Switch life down a gear at this riverside retreat

At just 40 minutes from central London, The Runnymede hotel might just be the countryside retreat you need to reset yourself for summer

Why Go

Because a weekend at The Runnymede is the luxury hotel break that your body and mind deserves this summer. Just 40minute train journey from central London and 10 minutes from Heathrow, the hotel is perfectly located for a pre or post holiday pamper and also conveniently located to Ascot, Twickenham Stadium, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle if you’re considering a visit. Runnymede sits slap bang on the most picturesque stretch of the river Thames surrounded by beautiful English countryside and offers an affordable range of motorised boats to hire by the hour moored right outside - ideal for a romantic weekend away. It also has an award-winning spa and two excellent restaurants. Need we say more?

Style

Runneymede may be steeped in history (its famous for being the location where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215) but the hotel itself is refreshingly sleek, minimalist and modern in style. The vibe throughout is relaxed and informal with none of the airs and graces of many traditional country house hotels. Many rooms overlook the tranquil river with its passing canal boats snaking their way through the countryside and all are decked out stylishly in neutral tones (and thankfully feature huge fluffy pillows, impressive power showers, luxurious baths and espresso machines)

Eat up

Dine at the Leftbank restaurant which features an impressive buffet each evening including a full salad bar, meat and seafood station plus a DIY pizza and stir fry section, which allows guests to pick their ingredients before it is hand made to order by the chef. Particular highlights include carvery with a selection of prime cuts perfectly cooked and a daily seafood menu, which included a killer fresh squid and chorizo during our visit. Other dining options include the Lounge bar for excellent afternoon teas and the Lock Bar and Kitchen which offers a lovely a la carte options with highlights such as ‘low and slow’ roast joint of the day, wood fired fresh fish and fresh pasta and gnocchi to order. The Sunday Roast lunch is not to be missed. All restaurants offer great quality food and excellent service in an informal but romantic setting overlooking the river so you cant go wrong whichever you try.

Don’t miss

A visit to the hotel’s famous spa to try the impressive new infrared cabin, which will melt away, aches and pains and lift spirits. Expect excellent facilities such as an inside and outside swimming pool, whirlpool bath, steam and sauna plus a range of treatments featuring top brands including Guinot, ESPA and Jessica. The spa also offers a wide selection of massages, scrubs and facials, but if you’re serious about getting away from it for a few hours, try one of their Half Day Experiences including a head, neck and shoulder massage, hot stone facial, salt and polish scrub and anti-tension scalp massage before you while away a few hours making use of the spa’s many facilities. Top if off with a private sunset champagne cruise down the canal and you’ll be feel you’ve been away for weeks.

Come here for:

A romantic break, special celebratory weekend with the girls, or a pamper with mum. Two nights bed and breakfast including your first dinner in Leftbank and full use of the spa is from £309 for two.