The Credentials
Wiltshire is humungous. It’s one of those counties where you think you know where you’re going until you’re almost there, at which point you realise you’ve no idea at all.
And it’s no surprise… Wiltshire borders six counties; Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. So it is with a touch of discombobulation that we arrive in Bishopstrow via Bath – which, whilst lovely, turned out not to be on the way at all.
But never mind… because Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa is a magnificent sight for the weary traveller. The ‘honey-stoned’ Georgian Manor is set in a thirty-acre estate that backs onto Salisbury Plain. Bishopstrow boasts a history that can be traced back to the Domesday Book and is located just one mile from Warminster.
Sleep
We stayed in a junior suite at the top of the main building. The deep red bedroom is generous and thoughtfully put together. I’ve always joked that ‘multiple sofas is the hallmark of opulence’ and it seems Bishopstrow’s interior designer shares the sentiment because the room features no less than three velvet sofas. The green tonal bathroom is roomy with a rainfall shower and a gold bathtub big enough for two. It sounds blingy and it is a bit, but the furniture is high quality, and the rooms well finished.
My favourite space was the hot-pink walk-in dressing room with double wardrobes, vanity mirror, Warhol Esque Marilyn Monroe print and the must-have item of the moment… a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer.
The bed was very comfortable… so comfortable, in fact that…
Breakfast
… we ordered room service breakfast in order to prolong the experience. I had eggs florentine; the eggs were perfectly poached and the hollandaise was rich and silky. My plus one ordered a generously portioned English breakfast. The sausages and bacon were flavourful and of decent quality. The breakfast came with coffee, toast, croissants and a choice of fruit juice.
The Spa
The spa features a hot tub, a steam room, a well-equipped gym, sauna and both indoor and outdoor pools that are open until 9pm. Elemis treatments are available upon request.
The Crowd
Couples in their thirties, groups of fifty-somethings, weekenders and locals. It’s popular amongst DFL weekenders and locals alike.
The Best Thing
With thirty acres of grounds to explore and a wall full of Le Chameau’s in which to do so, getting outside is an absolute must. We were particularly enchanted by the kitchen garden, resplendent with seasonal faves such as cavolo nero, fennel and radicchio.
The hotel backs onto a picturesque woodland with the River Wyle running through it. We were lucky enough to spot some deer and several woodpeckers.
The Worst Thing
Whilst the suite was extremely spacious horizontally… vertically speaking, my 6ft4 plus one struggled a little with the low ceilings.
The Details
The Junior Suite costs £260 a night and includes breakfast and access to the spa. Breakfast in bed costs an extra £5 per head.
