CELEBRATING SPECIAL OCCASIONS Tours, wine-tastings, hot air balloon rides, watersports, spas, luxury hotels, skydiving and more... There are many ways to celebrate your most special occasions on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>
There are many ways to celebrate and mark a special occasion between London to Bristol, adding some memorable magic to your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> experience. Getting friends and family together for a party to commemorate a special milestone such as a special birthday or silver wedding anniversary perhaps? You are spoiled for choice along the route. Since the covid pandemic we have seen a rise in beautiful exclusive use accommodation and options for multi-generation group stays. Take the new private country cottages located on the Lucknam Park Estate, near Bath for example – your very own private haven of luxury set in the 500-acre estate. Lucknam Park is the sort of hotel you mean to use as a base for exploring but end up not leaving for several days. There’s so much to do at this five-star, from classes at the cookery school and horse riding to hydrotherapy in the spa, as well as one of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>’s best restaurants – Restaurant Hywel Jones. Time slows right down here, as you make your way up the mile-long drive between the beech trees and settle into the drawing room for cocktails. The signature tasting menu has Loch Duart salmon, braised halibut and pork from nearby Roundway Hill and there’s a vegetarian tasting menu and wine matching to boot. It has held a Michelin star since 2006. Rooms in this Palladian mansion are supremely comfortable and the whole experience feels like staying with (very wealthy) friends. If your style is more relaxed country chic, the Pear Tree Inn Farmhouse Kitchen with Bar & Rooms is tucked away in rural Whitley near Melksham. Book the new Potting Sheds located into the fabulous grounds with fully equipped kitchenette for a romantic glamping setting and evening under the stars. For something super-stylish the modern Berkeley Suite apartments with cinema projectors located in the desirable Clifton area of Bristol are perfect for impressive get-togethers too. Self-contained with open plan living area with a bespoke kitchen and all the benefits of a fully serviced hotel, including a chic restaurant and cocktail bar. From Michelin star dining rooms in elegant country house hotels to soothing spas with crystal-lit swimming pools and natural thermal waters, you could celebrate your special occasion with some five-star pampering. The stunning Gainsborough Bath Spa in the centre of Bath for example offers a very special guest experience – set beneath a glass atrium here you can "take the waters" in luxury. There are three thermal baths, traditional and infrared Saunas, a steam room and eleven treatment rooms. Once the headquarters of Lloyds Bank, and with a gorgeously ornate exterior inspired by a 16th century Venetian library Bristol Harbour Hotel is another seriously opulent city address. The 42 bedrooms have views out over the historic city centre, luxurious drapes and bedding and complimentary decanters of gin and sherry. Some also have rolltop baths and all guests have use of the HarSpa down in the vaults, with its hydrotherapy pool. The Jetty restaurant serves an afternoon tea of just-baked homemade scones, clotted cream and jam, then in the evenings brings out an a la carte menu of fresh seafood dishes such as moules marinere and South Coast crab on toast. Coworth Park is five-star from its crystal-lit swimming pool right down to its impeccable service. This is a 21stcentury country house hotel and rooms are beautifully chic, with a cream colour palette and contemporary furniture. The grounds are extensive and there’s a Polo Academy and Equestrian Centre offering riding lessons and off-road hacks. The spa is one of England’s best, set into the countryside and offering dreamy treatments, and the Drawing Room serves a fabulous afternoon tea of scones and freshly made cakes from the pastry team. For dinner, elegant Restaurant Coworth Park has a Michelin star and a showcase of a tasting menu, which features dishes such as Cornish turbot with salted grapes and Highland wagyu short rib. Sample the delights on offer at the Langley Hotel in Buckinghamshire, one of the newest hotel on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>. This hotel and spa sits in a former royal hunting ground surrounded by formal gardens and landscaped parklands, offering guests a truly luxurious stay. At the opulent spa you can enjoy the plunge pools, steam room and a whole host of sumptuous treatments. → <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 65
Change language