Appealing as it is, the prospect of sampling the luxurious facilities and renowned cuisine at the Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa is certainly not the only reason why we find ourselves traipsing out into the Wiltshire countryside. Of all the idyllic rural areas of England which lend themselves to a romantic and bucolic minibreak, few can rival this little corner of Wiltshire when it comes to historical interest, mystery and an intoxicating combination of man-made and natural wonders. From the world’s best preserved Roman bathhouses at Bath to Salisbury’s 800 year-old cathedral and the mystical Stonehenge, we head to the Bishopstrow in eager anticipation of both a spectacular hotel and an area crammed full of ancient intrigue.
The nearby Stonehenge may have already been standing for almost 5,000 years by the time work began on Bishopstrow House in the 18th century, but the hotel has undoubtedly been in place long enough to have accrued a certain old-world charm of its own. We can sense the history of the place as soon as we sweep along the long driveway and pull up beneath its elegant façade, with a sprawl of ivy covering most of the honey-coloured stone walls and an inviting entrance flanked by tall columns and colourful flowerbeds.
As we venture inside, we glimpse plenty more enchanting period features – sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces, fine paintings and antique furnishings – yet there is just enough of a modern veneer in all the right places to remind us that this is in fact a 21st century boutique hotel. Whether it’s the polished service behind the front desk, the restaurant’s gleaming glass conservatory or our luxuriously contemporary bedroom, there is always a chic twist on the gorgeous manor house’s sense of traditional grandeur.
Later on, we find that this blend of modernity and tradition is mirrored at the hotel’s award-winning Mulberry restaurant, where a splash of modern flair is applied to local cuisine. Though there is also a more informal ‘all day dining menu’, we opt for the main à la carte menu and greedily devour three courses of chef John Los’s delectable cooking, with dishes including a local rack of lamb, a smoked pigeon and fig salad and a pork belly with sweet mustard and sour apple. The emphasis is placed on using fresh local produce, much of which is grown in the hotel’s own gardens, to create dishes which are all presented with plenty of artistry and finesse. Suffice to say we go to bed feeling stuffed to the brim, yet already eagerly awaiting a full English breakfast and traditional afternoon tea the next day.
When we manage to tear ourselves away from the delicious food and when we’re not out exploring our fascinating and beautiful surroundings, we find that the Bishopstrow is also a perfect spot to simply do nothing and chill out, just what you want from a relaxing countryside break. Our room is peaceful and utterly comfortable, kitted out with all the latest luxuries to help us unwind. Meanwhile, with facilities including indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, a fitness centre, a sauna, steam room, monsoon shower and Rasul mud therapy room, you could spend hours soothing the body and mind at the chic modern spa. For a slightly simpler – but equally delightful – pleasure, we take a romantic stroll around the 27 acres of gardens, uncovering far-flung corners, hidden temples and a private stretch of the River Wylye. Perhaps we didn’t need so much to do in the area around the hotel after all…