Follow me down the rabbit hole to Horwood House Hotel…
Looking for a relaxing spa staycation, enchanting secret gardens and plenty of countryside to explore too? Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, Horwood House Hotel offers a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Having just slogged through a particularly busy few weeks at work, to say I was pleased to have been invited to stay at Horwood House Hotel was an understatement! With the promise of a relaxing spa break and plenty of fresh air, I was excited to see if Horwood House could deliver on my expectations for a peaceful weekend getaway in the UK.
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Disclaimer: Although I stayed at Horwood House Hotel for a PR trip, all experiences and opinions expressed in this blog are unbiased and 100% my own.
Where is Horwood House Hotel?
Tucked away in the heart of the English countryside, Horwood House Hotel is located in the beautiful county of Buckinghamshire. Its secluded setting provides a sense of tranquility, while still being within easy reach of major transportation routes and nearby attractions.
Nearby places of interest include Oxford, Milton Keynes and Bletchley Park, famous for being the place where the Enigma code was cracked.
How to get to Horwood House Hotel
Whether you prefer to drive and make use of the ample parking facilities or choose public transportation, the hotel is easily accessible. Situated near major roads, it offers a convenient base for exploration.
Reaching Horwood House Hotel is really easy if you are driving, as it has close links to both the M1 and the M40. For those who prefer to travel by rail, the nearest railway stations with national connections are Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard, both have bus services that will take you withing walking distance to the hotel, but you could always get a taxi if you want to make the journey more convenient.
First impressions – arrival and check in
The long driveway leading up to the old Manor House at Horwood House Hotel certainly sets the scene! Although a majority of the rooms, including the one that I was staying in, are in the larger, more modern hotel complex adjacent to the original building, it was still lovely to drive through the charming estate. As far as parking is concerned, there was plenty of room, and even some EV charging points available too.
The warm and welcoming staff made the check-in process smooth and efficient, and gave me all the info I needed to get settled into a relaxing weekend. The main hotel can be a little bit of a maze, but most areas are well signposted, and I found that there were often members of hotel staff around that could help to steer you in the right direction!
The interior of the hotel was bright and airy, and tastefully decorated too, which helped to carry through the ambiance into the more modern parts of the property.
Room review – Horwood House Hotel Executive Suite
The Executive Suite at Horwood House Hotel provided a well balanced space to maximise relaxation and comfort. The spacious and tastefully furnished living area offered ample room to unwind and recharge.
Spaces to relax and unwind
The Executive Suites at Horwood House Hotel are comfortable and well thought out. The room’s layout provided distinct areas for sleeping, lounging, and even working for those on a business trip. This is particularly good for being able to fully switch off once you’re finished working, by keeping work and relaxation in defined areas.
The bed was a great size (my long legs didn’t hang off of any edges!) and even in the hot weather we were having at the time, I got a good night’s sleep. The cosy seating area offered the perfect spot to unwind and relax with a coffee (from the Nespresso machine in the room). And for any business travellers, the workspace was perfectly adequate too.
The suite also had plenty of storage space, making it easy to keep belongings organised during my stay. The inclusion of a Nespresso coffee machine and tea and coffee facilities was another great touch, allowing me to enjoy a cup of my favourite coffee without having to leave the room or boil a kettle.
Bathrooms that extend the spa experience
The bathroom in the executive suite I stayed in felt almost like an extension of the hotel’s wonderful spa facilities. Immaculately clean and thoughtfully designed, the bathroom was spacious and fitted with modern fixtures and indulgent toiletries. The large soaking tub provided the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration, and the rainfall shower offered a refreshing start to the day.
Spa and leisure facilities at Horwood House
Horwood House Hotel takes relaxation seriously, offering a range of spa and leisure facilities, treatments and experiences to cater for everyone, including a gorgeous spa garden.
The hotel’s pool and sauna provided a tranquil retreat after a nice early breakfast. Although I didn’t have the time during my visit to try one of the spa treatments on offer at the hotel, I did manage to squeeze in a leisurely swim and a bit of down time in the sauna and steam room. It’s a great space to simply relax by the water’s edge, and enjoy an oasis of calm. My top tip for weekend visitors would be to head to the pool before 10am, as the pool is open for families and swimming lessons after this time so may get a little busier.
I’ve been maintaining a fairly active gym routine for a little while now, so I was really pleased to find the well-equipped gym at Horwood House Hotel! I had everything I needed there to continue with my usual fitness routine, and even found a few bits of equipment that were new to me to try. It was blissfully quiet in the gym too, with basically the whole thing to myself first thing in the morning.
Horwood House secret gardens and Manor House
Exploring the secret gardens and historic Manor House was a highlight of my stay. The gardens, meticulously maintained and beautifully landscaped, provided an wonderful backdrop for a leisurely stroll. The Manor House, steeped in history, offers a glimpse into the past and added to the overall charm and feel of the estate.
Dining at Horwood House
Dining at Horwood House Hotel was a real treat, in particular, dinner at Harry’s Kitchen and Bar was an excellent example of a hotel restaurant that really stands out on it’s own.
Dinner at Harry’s Kitchen and Bar
Let’s dive into the dinner review! When we arrived at Harry’s Kitchen and Bar, I was a little surprised by just how busy the restaurant was, with almost every table filled, so I was a little concerned that service might be on the slower side.
I needn’t have worried though, as we were quickly greeted and shown to our table, before ordering drinks and taking a look at the menu. The menu matched the setting of the restaurant perfectly, with a great choice of contemporary and exciting dishes to choose from. It would be a great place for an informal weekend get together over a few cocktails and some plates to share too.
For my starter I ordered the burrata, which came with basil & lemon pesto, pomegranate, toasted pine nuts, maple dressing & grilled garlic sourdough.
I hate to peak too soon, but honestly this was hands down my favourite part of the whole meal. The flavours and textures were to die for, and there was a generous portion of that delicious, creamy burrata!
I had quite a hard time choosing a main from the menu, simply because there were so many dishes that sounded amazing, and nobody likes FOMO when it comes to food…
Eventually,I settled on the grilled tiger prawn skewers from the grill section of the menu. The skewers were served with harissa mayo and salad, which were a nice light accompaniment to the strong charcoal flavours from the prawns. It didn’t excite me as much as the starter, but was a lovely dish in it’s own right.
Dessert was another winner, the rum roasted pineapple brioche had caught my eye, and I was not disappointed with my choice. It was a perfect combination of sweet, boozy and decadent, with a helping of milk ice cream to bring all the flavours together. I’d say this was my favourite course after the starter!
Overall it was a very enjoyable meal and I’d happily return to Harry’s Bar and Kitchen whether I was staying at the hotel or not.
Breakfast in the 1911 Restaurant
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s 1911 Restaurant, which offers another welcoming and contemporary dining area to start your day in. With a variety of breakfast options, including both hot and cold dishes, there was something to satisfy everyone. I was really impressed with the freshness and quality of everything I tried from the buffet.
The cooked options in particular were really good, buffet sausages aren’t always the best, but these were hot and cooked to my liking (nicely browned, not like those ones that look like they’ve been cooked with a lightbulb!).
Horwood House Hotel final thoughts – would I stay again?
I have to say, having arrived after a stressful week and a little flustered, a stay at Horwood House Hotel was exactly what I needed! From the fantastic meal at Harry’s Bar to the relaxing surroundings and leisure facilities, it was the perfect weekend reset! Without a doubt, I would return, and possibly opt for a longer spa break for an extra bit of luxury and relaxation! If you’re looking for a girly weekend or couples retreat, I can 100% recommend a stay at Horwood House Hotel.
How to book a stay at Horwood House Hotel
Booking a stay at Horwood House Hotel is super easy! Simply visit the hotel’s official website to book online here. You will usually get the best room rates by booking directly with the hotel, but if you prefer to use Booking.com just pop your dates into the search tool below.
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