Approaching via the gated driveaway, the historic Billesley Manor stands proud in the background on the edge of a manicured lawn with feature water fountain, forcing its arriving guests to pause at this sight to behold. Offering the picture-perfect property for an idyllic getaway, my husband and I were eager to explore this 16th-century country manor house and its 11-acres of grounds – the epitome of romantic luxury. Stepping inside, luggage in hand, the reception area immediately exudes country charm; oak-panelling has been complemented with a bold colour palette and soft sumptuous furnishings to blend historic features with modern décor. Our bedroom suite followed this combined aesthetic, where quintessential details were sympathetically allowed to shine against more contemporary design styles – we loved our huge bathroom with twin-washbasins too! Our elegantly styled room boasted all mod-cons we could need and is one of 71 rooms and suites across the original manor house and the restored Cedar Barns. Staying guests enjoy free use of the leisure facilities including the health suite and spa, indoor swimming pool and tennis courts. Yes, we are those people that workout on our breaks – don’t worry I’d rather be eating cake! – we used the gym and pool, my fitness-fanatic husband was really impressed with the facilities and they were seriously on-par with high-end fitness and spa resorts! When minimooning in the UK, it’s great to know that hotels are offering these types of wellness facilities offering something for everyone, whether you want to relax with a treatment and book by the pool, or want to burn off some energy in the gym. The hotel had lots of cosy, private spaces where we could hide away – cocktail in hand – and enjoy each other’s company which is exactly what you need on a romantic break. We enjoyed the garden terrace with views of the grounds, with heaters and blankets provided for when the sun set, and retreated to the As You Like It room when it got a bit chilly. I adored the history and décor of this room; being a bookworm myself, the historical connection to Shakespeare blew me away, and the theming of the room is just a joy to immerse yourself in. Not forgetting the cuisine, we indulged to our hearts, and tummies, content in The Stuart Restaurant. The setting is exactly what you expect from a historic country house, atmospheric with feature-fireplace, high ceilings, oak-panelling, and subtle lighting, but its contemporary artwork blends the eras – Victorian portraits splatted with bright and bold paint! Its menu is a nod to its playwright’s roots titled: Pre-show nibbles, Act 1, Act 2, Supporting Acts (sides) and Curtain Call – dessert and my favourite course! Award-winning chefs create culinary perfection using the best local and regional produce, mouth-watering dishes packed with seasonal flavours will delight even the most discerning of food critics. From Ham Hock Terrine and Chicken Liver Parfait to Sea Bream, Venison and Billesley’s Tikka Masala, there’s choices for every palate. What’s more, the venue’s offering suits a variety of occasions, from intimate dinners for two, to celebrations, Afternoon Tea and family Sunday Lunches, all with a service which will be second to none. Our minibreak for two was everything we’d hoped it would be and more, and should it have been our honeymoon, we would have felt the wedded bliss bubble continue at this standout hotel. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! IN THE AREA, EXPLORING •Check out the little 11th-century All Saints Church on site. •Stratford Upon Avon and RSC Theatre are a short drive away and a must for literary enthusiasts •Stratford Butterfly Farm – which I truly adored! – as well as the Shakespeare Distillery for the gin-lovers, and the British Motor Museum for car enthusiast, are all nearby and must-visit destinations. Read more about this online at www.county.wedding/honeymoons as well as the venue’s wedding offering. Much ado about something If it’s good enough for Shakespeare… editor Danielle Harvey travels to Stratford-Upon-Avon to stay at the delightful Billesley Manor Billesley, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6NF 01789 279 955 www.billesleymanor.com Room Rates start from £139 per night B&B based on two people sharing. 80
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