest or local farmers. Diners can expect traditional English fare with Italian flair. Next to the restaurant, guests will find The Kitchen Table, an open plan area where up to 10 guests can enjoy dining while watching the skilled chefs in action. If you love afternoon tea, ensure that you enjoy a cuppa and a cake at The Courtyard, the perfect place to unwind and enjoy an afternoon with friends while taking in the views. Sleeping options at Limewood Hotel Wherever you choose to rest your head after an enjoyable day, you simply can't go wrong. Every room is beautifully styled with superb attention to every last detail to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can choose from a variety of sleeping quarters from the Main House or Coach House to more secluded Forest Suites, Forest Lodges, or the Forest Cabin - perfect for a romantic weekend. Herb House Spa is what makes Limewood truly magnificent while helping to distinguish it from other luxury spa hotels. Visitors to the spa are spoilt for choice. Enjoy treatments, test your flexibility in a yoga class, chill out in the sauna or make use of the Hydro Pool or Lap Pool with stunning forest views. Sportier guests will love jogging in the forest or working out with the state-of-the-art Technogym equipment.Whether it's a weekend stay or a longer break, it's the perfect place for those who want to feel truly spoiled during their stay. http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/.
Rooms are priced from £275-£575 per night. Lime Wood Beaulieu Rd Lyndhurst Hampshire SO43 7FZ A.A. Miln |
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