Walking

The walks are magnificent, even when (speaking from experience), you get lost. When I finally got back on track, I followed a 1.5 hour route taking me beyond the hotel grounds and around Minster Lovell. You’ll wend through fields and along the picturesque river, and end up at the stunning Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote. Word to the wise: take sturdier shoes than sandals (my downfall!) and layer up the SPF if the sun is even peeping around the clouds.

Relaxing

If, after all (or none) of the above, you’re in need of a rest, there are plenty of places to do it here. Almost every spot in the grounds makes for a great place to sit and unwind with a book and a cup of tea (or something more bubbly). But most importantly, there’s also a glorious spa.

The Garden Spa at Minster Mill

If, like me, just the words ‘garden spa’ make you feel relaxed, you’re in for a treat — it’s an oasis of calm (in an already calm location). Alongside the pool, jacuzzi and massage fountains, there’s a rock sauna, aroma steam room and two forest showers which play a soundtrack of rain and squawking birds. I can assure you, they’re just as fun as they sound.

For treatments, the ESPA spa is a peaceful place to spend an hour or two. Here, you can get everything from an aromatherapy massage and manicure to Rasul mud therapy, then stroll back to your room in your slippers and dressing gown. Bliss.

Minster Mill: the riverside Cotswolds spa hotel that’ll transport you to tranquility