Paid partnership with Hoar Cross Hall
What was our experience staying at Hoar Cross Hall?
In January, we were invited to stay at Hoar Cross Hall to experience what this countryside Staffordshire retreat had to offer and aside from a place of refuge from the frosty winter weather. As we drove down the country lanes, surrounded by arable fields, tall hedgerows, rolling hills and patches of woodland copses, a sense of calm and tranquility filled us as we anticipated what we would find at the end of the road.
For a moment, as we entered the grounds on the driveway to the entrance, our eyes were fixed upon the manor of Hoar Cross Hall, the elegant former stately home adorned with elevated chimneys and contrasting loft gables. We received the keys to our room with ease and made our way to the suite, the first floor featured a cosy living room overlooking the grounds and on the second floor a spacious bedroom, en-suite, mezzanine landing perfect for reading which led onto the balcony with a hot tub. The balcony is perfectly positioned for watching the sunrise and sunset whilst unwinding in the hot tub with your favourite beverage which we made the most of whilst we stayed. Soft, fluffy robes and slippers awaited for us on the bed, letting no time pass we were dressed, eager for what was awaiting us at the award winning Elysium spa.
Hoar Cross Hall is part of the Elysium Collection, which is a group of luxury spas across the UK and they regularly reviews spas to ensure they meet the required high standards expected for a top spa experience. The spa is a labyrinth of surprises around every corner, from the saltwater vitality pool to comfortable swinging chairs. Once we found our bearings, we made our way to our treatments for our 60 minute relaxing full body massage putting us into full relaxation mode. That evening, we made our way to the Ballroom for dinner where we were presented with some delicious options as part of a three-course dinner.
We jumped out of bed to watch the sunrise before breakfast and were treated to a rose tinted sky. Breakfast was served in the Ballroom as a buffet style with a choice of continental, full English, juices, fruit, yoghurt, pastries, cereals and toast. It was a beautiful crisp morning, the ideal conditions for a walk to brush off the cobwebs and explore the immaculate grounds and gardens covered in a blanket of frost. Slowly the sun appeared over the tree-line and resulted in a somewhat outdoor spa, where frost sparkled into thousands of tiny sparkles evaporating into a blanket of rising mist bringing the gardens to life.
Our lunch was at Hugo's Restaurant, located right next to the spa you can wear your spa robes and slippers not to interrupt your day of relaxation. Similar to the dinner menu, Hugo’s presents a 3 course menu with a selection of salads, meats, pasta, cheeses, soups and more. We had the superfood salad, a combination of avocado, quinoa, feta, cucumber, edamame, mint and a delicious lemon and herb dressing. Following the superfood lunch, the theme was continued into the afternoon where we made our way to the treatment room for a 60 minute superfood pro-radiance facial. The facial was an enjoyable experience leaving us feeling like our skin was glowing and rejuvenated. As a result of the facial, our relaxed trance led us back to the spa and into the snooze room where you can rest on water beds under cosy blankets in complete silence, allowing yourself to be completely overcome by sleep. After pulling ourselves away from the snooze room, we returned to our room to get ready for dinner. The menu includes plant based, vegetarian and gluten free dishes and features some choices that are complimented by their own honey. Many of the vegetables are also grown within the grounds and the head chef choose daily seasonal and local and produce. One of the highlights of the stay was being able to slip into the hot tub after a pleasant dinner and gazing up to a clear night sky full of stars.
A peaceful and restful nights sleep in the cozy and comfortable bed, from which you can see out across the grounds and observe the ochre painted sky from the sun making its appearance signalling the final morning of our stay. Reluctantly, we left the grounds of Hoar Cross Hall, nonetheless left revitalised ready for whatever lay ahead of us.
Where is Hoar Cross Hall?
Named after the village of Hoar Cross, Hoar Cross Hall is situated in the countryside of Staffordshire in the West Midlands of England found at the end of a meandering country road. Approximately under an hour drive from Birmingham, Hoar Cross Hall is set within 50 acres of pristine grounds and gardens with its own church, its the perfect sanctuary away from the constant hum of everyday life.
How to get to Hoar Cross Hall?
The journey is approximately an hours drive from Birmingham and around 40 minutes from Derby and Stoke on Trent. Lichfield, Burton on Trent are both a short 20 minute drive from the hotel. There is plenty of parking onsite with the option to charge your electric car in the car park. It is possible to travel by train and the nearest stations are Burton-on-Trent, Uttoexeter and Lichfield City and from the stations you will need to catch a taxi.
What is Hoar Cross Hall known for?
Hoar Cross Hall was originally built around the 15th Century by the Welles family and was built on a hill with a moat and drawbridge. In 1740, the Ingram family took residence and most of the house was demolished due to decay. A plan was set out to restore the building to its former glory and the restoration was complete in 1871 by Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram and Lady Charlotte Wood. Hoar Cross Hall has many preserved original features including mullioned windows and hand carved monograms, the Ballroom also features a decadent William Morris wallpaper in a more recent refurbishment. An underground spa was built in 2005, providing a luxurious experience for hotel guests and day visitors and recently in 2021, a £14 million refurbishment was completed including updating room decor.
What facilities are at Hoar Cross Hall?
The hotel grounds include a variety of actives such as; tennis, boules and walking around the woodland where we spotted a robin. A gym provides the opportunity to join fitness classes or have personal training. Spa facilities include a saltwater vitality pool, whirlpools, plunge pool, aqua massage, heated loungers, relaxation rooms, saunas, stream rooms, hot tub and there are treatment options available including massages and facials. There is also a hair parlour, barber shop, spa boutique and Elemis skin lab where you can have a personalised skin consultation. There are three restaurants at Hoar Cross Hall to choose from; Hugo’s, Henry’s and the Ballroom.
what steps are hoar cross hall taking towards sustainability?
Hoar Cross Hall are working with Green Tourism UK to put changes at the hotel to protect and respect the environment. They are also a Founder Member of the Sustainable Spa Association, which is a global network of leading spas working collectively towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the objectives they are working towards include; reduce carbon footprint by changing their source of heating from oil to biomass, increasing their solar energy input and reducing single use items.
What is included in the rooms at Hoar Cross Hall? WHat Should I bring?
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Check in time for Hoar Cross Hall depends on which room you have booked. For the Snug or Comfy Room check in is from 3:30pm. All other rooms are available to check in from 3pm which include Garden Room or Suite, Exclusive Suite, Hot Tub Suite or Royal Suite. On the day of check out which is 11am for all rooms, you are allowed to use the spa facilities till 2pm.
A flat screen tv, ensuite bathroom, robes and slippers. A hair drier, tea, coffee and hot chocolate sachets, biscuits, toiletries and bottled water are supplied free of charge. Some of the rooms have views overlooking the gardens and grounds. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit or shorts to enjoy the spa and swimming facilities, if you have the energy bring activewear to use in the gym.
If you are interested in booking a stay at *Hoar Cross Hall, you can click the link *here to book your stay. When using this link we will receive a small commission per booking.
