A family celebration is the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway and here’s a great tip for a special hotel just a stone’s throw from London. Suzie, Sam and their four children went to Coworth Park Hotel and Spa near Ascot in Berkshire for a family weekend away.
A luxury family weekend at Coworth Park Hotel
Who went: Suzie, Sam and Charlie 19, Saffron 15, Amber 12 and Jasmine 7
When: April 2016
Suzie says: At the last minute we decided to go somewhere special to celebrate Sam’s birthday. We contacted Mr & Mrs Smith who were brilliant and made it all work for us with just 24 hour’s notice. They suggested Coworth Park which is a stunning hotel in Berkshire and very easy to get to from London. We went by car and before we knew it we were relaxing in the beautiful green countryside. It was much easier than a European city break!
We stayed in two adjacent Stable Deluxe rooms with extra beds in each, ensuite bathrooms and a view of the gardens. The rooms were really fabulous and felt quite spacious. The bathroom was very luxurious with a copper roll top bath and separate shower.
The Spa
I’d booked ahead for Sam and I to have treatments in the spa on Friday evening and Saturday. Charlie had a facial as well to help his teenage skin and we could see the difference after only one treatment. Unlike many gloomy hotel spas the treatments are in lovely large and light-filled rooms. It’s expensive but very well done and I’d recommend visiting the spa even if you just go for a swim and a steam/sauna.
The kids all swam in the wonderful indoor spa pool in the early evening. We thought the pool was fantastic as it was a perfect temperature with coloured lights and underwater music. There are sliding glass doors as well that open onto a sun terrace in good weather.
Be aware that you do have to book ahead for the spa. Additionally children under 16 who are staying at the hotel can only use the spa pool and eat at the Spatisserie at certain times.
The Restaurants
We ate in the main restaurant on the first night, which was fabulous. We are all foodies and the children’s menu was great too – the best tomato soup ever according to my youngest two! The restaurant has had a Michelin star and you can see why. We enjoyed the great service and amazing food and wine.
On Saturday morning we had breakfast in The Barn, which was very close to our rooms. It’s much more low-key than the main restaurant, and perfect for a relaxing breakfast. Sam and I ate lunch in the Spatisserie above the Spa which has a menu of light meals like salads and paninis along with stunning views. It’s not open to children under 16 at lunchtimes so the younger ones ate in the main hotel where there’s an all-day menu of light meals with kids’ choices too.
Our final meal that night was in The Barn. We had cocktails and mocktails at the mezzanine bar overlooking the countryside and then very lovely food in its brasserie-style restaurant afterwards.
If we went again I’d book the Restaurant for the second night instead of the first. The Barn would have been a more relaxing atmosphere on the first night when we’d just arrived.
Family Things to Do
After breakfast we tried out the free bikes. We pedalled our way round the extensive grounds and saw some polo ponies since the hotel has its own polo field. My children loved the fact that there were bikes on tap but do check that the one you pick is working properly before you set off!
We’d booked a half-hour riding lesson/hack for the younger three at the on-site stables and this was a real hit. In the afternoon they went to the kid’s zone in a house next to the stables. It had all the latest electronic games in two rooms upstairs and lots of things to do for younger children downstairs. All three, including Saffron, decided to give the games rooms a miss in favour of baking with the nannies. Charlie enjoyed another trip to the spa, lounging in the pool and steam room and sauna.
Best Moments?
I’d really recommend booking a couple of treatments at the spa, maybe over two days so that you visit twice. And I just loved our family bike ride around the grounds!
Luxury Country House Hotel near London
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Susie and family booked their weekend via Mr&Mrs Smith. Click here for more info on their curated selection of boutique hotels and escapes
Coworth Park is part of the Dorchester Collection of luxury hotels. Click here to go to their website
All photos are courtesy of Coworth Park, all rights reserved
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