The Earl of Clarendon's stately pile, just 18 miles from London's Hyde Park, is all about urban chic in the countryside. The seemingly endless activities on offer at The Grove are top notch, and the 300-acre setting is nothing short of spectacular. It’s also a handy bolthole for sheer indulgence, relaxation – and not a hint of bling. 
Recommended hotel: The Grove
The Grove says
The former home of the Earls of Clarendon, a magnificent 18th century house set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire parkland, has been transformed into a spectacular hotel with a beguilingly modern twist. Dubbed London’s Country Estate, it’s informal, unstuffy and contemporary whilst oozing style and comfort in a grand setting - and all just 17 miles from central London.
The 227 bedrooms, described as “groovy grand” by their designers, are stuffed with antique and modern furniture, great art, giant plasma screens and terrific views over the estate’s parkland. Some have balconies or terraces, some have working fireplaces and all of them scream comfortable indulgence.
Get active with a round of golf on our stunning 18-hole championship course. Notch up a few lengths in the indoor or outdoor swimming pools, hit the state-of-the-art gym, or enjoy a game of tennis or croquet. You could fill an entire day simply exploring the grounds which include romantic formal gardens, woodland, meadowlands, a wetland area, two lakes and even beehives producing Grove Honey.
For some grown-up pampering, Sequoia is our “to-die-for” spa with a unique range of ESPA treatments, vitality pool and relaxation areas - voted Conde Nast Traveller’s Favourite UK Hotel Spa in 2008.
Dress up or down for dinner, with a choice of three bars and three restaurants including Colette’s (a la carte), The Glasshouse (fresh food cooked to order) and The Stables (comfort food).
Children have their own bolthole, the OFSTED-inspected kids’ centre, Anouska’s, with its own pool, indoor and outdoor play areas and supervised entertainment programme. Children aged three months and upwards are welcome.
Click here for more about The Grove and the latest special offers and packages.
