Where To Book For A Perfect Girls' Weekend Away
CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MGALLERY HOTELS
A Weekend In Bath
WHERE TO STAY
Francis Hotel Bath – MGallery
Less than two hours from Paddington on the train, you can be transported back in time to somewhere altogether pretty, with a lot going on. It’s a thriving city, where the streets are lined with historical buildings and there’s a great selection of shops, yet it all feels very, very lovely. This is Jane Austen’s Bath after all.
I stayed at Francis Hotel Bath – MGallery. MGallery is a collection of boutique hotels which combine luxury with culture and history. The collection ensures that each address has its own personality which relates back to the local history and is inspired by the story of both the hotel itself and of the area. Well-located and affordable, Francis Hotel Bath is a good option for someone wanting a central base for exploring Bath – and especially good for eccentric types, thanks to its quirky neo-Regency style that sprawls across seven interconnecting Georgian townhouses. As you pass between the townhouses across the corridors upstairs, the wallpaper changes and blue plaques on the walls reference distinguished past residents who once lived there.
Female travellers are also in for some perks with the ‘Inspired By Her’ programme, a special offering designed by women for women, to make life easier for female travellers through the likes of a collection of wellness services, tailored beauty products and in-room amenities. I was able to enjoy a delicious rose cocktail on arrival, and the emergency wellness kit in my room.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
The Thermae Bath Spa – The only natural thermal spa in Britain.
The Royal Crescent – Take a walk to see one of Bath’s most iconic landscapes for yourself. While you’re there, visit 1 Royal Crescent – a museum that’s furnished as it would have been back in the late 1700s.
The Holburne Museum – Make a quick stop here to see an impressive collection of fine art and exhibitions. One for real art buffs.
Walk the (many) pretty streets of Bath – half the magic of the city is wandering, exploring and unearthing. Sometimes having no direction is the best way to get familiar with a place and it’s easily do-able within a weekend in Bath.
WHERE TO EAT
Beckford Bottle Shop – Newly opened and well worth a visit, stop by for their cheese board and many a glass of wine (they are very well stocked).
Clayton’s Kitchen – A true gem of a restaurant, everything we had was absolutely delicious. Booked on a whim and so happy the stars aligned.
Malborough Tavern – A charming pub close by The Royal Crescent. If you’re coming on a Sunday and want a roast, book ahead.
The Chequers – Sister pub to the Malborough Tavern, equally pretty and a popular Sunday spot but also a good place for fish and chips.
Colonna & Small’s – A must for coffee lovers.
Brasserie Blanc – In the hotel is one of Raymond Blanc’s brassieries which serves breakfast through to dinner. As you’d expect, the menu is French with some international elements. The slow cooked pork and minute steak was divine.
WHERE TO SHOP
Found – A lifestyle store home to many wonderful goods. An ideal spot to stock up on ‘filler presents’ and little bits and bobs.
Anthropologie – OK, so I know London has a few but this is possibly the nicest Anthro store I’ve visited and it’s well worth a mooch around while you’re here.
Hay – The Danish design store’s only shop in the UK. Full of treats for making your home a stylish one.
Magalleria – A perfect little magazine shop that stocks the most incredible selection of independent magazines. Stepping inside, you discover how many great small titles there really are out there.
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A Weekend In Buckinghamshire
By Elena Shamis
WHERE TO STAY
Woughton House – MGallery
I was invited to stay at Woughton House – MGallery in Milton Keynes. What I particularly like about MGallery hotels is that they address the needs of female travellers. If you are looking for a place to have a girls’ weekend getaway, look no further than here – think cocktails on arrival, lovely in-room amenities and ladies’ afternoon tea. For those who want to explore the surroundings, Woughton House sits on 100 acres of verdant parkland.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Waddesdon Manor – If you only visit one place in Buckinghamshire, make it Waddesdon Manor. This country house was built for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 19th century in the neo-renaissance style of a French Loire Valley château. If you’re planning to visit only the grounds, you can buy a ticket when you arrive at the gate, but if you’d like to visit the house too, I’d recommend booking in advance as the tickets sell out quickly, especially at Christmas and during weekends.
Wrest Park – A country estate in Bedfordshire with a Grade I-listed 19th-century country house set within a restored garden landscape which dates to the 1600s. You can easily spend a day here admiring the beautiful gardens and sculptures and exploring the house.
Bletchley Park – A short drive from Woughton House is Bletchley Park, the main site for British code breaking during WWII. I was lucky enough to enjoy the hotel’s ‘Memorable Moment’ at Bletchley Park. ‘Memorable Moments’ are offered across the MGallery portfolio and offer experiences that allow guests to learn more about the heritage of a destination.
WHERE TO EAT
Woughton House – MGallery – Head to Seasons Restaurant for a delicious meal, whether that’s breakfast, dinner, or afternoon tea. My favourite dish was the coffee panna cotta.
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A Weekend In Windsor
WHERE TO STAY
Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery
MGallery’s research has shown how women love the idea of a hotel offering devoted to them, believing that the female focus is a genuine need that is currently unmet. Things such as in-room wellness emergency kits, complimentary tights and other such simple indulgences can make all the difference in the world, and this is exactly what you'll find at Castle Hotel Windsor - MGallery.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Windsor Castle – March is definitely one of the best times to visit the castle, as the weather isn’t too cold, and it isn’t as crowded as it is during the summer months. The exterior of the castle takes you back in time, it almost feels like being in an episode of The Crown. But what really stands out are the stunning interiors of the State Apartments and the history behind every room. Here you will find timeless pieces of art, incredible medieval features and even the outfits Meghan and Harry wore at their wedding.
WHERE TO EAT
Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery – Afternoon tea is one of those things that cannot be missed on a girls’ trip. Fortunately, the Castle Hotel Windsor has one of the prettiest ones in town. There’s nothing like being pampered while enjoying delicious high tea in such a beautiful, elegant room.
Sel et Sucre – A cosy pink café which serves delicious crêpes.
Drury House – For some warming afternoon tea (their tea selection is incredible).
The Horse and Groom – For a perfectly pulled pint.
Meejana Windsor – I had my first ever Lebanese food experience here. Brilliant.
Latino – A Greek taverna that I highly recommend for food sharing.
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A Weekend In Cheltenham
WHERE TO STAY
Queens Hotel Cheltenham – MGallery
This hotel is located in the beautiful old spa town of Cheltenham, in the Cotswolds. On arrival mum and I were treated to some lovely in-room goodies, including well-curated beauty products like lavender sleep oil, nail polish and face creams. To welcome us to the room we were also brought an International Women’s Day cocktail adorned with real rose petals, homemade chocolate cookies and International Women’s Day balloons. How thoughtful.
Recently refurbished to incorporate modern-meets-traditional interiors, some of the original period furnishings have been restored to their original splendour. The wallpaper in the central stairwell dates back 150 years and looks just as fresh as it did on the day it was hung. Other features such as columns, ceiling roses and the hand carved wooden bar, which was shipped three times to and from India still graces the hotel.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
The Chapel Spa – This is only a 15-minute walk from the hotel. We tried out the special Mother’s Day packages where you get to have a treatment (including massages, manis and pedis) enjoy a dip in the spa pool and sip on a glass of bubbly. The perfect way to feel pampered before a night out.
WHERE TO EAT
Queens Hotel Cheltenham MGallery – One of best places in town to enjoy afternoon tea is at the hotel. Whether you opt for champagne and cakes in the Orangery or high tea with the full tiered savoury and sweet selections in the Drawing Room (like we did) one thing’s for sure, you need to be hungry. The cakes and sandwiches are delicious and Insta-worthy too!
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie – Housed in the stunning Grade I-listed Montpellier Rotunda Building, the fabulous dome-ceilinged central room is the perfect venue for a special evening. Make sure you book ahead. I highly recommend the famous Ivy shepherd’s pie and the oysters are delicious too.
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Win A 2-Night Stay At Francis Hotel Bath – MGallery
Situated in a gorgeous 18th century townhouse, Francis Hotel Bath – MGallery is the perfect base for a two-night British staycation. This hotel combines 21st-century elegance in an uncompromising style that cleverly walks the line between old and new. After immersing yourself in the history, shops and sights of Bath, no day is complete without dinner in celebrated chef Raymond Blanc’s Brasserie Blanc, before retiring to the comfort of your stylish accommodation. As well as a taste of its eclectic charm, you can also expect the usual touches found across MGallery hotels, such as the 'Inspired by Her' offering: a collection of tailored products and services created for women, by women, to help create a unique stay.
Terms & Conditions apply. To enter the competition to win a two-night stay, follow the link here.
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