10 of the best hotels for the over 50s
10 of the best hotels for the over 50s
The Nare
Veryan-in-Roseland
A ‘country house hotel by the sea’, in sub-tropical gardens overlooking Carne Beach, The Nare is old-fashioned in all the best ways. A four-o’clock cream tea, an hors d’oeuvre trolley and flame grills from a gueridon in the silver-service dining room are reminders of a less-frenetic age.
Dedham Hall
Colchester
In the heart of Constable country, this ancient manor house in gardens teeming with wildlife, has traditional, affordable accommodation. Residential art courses hold a particular appeal, and our readers’ reports paint a highly favourable picture.
Lewtrenchard Manor
Okehampton
A Jacobean manor house, almost entirely rebuilt by an ebullient Victorian, is today a family-run hotel. There are beautiful gardens to explore, Dartmoor national park is on the doorstep, public rooms are filled with period furniture and artworks, while a dinner of locally sourced produce is served in the panelled dining room.
Biggin Hall
Buxton
In a Peak District village, this Grade II* listed manor house is a welcoming hotel where complimentary drinks on arrival, and a packed lunch for walkers reflect a spirit of generosity. House bedrooms are traditionally furnished, with a modern bathroom.
Ees Wyke Country House
Ambleside
Overlooking Esthwaite Water, this Georgian country house – once Beatrix Potter’s holiday home – has a likeable, lived-in feel. In the light-filled dining room, with views to Coniston Old Man and the Langdale Pikes, a short menu of locally source dishes showcases local produce.
Plas Dinas Country House
Caernarfon
Anyone who can recall the romance between the young Princess Margaret and photographer Anthony Armstrong Jones will get a kick out of staying at his family’s country house. Public rooms are filled with family portraits and memorabilia, while Princess Margaret bedroom has a four-poster and a roll-top bath for two.
Greywalls
Gullane
Beside Muirfield golf course, this Lutyens-designed Arts and Crafts Edwardian house stands in with gardens attributed to Gertrude Jekyll. Golf nuts have a choice of ten courses within five miles, while others play tennis or croquet, before dining Chez Roux.
Castle Leslie Estate
Glaslough
Brimming with character and bonhomie, this Victorian mansion on a 1,000-acres estate, once beloved of poet laureate John Betjeman, is filled with Grand Tour heirlooms. Each main house bedroom comes with some colourful piece of Leslie family lore.
There is nothing stuffy or staid about these ten hotels. They all have broad appeal, but, from rural peace to beachside luxury, they are ideal for the over-50s in search of fresh air, a little peace and a bit of spoiling.