The search for tranquility at Whittlebury Hall
Diane Parkes dodges the crowds at a large, but not entirely pleasing, spa hotel.
Despite brilliant directions we still managed to drive right past Whittlebury Hall.
“I think that was it,” I murmured as we headed into the Northamptonshire countryside having passed through the village of Whittlebury.
Once safely turned round, it was amazing that we had managed to miss the turning as Whittlebury Hall is a massive complex.
With more than 200 rooms, leisure club, spa, conference facilities, outbuildings including an orangerie and three acres of grounds, this is a hotel spa on an epic scale.
Just a few miles from Silverstone motorsport circuit, there is a Grand Prix theme – not least with a massive racing car slap bang in the middle of the foyer. Plus, if you are outside, you can actually hear the sound of the cars racing.
My husband John and I were booked in for a Saturday night stay with use of the leisure facilities on the Saturday plus use of the separate spa with a treatment booked for the Sunday.
Guests have a free reign of the pool with accompanying jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The spa next door, which features hydrotherapy and hot and ice suites, is a separate entity but can be included in an overnight stay or visited on a day basis.
We immediately headed down to the leisure facilities to give them a whirl. Although the area was busy, with not a spare seat or lounger in sight, the 19-metre-long pool is large enough for a good swim without bumping into too many people.
I managed to have the steam room to myself for a few minutes and nudged a few chatting women closer together to nestle into the whirlpool. Then, fully refreshed, we headed back to the room.
Our double room was spacious with a view over the courtyard. Luckily the courtyard was out of bounds to guests during our stay so was very quiet, apart from the trickle of water from the fountain.
For dinner, we were booked in for a three course meal in the main Astons restaurant, but both the dining space and the food were a disappointment. The restaurant is cavernous and noisy and with Whittlebury clearly a popular option for hen weekends, it did not offer much in the way of a quiet meal for two.
