Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
There's something a little bit magical about getting out of London and into the depths of the countryside. Swapping concrete and footpaths for green fields and trees. And it's even more magical when it happens on a mere 55-minute journey out of the capital.
The train journey from Waterloo to Haslemere winds through woods and rolling hills. We crossed a lake at one point, watched by swans and the local duck community. And from Haslemere to the small town of Midhurst in Sussex is a 20-minute taxi drive, sunshine shining through the leaves of the trees that in early October were just starting to turn red and golden.
Situated at the end of the town, Midhurst's Spread Eagle hotel & spa is well placed for walks through those very same rolling hills and woodland vistas. The South Downs is all around or, if you're feeling less energetic, there are plenty of signposts for easier strolls, by rivers and a castle, in the small square close by the hotel.
Or you could get your wellness kick in the Spread Eagle spa, with swimming pool and gym. Lots of treats too – a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, plus outdoor loungers for fresh air and a blast of sunshine. If it's too chilly out, you can soak up the Autumn sunshine just as well from the big bright conservatory that houses the main spa area.
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The Spread Eagle is an atmospheric fusion of old and new; a former 15th century coaching house with its quirky up and down uneven flooring, creaky floorboards, low doorways, beams and a suite once occupied by a queen (Elizabeth I stayed here). A door in the suite leads to a tiny 'powder room' bearing the lettering 'Wig Powder Closet AD 1430' – it's a genuine wig closet, and may be the last one left in a hotel in England!. Inside is a low table, stool, a mirror and some candlesticks – the perfect place to fit your wig, ahem. Other royal visitors included King Edward V11 - though it's not clear where he did his wigs...
There is a wonderfully cosy 'residents lounge' outside the Queen's suite – which also seems like a throwback to an older, more genteel style of hotel where residents were treated to their own private place to hang out.
The spa, a new addition at the back is all contemporary glass and timber, light filled and airy. It's a wonderful juxtaposition of two worlds, both of them great fun to inhabit.
There are 39 bedrooms and suites in the hotel, all individually and decorated. Stay in the Queen's suite and enjoy the 4-poster bed, antique furniture, freestanding bath and separate sitting room with its large flat screen TV, definitely not one the Queen would have sat down to. Or opt for the White Room with its secret passage, reputedly used by fleeing smugglers. Other 21st century comforts include free WiFi throughout the hotel and espresso machines in the room. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, hospitality tray, colour TV, direct-dial phone, broadband access and hairdryer; 24-hour room service is available.
Treatments in the spa range include bespoke treatments like the Mediterranean Float, Champagne and Truffles Deluxe (you won't be quaffing them, they make up the ingredients in your facial treatment, alongside silk and diamonds), and My Kinda Mood - a bespoke facial and massage. Recommended is the aromatherapy facial, using the gorgeous Temple Spa range, which ended by smoothering my face in a Skin Truffle cream containing diamond dust. My face glistened with radiance afterwards as I luxuriated on a cosy cushioned lounger beside the pool, sitting directly in a sunbeam.
Eating and drinking
The dining room is built from stone, wonderfully atmospheric and - on the Friday night we were there - completely packed. The dinner menu offers a nice selection of modern British cuisine - try the steak and the triple-cooked chips; breakfast is a hearty mix of hot food from the kitchen and a cold buffet.
What to do in the area
Walk off breakfast the next morning on the South Downs or with a gentle stroll through the walled garden at Cowdray and the Cowdray ruins, just a 10-minute walk away. Or hit the town and go shopping. There's a lovely mix of gift boutiques and craft shops, showcasing the work of local artisans and artists, as well as some interesting vintage shops – for both clothes and furniture – that are well worth a browse. Right beside the hotel, check out the pretty bakery-cum-coffee shop and the inviting bookshop next door.
Prices and more information
Stays at The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa are from £119 per night, based on two sharing a Standard Room, mid-week, on a B&B basis; www.hshotels.co.uk, phone 01730 816911, email spa@spreadeagle-midhurst.com. The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, South St, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9NH
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Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/fashion-beauty/a557334/spread-eagle-hotel/