PART of The Signet collection of boutique hotels, The Barnsdale fully embraces its rural surroundings for the ultimate laid-back stay.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is The Barnsdale?
The elegant countryside retreat just a stone’s throw from one of the UKs most famous reservoirs, Rutland water.
It’s around an hour’s drive from Nottingham and Leicester.
What’s The Barnsdale like?
The Barnsdale has all the charm of a dainty cottage in the Cotswolds, but with the hospitality benefits of a 4* hotel.
A former hunting lodge constructed in 1760 that – despite the installation of modern amenities – still has an old world feel to it in the form of grand paintings and varnished wooden furnishings.
Because of its rural location, this hotel is certainly one to visit during the summer months when you can take advantage of the green grounds.
What are the rooms like?
Each of the 46 rooms is decorated in a typically English style with pastel-toned walls, frilly cushions and patterned armchairs.
The Classic is the smallest and cheapest of the bunch and worth it for the lower price.
The only difference in rooms, bar the decorative tweaks, tends to be size and the view (the Royal Room has one of the best).
What is there to eat and drink?
The hotel’s 1760 Brasserie serves classic British favourites including seared scallops doused in butter and a mouthwatering 32-day dry-aged ribeye served with chips.
I opted for the Atlantic cod which was seasoned well and served with an unctuous vermouth sauce.
Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the sticky toffee pud – this one’s a real crowd pleaser.
What else is there to do?
People come for the outdoor Signet Spa where wood-fired hot tubs, a heated pool and a glass-walled sauna overlook fields of grazing Highland cows.
It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, sipping on sparkling wine and admiring the creatures munching away on the grass.
The only downside to the spa being entirely outdoors is the unpredictability of the British weather.
Fret not, though – every spa guest is given a DryRobe and flipflops to plod around in.
When the drizzle hit, we persevered in our tub.
Big thanks to the staff member who swiftly came to the rescue with a couple of umbrellas.
Massages can often be overpriced, but not here. My therapist truly listened to my needs and pressure preferences, ensuring I enjoyed every one of those 60 blissful minutes.
How much is The Barnsdale?
Classic rooms cost from £85 per night with brekkie.
Is The Barnsdale family-friendly?
Extremely. Family rooms come with separate bedrooms with bunk beds and a main room with a double bed.
There’s plenty within the hotel to keep kids busy and entertained.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
The main dining areas are wheelchair accessible, but there are no specific accessible bedrooms.
