Review: Coworth Park

5 months ago

The perfect family-friendly country staycation

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The years pass, the seasons come and go, but one thing never changes: as the buzz dies down from the latest rural hotel opening to see and be seen at, The Dorchester’s country cousin, Coworth Park, will be waiting. The choice of Prince Harry for the night before his wedding, just 45 minutes from London by car and set within acres of stunning parkland, with polo fields, stables, wildflower meadows and a world-class spa, there’s everything you need for a true escape from the grind. There’s luxury here, to be sure, but its timeless appeal lies in its world-class service.

Coworth Park, Ascot

STAY

Set in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire countryside, the hotel features 49 rooms and 22 suites, blending traditional country house charm with modern elegance. With modern, mostly British-made interiors, designed by Fox Linton Associates, there are no country house cliches, rather, crisp, modern furnishings and contemporary art. Look out for the ornate four-poster beds in the form of bird-filled trees, or take in the view across the wildflower meadow from your copper bathtub through high, Georgian windows. Rooms are spread across the main house and the converted stables and cottages, a short walk from the Mansion House and home to the hotel’s more casual dining option, The Barn. Coworth Park is a welcoming haven for families, and the cottages are a great option for those with little ones or wanting extra privacy and seclusion.

On the subject of little ones, yours will feel right at home at Coworth Park. There’s plenty to entertain them, with a kids club they’ll actually want to go to, located in its own house within the grounds. It’s open Friday to Sunday during term time and daily during school holidays and is free for children aged 12 and above, while there’s a charge for ages 2-11. Outdoor activities include horse riding, tennis, and cycling, while the indoor pool welcomes children at specific times (the kids will quickly learn these and you’ll be first in line for the changing rooms when they open). Babysitting services are available upon request, rooms are family-friendly with cots and extra beds available on request, and kids can enjoy the library’s collection of books, music, and films, as well as extra seasonal activities. But it’s not the activities and amenities that make the hotel one of the most family-friendly in the country; it’s the staff. Every team member from the first doorman to the last member of the reception team on check-out makes young guests feel welcome, relaxed, and important. And despite the old adage happy parents make for happy kids, when it comes to the perfect family getaway, we know the opposite to be true.

DO

Whatever time of year you’re visiting, exploring the beautiful grounds should be first on your agenda. The wildflower meadow is in bloom throughout the spring and summer, with several purple flower heads doggedly surviving well into the autumn. The rose garden is a pink paradise throughout spring and summer, set with lavender couches for lounging on, while the sunken garden is a butterfly haven in June and July. The hotel also has its own polo fields, offering a full programme of tournaments and there is stabling for 30 horses and an excellent equestrian centre. There are a range of lawn games as well as archery, and there are also tennis courts, should you still have the energy for more outdoor pursuits. (And the kids will have: where do they get it?)

If the stunning grounds are what draw you in, the spa is what keeps you coming back. The Spa at Coworth Park is housed in a stunning glass and grass building with a living roof, an oasis nestled in the picturesque grounds. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor pool lined with giant amethyst crystals and featuring underwater music, steam and sauna facilities, comfy treatment rooms, and a tranquil relaxation area. There’s a menu of healthy meals and snacks on offer at the Spatisserie, too.

EAT

Speaking of food, another reason to plan a return visit to Coworth Park is its food offering. There’s a casual, family-friendly dining option at the Barn, but Woven by Adam Smith is the hotel’s fine dining Michelin-starred destination, a chic autumnal themed restaurant, with decor by Martin Hulbert Design, bathed in a golden light fitting for its world-class quality. There aren’t enough superlatives to do justice to dinner at Woven, a set-priced tasting menu that has just the right amount of everything: choice, dishes and carbs. Let’s start with those, and the most spectacular bread basket we’ve ever experienced. Chef Adam believes that the bread course sets the tone for the meal to follow, and the tone set is thus: indulgent, varied, heavenly. Alongside a selection of bakes is a new take on the pain au chocolat, a pain au fromage, flaky buttery pastry baked with cheese and onion. Accompaniments include artichoke puree and lobster oil with cherry, we try to hold back and save space but the basket is empty before you can say ‘crumbs’. Snacks come from the ‘Pantry’ section of the menu, all six for every diner before choices must be made by selecting dishes from the ‘Larder’ and ‘Stove’ sections for the starter and the main. The menu changes with the seasons, so catch them if you can, currently the Isle of Wight tomato and Crab starters are to di(n)e for, while the Cornish Turbot and lobster main with truffle is a complicated and pleasing mix of earth and sea. Take your time so you have space for a cheese course and if you can manage a pudding, the Alphonso Mango to share is the perfect way to finish with pizazz. You’ll have to roll back to your room, but after a good sleep you’ll be ready for the breakfast buffet.