Offering an unmissable slice of British history, the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon attracts its fair share of tourists each year. It’s accessibility (within minutes of the M40 with fantastic train routes to the capital) makes it the ideal choice for a weekend retreat. Yet, whilst most hotels are situated in the centre itself, The Welcombe – a short stroll away from the heart of the action – is perfectly located to offer the best of both worlds: a luxurious countryside retreat and a starting point to explore everything Shakespeare land has to offer.
As we drove through the vast, landscaped gardens to approach the undeniably impressive and grand hotel building (a Grade 2 listed 19th Century neo-Jacobean mansion, if we’re being precise), it was clear we had arrived somewhere special. Parking is ample but the designated, named spaces outside the front of the building are a nice touch for VIP guests. We arrived a few hours before check-in, so were whisked off to the adjacent lounge (complete of course with an inviting crackling fire and a plethora of sumptuous armchairs) for tea whilst we waited for our room to be prepared.
THE ROOMS AT THE WELCOMBE
Arrival to the Caroline Room (from £169 room only) confirmed it was worth the wait. Tucked away at the end of a long, sweeping corridor, our room opened to a private hallway; leading to a vast, luxury suite complete with its own private study. The room was perfectly in fitting with the original architecture of the hotel; with a gigantic antique mirror, chandeliers, four-poster bed, fireplace and spectacularly high ceilings.
It provided plenty of places to curl up with a good book, with a sofa and armchair next to the floor to ceiling windows that looked out out on to a spectacular view of the 157 acres of grounds the hotel offers. The separate bathroom offered twin sinks, an inviting stand-alone bath, shower area and Guild and Pepper toiletries. The suite offered everything you could want and more for a relaxing countryside stay. The hotel itself offers 78 rooms along with seven separate apartments (ranging from 1-3 bedrooms)
DINING AT THE WELCOMBE
Although room service was tempting after a day of relaxation, we tore ourselves away from the suite and opted for dinner at the hotel’s Trevelyan restaurant. I tucked into the vegan risotto of the day (a creamy, surprisingly cheese-like and rich butternut squash risotto- £14.50) whilst my partner opted for catch of the day (an incredibly fresh sea bass that came with vegetables and a buttery mash-£21.00).
For dessert, I was impressed with the gluten-free and vegan choice on the menu: the Chocolate and Orange Gateau (£6.50); a velvety, super-rich chocolate tart that had me baffled at how something so rich and comforting could be made without eggs or milk. My partner opted for the Maple-Glazed Banana Bread and Butter Pudding (£6.50) which offered all of the stodge and comfort of the traditional classic, with extra sweetness from the maple syrup and banana.
Breakfast, however, was a less decadent affair: with a hot and cold buffet available for guests. Whilst the basics (pastries, egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, fruit and bread) are all included, it did lack any bespoke, cooked-to-preference options you’d expect from a hotel of this standard.
EXPERIENCING THE PREGNANCY SPA OFFERING
The Welcombe has invested heavily into bringing their spa offerings bang up to date and it shows. Their impressive and ample spa facilities include foot spas, a plethora of thermal rooms, heated loungers, a large indoor and a smaller (heated, vitality) outdoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi area.
As I’m in my 24th week of pregnancy, I opted for the Mum-to-Be 60 minute treatment (£65) using a range of BABOR products. The treatment combined a refreshing and soothing leg mask (ideal for the cramped legs I’m now experiencing in my second trimester); a nourishing bump mask, a mini facial (that left my dry, hormonal skin completely transformed) and back massage. In other words, everything a mum-to-be needs all in the space of 60 minutes.
Although The Welcombe is billed as the perfect place to explore Stratford-Upon-Avon, we ended up never leaving the grounds. With a luxurious spa that takes hours to explore, fantastic quality food, vast rolling countryside and suites so inviting and cosy that you’ll want to curl in them for hours, The Welcombe is the complete package and the perfect place for a weekend in the countryside.
Find out more information on The Welcombe. Rooms from £99pn, Apartments from £159pn.
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Jenna Farmer is a freelance journalist and blogger. She writes regularly for Top Sante, The Independent and Metro Online- as well as running her own blog A Balanced Belly about gluten-free, healthy travels and her pregnancy journey.
