Set in 62 acres of glorious private gardens in lush Kent countryside, Eastwell Manor is the classic grand country house hotel. Owned by health spa brand Champneys since 2017, the impressive manor house has had an total revamp, with more updates to come, and is now a destination spa hotel. And there's no shortage of activities on offer beyond the spa and country walks, from golf and tennis to falconry and pétanque.
Despite being just an hour's drive or train ride from London, Eastwell's rural setting makes it a true escape: once you hit the long, winding drive you won't glimpse a building or vehicle that's not part of the Eastwell Estate. There's a sense of blissful isolation from the real world.
The hotel enjoys a secluded spot in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a short drive from Ashford.
By car: Eastwell Manor is 1 hour 45 minutes from London, just under 2 hours from Cambridge and 2 hours 10 minutes from Oxford.
By train: Ashford International station is less than four miles from the hotel (12 minutes by car), with links to all major London destinations and the high-speed Eurotunnel. Wye station is less than three miles away and Canterbury West and East are just over 10 miles from the hotel. thetrainline.com
By air: London Southend, London City and London Gatwick are all around an hour's drive from the hotel.
As with any Champneys property, it's ideal for girly spa breaks and romantic getaways but also a great option for families. Sipping a pre-dinner G&T in a giant cabana on the lawns while watching your family play pétanque makes you feel entirely at home.
For all its manor house grandeur, Eastwell isn't stuffy, as reflected in the funky food van serving refreshments by the outdoor pool.
- Spa, gym and heated indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Lawn games
- Tennis courts
- Gardens
- Terrace
- Spa restaurant
- Bar and lounge
- Brasserie
- Afternoon tea
We love the romance of the two Shepherds Huts, complete with woodburners, Insta-perfect interiors and sweeping views. The Luxe Manor House rooms have mesmerising views of the Eastwell Estate and a sense of luxuriousness that's easy to get used to.
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Facilities include: twin or double bed, ensuite bathroom, TV, Nespresso machine, cotton towels, robes and slippers, luxury toiletries, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer
Afternoon tea is an Eastwell Manor institution - even Queen Victoria indulged while she stayed here. We love breakfast too, with unusual menu options like shakshuka and spinach, and guacamole burritos.
Brasserie at The Manor: European cuisine, steaks, classic salads. Open for lunch and dinner. Mains from £18.
Spa restaurant: light bites, healthy dishes, seafood.
Afternoon tea: teas from around the world, finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones. From £26pp.
Bar and lounge: cocktails, mocktails, fine wines and premium spirits.
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