Hawkstone Hall Hotel & Gardens

From the moment you arrive up the driveway you know this is going to be something special. Last visited 54 years ago so was curious as to what may have changed in that time. The building itself is impressive and the current owners have outdone themselves with the decor and ambience of the whole place. But it’s the staff who are all attentive and friendly and willing to ensure you have a pleasant stay. Unfortunately this was only a one night stop over but the quality of food and wine presented at dinner was excellent. I will have to book a longer stay so I can enjoy all the facilities the hotel has to offer.

A truly outstanding hotel, set beautiful grounds, breathtaking interiors and staff dedicated to giving the best experience possible to guests. It was one of those special hotels where everything has been carefully prepared and you never have to ask for anything... everything is already in place.

We stopped one night to celebrate my mum's 89th Birthday. Had to phone hotel when we got to guest entrance gates as they did not automatically open as we expected. We then found there was an intercom button on a post a short way back from the gates but we hadn't seen it. The hotel is just so beautiful, stunning location in the middle of countryside, peaceful and relaxed. I phoned to book two rooms as, because of my mum's age, we like to stop close to her in case of an emergency. When we booked the lady told us that we would have rooms opposite each other. We didn't, we had rooms on different floors. In the end it wasn't a problem. Also on their website it says "All 37 of our bedrooms offer spectacular views of the rolling countryside to the front, or glorious Hawkstone Gardens to the rear". Mum's room (112) had neither view, she was overlooking a flat roof and the sides of the hotel. Our room (202) did have an amazing view of the countryside. I do think the website needs amending to say "most" of the rooms not "all" as that could be a huge disappointment. Having said all this this is certainly not a negative review, quite the opposite. It is one of the best hotels we have ever stopped in. It is beautifully decorated throughout, both rooms were spacious (classic rooms) with everything needed and very comfy beds and pillows, beautiful bathrooms. Both rooms spotlessly clean (as where all areas of the hotel). The gardens are beautiful and lovely to walk around, the donkeys and llama a lovely surprise and we enjoyed going to say hello to them. Do ask at reception for a map of the grounds as there are a few features you could miss otherwise. Personally I think a map should be put in every bedroom. Also the welcome glass of Prosecco was a lovely touch. The menu for the Saloon Restaurant wasn't to our liking but we were able to sit in there and order off the Hill's Kitchen menu which was perfect for us. Food was excellent as was service. But what really makes this hotel stand apart from others is the amazing staff (every single one of them) that are so friendly, informative and go out of their way to make people welcome. You get a definite sense that they all enjoy working there, know the history of the hotel and are proud of it. Would definitely recommend this hotel as it really does offer a peaceful escape and is easy to get to off the main road (A49).

We were there to celebrate our 57th wedding anniversary and stayed in the Keats suite. Everything about our stay, from welcome to departure, was first class but the standout was the meal. These days we tend to choose hotels first on the menu and that's what happened here. We both had the scallops and then the monkfish because neither was something we were likely to eat at home. Scallops, yes, we have those at home - but not in a nantua sauce because that requires a stock made from boiling down crayfish tails and who's going to do that at home? Bothe dishes were excellent.

Went for my mums birthday for afternoon tea as a gift to her. Exceeded all expectations! Food was incredible and service impeccable! Nothing was too much trouble and all the staff made sure we got the most out of our visit and told us to have a wonder around the house and I’m so glad we did. Stunning Manor House and gardens, definitely bridgerton vibes, music was even playing in the chapel.

Went for my mums birthday for afternoon tea as a gift to her. Exceeded all expectations! Food was incredible and service impeccable! Nothing was too much trouble and all the staff made sure we got the most out of our visit and told us to have a wonder around the house and I’m so glad we did. Stunning Manor House and gardens, definitely bridgerton vibes, music was even playing in the chapel. I made a TikTok of our visit if you want to see more photos etc @milliabigailcooke