Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK

• Heavenly Hampshire mansion: Behind stripey lawns and flourishing stands of woodland, Audleys Wood Hotel is a classically Victorian, neo-Gothic mansion passed down between English gentry over the years. Leave reality behind as you enter interiors imagined from a romantic novel. Think dark wood panelling, floral fabrics and plush armchairs, upholstered with the comforts of a modern hotel.

• Fine English fare: Classically English items are on the menu, prepared with fine ingredients and a creative twist. Tuck into local ingredients like Hampshire pork and Wookey Hole cheddar, as well as sumptuous veggie options in the elegant Conservatory Restaurant. A sinfully good afternoon tea or Sunday roast is never a bad idea for a special occasion. When the sun shines, spread out on an outside table overlooking the manicured lawns, and when the light begins to fade, cocktails are served in the glossy, wood-panelled lounge bar.

• Into the woods: Your hotel is cradled by seven acres of lush private grounds. Pretty flowers, soaring trees and neatly kept pathways are yours to explore, and the lawn sets the perfect scene for a game of croquet. Set out on glorious woodland walks directly from your hotel, be it in the leafy green summer or the blazing gold of autumn. Return to cute and cosy guestrooms, with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries for a touch of self-care before dinner.

How to get there

Your hotel is about a seven-minute drive from Basingstoke train station, which services direct connections from London Waterloo and London Charing Cross. In order to get the most out of the surrounding area, we suggest coming by car. From London and the east, take the M3 westbound, from the southwest take the M3 northbound, and from the north, take the M40 southbound.  

Entry requirements

The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.