A Perfect Stay at Rudding Park

By Kelly Bailey

On entering the beautiful reception at Rudding Park you are aware you are going to have a special experience.  The glorious high ceilings and wonderful art work draw the eye all around.  The staff at reception were very welcoming and ready to assist in reservations for lunch the following day.  Wandering around the hotel is a delight for the eye with glass windows

acting as picture frames for the beauty of nature as well as the fine art displayed on most walls.

On arrival in our room my daughter received a personalised cookie and a bottle of strawberry bubble-gum scented bubbles for her bath later.  She was over the moon!  I was far more interested in the king-sized bed and the huge walk in shower and under floor heating in the bathroom!  We were blown away by the view from our room and terrace to the perfectly manicured gardens and flower beds.  My partner however, was far more interested in something that couldn’t be found in our room, the golf course!!  After we had enjoyed a wander around the hotel and the surrounding area and my partner a round of golf, it was time for dinner.

This meal was a treat for the senses, all around the dining room were various pieces of art work to be enjoyed along with the enticing smells coming from the kitchen and the low hum of other diners enjoying their dinner – a perfect ambiance.  When my steak arrived at the table I was more than ready to enjoy it.  I can honestly say it was the best steak and fries I have ever eaten!!  My partner enjoyed the duck, which he also said was the best he had ever tasted.  My pudding of coconut tapioca was the ideal end to an incredible meal.

Then it was off to bed, for a superbly comfortable night sleep.  We all awoke the following morning refreshed and ready for the day ahead at Rudding Park, which started with the cooked breakfast.  While there wasn’t too much room left after dinner the night before, room was made as everything looked too good to leave.  Full as full can be, we left our room to enjoy the ground of the hotel and the nature walks they have helpfully mapped out, a perfect way to end our stay.

My favourite part of the hotel (other than our exceptionally comfortable room!) was the library, with the books organised by colour of the spines as well as alphabetically!!  A very calming room with a range of comfortable seats to enjoy the classics as well as contemporaries.  Sadly, I didn’t get the opportunity to sample the extensive spa menu but if the quality and service of the rest of the hotel is anything to go by, I imagine that too would be an overwhelmingly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

After staying at Rudding Park I fully understand Trip Advisor’s decision to award this hotel ‘Number 1 in the UK’ and I already cannot wait to go back!’