WHAT? WHERE?

Neo-Gothic mansion Ettington Park is built from Cotswold stone with views over the valley. The stunning country house hotel is set in a whopping 40 acres and is pretty much the perfect base for exploring nearby Stratford-upon-Avon (just six miles away) while feeling away from it all. It was also where 1960’s classic The Haunting was filmed, and reportedly has some resident friendly ghosts, though I can’t say I bumped into them on my visit – phew.

THE VIBE

Romantic and just dripping in history. The hotel overlooks a beautiful Norman church (now closed, but still pretty!) and acres of land with the River Stour winding through and regularly visited by a herd of deer. It’s all turrets, towers, period fireplaces, Rococo plasterwork and mahogany libraries, and has a lovely cosy feel without being small. Staff told me it’s the place where Shakespeare had the inspiration for Romeo and Juliet, and the aptly-named Shakespeare Suite is where the first Juliet balcony was built.

There’s a magnificent Great Drawing Room used for dining, with a huge chandelier, ornate ceiling, unique tapestries, paintings and huge sash windows, perfect for watching the sun set as you tuck into dinner. For a drink before or after dinner head to The Oak Room with its sash windows and views-for-days over the countryside.

No wonder then it’s a popular wedding venue – for small or big events. There’s heaps of beautiful space indoors and out. And for relaxing? There’s the spa complete with indoor swimming and spa pool, sauna and steam room. For a bit more of a pamper book in for a treatment with top spa brands like Comfort Zone (whose luxury products are also in the bathrooms).

SCOFF & QUAFF

The Great Drawing Room is a 2AA Rosette restaurant serving up regional and seasonal dishes along with afternoon teas. If you’re feeling a bit extra there’s rooms for private dining and parties too.

Dinner is a formal affair, but no one is going to bat an eye if you turn up wearing something comfy, like lots did when I was there (me included, and thank god for that elasticated waistband).

We started with the homemade bread rolls – including a potato and rosemary bread which was absolutely divine, piled high with homemade salted butter and a garlic butter.

Waiters were really knowledgeable and happy to advise on the menu. I was planning on ordering the scallops to start but was advised to try the King Oyster Mushroom ‘Scallop’ – and it was an absolute revelation and a really inspired dish. Perfectly cooked and with all the texture to boot, and loaded with delicious pickled wild samphire, cauliflower puree and stewed raisins. My date for the night had Cotswold Gin Cured Chalk Stream Trout, a lovely light option and stunningly beautiful dish.

For mains it was the Cotswold White Chicken Supreme, which was packed with flavour from that chicken skin and served with a sage gratin, broad beans, Evesham asparagus and a bacon and stout jus (yes that’s what sold it to me!). It was a really hearty dish and so filling, but you know I saved room for dessert…

We went with the waiters recommendations, which hadn’t failed us so far – even down to the delicious bottle of Albariño to accompany our food. So for pud we had the Banana and Caramel, with a decadent banana ice cream, brown sugar mousse, big chunks of caramelised banana and a spiced crumble, served in a chocolate ‘boat’. If you are a banana fan this is the one for you and don’t even look at anything else. If you’re after something a little lighter then we loved the Strawberry and Lemon Verbena Eton Mess which was served in a ring of strawberry chocolate and heaped with delicious strawberry and elderflower compote, lemon verbena mousse, limoncello jello and meringue. An absolute triumph.

After that we headed for a walk around the hotel, which was beautifully lit up at night and where a herd of deer had been spotted just outside the entrance a few hours before. Unfortunately no sign of Bambi, but feeling a little less full, we headed to The Oak Room for a stiff drink. I’m a whiskey lover, and there’s heaps of great options here – along with gins, wines, beers, brandies and whatever else you fancy – but I had to try something from the original cocktail list. I heard the mixologist really knows what he’s talking about, so after a brief chat with the waiter I ordered the ‘Duke of Normandy’ inspired by the magnificent church opposite which is nearly 1,000 years old. And the drink was equally as special – a delicious sharp and creamy blend of Calvados, apricot, cackleberry, maple, vanilla and nutmeg. I could have worked my way through that whole list, and to be honest I’m going to go back and do just that.

You’d be forgiven for thinking after the absolute food mountain I scoffed the night before, I wouldn’t have room for breakfast. But, being the trooper I am I took one for the team and ordered the Full English (someone’s gotta do it!). You can’t really go wrong can you, and this was everything I wanted with homemade Cumberland sausage, thick rashers of smoked bacon, a homemade rosti, perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs, plum tomato, roasted flat mushroom and most importantly beans served in a pot at the side. If you know you know.

STAY

If you’re looking for a little slice of luxury this is it. There’s 47 individually- designed rooms stuffed to the brim with period features and stunning views.

We stopped in the Shakespeare Suite and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. It was a huge room with magnificent four-poster bed, views for days and loads of period features like a historic fireplace, sash windows, high ceilings,oh, and the juliet balcony which inspired Romeo & Juliet. The bathroom is an equally spacious affair with huge shower, rolltop bath and a tv on the wall so you can catch up on your favourite shows while lazing in the bubbles using Comfort Zone bubble bath.

There’s a well-stocked mini bar, Shakespeare Distillery gin and some chocolates and nibbles. Easy to while away a few hours before dinner enjoying a tipple and soaking up those views.

DOG-FRIENDLY

It’s super dog friendly – and your pooch is going to love it here. There’s swathes of land for them to run around on and I’m already planning a trip back with my crazy rescue Collie. There’s dog-friendly rooms laden with treats and easy access outside to expansive lawns or courtyards, so walkies are just on your doorstep. There’s lounges and terraces where dogs are allowed too so you don’t even have to leave them in the room while you enjoy dinner and drinks. It’s £20 per dog per day, and £10 per second dog per day for the first three days of your stay.

ACCESSIBILITY

There’s accessible drop-off and parking areas, and it’s wheelchair friendly throughout, with lifts to different floors. Two rooms are accessible and pretty much your whole stay can be tailored in advance by speaking to the team.

OUT & ABOUT

Nearby is Armscote Manor, a 17^th Century manor house and celebrated garden, or If you fancy flying the nest there are dozens of beautiful, quaint Warwickshire and Cotswolds villages on your doorstep. They include Admington, Ilmington, Larkstoke, Blackwell, Newbold-on-Stour, Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden. Forgot your wellies? Fear not there’s a stash at the hotel just waiting to be stomped around in!

Culture-vultures will enjoy Stratford-upon-Avon with five of Shakespeare’s family homes, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and boating on the river to explore. Nearby Shipston-on-Stour, a former working wool town, still retains much of its traditional charm and is home to Cotwolds Distillery where you can go on gin and whisky tasting tours.

There’s lots for nature-loving families to do – Stratford Butterfly Farm, Hatton Adventure World, Birdland, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Cotswolds Farm Park, home of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and Batsford Abortorium. Heritage fans will love Warwick Castle, English Heritage-run Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens, Ragley Hall and two nearby National Trust attractions – Hidcote gardens and Snowshill Manor with its Arts and Crafts terraced garden.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Couples, friends, families, short-breaks, dog owners – everyone is really well catered for here.

Not for: If you are exploring Stratford and want to be right in the action then this isn’t the place for you. But for those who want easy access to South Warwickshire’s beautiful towns while taking in the most of the countryside, look no further!

Ettington Park, Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8BU. Tel: 01789 450123. Visit: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/ettingtonpark

Review: Ettington Park Hotel

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