Enjoy relaxing summer in the countryside (From Halesowen News)

Enjoy relaxing summer in the countryside

10:30am Tuesday 7th July 2009

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IF the city is too crowded and the beach is too hot why not pack up for a summer break, a little off the beaten track, in the countryside?

Warner Leisure Hotels offers a selection of summer breaks, for adults only, in quintessentially English locations, perfect for that relaxing summer getaway to recharge the batteries.

One such location is Holme Lacy House, a magical Grade 1 listed mansion nestling in the WyeValley, close to the handsome city of Hereford. Set in a glorious 20 acres of restored formal gardens and landscaped parkland, Holme Lacy House combines the tranquillity of rural England with optional summer activities both within the hotel and out in the locality.

Take a day trip to Hereford and enjoy the lunchtime organ concerts in Hereford Cathedral, or book an August break and follow the Three Choirs Festival with the Philharmonic Orchestra. Eastnor Castle is just a stone’s throw away, so guests at Holme Lacy House can visit the Big Chill Festival August 7 to 9 offering an eclectic selection of music, art, films and poetry readings, all presented with a dash of gourmet food.

For those wishing to savour total relaxation, stay put in Holme Lacy’s beautiful gardens, recently included in the National Gardens Scheme. There’s the opportunity to secure that idyllic spot to dream, or read, or indeed fish in the grand lake. If tempted by some moderate action, for a modest cost, join the salsa class, don your walking boots on the guided walks or fly away in a hot air balloon. Choices in the countryside are endless.

Bordering the ancient woods of Sherwood Forest stands Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa, an imposing Victorian mansion. Set in 50 acres of wonderful gardens designed by Sir Humphrey Repton, and complimenting the surrounding parkland planted by Capability Brown.

Again the gardens are opening for National Gardens Scheme (the NGS, raising funds for cancer charities) visitors with both guests and visitors enjoying the historical garden tour, featuring ancient woodland recently cleared to reveal a magical avenue of vibrant lime trees, interesting tree specimens and the revival of woodland growth including prolific ferns and foxgloves. With the formal gardens boasting a Grade 1 listed Victorian Rose Garden and traditional herbaceous borders, Thoresby Hall Hotel is a temping alternative for a summer break.

The Spa at Thoresby Hall invites the opportunity of a spot of self indulgence. Designed with total relaxation in mind, the Spa facilities are based on the ancient ritual of bathing, where the body is heated and then cooled.

The extremes are the Hamman Steamroom, soothing steam infused with herbal essences, and the Ice Cave where ice chips provide an invigorating tingle, and of course all the experiences in between. Coupled with a full range of ESPA treatments, total pampering is guaranteed.

Just in case guests feel too chilled out, Thoresby Hall offers a selection of summer challenges. Learning to dance opportunities range from Salsa and Ballroom to Rock & Roll; Swing build golf offers a relaxed programme to improve your golf; whilst a dreamy Hot Air Balloon trip will encompass breathtaking views of the stunning countryside.

An alternative summer location is Littlecote House Hotel, a superb 16th Century mansion nestling in the Cotswold Borders where Henry VIII dined in The Great Hall. A truly picturesque setting of beautiful landscaped gardens, topiary and extensive grounds. Newly developed is the amazing ‘Stumpery’, a magical grotto of tree stumps and creative planting, complete with a statuesque stag modelled from mud. NGS visitors and guests alike are totally charmed by Littlecote House.

Especially for gardeners, Littlecote House offers guests a trip to RHS Wisley, the chance to create a Living Sculpture or that all important, Bee Keeping for Beginners Experience. Your holiday in the country could also include tea at Buckingham Palace and a visit to the State Rooms, or a convivial day at Newbury Races.

Or perhaps the Cheshire countryside beckons you so head towards the leafy suburbs of Chester and take a break at Alvaston Hall Hotel near Nantwich. Alvaston Hall is a Victorian country residence, half timber framed, complete with a crested ridge tile roof and gargoyles above the porch. Once enjoying the status of epicentre of Cheshire Society, Alvaston continues the social element with its own professional nine hole golf course.

Today it is home to Swing Build Golf Schools, making Alvaston ideal for a country break with a challenging golf clinic. For those that prefer to give the golf a miss, be tempted by a the offer of a trip to the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, perhaps a spot of Bird Watching or a visit to the historic Arley Hall and Gardens. On the doorstep Nantwich is a historic market town, famous for its black and white buildings, or go the extra mile and visit Chester with the two tier timber buildings – the 14th Century equivalent of today’s shopping centres.

This year summer in the country is an affordable luxury with great deals for July and August. Price points for July now start as little as £216 per person for a three night weekend stay at Alvaston Hall Hotel. A similar weekend at Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa starts at £266 pp, Littlecote House from £238 pp and the stunning Holme Lacy House at £254 pp. August deals are similarly priced, just a pound or two dearer.

For these and other great suggestions for a Summer in the country, visit the website www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk or call 0800 1 388 399 for more information.

All Warner Leisure Hotels breaks prices include accommodation, hearty breakfasts, numerous daytime activities, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, delicious three course dinners and optional live entertainment every night. The individual ‘Experiences’ carry a modest extra cost.

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