JUST an hour from the Herefordshire borders, Studley Castle offers an adults-only retreat for those seeking a relaxing country getaway.

During my stay in one of the castle suites, I experienced everything from exciting activities to delicious three-course meals, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.

I love the atmosphere of historic buildings, but I also love my creature comforts. Studley Castle managed to tick both boxes for me, with stunning old features filled with character, like huge wooden doors and stained glass windows, as well as the things that all good hotels need, like a powerful shower and a comfy duvet.

Studley Castle is in Warwickshire, near the border with WorcestershireStudley Castle is in Warwickshire, near the border with Worcestershire (Image: Tim Young)

Accommodation

The castle has four accommodation options: Studley rooms, stables rooms, lodge rooms and castle rooms.

The room had huge windows with lovely viewsThe room had huge windows with lovely views (Image: Bridie Adams) The room boasted a bathtub tucked into one of the castle's turrets, a comfy bed, a sofa and armchairs, two TVs, an excellent shower and big windows that brought lots of light in.

The bath was one of the highlights of the roomThe bath was one of the highlights of the room (Image: Bridie Adams) The suite also offered a lot of privacy as it was set a good distance from other rooms, creating a peaceful atmosphere that I enjoyed.

Dining

At Studley Castle, you can choose to dine at the Market Kitchen (the main buffet-style restaurant) or opt for the a la carte brasserie. 

In the Market Kitchen, there was a different theme and specials menu each night, as well as roast meat and catch of the day options every day. 

There was an excellent range of food and drinkThere was an excellent range of food and drink (Image: Bridie Adams) I tried the Asian buffet on one night, and a roast dinner on another.

From the Asian menu, I tried a green curry with rice, garlic noodles and prawn crackers, while from the carvery I enjoyed roast turkey with all the trimmings. My favourite dessert was the mango sorbet, but there was a huge range of other sweet treats available.

Breakfast was also served in the Market Kitchen, and was delicious.

Breakfast was deliciousBreakfast was delicious (Image: Bridie Adams) On one of the nights, I ate at the brasserie and had camembert with ham hock fritters to start, followed by a chicken and mushroom filo pie for my main and eton mess for dessert.

The brasserie menu was full of classic options with modern twistsThe brasserie menu was full of classic options with modern twists (Image: Bridie Adams) On my last day, I tried an afternoon tea, which came with four types of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and various other sweet treats. 

There were plenty of refreshments provided in our room, even a packet of cookies.

Entertainment

My two full days at Studley Castle were packed with activities.

The swimming pool was a lovely relaxing spaceThe swimming pool was a lovely relaxing space (Image: Warner Leisure Hotel) I learnt archery and rifle shooting, went for a swim and saw lots of live music.

I tried rifle shooting and may have found a new hobby!I tried rifle shooting and may have found a new hobby! (Image: Bridie Adams) There was also a big selection of board games in one of the lounges, and we enjoyed sitting around playing some of these during the rainier parts of our break.

The hotel lounges provided a space to relax and play gamesThe hotel lounges provided a space to relax and play games (Image: Bridie Adams)

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Prices

Prices at Studley Castle start from around £85 per person per night but vary depending on dates and trip duration.

My stay was on a complimentary basis, courtesy of Warner Leisure Hotels for the purpose of review.

Verdict

With plenty to do, all the essentials, and lots of special touches to make my stay feel really indulgent, it would be very hard to ask for anything more from Studley Castle.

From the luxurious rooms to the rejuvenating leisure facilities and top live entertainment, this hotel offers everything needed for a perfect getaway within easy reach of Herefordshire.