If you want to explore a land steeped in history, with breathtaking scenery to rival any on earth, then the United Kingdom is the place for you. The entire country has been shaped by successive waves of invaders, with Britain’s imperial grandeur reflected in its mighty cathedrals, royal palaces, and sweeping country estates.
I recently learned about a gem of a property, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, located in Wiltshire. This hotel is one of the United Kingdom’s finest country houses and is just a stone’s throw from Bath. Beautiful gardens surround the magnificent Palladian-style mansion, providing endless opportunities for photography. There’s so much to do there. It is a destination in itself!
Lucknam Park Hotel sits on 500 acres of listed parkland just 6 miles from Bath.
ABOUT THE HOTEL
The hotel has been around since the 17th century and is the home to Sir Arthur Lucknam, a prominent English industrialist who made his fortune in mining. This hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, and other notable guests.
Lucknam Park was built in 1720 and has 43 bedrooms, including 13 suites in addition to Keeper’s Cottage – a self-contained 3-bedroom cottage and Squire’s Cottage, both located on the grounds of the hotel. All rooms are individually designed with en-suite bathrooms.
Restaurant Hywel Jones is overseen by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Hywel Jones and is open daily for breakfast and dinner from Thursday to Sunday. The Brasserie offers fine yet informal dining and is open daily from 08:00 to 22:00.
All beginner and advanced riders are welcome at the Equestrian Center. Guests can choose between taking a lesson or riding out on a hack.
Within the walled garden is the award-winning ESPA spa, with an indoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, and eight treatment rooms, including a nail bar and Dry Floatation room.
On the estate, you will also find two floodlit outdoor tennis courts, a 5-a-side football pitch, a children’s playground, and The Hideaway, which is all about parents enjoying quality time with their children, catering for all ages with a variety of activities, bicycles, a croquet lawn – all available for guests use.
Grand Master Suite at Lucknam Park – Virtuoso
WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO?
This destination is a stunning oasis in the heart of Bath, and it’s just a short walk from the hotel. So what is in store for you, all within about an hour’s traveling time from the hotel:
The Roman Baths (15 minutes away from Lucknam Park)
Roman Baths’ purpose was to provide thermal baths and swimming pools for the people of the city, who were mainly soldiers and wealthy citizens.
The baths are open-air courtyards surrounded by walls and arches, which allow sunlight and air to flow through them. The central square contains the main water pool for swimming, bathing, and other recreational activities. There is also an area where people could relax on stone benches or lie down on marble slabs while getting massages from “therapeutic assistants.”
The Romans believed bathing helped improve their health and appearance by purifying their bodies from dirt and grime accumulated over time.
The Roman Baths in Bath, England
Stonehenge (45 minutes away from Lucknam Park)
The story of Stonehenge is one of the oldest in the world. According to the belief, the stones were brought to Salisbury Plain by a race of giants. No one knows precisely when or why they got there. Theories abound, from the rocks being an ancient calendar or even a burial ground for dead kings and queens.
The most famous theory is that the stones are religious— for pagan rituals or perhaps as some temple to worship solar gods. There are still many unanswered questions about Stonehenge and its purpose, but it remains one of the most mysterious sites in England today.
Stonehenge
Castle Combe Village (25 minutes away from Lucknam Park)
Castle Combe Village, located in Wiltshire, is one of the most beautiful villages in England. It is known for its stunning scenery and historical heritage, as well as its incredible art and music festivals. The village is a famous tourist destination, with over half a million visitors each year.
Castle Combe is home to over 60 listed buildings, including some that date back to the 12th century. The oldest struct in the village is St. Bartholomew’s Church (built between 1150-1250), which features a rare octagonal tower that was added in 1475 by Sir John Seymour (the Earl of Hertford).
The village has been home to many famous people over the years, including Sir Francis Bacon (philosopher), Sir Edward Coke (legislator), Dorothy Wordsworth (poet), Alfred Lord Tennyson (poet), William Morris (artist), and Henry Moore (sculptor).
Castle Combe Village
Dyrham park (30 minutes away from the hotel)
The park has a long history, stretching back to the 16th century when it was part of an estate owned by the Dyrham family. It was given to the National Trust in 1920 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry Martin. The Martins were avid gardeners, and they created many gardens at their home, including a rock garden and a conservatory. Their daughter, Miss Joan Martin, continued working in the parks after her parents passed away in 1954 and 1972.
Today, Dyrham Park attracts over half a million visitors each year who come to see its more than eight miles of paths, meadows, and woodlands, as well as enjoy its magnificent gardens (which include an Italian garden with a Renaissance-style fountain).
Dyrham park in Bath, England
Longleat Safari Park (30 minutes away from the hotel)
The park is a family-friendly safari park in the UK. It’s home to over 700 animals, including giraffes, kangaroos, rhinos, and tigers. The park offers animal shows, rides and activities for kids, and an animal encounter trail.
Ankole Cows at Longleat Safari Park
Stourhead (20 minutes away from the hotel)
Stourhead is a beautiful, picturesque estate located in the United Kingdom.
Stourhead is famous because it contains a lake with an island referring to “The Floating Island.” The island looks like an island that you would find in Greece or Italy. Henry Moore (one of Britain’s most famous sculptors) designed several statues on the island.
There are also many statues around Stourhead, including ones made by other famous artists such as David Wynne-Morgan. He made some statues that look like they’re coming out of the ground as if they were growing naturally (called “earthworks”).
Stourhead
Book Lucknam Park through Inspired Travel Designs and get the following perks!
Upgrade upon arrival depending on availability
Daily English breakfast for two
Champagne afternoon tea set up on the parkland (or drawing room in the event of weather)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
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