Sometimes it is nice just to get away, but with flight costs and travel annoyances it is not always easy to. Now with staycations on the rise people are discovering the gems of Britain previously overlooked. The small town of Ludlow in Shropshire is one such destination; located half an hour from Shrewsbury, near the Welsh border, the countryside town has a lot to offer.
Fishmore Hall, a former naughty boy's school turned beautiful country house hotel, resides just outside the main town surrounded by fields upon fields of cows, sheep and rural British countryside. The renovated school is now a 3 red star AA hotel that offers a range of elegant rooms and suites, some of which include disabled access and dog friendly options. Plus, you can even choose your favourite pillow option from the menu!
One of the bedrooms overlooking the Shropshire hills at Fishmore Hall hotel
The rooms are comfortable and spacious with a fresh and clean décor, and all come with complimentary robe, slippers and an en-suite equipped with delightful Elemis toiletries. Choose a standard room from £175 through to a luxury suite from £275, where you can get an open plan bath (if you book in time).
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Elemis Spa
As of November 2016 the Elemis spa was a very welcome addition to Fishmore Hall. With a tranquil Scandinavian vibe, the spa offers a wide range of Elemis treatments including Lava Shell massage and Biotec face treatments. The staff are very welcoming and helpful should you have any questions or require any recommendations about what to go for - though if you simply cannot decide, I would highly recommend the Garden of England Rose Restore massage which is a full body massage using Elemis oil and rose balm; you will smell amazing!
The spa also has excellent facilities including a steam room and sauna, both having several settings to try out, plus the steam room with rain and breeze functions! The (optional) scent of eucalyptus really feels revitalising throughout. Not to mention the outdoor Cedar wellness hot tub which is sheltered from any onlookers and has a beautiful view of the Shropshire hills, as well as any nosey cows that want to find out what is going on!
Forelles Fine Dining Restaurant
Other than the beautiful views and spectacular Elemis spa treatments, another must-try of the hotel is the Forelles restaurant. Headed up by head chef, Andrew Birch, you can experience fine dining in the elegant conservatory of your own hotel. The Tasting Menu is spectacular at every course and has a vegetarian option, as well as a wine pairing option with each course for an extra supplement. From the Scallop to the Pea and Ham soup (with Serrano ham croutons) through to the White Chocolate Elderflower cheesecake, it is truly a taste sensation not to be missed.
The Tasting Menu at Forelles fine dining restaurant featured Halibut & Pea & Ham Soup
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Ludlow Town
The historic town of Ludlow also has a lot to offer. Wander up the main streets and there are plenty of vintage and charity shops to peruse full of great little finds to take home with you. One main attraction, especially for any budding historians, is Ludlow Castle. Entry to the Norman castle visited by the likes of Catherine of Aragon is only £5 for adults and permits access to the entire castle and grounds. After climbing to the top of the tower for incredible views of the surrounding countryside, why not treat yourself to afternoon tea (I’d recommend the champagne upgrade too).
To book your own luxury spa staycation head over to Fishmore Hall.