Our last break here was all too short so with the promise of sunny weather ahead we booked. We had a ground floor room with patio and so enjoyed our complimentary drinks al fresco. It was still a bit of a hike to the old hall, library and restaurant but we noticed changes here. The main restaurant has been refurbished and renamed The Sherwood and has expanded somewhat with more tables but still the lovely stone clad walls and glass roofed conservatory serving the usual first class food. The Head Gardener took groups around the lovely gardens explaining the history of the main house and grounds which lay derelict for some years before Warner's purchased it in the late 1990's spending millions of pounds since refurbishing it to its former glory. He gave us some very good tips on pruning and we learned a lot about the various flowers and shrubs. The Victorian Rose Garden will soon be looking wonderful. Also outdoors was the "Walk with Hawks" with some beautiful birds of prey on show. With a gloved hand/arm you were invited to hold a bird and they are truly magnificent at close quarters.
Indoors there were so many activities all day long. Early afternoon there was a classic movie matinee and we managed to catch up on a couple of films we'd missed at home. Plenty of quizzes and pre dinner music and song. They now have spa tours and we were quite surprised how well equipped it was. There is a charge to use some of the facilities but the main pool, sauna and steam room are available free for all guests. After a most enjoyable evening meal we looked forward to being entertained by the resident team and band. Always a good night of laughter and dancing.
Friendly staff and amiable guests, mostly seniors, ensure a welcoming break and we've never been disappointed with any aspect of our stay.
