Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa

We got a good price through a Wowcher deal, which covered the room, breakfast, a cocktail and spa access. The room was spacious, with a huge comfortable bed, a hot shower and bath, and a good choice of tea and coffee. Breakfast had a really nice range of hot and cold food, and the buffet quality was very good. There was just one coffee machine, though, and the queue put me off waiting for a cup in the end. The staff were all really pleasant and welcoming, and service was great. The spa had a sauna, steam room, snow cave and several jacuzzis, all in good condition. The pool was average in size and temperature. There were only about six loungers, so on a busy Saturday there wasn’t much room to lie down and relax. Children could use the pool from 2 to 4pm. I’m a parent too, but children playing with foam tubes took away from the relaxing spa atmosphere for me. I’d come back, though I’d choose a weekday because of those spa issues.

The spa was clean, had plenty of variety, and was a wonderful part of our weekend. The food was delicious, and our room was great, with excellent shower pressure. The Country Escape package included two days of full spa access, lunch up to £20 per person and dinner up to £50 per person on the first day, plus breakfast the next day. We also each chose a spa treatment, and there was champagne waiting in our room when we arrived. Staff at the hotel and spa were generally friendly, helpful and keen to make the stay a good one. One spa receptionist seemed to be having a bad day, and getting to the hotel was a bit tricky. Still, my friends and I had a lovely weekend away.

The food at both dinner and breakfast was exquisite. Although the place was very busy, the staff were so pleasant and attentive that we still felt like special guests. The spa was inviting and very clean, and the grounds were beautiful and well kept. Our room was warm, clean and beautifully decorated, with really comfortable beds. We’ll definitely return to this lovely 4-star hotel.

The food was gorgeous, especially the pancakes, which were honestly the best I’ve ever had. The tables looked beautiful, and the make-your-own decorations, colouring sheets and crayons were a nice touch. The Santa gift bag was good quality and had great toys in it. We went as a family of three with our four-year-old daughter, and Santa was kind and respectful with the children without rushing them. The staff were incredibly kind, professional and friendly throughout. The breakfast with Santa event was magical from start to finish and so well run. We’d highly recommend it and will look out for next year.