London day in and day out can become overwhelming and I know I certainly find myself longing to get away.
So, I hopped on a train at Waterloo and headed out of the city and into the countryside - Sussex to be exact.
After an hour, I arrived at Petersfield where it is just a short taxi ride to The Spread Eagle, a hotel and spa in Midhurst for a weekend of country walks and relaxation.
To take a deep breath of fresh air in the English countryside was enough to make the short journey worth it, but things got better and better as we set foot inside the picturesque hotel.
The hotel’s interior is beautiful, with details of timeless English charm all around it felt like we had stepped into an episode of Bridgerton.
My partner and I were shown to the Courtyard Suite where we spent the night.
The four-poster bed was a dream to melt into and the two massive windows flooded the room with light.
There was an enormous television for anyone wanting to kick back on their luxury bed and watch something, but we had plans to make the most of the country air.
The ensuite attached to the room was massive with a gorgeous bath that would have been perfect to jump into if we didn’t already have so many fun things planned.
We were taken on a guided walk by Michelle Facer, a Sussex local who has recently published the book Circular Walks around Midhurst.
She told us that during lockdown, she didn’t want to do the same walk every day and so, searched the area that she lives in for new routes with new quirks and views.
We saw a few rain showers on our walk but that wasn’t enough to dampen our mood as we enjoyed the fresh air and the greenery, giving us that much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The book contains clearly mapped and easy-to-follow routes for any beginner, like myself, to follow with no problem at all.
After the walk, we were welcomed to the hotel’s bar and offered sparkling Sussex wine, tea, coffee and cake.
Staff at The Spread Eagle lit the fireplace to warm us up after our walk in the rain and I must say that I have never felt cosier.
When we were filled with coffee and cake, we made out way to try out the hotel spa for some relaxation time after the 10,000 steps we had walked.
The spa is always my favourite part of a getaway, and I was not disappointed at The Spread Eagle.
Fluffy bathrobes and slippers were left in our room so all we had to do was grab a swimming costume and we were ready to go.
Fully equipped with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and pool, the spa had everything I could have asked for to unwind on our evening away.
There is even an outdoor patio for anyone wanting to bask in the sun - if it makes an appearance - in between dips in the pool.
After feeling pampered by the hotel’s incredible spa, it was time for dinner in The Spread Eagle’s restaurant and this portion of the weekend stole the show for me.
I had the scallops and chorizo with a celeriac puree to start which, as a lover of seafood, was perfect for me.
For my main course, I went for trout on a bed of pea risotto which was light and summery but also extremely filling, I only just managed to order dessert.
For dessert, I chose the white chocolate mousse with honeycomb ice cream.
The mousse really wowed me, it was light and creamy without being overly sweet and the honeycomb flavour in the ice cream complemented it wonderfully.
After a dreamy night’s sleep, we were back at the restaurant for a delicious breakfast.
There was an extensive choice of fruit, cereals and pastries as well as staff bringing us toast, tea and coffee, fruit juice and a hot breakfast of our choice.
Knowing that our time in the countryside was coming to an end, we headed out for one final walk for the weekend to make the most of our idyllic break from London - the staff were kind, chatty and attentive, the food was to die for and the walks were beautiful and calming – what more could you ask from a weekend away?
Found in Midhurst, which is easily accesable from Waterloo Station, the Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa's Step Into Sussex packagage gives you an overnight stay with full use of spa facilities, a three course dinner, breakfast and maps for circular walks around Midhurst, from £258.
Address: South Street, Midhurst , West Sussex, GU29 9NH
Website: hshotels.co.uk
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