Coworth Park: Berkshire’s elegant escape this December

Just an hour from London, Coworth Park blends the beautiful Berkshire countryside with convenient access from the city. Situated beside Great Windsor Park, the property which is set among 240 acres of picturesque parkland embodies an English elegance which shines bright as the festive season rolls around each December.

With the main Mansion House at its core and with various private cottages and lodges settled across the estate, Coworth’s guests are invited to fully indulge themselves in quintessential festivities, built upon Michelin-starred dining from Adam Smith. Described as the ‘countryside retreat’ of the Dorchester Collection, this Christmas the five-star hotel will be celebrating the season with a two or three-night stay complete with opulent dining events, games, and entertainment to get everyone feeling suitable festive.

Frosted in fairy lights and bespoke decorations created by the hotel’s specialist florist, inside can be found a number of Christmas trees that take their place thanks to an army of tree surgeons. Meanwhile, hidden downstairs is the Christmas Grotto where Father Christmas makes an appearance several times for special little guests.

Building up the anticipation throughout the month, a variety of set menus will be available in The Barn and at their Michelin-starred restaurant, Woven by Adam Smith. This notably includes a brilliantly British Christmas afternoon tea and Veuve Cliquot Champagne dinner on December 14. Inspired by the winter wonderland of the mountains, The Barn has also been transformed into an après-ski experience. Here you to warm your insides with mulled wine or hot chocolate within a place that embodies the rustic charm of an Alpine retreat.

As Coworth Park arrives at Christmas Eve, the hotel will truly kickstart proceedings with a Christmas house party. On arrival walk through Santa’s immersive woodland home and to a Champagne afternoon tea in The Drawing Room’s Nordic winter wonderland set to the soundtrack of traditional carols, followed by children’s story time and card-making. As evening sets in, there is an elegant three course meal at Woven by Adam Smith or at The Barn. For a touch of true tradition, Coworth Park will also invite their guests to engage with the community with a visit to the local church for midnight mass.

As the big day arrives, Father Christmas makes his big entrance after breakfast followed by a four-course lunch, a viewing of His Majesty the King’s Christmas broadcast in the Garden Room and an open house buffet-style dinner with entertainment. On Boxing Day, the fun continues with a leisurely brunch, country pursuits and cream tea in the Drawing Room, accompanied by a harpist and a three-course fine-dining dinner.

Meanwhile, for a more private, intimate experience is Coworth Park’s North Lodge or the Dower House. Two standalone private properties on the grounds, here you can revel in having the hotel at your fingertips. This includes the private chefs from Adam and his team who can prepare sensational meals in your kitchen whilst you spread out in an English cottage setting – inclusive of private gardens and three bedrooms each.

Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, Coworth Park rounds off the year in style. A two-night celebration starts on December 30 with yet another of Adam’s Michelin-starred meals and Champagne afternoon tea. As the last day of the year arrives, the hotel will lay out a Ploughman’s lunch in the Mansion House followed by final house party. With live music for all ages, as the clock strikes midnight a fireworks display will light up the sky over the elegant estate, to truly start the year in style.