Bradford-on-Avon & Widbrook Grange
Widbrook Grange
If you asked me to describe my perfect weekend away, I'd probably describe a house in the countryside, with plenty of delicious food, interesting places to explore, and comfy bed to come back to when you're all adventured out. In other words, I'd describe a weekend at Widbrook Grange.
One of my favourite ways of coping with the winter blues and that classic mid-January slump, is to plan a little getaway. Having a few days away to look forward to makes all the difference and I'd been counting down the days to this particular adventure! The hotel were kind enough to invite me to stay on a press trip, but it had been on my radar after seeing their gorgeous Instagram account!
Widbrook is everything you could want from a country hotel. Gorgeous interiors, friendly, attentive staff, delicious food, and an incredibly well-stocked gin bar. We started our days with steaming hot cups of tea and a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore more of Wiltshire. The pretty village of Bradford-on-Avon is a short walk away (or an even shorter drive) and Bath is readily accessible by train or car too.
The Perfect Countryside Escape
After a busy day of exploring, Widbrook really is the perfect countryside bolthole to return to. There's a lovely sitting room (complete with roaring log fire) where you can sit and have afternoon tea - or something stronger from the bar if you're so inclined! The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy and everything from the rows of green wellies to the soft woollen throws is intended to make you feel at home. We ate in the hotel's restaurant both nights and were delighted by the extensive (and delicious!) menu. The kitchen prides itself on the use of fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby independent suppliers.
When Sunday rolled around, I genuinely did not want to leave. Particularly because I fell head over heels in love with the roll-top bath in our bedroom. We stayed in the Seamstress's Room and I can hand-on-heart say it's the most gorgeous room I've ever had the joy to stay in!
Bradford-on-Avon
The pretty village of Bradford-on-Avon is a short walk away (or an even shorter drive) from Widbrook Grange. Perhaps unusually in the age of Instagram, Bradford-on-Avon remains a bit of a hidden gem. It's a lovely English market town with plenty of Wiltshire charm and, best of all, the architecture combines my two great loves: stately Georgian townhouses and crumbling, crooked Tudor-style buildings.
Eager to escape the cold and defrost our fingers, we slipped into the Bridge Tea Rooms and cosied up next to the fire. If you're looking for a proper English afternoon tea, I highly recommend them - anywhere that serves a mountain of clotted cream with a scone is a win in my book!
If you have a hankering to visit Wiltshire, or are looking for somewhere to stay near Bath but want the feel of a countryside retreat, Widbrook Grange is the one for you. Though this stay was kindly gifted, I would genuinely consider booking to stay there again in the future - even if only to admire that roll-top bath again!
I'll be back soon with some postcards from the beautiful city of Bath!