Gin-tasting, spa heaven and a few bullseyes – Tracy Ramsden has a captivating stay at Studley Castle
To find out more, visit warnerhotels.co.uk
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GIRLS’ WEEKEND
Invigorated and energised, there’s one thing on our bucket
Rest easy: the Studley Wing offers contemporary chic
Dip in: swim a few lengths or lounge by the pool with a good book
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WITH the frantic festive build-up, a packed work schedule and life’s endless to-do list, the chance of a weekend away with friends feels like nothing short of bliss.
So I do the sensible thing: pack my cozzie, my go-to party outfit (velvet trousers, heels) and, along with my friend Sarah, hot-foot it to Studley Castle, a beautiful, grade II-listed Warner Hotel deep in the Warwickshire countryside.
As we wind our way up the tree-lined driveway, it feels like stumbling upon a secret country hideaway.
There is something magical about rounding the corner: the breathtaking spectacle of the imposing castle’s central turret rising before us. It is like stepping into a fairytale.
Unwind in The Stables Spa
Grand entrance: Studley Castle in Warwickshire
In fact, we have arrived for a much-needed break from parent duties
at Warner Hotel’s jewel in the hotel crown where – whisper it – no kids
are allowed.
Crunching along the gravel path, wheelie cases in tow (I’ve packed a chunky knit and puffer coat with boots for outdoor adventures, and heels for hitting the dancefloor), I feel my shoulders relax immediately.
It could be the sight of the adjoining double-height, contemporary glass building – The Stables Spa – where chilled-out couples and groups of friends recline on loungers wearing fluffy white robes.
There are welcomes, and then there’s a warm Studley Castle welcome.
Bringing the first fizz of festive excitement, a twinkling 20ft Christmas tree greets us on arrival at the decadent but cosy entrance.
Sure, we could have checked in immediately, but with so much to pack in, we drop our bags and head straight for a gin-tasting masterclass.
Inside the dedicated cocktail lounge, we are expertly guided through a series of gins – tried neat – followed by flavoured varieties with interesting mixers… anyone else thought of switching tonic for ginger ale?
If gin is not your thing, there are also cocktail-making or wine-tasting events that pop up weekly at Studley Castle.
Next, we head to our room, having seamlessly eased into the relaxed pace.
We are lucky enough to have landed a Castle Suite, located via a hidden doorway in the central turret, and it manages to be both inviting and impressive.
High-thread-count sheets and modern interior touches sit perfectly alongside heavy antique furniture. But it is the huge claw-footed bathtub inside a turret that really seals the deal.
There is no time to hang about, however: the prospect of dinner is calling us to the Evesham Restaurant – think high-end buffet meets ballroom.
We tuck into a hearty roast to the mellow sounds of an acoustic singer.
It is easy to see why Studley Castle attracts some of the biggest names on the live scene, including Beverley Knight. Cabaret never felt so classy.
Later, when dinner is over and the cocktails are flowing, the dancefloor comes to life as Eighties tribute band The Wild Boys – who have played
at the Isle of Wight Festival – take us on a nostalgia trip that is pure escapist joy.
Studley Castle is notching up its party image next year with a live Strictly Come Dancing Weekend Experience and an appearance from The Arg Band (yes, James Argent from Towie), as well as tribute bands covering everyone from Whitney and Prince to Kate Bush and Take That.
By the time the silent disco kicks off at midnight we are in full-on dance mode and keep throwing shapes until the early hours.
Come the morning, usually it would be impossible to drag myself away from such a crisp, comfortable bed – but there’s more to explore.
There are guided walks around the castle’s epic grounds and woodland
(28 acres of them), but instead we take to two wheels, armed with a map (provided) and a pair of Pashley bicycles hired from the hotel.
I enjoy learning about the castle’s rich, feminist history: purchased by Lady Warwick in 1903, Studley Castle was turned into Studley Horticultural & Agricultural College for Women to provide horticultural training to daughters of the gentry.
It later became a training camp for the Women’s Land Army during the First and Second World Wars, and remained a women’s college for the next 60 years. So it feels rather apt for a girls’ weekend away in 2023.
The hotel is perfectly located to explore nearby landmarks such as
Warwick Castle or learn about the life of the Bard at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
We swing by the award-winning brewery, Purity Brewing Co – set on a working farm four miles from the hotel – for a pint of locally crafted ale before returning to the cocoon of Studley Castle’s Stables Spa.
Sarah and I soon discover the ultra-modern and glossy spa can be anything you want it to be. It’s light and bright, and oozes wellness.
We arrive in time for an aqua aerobics class (elsewhere you’ll find
yoga, Pilates and a high-spec gym), but we skip that and head for the treatment rooms.
There may be a 16-metre swimming pool to dive into but – with zero fomo – instead I go for a Power Breakfast Facial, a deeply nourishing 25-minute treatment that leaves my skin glowing.
Invigorated and energised, there’s one thing on our bucket list to tick off before the weekend is out.
Sticking firmly with the country pursuits theme – tweed flat cap optional – we head to the rifle range and it’s thrilling to pick up an air rifle for some target practice.
Of course, we are supervised by an expert, and get fully briefed on safety equipment; aside from the odd target miss, I surprise myself by hitting the bullseye more than once.
Smug at having added a skill to my repertoire (you can also try your hand at archery), I’ve worked up an appetite.
Of course, a weekend escape in the Great British countryside would not be complete without a traditional afternoon tea.
Here at Studley Castle, it is served in the finest china, in the grandest dining room: the wood-panelled Oak Room – all crisp white tablecloths, dainty teacups and tiered cake stands.
We tuck into salmon and cream cheese sandwiches followed by delicious scones, and toast an unforgettable weekend over a glass of pink fizz.
Country living to a tea: the Oak Room lays on traditional fare
‘Crunching
up the gravel path, I feel my shoulders
relax’
‘If gin is not your thing, there's cocktail-making or wine-tasting’
‘The modern, glossy spa is light, bright and oozes wellness’
‘Sticking with the country pursuits theme, we head to the rifle range’
A Castle Room offers a true historic-house experience
Hit the bullseye with something new, such as archery
Brasserie 32 is the spot to enjoy classic British cooking
Get a taste of country life with laser clay shooting
Kick back over coffee in the Garden Room
Raise a glass: guests can sit back and enjoy a weekend of luxury