I’ve always been a country girl at heart believe it or not and I love escaping from the busy city life every so often; even if it is just for a weekend.

I find that the countryside soothes me, the scenery, the smells and natural surroundings are really so calming. I think it’s good to let go from your daily routines every so often, clear your mind and allow fresh new ideas to arise finding your inner self. Norton Park  Hotel sounded like this would be the perfect spot to do exactly this.

A charming 4-star character hotel set within 54 acres of stunning picturesque countryside, Norton Park Hotel looked like a great spa weekend escape. There are many walking and cycling paths surrounding the hotel winding through great nature trails.

This historic manor house has 13 beautiful bedrooms, all thoughtfully refurbished to a high standard while the modern wing is home to 152 contemporary rooms and suites.

Norton Park Hotel is located just outside of Winchester, a town known to have great historical attractions and charm! There are a great variety of sites to see in Winchester, it is a quaint town with cobbled streets and many fabulous shops and cafés to enjoy. One of the top attractions is Winchester Cathedral, where Jane Austin is buried, her home is also nearby and worth a visit, it’s where she wrote many of her novels.

Driving up the long impressive drive builds suspense as we approached Norton Park Hotel. I gazed out towards the calming scenery and felt relaxed and at the same time excited. As I arrived I could see high flying flags inviting me at the entrance of the main hotel, giving it a traditional welcome. Hidden on the other side of the main hotel is the original Manor House. It dates back to the 16th century and is a gorgeous building with lots of beautiful features that give it a unique and pretty charm. The gardens surrounding the hotel are stunning and jus to complete the picture there is a natural lake. The Manor House can be used for special events, weddings, parties or even business seminars. It’s like being in a fairy tale, this is one of my favourite areas of the hotel as it’s so unique with a truly romantic atmosphere. I can imagine great events and parties taking place here especially during the spring and summer months.

The new modern building is where the majority of guests stay, in the more contemporary rooms and suites. It features a glass built reception area with earthy floral features, the first impression of the hotel is traditional with a modern twist. As you enter the reception it is surrounded by glass doors and windows making it feel very open and spacious. As I wondered to find my room the hotel became warmer with the use of earthy tones of orange, plum and brown used throughout and with the aromatic floral displays, this gave an inviting ambience. The design with the muted colours and sumptuous fabrics was most restful and chic.

My room was a good size for two people for an overnight stay and well designed for maximum use of space. The room included all the usual facilities expected of a 4-star hotel, such as a fridge full of delicious goodies and drinks,  a TV, hairdryer, bathrobes, wifi and of course complimentary use of the spa and health centre.

So let’s get to the favourite part of my trip away which of course is the spa time! Norton Park Hotel’s spa uses Elemis products – which I already love! I decided to indulge in a full back, shoulder and leg massage. I highly recommend having treatment as it makes the whole relaxing experience so much more enjoyable and calming. My therapist was extremely knowledgable and eased away my tension within just 30 minutes! The level of pressure during my massage was on point. It was a soothing treatment – no discomfort at all. How I wish I could make this a weekly occurrence! One more point, there where plenty of loungers to use so you were pretty much guaranteed a seat to unwind on, before or after your chosen treatment.

I then popped to the bar for an Earl Grey and biscuit, typically English, I could have just sat there for hours in my cosy dressing gown, on a lounger taking in the spa surroundings.

Once finished I wandered back to my room to recharge, refresh and get ready for dinner. Once all freshened up I made my way to the dining room.

The atmosphere as I walked in was very chilled and calming. I waited at the entrance to be taken to my table. It was fairly busy in the main restaurant giving it a buzzing vibe.

The menus were short and sweet. The food options were not too complex so if you’re not a ‘fancy’ eater this will be ideal for you. There were steaks,  burgers, salads, pasta, risotto etc. and of course brownies on the dessert menu! And I can tell you it was all totally delicious. There was also an exciting selection of drinks! Perfect all round.

After a completely super meal, I wandered back to my room to put my feet up after what had been a lovely relaxing day.

If you are looking for a relaxing spa day or nature walking weekend at an affordable price Norton Park Hotel is a great choice. P.S They are also dog-friendly! So next time I’ll be able to take my little dog!

Norton Park Hotel is also a fabulous venue for weddings, a traditional or contemporary wedding, civil ceremony or civil partnership, the dedicated events team will ensure your day is exactly to your liking, catering to your every need and the grounds provide the perfect backdrop for those all-important wedding photos.

Thank you for a lovely stay, Norton Park Hotel. If only I could have stayed for another spa day and massage!

W: Norton Park Hotel
A: Norton Park, Sutton Scotney SO21 3NB
T: 01962 763000

Written by Sophia Sellwood for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International