Over the years, I have become a master of many things when it comes to travel - packing the perfect carry-on, swinging free upgrades, getting myself to six countries in three weeks and not feeling like a zombie at the end of it all. Travel is in the bag. That being said, until just recently, I had yet to master the art of escaping London and not leaving the country to find peace. Enter Coworth Park. Now, let's just go ahead and say what needs to be said. This is a luxury country escape from London. There's no glamping involved, no wellies needed (unless you absolutely want them to be) and the food is something you'd likely find in a top tier restaurant in London. This is a country getaway that has all the pleasures of home, but also all the delights of the country. It is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, but comes complete with every luxury convenience you'd expect from a palatial excursion.
I met Coworth Park on a Sunday afternoon. Yes, I say "met" as it did feel as if I was receiving an official introduction to a stately home. When we arrived, we awaited our room's readiness with a gin and tonic on the patio overlooking the gardens of the estate. Of course I never pay attention to check-in times. Silly me as this is an essential travel no-no that I keep confronting time and again. Naturally, Coworth Park took our early arrival as nothing more than an opportunity for us to get started relaxing as they scurried in the background to make our room ready faster than one could think was humanly possible. One last sip of our cocktails and we were being handed room keys and lead to our bed for the night.
A room at Coworth Park is most certainly so much more than just a bed. Our suite was located in the main house and occupied the central, top story, windows overlooking the meadow. This view, at any time of day, is breathtaking. It's easy to get swept away with it all and imagine that the room you are currently occupying is in fact just your dream bedroom, in your dream house, with a dream view. Yeah, I went there. Our suite consisted of three rooms, well technically speaking there were four. First there was the living room, that contained the central windows to the house, following by the bedroom, that I do believe is bigger than most people's entire flats in London. From there you enter a sort of holding area room between the bedroom and bathroom. Here you will find a floor to ceiling mirror for outfit checking, a vanity for preparing in the morning and a walk in closet with more than enough room for two.
Throughout the decor we discovered equestrian touches absolutely everywhere. From embroidery on the bed to the paintings on the wall, it's all a bit horsey. Of course this isn't surprising as just about everyone I spoke with about visiting Coworth Park mentioned that taking time for a gallop around the grounds was an absolute must.
While we didn't have time for a ride, we did spend as much time as possible exploring the grounds of Coworth Park. We ate (naturally) in the room, in the barn and in the meadow. Yes, we had quite the picnic experience in the meadow, which is now my most favorite experience yet in the countryside. Coworth Park prepared a feast so monumental we actually felt bad leaving so much food behind. This is not something that usually, if ever, happens with us, being the foodies that we are. Equally, the afternoon tea, the breakfast in our room and dinner at The Barn were all experiences I would encourage you book. I can't say whether the food was as spectacular as it seemed or if we were just so taken away with the setting, in which we enjoyed it, that every morsel tasted magical. Sorry about that - truly bad journalism to be led astray so easily in being able to report the facts.
The gardens, the spa, the stables, the food, the meadow... I could go on and on. But I'll stop by just saying this. If you've just about had enough of London, consider taking an "adult time-out." Book a night or two at Coworth Park, let the stress seep out of you and then return with a renewed spirit. It's just what I needed. The week before I was packing my bags to move to Los Angeles. London and I had broken up. Now I think we have at least a few months of a good relationship ahead... that is until I need another break.
Fashion Foie Gras was a guest of Coworth Park for the weekend.
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