You might not have thought of taking a countryside escape in the centre of London, and nor had Nick Roberts until his stay at Coworth Park. Here he explains his change of heart
With two young sons, the chance to get out and about in the countryside is a must as much as possible during the weekend. But the chance to get out in the great outdoors with the added benefit of luxurious accommodation and sumptuous dining so the adults feel spoiled too is too good an opportunity to miss. And that is exactly what was on offer at Coworth Park, a lavish country house hotel on the borders of Windsor Great Park in London. As part of the Dorchester Collection, this really is high-end style without the stuffiness and it’s an idyllic place for a romantic retreat as well as a favourite with families seeking a relaxing break with a dash of adventure.
To keep the kids happy (OK, and the adults too), there is a kids club for children aged two to eight with toys and activities, plus a teen den exclusively for children eight years old and above, complete with a library of films and computer games. A programme of outdoor activities also includes treasure hunts, mountain biking, horse riding, football, basketball, tennis and croquet. The stunning grounds incorporate two professional polo fields and there is even the chance to go horse riding or take polo lessons with Guards Polo Club.
The biggest hit with our children was the heated indoor swimming pool measuring 18m x 7.5m. With a special feature of relaxing underwater music it is guaranteed to allay any child’s fear of the water and is available to supervised children at certain times each day. At other times, the pool is a key component of Coworth Park’s luxury spa where you can swim, work out in the gym or indulge in a relaxing treatment like an aromatherapy massage. Having worked up an appetite, there is also the chance to enjoy a healthy bite to eat and a chilled glass of Champagne at The Spatisserie.
On the subject of dining, the options are quite superb. Restaurant Coworth Park showcases a modern outlook on classical British dishes with a sumptuous choice of fabulous fine dining, offered in a contemporary and elegant setting. For a more relaxed style, guests can dine at The Barn at Coworth Park. Housed in the original barn frame with rustic features such as a stone fireplace, The Barn has a full wall of windows overlooking its own outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. And with stone floors throughout, you’re more than welcome to keep your muddy boots on — perfect for a family with two young boys!
Our overnight accommodation was in one of Coworth Park’s cottage suites. These duplex suites with one-and-a-half marble bathrooms offer an open-plan configuration that has a spacious living room with cosy seating, a private dining area, a wood burning fireplace and patio with garden at the rear. With views over the polo fields, the cottage courtyard and into the lush woodlands, there is the perfect reminder that despite the capital location, you have all the comforts of a stunning countryside cocoon.
Two courses and a glass of wine at The Barn at Coworth Park is priced at £22.50 per person and the starting price for rooms at Coworth Park is £330 per guest bedroom per night inclusive of breakfast and VAT, subject to availability. For more details, visit www.dorchestercollection.com/en/ascot/coworth-park
