Croquet on the lawn, strolls around the four-acre gardens, afternoon tea underneath the ancient cedar: a stay at The Priory is perfect for recreating wholesome Enid Blyton moments, albeit with added luxury (think a perfectly chilled bottle of Savennières rather than ginger beer).
The honey-toned building dates from the 1830s when it was built on land owned by The Priory of Bath Abbey. It has functioned as a hotel since 1969, more recently under the management of the Brownswords, who have filled its cosy lounges with impressive 20th-century oils from their own collection and sought to create the warm, welcoming feel of a (very fancy) family home. Here guests can happily loll around on enveloping sofas reading books, or sip G&Ts on loungers by the heated outdoor pool.
Bedrooms are equally comfortable: the decor is a modern take on traditional with delicate patterns, panelled walls and soft paint colours, while L’Occitane products and homemade biscuits add a personal touch. The swishest rooms (for those who want to really splash out) have balconies, roll-top baths and views overlooking the gardens.
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Although guests are encouraged to wear robes to pad across to The Garden Spa and its indoor pool, dinner in the restaurant is a collared shirt and smart shoes affair. Dishes are, as you’d expect, suitably intricate. Start with Brixham white crab, with caviar and peanut chilli caramel, and finish with coconut and pineapple soufflé with pineapple sorbet and a rum anglaise.
