Get a cruise buzz at home

Have you ever wished you could enjoy a cruise-like experience on land? Now you can, thanks to Warner Hotels’ great mini break packages. Unlike other hotel chains, Warner Hotels offer you the chance to book an all-inclusive package which includes breakfast, a 3-course dinner and nightly entertainment at one of their 11 hotels in the UK. All that’s extra are your drinks.

I was lucky enough to experience what’s on offer on a recent three-night break to their flagship hotel, Heythorp Park in the Cotswolds, a spectacular, Grade II* listed, Italian Baroque country house that dates back 300 years.

From the moment you drive down the long gravel path to the hotel you know you’re in for a real treat. The hotel is divided into two parts – one in the old house and one in the chic modern extension. Thanks to some great design work, the two flow easily together and the overall effect is a total success.

Our Superior Room in the South Wing, which overlooks the beautiful gardens was large, well equipped with a super comfy bed and a powerful shower. And in the sitting area, you can make your own tea and coffee, so it feels like a real home from home.

Like a ship, this roomy hotel is made to be explored. It features lots of comfy common areas and boasts three restaurants, Brasserie32, The Travelling Duke Pub & Kitchen and The Market Kitchen. There are also two live music venues including the Late Lounge, a handful of buzzy bars and a spa with an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tubs on the outdoor terrace.

It would be easy to spend all your time in the hotel but being based in Chipping Norton, it’s a great base for exploring the region’s most noteworthy villages including Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold. We even managed to make a trip to the Diddly Squat farm where Jeremy Clarkson was filming that day.

After a hard day’s sightseeing, it was great to get back to Heythorp Park for a quick dip in the pool before dinner. We tried out all the restaurants during our stay with top marks going to Brasserie32 for its great menu and incredible views. However, my favourite restaurant was the buzzy Market Kitchen where you can enjoy a modern menu with lots of choice including a daily changing buffet.

Like a cruise, post dinner, most guests head for the West End-style theatre. In our short stay, we enjoyed some great song and dance acts and Warner Hotels prides itself on attracting some great talent so look out for Dara O’Brien and Faith Tucker appearing at Heythorp Park in the next six months.

Our stay was fun, relaxing and really enjoyable – and Heythorp Park is a total knockout.