I was so ready for it
Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa in Warminster
Spa days always feel like a real treat – even more so when they are an excuse to get out of the city. While Bristol certainly has some excellent spas – I love the Lido – I also enjoy exploring a bit further out.
I recently got invited to visit the Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa in Warminster, just over an hour’s drive from Bristol. Heading there mid-week on a rare day off, I was very excited for my day of pampering.
The drive there felt smooth – and even relaxing singing to Lily Allen’s new epic album – and I had no issue finding the hotel. Bishopstrow feels like a countryside getaway and I loved the fresh air in a cold, frosty morning.
I had a tour of the facilities by a member of staff, and I was reminded that the outdoor pool was currently closed while works took place. However, I didn’t mind this and I immediately knew what my starting place would be; the outdoor sauna and hot tubs located in the courtyard.
I spent about an hour going in between the two, sitting on a bench for some time too to cool down and appreciate the fresh air and take in the views.
Surrounded by countryside
Feeling much more relaxed already, I then spent some time in the indoor sauna. It may be because it was mid-week, but at no time I felt the facilities were crowded which was certainly a big bonus for me; nothing worse than trying to relax in a packed room full of people chatting.
Before my treatment, I spent some time relaxing by the pool which was much needed; I hadn’t even at Bishopstrow for two hours and I already felt much lighter.
It was then time for my treatment – a body and face ritual. I loved the back, neck and shoulder massage, which left my body feeling a lot less tense, while the facial was the perfect ending to a lovely treatment.
The indoor pool at Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa in Warminster
I still had some time before my afternoon tea (which I was terribly excited about) so I spent some more time relaxing in the dimly-lit quiet space. With some extremely comfortable loungers, it was hard to resist the temptation not to fall asleep and have a quick nap.
However, the real highlight of the day was still to come: the afternoon tea. A big fan of such a British tradition, it had been quite some time since I had indulged in one which added to my excitement.
The realaxation room at Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa in Warminster
Still wearing my spa robe and with a book under my arm, I arrived at the restaurant at about 2pm. I was sat in a quiet, airy room to the side, with only a couple of diners in the room; perfect for some relaxed reading over some yummy treats.
As usual, the afternoon tea consisted of a mixture of sweet and savoury treats. It featured the quintessentially British cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwich, as well as a delicious coronation chicken baguette.
I also enjoyed the crayfish and prawn lemon mayo brioche, while the mini yorkshire pudding with roast Somerset beef and horseradish cream was a good touch.
Afternoon tea at Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa in Warminster
The sweet treats were also exceptional, and I particularly enjoyed the honey and bee pollen madeleine which was incredibly moist. The summer strawberry shortcake done had a stunning presentation, as well as a delicate, sublime flavour.
A big fan of blondies, the white chocolate and raspberry one was filling and rich; as it should be. It perfectly complemented the light and zingy lemon meringue tart.
By this point I was filling pretty full – and slightly tipsy after a glass of champagne – and luckily I was able to take one of the scones home in a box. How organised of them.
It was now time for me to head back to Bristol and I was certainly doing so feeling much more relaxed, and feeling truly pampered. Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa is the ideal spot for a much-needed spa day.
Estel was a guest of Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa. She had a serenity spa experience (starting at £155) which gives spa facilities access from 8am to 2.30pm, a 50-minute treatment and a two-course lunch (which she swapped for an afternoon tea)