It's a truth universally acknowledged that those in possession of a London lifestyle must be in want of a break. I love my city, but at times one needs a brief getaway to relax, unwind and recharge the batteries. While the options for weekend getaways are rich and vast, the West Country city of Bath should be high on your list of priorities.
Yes we know Bath, yes it's lovely and yes it can be full of tourists looking for that quintessential English scene, but if you’ve not visited recently get it back on your radar, for it makes the perfect trip. Make the most of your weekend; bunk off at lunch one Friday and hop on a train.
Six miles from Bath is the postcard-worthy village of Freshford. This tiny picture perfect enclave of just 500 odd residents is full of Austen-worthy stone cottages, fringed with green fields and trees and home to the utterly delectable Homewood Park Hotel and Spa. Set in a Georgian house, the residence features 21 rooms, some with views across the valley, some with four poster beds, some with roll top baths, but each individually designed and decorated with its own character. Add to the mix the open fire in the bar, the smell of woodsmoke welcoming you through the front door, the beautiful gardens and a mouthwatering menu and you have yourself a recipe for perfection.
The most recent additions are the two Garden Suites, standalone accommodation away from the main house, in the garden with direct access to the spa. I was welcomed to mine with a bottle of fizz, a plate of sweet treats and the promise of a night of relaxation stretched ahead of me. With a king size bed, underfloor heating and a spacious standalone tub, you’d be forgiven for wanting to spend you time in the room, but with the spa just metres away you’d be a fool not to enjoy it. I immediately switched off my phone and headed out for a dip in the heated outdoor pool under the stars, followed by a sauna and steam before settling into the hydrotherapy pool. Utter bliss. The Homewood Spa is open to external guests for spa days and, as well as the thermal suite, offers a range of Elemis treatments in its two treament rooms.
The restaurant at Homewood Park is award-winning and loclly acclaimed, with a menu rich in modern English cuisine from Head Chef Simon Addison. The evening I was there I noticed at least two or three couples dining from outside the hotel – always a good sign. Start your evening on the Chesterfield sofa in front of the open fire in the bar with a cocktail; I can highly recommend their signature Homewood cocktail, a surprisingly refreshing blend of Martell cognac, sweet and sour mix, fresh lime, sugar syrup and egg white. Food-wise, the freshly-baked saffron and rosemary foccacia was deliciously delicate and dangerously moreish. The leek and potato velouté, with truffle-infused mascarpone and a quail’s egg was swiftly followed by hake served with leeks, black garlic and a confit chicken wing, all delicious. Leave room for a sweet; you’ll want the spiced roast pear with salted oats and vanilla ice cream, the perfect winter pudding.
After a seriously good bubble bath, accompanied with a glass of prosecco and a chick flick, I hit the hay for an uninterrupted night of silent slumber (a rare treat living, as I do, off far from quiet Clapham High Street...) before a brisk 8am dip in the pool pre-full English breakfast. It’s a shame the weather was so tirelessly damp the morning of my departure, had it been better a stroll around the gorgeous grounds would have definitely been on the cards. As it was it was the perfect start to my weekend in the West Country; for utter rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, Homewood Park ticks all the boxes.
One thing to note; if you’re travelling by train, Freshford isn’t particularly well-served by local taxi companies. The hotel is walkable from the station (about 15-20 minutes) though not all roads are lit, so it’s not recommended if arriving after dark. Cabs are available, though as they have to come out from nearby Bath or Bradford-on-Avon expect to pay £15-£20 (though it is a five minute journey!) so make sure you have cash on you.
Double rooms available from £130 per night. For more information and to book visit www.homewoodpark.co.uk
