Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Beaverbrook is a quintessentially English Country House estate. A perfect stay for a celebration or to escape the city and unwind.
The 18 rooms are charming and sympathetically restored to Lord Beaverbrook’s era, each one named after their bygone occupants. Everything is grand within, from the spacious poster beds to bathrooms the same size as the bedroom. You cannot stay without sitting back in a luxurious bubble bath here. Windows are tall, so you can enjoy the superb views over the hill's morning and night.
A magnificent Victorian staircase winds down from a domed atrium into a grand lobby, filled with natural light which bounces off artworks and pictures full of history. You could spend hours browsing through Lord Beaverbrook’s original collection of leather-bound books in the library. Sit by a warmed log fire or enjoy a fine cocktail in Sir Frank’s Bar (we highly recommend the Beaverbrook Bloody Mary!) A favourite position of ours is to wrap up in blankets out on the terrace and feast your eyes on the endless views across the Surrey Hills and beyond. Come winter, the quaint ice rink will be
set up just below and you can watch the time pass by over a warming tipple.
Experience exquisite fine dining at the Japanese Grill in the main house, or enjoy the romance of an English country garden at the Garden House Restaurant a short golf buggy ride away. Walk around the home grown produce in the gardens here, before sitting down in a relaxed, cosy setting for your meal.
With a holistic, natural approach to wellness, The Coach House Spa is a vibrant, enchanting sanctuary.
With stained glass ceilings and ceramic tiled walls, the iridescent light shines throughout this colour drenched paradise. Designed to soothe the senses, enjoy a peaceful treatment or relaxed back on a lounger poolside.
The grounds are remarkable. The finely manicured estate lawns and gardens are truly special. Borrow the house wellies and explore autumn walks around the estate. You’ll even find a hidden playground for little ones amongst the forest pathways.
There are country-house hotels, and then there’s Pennyhill Park. Set within 120 acres of Surrey parkland near Bagshot, this grand estate has been a destination for spa weekends for decades. The house itself is full of period character, but it’s the sprawling spa – complete with indoor and outdoor pools, thermal experiences and treatment spaces – that really defines a stay here.
The bedrooms range from traditional rooms in the main house to more elaborate suites, and each has its own personality. Expect rich fabrics, upholstered furniture, period details and the occasional more contemporary flourish.
The standout accommodation is found in the larger suites, where separate sitting areas, fireplaces and generous bathrooms create a more residential feel. Some overlook the landscaped grounds, while others are tucked
away from the main house.
The dining options give the hotel a useful mix of occasion and informality. The Latymer is the culinary centrepiece. Set within the historic house, the restaurant offers refined, seasonal cooking with a strong emphasis on British ingredients. It’s the place to book for a special dinner, with an elegant dining room and a menu that gives the kitchen room to show what it can do.
For something more relaxed, The Hillfield has a livelier feel and a menu designed around modern British dishes. It’s particularly well suited to lunch or an informal dinner after time in the spa.
There’s also the Ascot Bar, a suitably glamorous spot for cocktails and pre-dinner drinks, while afternoon tea brings a more traditional country-house note to the stay.
The spa is what really sets Pennyhill Park apart. It’s unusually extensive, with a collection of indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy areas, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation spaces spread across the grounds.
The outdoor pool is the star, surrounded by greenery and atmospheric enough to make even a grey Surrey day feel like an occasion.
Despite the size of the estate and the extensive facilities, Pennyhill Park retains the atmosphere of a traditional English country house. There are open fires, period rooms, gardens and plenty of spaces to disappear into, balanced by a more energetic spa culture.
It’s not understated in the minimalist sense. Pennyhill embraces grandeur, from its historic architecture to its extensive facilities and elaborate spa. But that’s part of its appeal. It feels established, generous and slightly indulgent – a hotel where you’re encouraged to make a weekend of it.
For a Surrey escape where the spa is the main event, Pennyhill Park is difficult to beat. Add in the grand setting, distinctive bedrooms, strong dining and proximity to London, and it makes a convincing case for a proper country-house reset without the long journey.