THE LOCATION

Coworth Park needs no introduction. Its most recent claim to fame is that Prince Harry spent his last night of singledom here. Before Megxit, Hazza was also a regular on the hotel’s polo field and he was partial to a pedi in the spa. Set in 240 acres of Ascot parkland, Coworth Park is the ultimate escape to the country and yet avoids all the shabby chic, rural clichés. Elegant and stylish it’s got oodles of luxe finishes that you would expect from a Dorchester Collection crash pad.

Coworth Park Ascot Berkshire white country house hotel with wild meadow and two chestnut horses lead past a tree

It’s the only hotel in the UK to have its own polo fields, but for an adrenaline-free equine adventure, guests can go for a ride on the horses at Coworth’s stables. Not keen on the four legged friends? Grab bikes and whizz round the estate, walk, run or take a pew on the terrace with a glass of bubbles and watch the world go by. In fact, fresh air and fun are very much Coworth’s vibe. And why wouldn’t you? It’s stunning. In the summer months, the hotel is surrounded by a carpet of wildflowers. So you can star in your own Timoté ad.

THE VIBE

Coworth Park Bar with horse print over fireplace and LOVE chandelier

The estate dates back to the 18th century and over the years has been home to Lords and Ladies, as well as an all-girls school. Today, it wears the modern-day country house look rather well. The 50 shades of beige could be thought as as boring. But the buttery tones, with splashes of caramel, bronze and gold scream understated luxury. A horse motif runs throughout the property: from the humorous portraits of horses in the drawing room, to the line of threaded hooves on the bed linens – only revealed after turndown service. It’s luxurious without feeling stuffy. And if you’re going five star as a family, kids are welcomed with open arms – including an awesome Kids’ Club, horse rides and lots of outdoor fun.

SCOFF & QUAFF

First stop: the The Drawing Room for a cheeky cocktail before dinner. It’s also the room you can dive into Coworth’s award-winning afternoon tea. But in the evening, the Champagne is flowing and the mixologists are shaking their cocktails like they’re performing in a Mariachi band. It’s an elegant space – and possibly a bit traditional for my taste, but the drinks are good. The Bramble Martini (a twist on a Bramble) is a boozy beverage that tastes of a long winter walk. At 16 quid, it wouldn’t make you choke on your drink, but could get messy if you hit the menu too hard. After much beard stroking over the list of craft beers, good to see some Berkshire breweries featured, Mr M went for Coworth’s own Barn IPA. He’s fussy, so when his little face lit up after the first sip, we could relax. We need to talk snacks though. Camembert Popcorn, sounds wrong but is so so right. Do not visit without trying them.

Restaurant Coworth Park copper halo of leaves hung from ceiling

For Michelin star magic, Chef Adam Smith’s Restaurant Coworth Park is a masterclass in fine dining. The dress code is smart, so bear that in mind when you’re pulling together outfits. We chose The Barn – Coworth’s laidback little sister – a whizzy golf buggy ride away from the Mansion House.

They have created a stunning enclosed outdoor eating area with posh ski lodge vibes. Twinkly lights, sheepskins draped on chairs, blankets and a log burner. The presentation, service, and food is hard to fault – and the pricing is incredibly value for the quality. It’s buzzy, fun, offering high end gastropub fare. Full of flavour, cooked to perfection and a joy to eat.

Coworth Park The Barn Baked cheese Cheese

The marmalade and whiskey marinated Chalk Stream trout with beetroot and horseradish cream was fresh and light. The Baked Winslade cheese with cheese straws (above) was not. Rich, indulgent and best eaten if you’re hungry (or shared).

My husband’s eyes roll if I order chicken in a restaurant, filing it under boring. But I love it. My Cotswold bird arrived with baby turnips, braised leek, potato purée and Davenport wine sauce. The clean plate speaks volumes. You could argue steak is a boring choice. To be fair, you’d fight someone for the last triple cooked chips in dripping here. Nothing stiff about The Barn, just great nosh and the peace of mind that there will be something even the fussiest eaters will enjoy – including a very good kids menu.

STAY

Coworth Park bed four poster reading the paper

There are 30 rooms in the Mansion House – all grand and spacious; 40 further rooms are split between cottages and stables. All are slightly different, but share the same DNA. For the ultimate hideaway (much loved by rock stars and the rich), you can book one of two three-bedroom private residences: the new North Lodge or Dower House. You want for nothing. So if you’re looking for an otherworldly, ‘first-class all the way, baby’ night away, this is it.

Alas, last time I looked I wasn’t royalty, a rock star or mega rich so instead I can tell you about the Mansion House Suite (above) I stayed in – which was bigger than my first London flat. What’s not to love about a funky four poster made to look like branches and a TV that rises out of a cabinet with the push of a button. Loved the roll top copper bath with views across the meadow, plus there was a living room with mini bar and treats. If I’m being picky, the suite’s lounge felt a bit corporate, but if you’re staying more than one night IT would probably get more use. That said, you could not fault the comfort, style or service.

We were on a spa and stay package for two, which includes English breakfast for two, 60 minute treatment and use of the spa. Prices are on the fruity side (think £875 for a room and £1,115 for a suite) but it’s worth every penny for the wellbeing boost. The service is second to none. Rooms start from £430 and there are offers running until April for families, love birds, spa seekers and more. It’s a place to step off the hamster wheel and really kick back. You can even digital detox, the staff will lock away your phone until you leave (or crack under the pressure).

COWORTH PARK SPA

Slip into that fluffy robe and sashay over to the luxury spa. It’s boasts impressive eco-credentials and oodles of high-end glamour. From the pool lined with amethyst sculptures to the stunning “living roof” herb garden, this is eco-spa luxury at its finest. The spa boasts eight treatment rooms (including a double), aromatic steam room, relaxation room, sun terrace and Spatisserie restaurant.

What’s on the menu? It’s a joy to behold, offering curated spa day packages, as well as therapies for face, body, wellbeing, hands and feet. Special consideration for pregnant women and cancer patients too with treatments designed specifically for their needs. It sounds obvious, but not all spas offer this and these are the people who really need to be lavished with TLC.

ascot-coworth-park-spa-double-treatment-room-landscape

For 60 minutes of bliss I collapsed on the heated bed for an ishga Wellbeing Personalised Body Massage. This treatment works by combining marma massage, lymphatic drainage and traditional Swedish massage techniques (pressure just the way you like it) to detox and balance the body. Needed after a night of on Coworth’s tiles. Pressure was perfect for my WFH-weary shoulders and, by the end, I was so spaced out I struggled to find the exit. If that’s not a testimony for a damn good massage I don’t know what is.

Royal Ascot 2018 Jockey Frankie Vettori leaping from his horse in the parade ring

OUT AND ABOUT

If you’ve exhausted your love of walking, cycling or horse riding you can leave the estate to explore a little further afield. Ascot Racecourse, Windsor Castle, Legoland Windsor and Windsor Great Park are all nearby. Go aaaaaargh at Swinley Forest and swing through the tree top at Go Ape. Itching to give your credit card a battering? Whizz into Windsor’s Royal Arcade and for vintage finds, Thames Hospice in Windsor is a hidden gem that can be a treasure trove of vintage designer gear. Alternatively, for designer outlet heaven, Bicester Village is just over an hour away.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Anyone who loves luxury loafing in the wild – where fun, food and fresh air are all on tap. There’s a cool, contemporary feel to Coworth Park that sets its apart other country estate hotels whether you’re eating, sleeping or relaxing.

Not for: Toddlers with sticky hands (the decor is far too lovely). That said they go out of their way for families: Kids’ Club, teen den with games room, creche, babysitting service plus activities such as biking, tennis, riding and designated pool time. Selfishly, it’s a special place that I wouldn’t want to share with my brood.

Coworth Park, Blacknest Rd, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 7SE. Tel 01344 876600

WIN ASCOT SPRING FAMILY RACEDAY TICKETS AND LUNCH FOR FOUR, WORTH £556
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Spa struck at Coworth Park, Ascot

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