Coworth Park is a hotel where you feel like royalty. Not only because it’s where the Windsor Princes stayed the night before Harry married Meghan (though this is also true).
The hotel takes refined elegance alongside rural charm and nestles it amidst Ascot’s countryside. On brand for its location, there’s an equestrian club on site, offering rides for adults and a pony club for children. I’m not the horsey type (my fall rate is 100%: I fell the only time I attempted lessons) but after hearing they run a ‘champagne hack’, I did consider getting back in the saddle.
In addition to their two professional polo fields, the estate hosts wildflower meadows, lime groves, and a sunken garden in its 240 acres. A path outlines the perimeter if you want to explore by foot but if you’d prefer to act like real royalty and not lift a finger (or toe) there’s a buggy service (equipped with thick blankets on cold days).
Take in the rolling fields and vivid colours as you jump to ‘The Barn’ for a comfort-inspired lunch menu, or pop to the spa to luxuriate in an extensive and diverse treatment menu. Mind you, it’s not just humans they pamper in these grounds: signs remind the buggies to ‘slow for swans’ as you zip past ponds and lakes of the bucolic setting.
The real reason to visit (not that the aforementioned isn’t outstanding) is the food. Adam Smith’s, Woven is a worthy star-winner. Smith is a chef to keep your eyes on and your stomach empty for. The whole team help to tell the story on the plate. Adam’s evening tasting menu combines old world favourites with modern techniques. He takes home cooking and packages it up with innovative flair.
The snacks are one-bite perfection. His twists on East End classics, pie and liquor and jellied eels were inspired. The lobster tail with shaved white truffle? The stuff of kings and queens. And his breadbasket is certainly something to write home about. The cheese croissant steals the show (I only wish I’d stashed one in a napkin to eat the next day). That said, there wouldn’t have been much room; breakfast is also outstanding.
Your first decision of the day is made difficult here. Continental platters of local produce arranged in art-worthy tessellations; a selection of perfectly cooked eggs and pancakes; plus, a fruit and yoghurt table with honey dripping straight from the comb? This place is quite the nectar for any weekend getaway.
When you’re in need of unbuttoning those trousers after a feast, the rooms are the perfect place to retreat to. You can choose to stay in the Mansion House, The Stables or one of the cottages. Capacious at upwards of 35sqm and with king-size beds, they surprisingly still feel cosy. Perhaps a result of The Dorchester’s signature linen and plush furnishings. Or maybe it’s the hotel’s thoughtful gestures. I ate my shortbread while reading The Book of Idle Pleasures left in the bath tray. After entering prune mode, wrap yourself in a crisp white robe and draw the drapes round your four-poster bed to feel like a true princess.
And with a journey time less an hour from the city (a train from Waterloo only takes 49 minutes) you don’t even need to cancel all your Friday afternoon engagements to make the most of your weekend. A setting and hotel so good, I’ll definitely be back. Hopefully next time with my very own prince charming.
Blacknest Rd, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 7SE; Coworth Park
