Set amid 50 acres of land in the Hampshire countryside, 20 minutes drive from Winchester, Norton Park Hotel and Spa is a relaxing location to visit if you’re looking for a countryside retreat.
I was invited to spend the night there with a family member this autumn for a little trip away and this self-contained spa hotel has a lot to offer.
The hotel and grounds
The hotel itself offers 175 bedrooms, as well as a gym, small spa, restaurant and bar, making it a great self-contained hotel if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away.
The hotel also welcomes dogs, so with its countryside grounds it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel.
The rooms are modern with the basic things you’d need for a stay, like a hairdryer, kettle and TV, as well as small complimentary toiletries in the bathroom.
The grounds are also home to the 16th century Manor House, where guests can stay in one of its 13 stunning bedrooms.
With its opulent, wood-panelled rooms and historical touches, it was very clear to see why it's such a popular spot for weddings and celebrations.
The grounds were very scenic and quiet with a woodland walk, and even a rustic swing set into the trunk of an old tree which, set in front of the backdrop of the Manor House, let me have a little “Pride and Prejudice” moment.
The spa
The small on-site spa offers facilities including a small pool, sauna, steam room, heated loungers and a relaxation room.
One piece of advice if you fancy using the spa is to check when the pool may have classes, as it will be busier during these times.
We visited the spa at around 3pm and it was quiet, so we were able to relax on loungers and make full use of the facilities.
The spa facilities are open from 9am to 5pm every day, while the upstairs gym is open between 6.30am - 8.30pm on weekdays and 7.30am – 7.30pm at weekends.
The spa itself offers a range of Elemis treatments, from facials to body scrubs and massages, to cosmetic treatments like manicures and eyelash tinting, with prices starting from £29.
Prices do tend to differ on the weekend and will be slightly more expensive due to increased demand.
If you are looking for a spa break, there is the option for a one or two night breaks with treatments, and day packages ranging from £79 to £199 per person.
The restaurant
In the evening we dined at the hotel’s Scene Restaurant, which serves a selection of dishes from grilled steaks and hamburgers to vegetarian options like parsnip wellington or their plant-based burger.
There was a decent selection of food on offer, I would describe it as tasty pub-style food, everything was very well cooked and prepared.
The desserts were very delicious, I went for the chocolate fondant whilst my family member tried the sticky toffee pudding, and we enjoyed them both thoroughly.
The breakfast buffet also had a good range of options, serving cold options including cereals, pastries and breads, and hot options like bacon, mushrooms and sausages.
In addition there are a few dishes you can ask to be prepared, like pancakes and freshly made porridge.
They also serve afternoon tea, starting from £25 per person, if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Things to do nearby
Take a 15-minute drive to the historical town of Winchester with its beautiful cathedral, and if you visit at Christmas, visit its large Christmas market.
Take a 25-minute drive to Highclere Castle, which has served as the backdrop for the popular ITV show and film series Downton Abbey.
Take a 30-minute drive to the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, set in a former paper mill, where you’ll have a chance to see how the gin Is made and explore its large greenhouses where various ingredients are grown.
Take a 35-minute drive to Stonehenge, one of the most famous landmarks of the ancient world still standing, dating back 4,500 years.
All in all, if you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, or you want a hotel within close distance of some nearby attractions for a weekend away I would definitely recommend adding this hotel to your list.
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