Home to Britain's only hotel-based hospitality school, Wivehoe House is a very comfy and unique place to stay. It has the feel of a country house hotel, but because the University of Essex is nearby, there are good bus connections into town, the shops and other facilities. Easy to reach from London, it is perfect for a weekend escape and a great base for exploring both Colchester itself and also multiple attractions nearby, including the pretty quayside town of Wivenhoe, Beth Chatto's famous gardens a couple of miles away and the delights of Dedham and Constable Country a little way north.
Spend two nights in luxury, with a five-course dinner for two with a glass of prosecco on one evening, an afternoon tea for two, plus a bottle of wine with chocolate covered strawberries in your room on arrival.
Two nights from £199pp*
Wivenhoe Park has lots of nice spots for a stroll, stretching out towards the university campus and two nearby lakes.
The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Britain's oldest town, Colchester, as well as the seaside and plenty of country walks.
By car: Wivenhoe House is just under 2 hours from London, 1 hour 30 mins from Cambridge and just under 3 hours from Birmingham. There is free parking at the hotel.
By train: London Liverpool Street to Colchester takes around 1 hour, after which a taxi takes 10 minutes. thetrainline.com
The hotel is split between the original 18th-century country house and the more modern rooms of the new wing, many of which have floor-to-ceiling windows and big balconies overlooking the park. It's perfect for couples looking for an easy escape from London, that's not too expensive, but has rooms that offer a touch of luxury.
The prices are very keen but the rooms are still luxurious, and with 24-hour room service you can feel properly pampered.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Family friendly
- Outdoor dining
- Gardens
- Free Parking
- Free Wi-Fi
We love the views of Wivenhoe Park from the guest room balconies - the contemporary rooms and suites in the modern wing are the best.
Classic Room, Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Luxury Room
Facilities include: double bed, ensuite bathroom with shower, designer toiletries, bathrobes, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi, digital TV/radio, writing desk, tea and coffee making facilities
Breakfast is a high quality and delicious mix of cereals, fruit, pastries, filled breakfast muffins and an excellent Full English (plus a veggie alternative). They also do a really good burger on the bar menu.
Brasserie Bar & Restaurant: modern European cuisine, stonebaked pizzas, classic British bar menu, Sunday roasts. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Three courses £25.
The Lounge: luxury afternoon teas, sandwiches, scones and cakes. Saturday and Sunday, 12-4pm. From £24.95 per person.
To view Wivenhoe House’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.