It’s not often I get a break, and even more rare that I get a break with Mr London Bride. It’s a busy old life living in the city, both juggling our own businesses and back in November it crept up to our 10 year anniversary [I know seriously, how has he put up with me for that long!?]. So we had a bit of a to-hell-with-it moment and treated ourselves to a mini-break away from the city to the amazing Barnsley House in the Cotswolds.
I’d seen beautiful weddings at Barnsley House, and it was only when I checked out their website that I noticed they had a midweek spa break, so I was completely sold! The Cotswolds is a beautiful area to explore in itself – windy roads, stone cottages, pretty churches, cosy pubs and if I could pick a perfect place for a mini-break this would definitely be it.
Barnsley House literally ticked every box on my mini break-must-have list: luxurious rooms, ridiculously indulgent baths/showers, products that end up in your toiletry bag, beautiful grounds, amazing food, cosy fire, bar… it even has it’s own intimate cinema, drawing room with board games and wellie hire. The service whilst it was excellent it was barely there so it also felt nice and private [that may have helped that we were there mid-week].
Please excuse the photos, they were with a humble iphone, must try harder next time…
Barnsley House is made up of rooms in the main building itself, but also separate more quirky rooms adjacent buildings. Ours, I have to admit was the quite the delicious cherry on the top. The ‘Secret Garden’ room with it’s own teeny front door, stone walled private courtyard with stepping stones over a pond, lead you to a beautifully designed suite, both cosy and luxurious. It featured a huge four poster bed, comfy living room area and a minibar with it’s own nespresso machine. It was impressive…and then I clocked the epic bathtub framed by the floor to ceiling windows overlooking your own private pond and courtyard. Oh yes, it was definitely as indulgent as it looks.
I didn’t get to experience any of the other rooms but having taken a look at the website I don’t think any of the handsome, farrow and ball hued rooms could disappoint. It’s just the right touch between contemporary style and comfortable country character. I should mention the only downside – which was lack of phone signal, but hey we shouldn’t be checking our emails or tweeting whilst on a mini-break anyway…should we [ahem]. Embrace the peace and quiet!
We had a wonder around the village and then decided to stop off for glass of wine, sat by the roaring fire at the sister hotel, The Village Pub which is just across the road. Sofa, fire, wine, me and him and the papers. It was really quite blissful.
In the evening we also decided to dine back at the more casual Village Pub for a delicious [though rather swift] three course meal, before heading to the hotel’s private cinema to watch Moulin Rouge. Despite the cinema being just across the road, it was dark and cold so a kind member of staff actually escorted us to the cinema safely, now that’s service! We were greeted with popcorn and large comfy seats to enjoy the film. Again, bliss.
The next day, we were up early and after a very satisfying breakfast we headed just down the garden path [literally] ready to make the most of the hotel garden spa, which come wind or rain, I was definitely going to try out the outdoor heated pool. We both had a lovely treatment in the spa, a chill out in their relaxation room, and a more than lengthy dip in the soothing pool. Despite it being freezing outside, the clear blue skies above us felt like we were in Scandinavia, it was breathtaking.
I feel I should apologise for the indulgent-this-was-amazing feature, but when something impresses me this much, it deserves to be shouted about [although I did have to think twice about telling you about this place!].
Book Barnsley House for an anniversary, a pre-wedding break, a get away from the city break, or if within budget – most certainly check it out for exclusive wedding hire. I certainly went away clutching their brochures…
*I would like to say this isn’t a sponsored post, it was our own funded trip, however they did look after us very well and kindly upgraded us to the incredible Secret Garden suite, so huge thanks to the staff for looking after us – it made the time there even more special.
Photography by 
London Bride is a modern blog all about stylish & unique city weddings. Author Charley Beard is a London based creative wedding planner and stylist who aims to inspire and assist couples tying the knot in London! Check out the Services page for more info!
