FOR Cumbrians, the Cotswolds can seem a mammoth cross-country journey which few venture to when the Lake District is just a stone’s throw away.
But what both the Lakes and Cotswolds have in common is that they are England’s most treasured countryside, and well worth the visit for those eager to explore further afield.
The Cotswolds seemed a long 200-mile journey from Cumbria, worsened by the fact we encountered two-hours’ worth of delays on the M6.
These initial hiccups were immediately forgotten after we approached the idyllic Salford Hall in the vale of Evesham.
Salford Hall by Karma is a historic country retreat dating back 700 years which neighbours the English Cotswolds, one of the prettiest rural regions anywhere in the British Isles.
Nestled amid farms, fields and ancient villages, Karma Salford Hall once belonged to King Henry VIII and retains its Tudor charm.
We were greeted by an array of smiling faces upon arrival who all went above and beyond to ensure our stay went as smoothly as possible.
Our room was a step back in time into Tudor England, featuring coats of arms’ of prominent local families and retaining the historical fabric of the building’s past.
Spacious and comfortable but a little bit chilly, which is to be expected of any historical accommodation.
The hotel is a stone’s throw away from the picturesque villages of Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water which is known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses.
On an exceptionally warm day of 22 degrees, we made the walk up Broadway Tower; an iconic landmark which is on top of the beautiful Cotswolds escarpment.
Later that evening, we were treated to a hearty meal in the hotel’s award-winning Tempest restaurant.
Starting with a vegetarian arancini followed by a fillet of steak and homemade chips, the dishes lived up to the restaurant’s impressive reputation. The night was wrapped up with a mouth-watering chocolate pudding shared between the two of us.
It was very easy to get lost in the hotel’s many rooms and corridors which resulted in us stumbling into the library and hidden-gem of a game’s room.
The next morning we over-indulged ourselves on a full English breakfast followed by a Sunday roast dinner just hours later.
In between, I tested out the hotel’s spa – or rather treatment room – for a one-hour long full body massage which did not disappoint.
Although the treatment room could be modernised, this did not take away from the quality of the massage itself given by my lovely and experienced therapist.
She mentioned the hotel may branch out into further spa facilities in the future which I believe would definitely benefit the resort and attract more visitors.
No request was too troublesome for the dutiful staff (including a 10pm order of a chocolate pudding) which made guests feel comfortable and catered to at all times.
Ultimately Karma Salford Hall offers a quintessentially English experience that will linger long in memory.
For Lake District lovers, the Cotswolds are a home from home filled with quaint villages and charming eateries. We will definitely be returning!
The average price for a room at Salford Hall is around £180 including breakfast.
For any enquiries or to book your stay, call 01386 871300.
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