The Weekender: Hawkstone Hall, A Luxury Hotel in Shropshire

Tempted by the idea of a relaxing night away we stumbled across Hawkstone Hall and Gardens situated in the Shropshire countryside.

On arrival to say our expectations were exceeded would be an understatement.

Accessed by a mile and a half drive along a private lane through spectacular woodland, passing the donkeys and llamas, whom we later came to know as Fred and Ginger and Snowflake with Ellie and Ginger, the spectacular frontage of grade 1 listed Hawkstone Hall comes into view. Parking on the large gravel courtyard the staff are there to meet you. No boring reception check-in here, offered a seat in the lounge by a roaring log fire and a complimentary prosecco the receptionist comes to check you in. A very thorough explanation of all the place has to offer and there is a lot.

Every detail of this hotel has been extremely well thought through, with a 45-minute audio tour giving you some great history of the hall and its facilities. We enjoyed the little touches like fresh fruit and iced water at reception as well as complimentary wellies and umbrellas should you wish to explore the absolutely beautiful 22-acre gardens and lake.

And so to our room, we were given the Byron suite, a well-appointed, huge and frankly beautiful room, comfortably furnished with armchairs and a freestanding roll-top bath boasting fabulous views over the estate. An en suite with a monsoon shower enjoys an array of Elemis toiletries to meet every requirement (even mouthwash) and even includes my wife’s favourite addition of pillow spray – the devil is in the detail after all. Another nice touch was access to the pantry with complimentary fresh milk, soft drinks and cookies. Need something to read? Simply download the PressReader app from the hotel’s wifi and access thousands of papers and magazines at the touch of a button.

Dinner was an exceptional culinary experience with delightful and well-presented food from an innovative seasonal menu. My personal highlight was Kyiv cake, a scrummy meringue and chocolate cake on the menu as a tribute to a Ukrainian chef working there.

After a very comfortable night’s sleep and a glorious freshly cooked breakfast, it was time to take in the grounds, a maze of gravel pathways ( they give you a map) and lots of benches dotted about at great viewpoints and a beautiful hidden lake. As we walked we passed the state-of-the-art gym and I wished I had bought some kit. Kitted out with wooden and leather weights as well as trendy peloton bikes it was how I imagined a gym on a luxury yacht would look.

Just time for a look at the chapel and wedding facilities and it certainly makes for a spectacular venue to get married at.

Planning permission has been granted for a spa to be added and I’m sure as with everything else here it will be outstanding and very much in keeping with the style of the building.

Our time at Hawkstone Hall drew to a close regrettably quickly, however, but we will be back of that I’m certain!  I’m already imagining a Pimms cocktail on one of the lovely benches admiring the azaleas and rhododendrons  ( maybe after a workout ).

Hotel Information

This 18th-century mansion boasts itself as a luxury hotel, wedding, and events venue with a wonderfully tasty and chiefly British on-site restaurant that serves Afternoon Tea, evening A La Carte dining, and Sunday Lunch, as well as extravagant corporate functions, parties, or conferences. Weddings at Hawkstone Hall at Gardens start from just £9000.00 click here for more information.

The Garden Spa is due to open soon, offering spa treatment rooms, sauna, steam, relaxation rooms, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, sensory showers, and a detox dining deck. For ultimate relaxation, Hawkstone currently offers specialist in-room Elemis spa treatments that are available by pre-booking.

(Proud to be a Dog-Friendly hotel, Hawkstone can accommodate your pooch overnight in select bedrooms. Please advise on booking that you’ll be bringing your pet with you. An additional £20.00 housekeeping fee will apply * Limited rooms only *)

Nearby Attractions – Nearby attractions include adventure in the Hawkstone Follies, or the famous Hawkstone Park Championship Golf Course right on its doorstep, less than a mile away.