The grand countryside hotel near royal town with pretty afternoon tea room, spa and tennis court
THERE’s a pretty hotel hidden in amongst the Buckinghamshire countryside which is perfect for a staycation.
Read on to find out more about Burnham Beeches Hotel and the nearby known for its royal connections that’s just a 15-minute drive away.
Where is the Burnham Beeches Hotel?
Tucked down narrow and windy roads in Buckinghamshire is this beautiful countryside escape.
The huge mansion was once a private Georgian home – and, quite frankly, I’d even go as far as to call it one of the county’s best-kept secrets.
You would never realise it’s there until you turn into the driveway and it opens up to the sprawling hotel with manicured gardens and a tennis court.
Burnham Beeches Hotel is a short drive away from Windsor, Slough and Maidenhead, but its location completely out of the way means you won’t hear any traffic.
In fact, I couldn’t hear much aside from gentle cooing of pigeons, and the hoot of an owl after nightfall.
What is the hotel like?
The main building at the Burnham Beeches Hotel is grand, kept in the style of a manor home.
Inside, there’s a huge contrast in room design, each varying from deep blues with thick orange velvet curtains in the Arden dining room, to light and airy spaces like the pretty Evergreen Tea Room.
On the more modern side of the building, the first thing you’ll notice is the calming scent, which makes sense as it’s where you’ll find the main spa area.
The reception has modern check-in tablets that are very easy to use – but there is always staff around if you need any help.
What is there to do there?
Thanks to its location, the hotel is a great base for those wanting to see more of Windsor which is a 15-minute drive away.
Here, you can see the castle and take a stroll down The Long Walk. The pretty village of Burnham is just down the road as is Ascot Racecourse and Legoland.
Guests can also make the most of the facilities in the hotel too. Use of the Temple Spa is included with an overnight stay, and guests get complimentary robes, towels and slippers.
The spa has a gym, small pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.
Spa treatments are available too from 30-minute relaxing massages to hour-long facials, manicures and pedicures.
You can also hire out equipment to have a go in the tennis and pickleball court.
Or borrow one of the bikes free of charge, to explore the grounds and surrounding countryside.
What is there to eat and drink there?
When it comes to dining, eat in the plush Arden Room. Here, I tried the sharing Gambas al Ajillo, which is Spanish-style prawns, followed by a crispy duck salad.
The king prawn and chorizo linguine (which has a slight chilli kick) and smooth coconut and lime panna cotta was also delicious.
Whether you’re a pre-dinner drinker, or fancy a post-dining tipple, the sleek Verdure Lounge Bar is where you want to be.
There’s a huge range of drinks from cocktails to wine and a refreshing pint of Mahou on draught.
In the morning, find your way to the Brasserie where there’s a generous breakfast buffet waiting for you.
It has everything you could want, from continental options like yogurt and fruit, along with classic English breakfast offerings.
At each table was a Tiptree jam stand, and I’d recommend enjoying a pot with a thick slice of sourdough. You can refill your juice, tea, and coffee as often as you’d like, too.
A traditional afternoon tea is popular here, where guests can sample a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and scones alongside a cup of tea, or upgrade for a glass of Prosecco or champagne.
What are the rooms like?
There are 79 rooms and suites at the hotel all varying in size and design. Each comes with free Wi-Fi, heating, a hair dryer, television, tea & coffee making facilities and an ensuite.
I was lucky enough to stay in one of the beautifully designed Oak Character Rooms, which had nature-inspired wallpapers with an enormous dark blue velvet headboard with green cushions and a burnt orange throw.
Its two large windows looked out onto the gardens and let in lots of natural light.
The modern ensuite had a large shower with White Company toiletries.
For those who are bringing fluffy members of the family, you can book for your dog to come along too, from £35 (max weight of 15kg per room).
Is Burnham Beeches Hotel family-friendly?
Yes. The Hive Family Rooms can sleep two adults and either two children under 10 years, or two adults and one child over 10. You get all the normal amenities, as well as 24-hour room service.
Children are allowed in the swimming pool but must be accompanied by an adult if under 16.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
The hotel offers accessible ground floor rooms, and while the spa facilities are not currently wheelchair accessible, a selection of treatments can be brought directly to the room.
To book an accessible room, call the hotel in advance.
Room rates start from £149 B&B based on two sharing.
See here for more.