Pennyhill Park is a luxury five-star hotel and spa set in the countryside near Bagshot, Surrey. Its history spans more than 400 years, with the land first appearing in records in 1609 as Pennyhill Field. In World War I, the house and grounds were reportedly used as rest accommodation for military officers, reflecting its proximity to training centres like Sandhurst. The house was transformed from a private estate into a hospitality destination in 1972, when it first opened as a hotel. 

Since then, it has grown into the luxury spa hotel and country retreat known today, combining its Victorian heritage with modern leisure and wellness facilities. It feels calm and private, with long driveways, trees, and quiet grounds that help you relax as soon as you arrive. Although the weather wasn’t on our side and there was a lot of outdoor walking, it was the best way to spend a rainy Friday.

With 124 characterful rooms and suites to choose from, there’s a story behind every door at Pennyhill Park. No two rooms are the same, yet all combine a tasteful country-house charm with modern comfort.

There are many to pick from, including Cubby Rooms, Cosy Rooms and Heritage Rooms. Heritage Rooms evoke a more traditional country house feel, with classic furnishings, a separate bath and shower, and plenty of space to unwind.

Other offerings include Comfy Rooms, which are spacious and stylish, with a separate bath and shower as well as a relaxed seating area. Guests can choose from Comfy Twin Rooms, perfect for friends or family travellers, as well as Luxe Rooms. 

At the top end, there are suites with even more space and special features, such as private outdoor hot tubs or big jacuzzis in signature suites, offering a real sense of luxury.

Across all room types, you’ll find comfortable king or queen beds, well-equipped bathrooms with toiletries, as well as tea and coffee facilities, a TV, free Wi-Fi and seating spaces. 

Our room was situated a short walk from reception and featured a comfortable four-poster bed with an impressive open mezzanine, home to a huge bath, a dressing table, and a comfortable seating area.

Some bathrooms even offer features such as underfloor heating, though the hotel had some issues with this during our visit. Overall, there’s something for everyone at Pennyhill Park, suiting friends, family, travellers and couples.

The hotel has two main restaurants, Hillfield and Latymer. The Hillfield restaurant has a farm-to-fork ethos and serves up lunch, afternoon tea and a more casual dinner. This is where guests also enjoy breakfast, which was absolutely delicious.

I treated my mum to Pennyhill’s afternoon tea, which was utterly delicious and moreish. Sweet treats included a lemon macaron and a beetroot cake, but you can’t beat warm scones with jam and cream. The sandwiches were particularly impressive, and I was surprised to find out we could get a second, third or even fourth serving of the savouries. I’ve enjoyed many afternoon teas over the years, and few offer more savoury items.

The other restaurant, Latymer, is more formal and has been awarded a Michelin star and 5 AA Rosettes. Head Chef Steve Smith uses only the very best, sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients. Situated in one of the oldest parts of the original Pennyhill Park house, the restaurant is cosy with a modern twist. Menu items included a delectable homemade crumpet topped with a light coating of yeast extract and pickle. Steaks were also on offer, along with a variety of fish dishes. 

The pear and honey parfait was a highlight for me. Complete with caramelised pear compote, caramelised aerated chocolate, honey tuille, along with a pear and tonka sorbet, this pudding was one of the best I’ve ever had. Other pudding options at the time of visiting included a salted caramel fondant, a pecan and pumpkin mille-feuille, and a plum and chocolate mousse.

You can also enjoy the tasting menu at Latymer as well as wine tasting with the restaurant’s head sommelier.

The spa is the main attraction and is one of the largest and best in the UK. It’s packed with state-of-the-art facilities, including herbal saunas, a plunge pool, an ice room and experience showers.

There’s an 80ft indoor pool heated year-round, as well as indoor and outdoor hot tubs. Even in winter, you can sit outside in warm water while breathing in the cool, fresh countryside air. The outdoor pool is open during the summer months, and there are plenty of loungers for guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

If you fancy a treatment while you’re visiting, there is a comprehensive range of massages, facials, and more to choose from, including hot stone massages, a mud experience, and a hot-and-cold wellbeing massage, to name a few. There is also a gym, daily fitness classes, and plenty of treatments to choose from. 

Guests can also dine in the spa’s Thermis restaurant, often used in spa-day packages, meaning you can enjoy light food and drinks without leaving your robe or relaxation area. Those wanting to check out Pennyhill Park’s spa can do so in a number of ways. Pick from spa days and spa breaks, or you can even become a member. 

The amenities are endless, and I kept discovering new areas of the hotel as I explored the grounds. One of my favourite areas was the drawing room, located with an open fire to keep us warm, close to the Lily Pond Terrace. This terrace area overlooking the lily ponds and the Surrey countryside was like no other, designed for guests to sit outside and enjoy food and drink.

In good weather, it’s a place to eat light dishes, snacks and drinks, and in the winter, you can expect fires, blankets and warm drinks. The Lily Pond Terrace is also used as a reception space for events and weddings, where guests can gather for drinks and socials outdoors, especially after ceremonies.

Pennyhill Park is a full-service luxury retreat where dining, wellness, fitness and outdoor relaxation blend with elegant rooms and top-tier service. The staff were incredibly attentive throughout, and the restaurant service was faultless. 

The estate is quite difficult to navigate, so it’s recommended that guests with disabilities do not stay alone. While our room wasn’t accessible, the hotel does have accessible rooms and all of its bars and restaurants are located on the ground floor.

If you book direct with the hotel, you’re guaranteed the best price, access to all room types, extended spa access, and a full English breakfast for two worth £60.

If I could sum up my experience in three words, they would be relaxing, indulgent, and delectable.