Before the final days of summer slip away, we wanted to share our recent return visit to Heckfield Place (you can also read about our first experience at the hotel here).

We were guests of the hotel but as always our thoughts and opinions are our own

If you follow along with us on Instagram, then it will be no surprise to hear that Heckfield is one of our very favourite hotels and a spot that has officially earned our vote for “Perfect English Summer Staycation”. It ticks a lot of boxes for us; it’s within easy reach of London (less than an hour by train) but feels like the heart of the countryside. The main Georgian house is grand and stately, surrounded by ancient woodland and highly photographic, but the hotel has an unpretentious attitude and staff are professional & welcoming (when you choose to splurge on a trip like this we like to be made to feel a little spoilt and well looked after!). Speaking of photographic, the interior design is a real hero of Heckfield. While luxurious, it manages to feel unfussy, comfortable and serene. Thankfully it’s not the type of hotel where you walk around on tip toe, hesitant to touch anything. And last but certainly not least: the food, seriously good and seriously thoughtful. There’s multiple restaurants on site which are overseen by Skye Gyngell and largely supplied by Heckfield’s Home Farm and Orchards. The hotel’s motto “it begins with the soil” gives you a hint as to how important the land is to the whole concept of Heckfield Place.

If we’ve piqued your curiosity, then the following itinerary is very close to the way we spent our restorative mini-break this Summer and will hopefully give you a little inspiration; either for a last minute indulgence or for next summer’s plans.

DAY 1

ARRIVAL

Plan you arrival in time for cake! Check-in starts from 3pm and will include a little tour of the house so that you can get orientated. Once you’re settled and have had a chance to look around your room (be sure to make a bee-line for the in-room mini bar, it’s one of the best we’ve had) then make your way back to the lounge, where, every afternoon at 4pm, Heckfield offers hotel guests a free serving of homemade cake and coffee or tea. This is such a lovely ritual and one we looked forward to every day of our stay.

BOATING ON THE LAKE

Once you are fed and watered make your way to the lower lake for an afternoon of boating (make sure to take the opportunity for a little wander around the grounds too, theres some lovely nooks hidden around the lake and the glasshouse is well worth a detour for).

DINNER AT MARLE RESTAURANT

After rowing up an appetite get ready for a delicious dinner at Marle. Where the light and bright interiors are as good as the food.

MOVIE NIGHT

If you are lucky enough to stay on a night when the cinema is open then make your dinner booking a little earlier and leave room for popcorn! If not, you can swap the cinema for an in-room movie night instead. Each room has a smart TV where you can connect to your movie app of choice.

DAY 2

WILD SWIMMING

If you are feeling brave, we highly recommend an early morning dip in the lake. It’s a truly refreshing and rewarding experience and will get your second day off to a brilliant start!

BREAKFAST AT MARLE

After a warm shower head down to Marle for breakfast, no need to pre book.

BIKE RIDE / SPA TREATMENT

Depending if you are feeling energetic or want to completely unwind we would either recommend taking the electric guest bikes for a spin or booking a treatment at the Little Bothy Spa.

PICNIC AT THE LAKE

Heckfield offers the most wonderful lakeside picnic for guests and this was one of our favourite memories from our visit. The location is idyllic and we didn’t need to lift a finger! Theres an amazing menu to choose from and the staff even set everything up. An unhurried time to sit back, relax and watch the dragonfly’s dance. For dessert (if you have room!) visit the lounge for the daily 4pm cake and then perhaps follow it all up with a relaxing bath or a sneaky nap.

pre-dinner COCKTAILS AT MOON BAR

Only open to residents, the Moon Bar is our favourite room in the whole hotel and the cocktails are brilliant. Pick something from the seasonal menu or ask for your favourite.

Dinner at Hearth

The second restaurant at Heckfield and our favourite for its cosy interiors and sharing style menu. “Centred on an open fire, the cooking at Hearth is simple and heartfelt, using classic cooking methods and focusing on the very best produce available on the day”.

DAY 3

breakfast in the room

Have a lazy start to your final day with breakfast in bed. Order the night before and then wake up to a basket full of deliciousness at your door.

FOREST BATHING / ESTATE TOUR / EXPLORE HOME FARM

At 11am check out and leave you bags at reception for one last look around the grounds. The hotel can either organise a morning forest bathing session or an estate tour. Alternatively feel free to just take yourself off to explore the ancient woodlands and Home Farm before it’s time to wave goodbye.

DEPARTURE

Time to start planning a return trip!

GETTING THERE

The closest train stations are Reading (30 minute taxi away) or Winchfield (15minute taxi away) which both have frequent direct trains running from London. If you’re driving, you should expect it to take about 1.5-2 from the capital or 40-60mins from Heathrow and Gatwick respectively.

GOOD TO KNOW / PACKING TIPS

Heckfield is a little bit like visiting a chic relative’s country house. There’s certainly the chance to dress up for dinner or cocktails but guests will feel equally comfortable wandering around in jeans and wellington boots (of which the hotel has plenty on hand). The restaurants and movie nights book out fast so it’s best to get in touch with the hotel to plan your stay as soon as you can.

WE WERE INVITED GUESTS OF THE HOTEL BUT AS ALWAYS OUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE OUR OWN

HECKFIELD PLACE: AN ITINERARY FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER STAYCATION