Whether your mum is partial to cream tea, a round of golf, a spot of foraging, or just wants to be all-out pampered, we’ve got a Mother’s Day minibreak with her name on it…
Hawkstone Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Best for… Downton vibes
If the mile-long private driveway doesn’t impress you, then the first glimpse of this Downton-esque property will have you at hello. The 37-bedroomed former stately home (once a monastery) has been lovingly restored to its 18th-century glory and opened last April. Original portraits and a gold-leaf ceiling adorn the fabulous restaurant, while the enormous suites (Byron is a standout room) have chandeliers, freestanding baths, William Morris wallpaper and vintage phones. The 88 acres of farmland, orchards and rose gardens complete with a natural spring make this one gem of a mini-break destination.
Stella loves: Afternoon tea in the grand Saloon – there’s a ‘guilt-free’ menu with avocado and smoked salmon on a crispbread, detox carrot-and-ginger juice and a cashew and fruit tart.
Out and about: A great base for hikes – Hawkstone Park Follies is less than one mile away, with historic woodland, cliffs, crags and networks of caves and rhododendron jungles for exploring. You can also hire bikes and book laser clay shooting at the hotel, plus there’s a golf course to boot.
• The best hotels in Shropshire
The Newt in Somerset, Castle Cary, Somerset
Best for… stealth wealth
This 1687-built country house hotel, owned by South African Koos Bekker and his wife Karen Roos, former editor of Elle Decoration South Africa, is one of the most ridiculously stylish statelys we’ve stayed in, with traditional portraits hanging alongside cutting-edge modern furniture from Moroso, Tom Dixon and Moooi. The glorious gardens, woodland and orchard take hours to explore and attract day visitors, and there’s also a ‘cyder’ (traditional cider) press – join a tour and enjoy some samples. End the day with a soak in the steaming-hot outdoor pool and a massage in the spa (the masseuse uses freshly clipped herbs). For dinner, head to The Botanical Rooms, which has a fabulous, homely open kitchen and serves one of the best rib-eye steaks we’ve tried. Or to really treat Mum, arrange dinner at the private dining space in the vaulted cellar of the house (seats 14-16) – menus are inspired by Georgian documents found in the house. Next morning, peel yourself from your gargantuan (and ridiculously comfortable) bed for breakfast – the pastries are fresh from the hotel bakery, dairy is from Somerset cows and honey comes from local bees.
Stella loves:The farm shop, which sells exquisite cheeses, sourdough laced with apple from the hotel orchards and an excellent red wine from its South African sister hotel, Babylonstoren.
Out and about: We didn’t go any further than the gardens – play a game of cricket, explore hidden nooks and 460 British apple trees, of 267 varieties, arranged in a Baroque-style maze. Better still sign up for one of the garden tours (daily at 10.30am) then head to The Story of Gardening for an interactive immersive experience about the property’s horticultural history. Further afield, Castle Cary is the nearest village (it’s an eight-minute drive), which has a small museum and plenty of walking routes. And Hauser & Wirth Somerset, a 10-minute drive away in Bruton, is a great place to catch an exhibition.
Rooms from £275 a night based on two sharing, b&b (including mini larder with cyder and apple juice, as well as access to the gardens, estate and spa facilities); thenewtinsomerset.com
Read the full expert review: The Newt in Somerset
Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa, Daventry, Northamptonshire
Best for… glorious gardens
Tucked away in 2,000 acres of tranquil Northamptonshire countryside, this 15th-century country house, with imposing Tudor hall and grand four-poster beds, is befitting of royalty – indeed it hosted Elizabeth I in 1575 (its master suite is named after her). The wood panelling, Tudor paintings, stained-glass windows and giant cedar trees nod to the building’s history but there are comfortable modern touches, too. Spend your day exploring the hotel’s acres of private parkland (wellington boots are provided) and afterwards, cosy up with a film in the 29-seat cinema.
Stella loves: The ‘secret garden’ complete with outdoor hydrotherapy pool and sun loungers – so secluded you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere.
Out and about: The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Daventry Country Park, perfect for picnics, cycling (there are plenty of tracks) and birdwatching. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a paddleboarding lesson on the lake.
Rooms from £143 a night, room only; handpickedhotels.co.uk
Read the full expert review: Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa
• The best hotels in Northamptonshire
The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, Wales
Best for… reconnecting with nature
There’s a reason why this former coaching inn has been voted the best hotel in Wales – there are so many thoughtful touches, from the weather forecast left on your pillow at turndown (with suggestions of what to do the next day), to the in-room tea tray with cafetiere, home-baked biscuits and cloudy apple juice. The vibe is traditional with a modern twist (take the breakfast menu, which has both grilled kippers and avocado on sourdough with poached eggs). The 32 bedrooms are ultra cosy – ours had gilt mirrors, sumptuous curtains with pastoral scenes, and aromatherapy shampoo and soap. Head downstairs to the hotel pub and curl up by the log fire for a nightcap – it’s particularly buzzy on Saturday evenings. Sunday roasts there are especially good – the cauliflower cheese is to die for. And on the subject of food, don’t miss afternoon tea in the formal Wedgwood Dining Room – think three-tiered cake stands with sausage rolls, dainty coronation-chicken sandwiches, scones, dinky custard slices and coffee profiteroles, plus the most extensive tea menu we’ve seen. Time your stay to coincide with the foraging classes offered by the hotel – starting at the hotel, the friendly guide takes you around local woodlands and fields, identifying – and tasting – leaves and flowers along the way.
Stella loves:The foraging walk with expert forager Adele who taught us how to spot sorrel and all sorts of other leaves – and brought along delicious home-made damson cake to refuel along the way.
Out and about: The hotel the ideal base for visiting Abergavenny’s famous annual food festival or going hiking in the Brecon Beacons. It also offers classes – including gardening and foraging.
Rooms from £109 a night, b&b; call 01873 857 121 or visit angelabergavenny.com
Read the full expert review: The Angel Hotel
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Old Course Hotel , St Andrews, Scotland
Best for… golf lovers
Whether you and your mum like golf or not, this 1960s-built golf hotel on the beach at St Andrews, is an incredible place. Teetering on the edge of the North Sea, it’s blustery and beautiful, fronting a dune-backed sandy beach, which stretches for over two miles. Rooms facing the 18-hole golf course are the most desirable – and they also offer breathtaking sea views – and the three AA Rosette-awarded Road Hole restaurant offers not only mouthwatering local food, but brilliant sunsets. St Andrews is still a working fishing town, famous for seafood. It has incredible walks (the Fife Coast Path being one) and the newly trendy fishing villages of the East Neuk coast are about 30 minutes away by car.
Stella loves: The rooftop hot tub above the brilliant Kohler Waters Spa. If you’re after a treatment, the signature massage is money well spent (80 minutes, £114).
Out and about: A brilliant restaurant scene, craft breweries and hundreds of years of history on your doorstep make this a super-special place to spend a weekend. Forgan’s St Andrews restaurant serves top-quality Scottish fare in an industrial-chic setting. The 100-year-old, fourth generation gelato emporium Janetta’s serves more than 50 flavours, including chilli chocolate and orange and mascarpone. The multi-award winning St Andrews Brewing Company has two locations in the town, the original is on North Street. And the Himalayas Putting Greens are great fun, even if you’re not a golfer – beginners can try their hand on the nine-hole course.
Rooms from £307 a night, b&b, based on two people sharing; call 01334 474371 or visit oldcoursehotel.co.uk
Read the full expert review: Old Course Hotel
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The Wild Rabbit , Kingham, Oxfordshire
Best for… eco-elegance
This barnyard-chic inn is found in the bucolic village of Kingham. A sideline of the Daylesford Organic brand, the hotel is styled in Lady Bamford’s signature mix of muted colours, gnarled wooden beams and glowing fireplaces. The 13 rooms and five cottages are understated luxury defined. Beds are 6ft 6in kings laid with Volga linen, bathrooms are stocked with Lady Bamford’s bath range, and additional touches – homemade biscuits and flowers from Daylesford Farm – give a sense of homeliness. But the food is the real selling point, with organic, seasonal produce from the Daylesford farm and a seven-course tasting menu served in the ‘farmhouse kitchen’ restaurant. The menu changes regularly – we feasted on turnips in a silky broth and Daylesford’s organic chicken, finished with a souffle, then retired to our never-ending bed. Bliss.
Stella loves:The adorable miniature four-poster bed in the ‘Hedgehog’ family room, along with a selection of games to keep the kids (and adults) entertained by the pub’s fireplace.
Out and about: With the Daylesford farm and flagship store a mere 25-minute walk away, there’s no excuse not to hoik your wellies on and go for a long walk. You can get maps and boots or borrow a bike from reception, and residents of the hotel receive a 10 perc ent discount in the shop. For a Mother’s Day present with a twist, book you and your mum on to a course at Daylesford Cookery School, which offers masterclasses in everything from breadmaking to nose-to-tail butchery.
Rooms from £135, b&b; cottages from £400 a night (room only); thewildrabbit.co.uk
Read the full expert review: The Wild Rabbit
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The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate, St Austell, Cornwall
Best for… sweet-tooths
This gorgeous Grade II-listed building, surrounded by lush gardens (we spotted rabbits hopping about), has been beautifully refurbished, making it the perfect place to spoil mums. The highlight is the tearoom, designed by Laura Ashley, with floral patterns in a calming palette, and an excellent array of sweet delicacies. For all-out pampering, book a treatment at The Clearing Spa, and soak in the gorgeous infinity pool, then relax in the sauna and aromatherapy steam room.
Stella loves: That Laura Ashley afternoon tea… choose between loose-leaf blends of local Tregothnan tea, and slather your scones with lashings of strawberry jam, lemon curd and Rodda’s clotted cream.
Out and about: The hotel is a 15-minute drive from The Eden Project, which is a good option for rainy days – its rainforest biome mimics equatorial environments. Mums will also love exploring the Lost Gardens of Heligan, while the coastal villages such as Mevagissey and Fowey are all within an easy drive.
Rooms from £98 a night, based on two people sharing; call 01726 87 40 50 or visit thecornwall.com
Read the full expert review: The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate
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Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle
Best for… river walks
A grand destination for afternoon tea (and weddings for that matter – the oak-panelled Great Hall hosts around 100 a year), this boutique hotel in leafy Jesmond (a 15-minute drive from the city centre) is just the ticket for a celebration. Bag a table by the window for views of the rambling country garden and pick a gin cocktail with your spread of savouries, scones and desserts. It’s a step up from stale finger sandwiches: expect wild boar and chorizo sausage rolls in the mix, cheese scones with onion marmalade, and the most scrumptious tarts and cheesecakes. The cosy bar, with fireplace and comfy armchairs, is the place to decamp afterwards – or, even better, head off to one of the 40 chic rooms upstairs.
Stella loves: The conservatory – it feels like you could be in the garden itself.
Out and about: The hotel is right on the River Ouseburn, whose meandering tributaries weave towards the centre of Newcastle among woodland, footpaths and parks. It’s an ideal area to explore for an easy stroll.
Rooms from £99 per night, for one person occupancy, room only; jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Read the full expert review: Jesmond Dene House
Edited by: Laura Powell. Reviews by: Marianne Jones, Elinore Court, William Martin, Nicole Mowbray, Philippa Sloan and Amy Bryant
Source: Telegraph Travels
