Middle England – well if you come from London to Newcastle, Derby is Middle England! Off the M1 at junction 25 on the A52 between Derby and Nottingham and ideal stopping off for one night at the 11th Century Hotel (well some of it is) is a very welcome break.
We decided to have a mini break in the Nottingham area and found Risley Hall in a convenient position between the two cities for one night only. Part of the Risley Hall date back to the 11th but mainly it is 18th Century and still has some attractive features.
The hotel is very popular for weekend breaks and weddings so book early. On our arrival after a friendly welcome from the staff, we were shown our room. Well this was a surprise, some good some bad, we had to walk across the court yard to what looked for all intense and purpose a "aircraft hanger" it was a large hall with a heavy duty canvas roof, which in the Summer months is removed, and would be a very attractive feature, but looked rather strange on a wet, windy day. We went to our room on the second floor which was a large, comfortable suite, the rooms on the ground floor are a similar size and have access to the gardens that surround the hotel.
The gardens and the fitness suite is accessed from the great hall "hanger". It is a short walk, to the fitness suite and you do walk through the "retirement village" which is at the back of the hotel and very fitting considering our age! The pool and facilities are good with a sauna and steam room also a gym and bar area.
Our evening meal was taken in the Oak Room and was very enjoyable, but the hotel lets its shelf down by not providing any entertainment on a Saturday evening not even some back ground music. So coffee in the bar and retire to the room is what most of the residents did. We where presented with a wide choice of breakfast and then on our way.
A good hotel for a one or two night break when travelling North or South.
