Pennyhill Park

As the seasons begin to change and the colder weather approaches, Rebecca Younger finds the perfect place for an autumnal escape not too far from home.

- Rebecca Younger

IN the words of John Snow, “winter is coming”, which means venturing out of the house is far less appealing than it was a month or so ago. However, along with colder weather, the month of October also brings us National Spa Week – so what better time to take advantage of one of the biggest spas in the country, which just happens to be on the doorstep, in Bagshot.

Pennyhill Park is famous for a number of things. Until recently, its Latymer restaurant was the only restaurant in the South East (outside London) with two Michelin stars (although it’s hoped it might re-gain a star or two when the new list is announced this month) and it has also been home to the England Rugby squad’s training camp for the past 15 years. However, in my opinion, (even in spite of the possibility of bumping into Chris Robshaw or Danny Care), by far the hotel’s most appealing asset is its spa.

But, before we head into a world of relaxation, first a bit of history. The main house was built by railway engineer James Hodges, between 1849 and 1851. While he lived there, Hodges planted specimen trees to create a magnificent 120-acre park surrounding the house. In the years following Hodge’s death in 1879, various owners made additions to the house including, when the Exclusive Hotels group purchased the site in 1982, the auxiliary buildings, which sit to the left of the main house.