Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07

There are many ways to celebrate and mark a special
occasion between London to Bristol, adding some
memorable magic to your Great West Way 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 Great West Way’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 Great West
Way. 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. →
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