With a dose of relaxed British elegance surrounded by 80 acres of stunning grounds, we were delighted to stay at Chicheley Hall In Buckinghamshire recently on a sunny British bank holiday weekend.
Location
The location of the hotel means that you feel central but at the same time in the middle of nowhere! Your arrival is rather spectacular. Cruise down the long tree-lined drive and the stunning house looms nearer; even my children gasped aloud!
The hotel is located in the historic town of Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire with nearby shopping mecca Milton Keynes only a 10-minute drive away. The M1 is on the doorstep and there are fast-rail links to London Euston from Milton Keynes and yet your location is wonderfully secluded and you feel totally surrounded by the glorious British countryside. It’s prime weekend getaway territory.
Style & Character
Chicheley Hall is a breathtakingly beautiful Grade I listed mansion. Dating back to the 1700’s it’s very apparent why it is regarded as one of the finest examples of early 18th Century architecture. Inside the hall is packed with beautifully preserved original features and yet it has a relaxed and welcoming air. There is a natural grandness to the place, it doesn’t need to be showy or overtly opulent but quietly shows its class in a rather more British refined manner; we loved it! If it feels familiar you may well have caught a glimpse on one of the many films and TV shows that have featured the hall; Pride and Prejudice, The Meaning of Life, and Black Beauty among them!
Service & Facilities
We had a lovely welcome from the very helpful and friendly receptionist who couldn’t do enough to make us feel at home.
The 80 acres of beautifully kept grounds are stunning and time seemed to slow right down as I sipped a chilled glass of rose in the sunshine while my children ran freely on the vast lawns. We explored fully the next morning; strolling around the lake with the geese and swans, admiring both the landscaped gardens and the wilder areas too and tracking the peacock! What a lovely start to the day.
The hotel has a fast Wi-Fi connection, tons of parking on-site, and excellent business facilities. It is also home to the Kavli Royal Society International Centre, the oldest scientific academy in existence with a fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists, and the bedrooms are named after some of its famous patrons.
Rooms
Chicheley Hall features 48 individually furnished ensuite rooms that overlook the lovely gardens. Choose from the contemporary Guest Rooms or the more spacious Superior Rooms which are traditional in style. We were lucky enough to stay in a Superior Room, with its own little entrance hall and large ensuite it was a truly beautiful room and there was enough space to easily fit two extra beds for our children (which had been set up ready for us) and still, all have loads of room to spread out and relax.
Food & Drink
We dined in the restaurant which serves classic British favorites with a contemporary facelift; all our meals were delicious and well presented. The service was unobtrusive and efficient. There are two main areas to eat, we sat in a beautiful room at the bottom of the vast staircase which leads up to the bedroom and admired the very high ceiling which is adorned with a massive painting; all rather dramatic stuff! There’s also a cozy wood-paneled room which was our location for a lovely buffet breakfast the next morning. There is a charming barroom and you can take drinks out onto the lawn too, it’s also the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon tea which I hear come highly recommended.
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