One of the things that struck me as I laid back and allowed the outdoor hot tub to massage my achy muscles as an autumnal country breeze whipped around the tranquil country fields was just how little noise there was around these parts.
Away from the hustle and bustle of London streets where buses, cars and mopeds audibly compete for road space as sirens play atop of an urban melody that has little respite the rolling hills of Shropshire are noticeably more calm, with the rustling of trees and chirping birds the only thing likely to disturb the peace.
And it is amid this backdrop that Fishmore Hall sits, taking pride of place on a hill overlooking the town of Ludlow. Up until 2007 the old manor house was virtually derelict, but as owner Laura Penman notes, the views alone demonstrate that it was meant for so much more. “With countryside stretching out from every window, and the towers of Ludlow Castle peeping up from behind the trees”, this is a place that deserves to be stayed in, and so in 2016 the hotel and spa was opened to the public.
Boasting “luxurious rooms, indulgent bathrooms and a menu that makes the very best of this very foodie part of the UK” it is safe to say that this is a restoration done well. The individually styled rooms make you feel at home the moment you walk through the door, with beds fit for kings and a bath that allows you to sink beneath the surface and wash your stresses away.
If that doesn’t do the job the on-site spa with wellbeing treatments by ELEMIS undoubtedly will. Boasting four treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna and an outdoor Cedar wellness Hot Tub on the decking overlooking the Shropshire hills the spa is serenity to a tee. Their signature treatment, a Lava Shell Thermal Relax Experience, is to die for, creating a sense of deep relaxation that will leave you feeling as if you are walking on air.
When you finally return to earth the hotel’s lounge and restaurant awaits, offering a range of pre-dinner drinks that include bubbles served in oversized champagne glasses and a good range of cocktails. The fine dining restaurant is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any stay at Fishmore Hall, with Head Chef Joe Gould serving up imaginative locally-sourced dishes that are worth the trip alone. Recently crowned winner of Chaine des Rotisseurs UK Young Chef of the Year it is evident from the get-go that Gould is destined for great things, and you leave grateful to be allowed an early glimpse of what’s to come from a chef with great promise within this intimate dining space.
Rested and relaxed with the World placed on mute a good night’s sleep can be assured at Fishmore Hall, and you awake the following day to a variety of in-room coffee options before tucking in to a hearty breakfast overlooking the hotel gardens. As you depart for the long drive home you exit the driveway a thousand times more relaxed than when you entered it, feeling like a dose of serenity and indulgence is just what was needed before the hubbub of urban life prepares to greet you once again.
Fishmore Hall is treating guests this autumn with a fabulous buy one-get-one-free offer on both food and accommodation. The offer runs until the end of November and means guests can enjoy two nights for the price of one in a double or twin room and buy-one-get-one-free on all lunches.
For more details, visit Fishmoorehall.co.uk.
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