Glass visits Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, the Cotwolds

IT’S hard to picture a more quintessentially English vista than Lucknam Park. As we approach through an avenue of sky-high beech and lime trees, we glimpse the chocolate-box pretty Regency house, all honeyed Bath stone and refined, old-world grandeur. Surrounded by polite lawns and immaculately manicured gardens, this is the England of Turner, of Jane Austen, of good manners (in this case, good Manors). That said, leave any notions of stuffiness at the door. The historical splendour of the estate is countered with a warm, relaxed and thoroughly modern vibe. Staff are friendly, children are welcome, wellies line the door for impromptu countryside rambles. Think of it as staying with a charming old friend; albeit one with impeccable taste. 

View of Regency House from entrance of Lucknam Park. Photographer: Martin Yates

 

Regency House. Photographer: Martin Yates

The Tower suite is the Grand Master, in both name and appearance. Decor is wonderfully classic, with a swagged four-poster bed, striped yellow wallpaper, a healthy dose of chintz and florals, and an original open fireplace in our own private ‘drawing room’ area. Antique fiends will treasure Lucknam Park’s fabulous collection. Think hand-crafted circular tables, magnificent portraits and splendid four-posters, curated cleverly to feel inviting, rather than imposing. 

Grand Master at Regency House. Photographer: Martin Yates

 

Our first port of call is the spa, a glass pleasure-dome sat amongst the prettiest walled gardens. The award-winning facilities include a 20 metre indoor pool, 5 thermal cabins, a salt-water plunge pool, ice bar, outdoor hydrotherapy pool and 8 treatment cabins. The ESPA signature Mindful Massage is the perfect sign-off from urban stress, leaving body and soul calm, focused and purified.

The Spa at Regency House. Photographer: Martin Yates

 

Gardens surrounding Regency House at Lucknam Park. Photographer: Martin Yates

Gastronomes will delight in Executive Chef Hywel Jones’ influence throughout the hotel. The jewel in the crown is Jones’ eponymous, Michelin-stared restaurant within the Manor House, where culinary wizardry is matched by the majesty of the surroundings. The Brasserie, by the spa, is a more relaxed affair, though the standard of cooking remains sky-high. The focus is on seed-to-plate eating, with seasonal herbs, fruit and vegetables from Lucknam’s thriving kitchen garden. Vegan options abound, though this isn’t sanctimonious health-food  – my Maple Glazed Salt-Baked Celeriac was rich, savoury and deliciously satisfying. My husband’s Wood Roast Cornish Cod was equally well-received, fusing Indian spices with locally sourced ingredients to stunning effect.

Music Room TableRestaurant in Manor House. Photographer: Martin Yates

Our weekend floats by, a delicious bubble of relaxation. For the more adventurous guest, activities are legion: horse-riding, cookery classes, croquet, tennis, a well equipped gym, plus clay pigeon shooting and falconry experiences on request. The draws of this big-hitting Cotswolds estate are copious. Whether you came for the brilliant food, picture-perfect scenery or simply the opportunity to flop by one of those gorgeous open fires, you’ll be in no hurry to leave. 

by Thea Lewis-Yates

Lucknam Park Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ
Telephone: +44 (0)1225 742 777