With the cold and dark nights and the monotony of not having a summer holiday to look forward to, it can be quite tricky to get through a winter, but we’re here to assist with plenty of overnight ideas to find a winter's break which will reward you with plenty of cosy evenings and relaxation across Hertfordsire. So, read on and get planning your next midweek or weekend break from spas to local beers...
Sopwell House
Looking for something that has it all is rather difficult in life, but we can confidently say that a break at Sopwell House would have it all. Take advantage of their Stay & Dine offer and escape to the St Albans countryside with an overnight stay in a Deluxe room, a 3-course Brasserie dinner followed by a full English breakfast. If you’re there midweek, there’s an even better deal as you’ll get two nights stay with the above included as well as an extra breakfast and an afternoon tea! While there, be sure to indulge yourself in their Cottonmill spa area which has a sauna, steam room and of course a swimming pool – who needs a summer holiday?
The Grove
With a wealth of outdoor space to wander for a sunset walk, a spa to recover from the cold winds and even a golf course for a spot of unwinding, your winter break will be made at The Grove. Book onto their Winter Getaway offer and get a two-night stay, breakfast and access to their Sequoia spa all included. If you need to get some new winter pieces take a trip into lively Watford and visit the atria shopping centre, or perhaps step into a scene of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
Tewinbury Farm Hotel
Whether you’re hopping out of London for a green escape or just needing to travel a few miles to enjoy a night or two away, Tewinbury Farm is a resort in itself. With a variety of rooms, from a cosy double to those with wood burning hot tubs, you can sleep well and then wake up to either learn at the Cookery School, or simply take it easy and eat and drink at the Cowshed restaurant or The Stable.
Pendley Manor
Sitting in the middle of Chiltern Hills AONB, Pendley Manor Hotel on the edge of Tring is a country retreat to refresh and unwind and truly escape from it all. On arrival, head to the Shakespeare Bar to start unwinding with a board game and drink, before making your way to the Oak Restaurant and then returning to your sophisticated bedroom. The next day, wander the grounds or head into the Chiltern Hills itself and finish off with a dip in the pool and a spa treatment.
Base yourself in Stevenage
With an old town at the heart of this bustling town, Stevenage is the place to have a base for some of Hertfordshire’s best wintery spots. Rest your head at night in one of the town’s hotels such as Hotel Cromwell and meander to the neighbouring areas, such as the quaint market town of Hitchin or perhaps drive just over 10 minutes north to Crossover Blendery, whose ales, wines and ciders are goods are sure to make you feel a wintery warmth.
Hertford, Ware and the Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Sitting in east Hertfordshire and connected by the River Lea are the picturesque towns of Hertford and Ware, each worth their own afternoon exploring. Meander around Hertford’s old streets, stopping off at a few of the independent cafes and museums, before (if you’re brave enough to in the depth of winter!) going on an approximately 50 minute walk along the river path to Ware where local favourites include Scott’s Grotto. Once you’ve gathered a sweat, take refuge at the Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club just north of Ware, where you can indulge in a spa with treatments to afternoon tea and luxurious suites.
North Hill Farm
Whisk yourself away to another of our countryside escapes with a stay at North Hill Farm. Now, you might think us crazy suggesting glamping in the winter, but you don’t need to look twice at pictures like this to the left to imagine yourself getting warm and tucking into one of their hideaways such as the Squirrel Run or Owl’s Lookout. A bonus too is that a number of North Hill Farm’s accommodations also feature a hot tub!
Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays
Whether static or moving, a few nights gently pacing the countryside on a Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays narrowboat (what could get more Hertfordshire than that?) finished by wrapping up and getting warm from a traditional log fire is the seasonal break you deserve. If you're a couple, then take a look at their Mini Escape boat that is a 27ft, 2 berth luxury vessel, and if you're a family stay on their Narrow Escape that can accommodate up to 5 people. All winter bookings until the end of February are for static hire only (can be self-drive from March 1st) so you still get the feeling of being on a boat and the peace it offers, while also enjoying that hygge!
Brocket Hall
How about a little opulence for your winter break? Once the home of confidante and former prime minister to Queen Victoria, Lord Melbourne, this beautiful manor house is ready to host you. Set in 540 acres of countryside, you're just 22 miles from London, but in the grandeur of a country estate. Settle into your very own room in the Melbourne Lodge or the main house, before treating yourself to dinner at newly reopened Auberge du Lac with its focus on sustainable, local produce.