You’d expect nothing but pure country hotel bliss from the Dorchester Collection, which also boasts The Beverly Hills Hotel, Le Meurice in Paris and, of course, The Dorchester.
A Georgian style country house set on a sprawling 240 acres meant for exploring, Coworth Park delivers comfort and class, steeped in history, a five star getaway for the family.
The Vibe
The image as you enter – of a glorious meadow, tall grasses and vibrant cornflowers – is a midsummer dream, almost from a children’s story book. The white house in the background stands proudly amongst its surroundings, boasting history and knowing it will invite you in warmly for a welcome escape from life. The interiors are modern enough, yet classically finished, not trying too hard like so many country properties do. Polo grounds, cottages, plenty of activities for children, beautiful floral displays at every turn and dulcet tones of a pianist playing in the lounge area; it’s a welcome retreat whether for a rural detox, a romantic escape or a family retreat.
The Child’s Play
Booking a hotel with children doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own comforts. The needs of demanding toddlers are met as much as those of older kids, alongside traditional services like babysitting, so parents can have some downtime too. The grounds are enough to tire out the most energetic of children with bicycle rides, croquet, horse riding, polo lessons and tennis. The kids’ club ‘Coworth Park Kids‘ (for children up to eight-years-old) is an entire house transformed into a dedicated area for kids to play. Seven play rooms feature a role-play area with giant kitchen and train set, quiet room with books and dolls’ houses, and even a ‘messy’ room for baking and arts and crafts. Upstairs, the teen den keeps older kids entertained with movies and games – perfect for rainy days – and don’t forget the pool in the Coworth Park Spa. During school holidays Coworth Park organises complimentary family events like archery, falconry and even horse-drawn carriage rides. Children’s menus are available as well as complimentary afternoon tea for under-fives with their own impressive spread.
The Rooms
The hotel has 70 guest rooms in the main Mansion House and peppered across the estate. Warm, contemporary décor reflects the serenity of the rural setting, alongside sumptuous four-poster beds, open fireplaces and the signature freestanding copper baths or deep marble-ensconced tubs overlooking dreamy countryside vistas. For a more village-like feel away from the Mansion House, the stables and cottages are accessed by a short ride in easily-accessible golf buggies with drivers always on hand. The suites are showstoppers, but in a humble, homely way.
Our favourite? North Lodge, an ideal spot for families. This Grade II listed cottage on the outskirts of the grounds is complete with a private garden for summer BBQs or cosy winter nights around the fire pit. Inside there are three bedrooms, a kitchen with dining area and a country-style living room with fireplace, accompanied by delicate birdsong lulling you from your dreams in the morning. Ideal for families.
The Little Extras
The extras are not so little at Coworth Park, there is much to explore across the grounds, worthy of building up an appetite for the feast awaiting you indoors (read the next part!). The spa and fitness complex (reached by golf buggy of course), is a remarkable eco-retreat, submerged into the grounds, with glass walls and a lawn roof. There’s an 18-metre indoor swimming pool, complete with ambient blue lighting and underwater music, an aromatic steam room, experience showers and eight cleanly-designed treatment rooms, including two dual treatment rooms. The changing rooms are stocked with luxurious products by Aromatherapy Associates and Carol Joy London while Ishga Organic, a Hebridean brand with seaweed minerals, is used in some of Coworth Park’s spa treatments too.
For something more energetic, discover the the estate on horseback with beautifully-bred horses at the Equestrian Centre, or enjoy a hack through scenic Coworth Park. With private lessons and solo pony treks, guests of all experience levels are welcome.
Should you drive here by electric car, you’ll leave knowing the staff have kept it on charge for a stress free drive back home.
The Food + Drink
The main culinary attraction at Coworth Park is Woven by Adam Smith, who has long been a shining light in the British culinary scene. Smith has a manifesto, “memorable dining is created by so much more than the food we eat.” And that is all too apparent with the stunning and exceptionally stylish interiors. Beautiful looms – a nod to the Woven name – gracefully drape from the ceiling. The food is as much artwork as the interiors, and a showcase of his exquisite skill in presentation as well as flavour. The menu is seasonal and divided into five parts: From The Pantry, From The Larder, From The Stove, From The Pastry, Treats, each dish surpassing the other. This is one you’d want to leave for date night.
For something more lowkey, The Barn presents relaxed charm, housed in the original barn frame. The brasserie-style menu features monthly seasonal produce, sharing plates and blackboard specials, with an unmissable sticky toffee pudding to end your meal (as long as it doesn’t keep the kids up all night!)
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