A Staycation at Eastwell Manor Hotel and Spa, Kent
A Staycation at Eastwell Manor Hotel and Spa, Kent
Postcards from a staycation at Eastwell Manor Hotel & Spa, Kent
Hand’s up, who’s doing way more staycations this year then you’d ever think you’d do? Yep, same. Which is why I found myself in Kent for a weekend, at a trip to the Eastwell Manor Hotel and Spa.
It was a much-needed trip, and one that I absolutely loved.
The Eastwell Manor Hotel is a gorgeous old house, with tons of charm and a great Champneys spa to boot. All the ingredients, in short, for a great UK staycation.
How to get to the Eastwell Manor Hotel
The Eastwell Manor Hotel and Spa is located in a town called Ashford, in deepest, darkest Kent.
Having never been anywhere near the area, the trip down was an adventure.
If you’re coming from London, it’ll take around a 2 hour drive to get there.
Or you could take a Southeastern train from St Pancras International to Ashford station.
And then you’ll either need to hop on the 666 bus, or get a taxi to the hotel. Uber isn’t a big this in this part of Kent.
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Inside the Eastwell Manor Hotel
Like most manor houses, the Eastwell Manor Hotel is full of old-world charm. Just take a look at this grand staircase!
The common areas of the hotel are the best. There are inviting fireplaces, so large that they fill rooms and keep the place toasty.
And my favourite room at the hotel has to be the lounge area, which feels very intimate and comforting.
I found the comfiest velvet sofa, ordered a cappuccino, and enjoyed the space.
Our room at the hotel
Although the common areas of the hotel are glorious, things feel a little more stretched in the areas leading to the bedrooms.
The Eastwell Manor Hotel is a massive building, and keeping it looking spick and span must be a tall ask. So while the ground floor areas are stunning, things look a little more tired as you walk to your room.
To be honest, I’m talking it in my stride. There’s peeling paint and an older style bathroom, but it’s fine. I’m still having a great time.
And the comfort of the king-sized bed makes up for any aesthetic drawbacks. That, and a good sized TV. Is it me, or does anyone else enjoy watching old movies in hotel rooms?
The spa is the best part
And now we come to the real draw of the hotel – the spa!
Not just any spa either. It’s a Champneys spa, filled with delicious-smelling products.
Alas, we didn’t have any spa treatments at the hotel, but we did very much enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool. And at 20 metres long, it’s a big old thing.
There’s also a hydrotherapy pool, with loads of bubbles, a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Now the outdoor swimming pool is another thing entirely, and not it a good way.
I was surprised it was even open, considering we visited in October and the weather was becoming chillier.
Maybe that’s why the pool looked a little uncared for, with leaves and detritus floating on the surface.
We took one look at the brown bits and went straight back to the indoor pool at the Eastwell Manor Hotel. Problem solved.
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Walking around the gardens and grounds
As well as a lovely spa, the Eastwell Manor Hotel also has some beautiful grounds.
We enjoyed walking around the manicured gardens, and getting a little lost in the magic of the hotel. Who knew the English countryside could be so delicious? It’s gotta be one of the best places to visit in Kent.
We also got to see autumn in action, with bright red leaves covering the walls of the hotel. There are also lots of secret places around the gardens, including this intimate arched cove.
And if you’re into photography, wait until an hour before sunset. The light gets really soft, and the hotel looks stunning.
Breakfast menu at the Eastwell Manor Hotel
Breakfast at the Eastwell Manor Hotel consists of an open continental bar, and a separate food menu.
You can fill plates up with croissants, pastries, toast and jam from the buffet section, which we washed down with apple juice and coffee.
After that, you can also order from the menu. My poached eggs were perfectly done, their yolk spilling into smoked salmon and English muffins. All in all, a totally yummy start to the day.
Overall thoughts on a staycation at the Eastwell Manor Hotel
We loved our visit to the hotel. It was a much needed break, and felt surprisingly like being on holiday. Even though we were only in Kent.
Like a lot of big houses, the hotel has its pros and cons. It’s a grand old place, although parts of it can feel a little tired. In this case though, the pros outweighed the cons, and we just got on with having a nice time. To an extent, I think some of the shabbiness it’s just part and parcel of staying at this sort of hotel.
At the end of the day we had a brilliant time in Kent. We reconnected with each other, reset away from our busy schedules, and relaxed. Can’t say fairer than that.
The Details
Eastwell Manor Hotel and Spa, Kent
Address – Eastwell Park, Ashford TN25 4HR
Phone – 0343 224 1700
Have you stayed at Eastwell Manor Hotel and Spa in Kent?Let us know :)
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