Arriving at Congham Hall Hotel felt like going home for Christmas (if your family happen to have a beautiful old house in lovely grounds, in peaceful countryside). Quiet, and twinkly with Christmas lights, it was far removed from our usual chaotic life, despite being only a 2 hour drive from our home in Hertfordshire. The peace dazed us for a moment, before we crunched up the gravel driveway into the bright and festive – yet still strangely calm – reception hall.
We were soon installed in our comfy room which had everything I personally need – superkingsize bed (Actually Daddy is a fidget – I’m a light sleeper!), deep bath, and quiet. The hotel has rooms in the main building but we were in a garden room, situated in a peaceful courtyard, with kitchen gardens beyond:
Although it was December, and the gardens weren’t flourishing, there was a fascinating variety of herbs I’d never heard of. Hand’s up who’s eaten pineapple mint?! I’d love to see the garden in springtime.
With no password for the wifi, we were connected in moments – not quite ready to leave it all behind and switch off THAT extensively! We sipped our champagne, attempted to empty our busy heads, and wondered how we might make the most of the free phone calls – even international calls are covered. Alas, there was no-one we needed to speak to. So we went back to our sipping, and waited for pre-Christmas frenzy to eventually ebb away.
Food
I’m giving this a simple title, because the tastefully-decorated bar and restaurant serve dishes which, despite achieving delicious flavour combinations, have a simplicity designed to showcase the locally sourced fresh produce, and homegrown vegetables. We dined on scallops and pumpkin gnocchi, pork belly and a trio of pheasant, though it was a dilemma for me, and I was sorely tempted by the fish, which is unusual for me. Flavours were rich but balanced, and nothing disappointed, and a slightly bland pannacotta was more than compensated for by the best citrus sorbet I’ve ever tasted.
What fascinated us most was the interactive wine list, presented to us on a tablet complete with images, descriptions and recommendations by country, grape variety and drinking style. Our helpful host explained that this allowed them to keep a small quantity of a wide range of wines, and update the wine list daily with what is currently in the cellar. Check out how it works in the video clip below:
We were sans kiddos for only the second time in 10 years, courtesy of our lovely friend Steph, but we couldn’t resist a peek at the children’s menu. It was exactly what our kids would have eaten, and not too expensive.
Coffee and petits fours gave us an excuse to soak up the peace in the library. Then it was back to our room in time to catch the results of the X Factor final on the +1 channel before kicking back with the DVD we’d borrowed – Love Actually watched, we were ready for Christmas!
The Secret Garden Spa
After a lavish breakfast (think black pudding and fat sausages), I ambled over to the spa. We’d spent a happy hour there the evening before. It has one of those gorgeous pools with hydro-jets that either pummel your shoulder muscles into a less rigid state than they arrived in, or tickle your lower back with delicious bubbles. Two saunas and a steam room, set off by the kind of shower experience that left me wanting to refit my own bathroom with jets, sprays, mists, and tropical birds on Actually Daddy’s new Sonos system.
One thing you must do is visit after dark; lit from beneath, the pool is impressive, lending elegance and sophistication to the occasion. And who doesn’t want to languish in an outdoor hot tub in the dark – although this was my one negative, the experience being more champagne fizz than vigorous whirlpool, but that’s just personal preference.
Secret Garden Spa at Congham Hall Hotel
This morning’s visit though was to the serenity of the treatment rooms for the Essential Quick Fix massage – 45 minutes of hands on therapy personalised to your own specific stress points, complete with hot stones, heated towels and an electric blanket. Ask for Terri, she has magic thumbs that managed to make inroads into the rocks that have set up home in my shoulder muscles. Lovely choice of oils too from Elemental Herbology, depending on whether you want detox, balance, vitality, or simply to relax. At £40, this is great value, and I came away determined to spend an hour a month being kind to myself, to balance out the constant focus on everyone else who needs my attention.
We lingered as long as we could, all ideas of visiting the Norfolk coast abandoned as we became more focused on relaxing, but we couldn’t put off our departure any longer. As we left and headed out to the car we were met with this little note:
How nice is that?
Disclosure: our stay at Congham Hall Hotel, including meals and spa treatments, was complimentary for the purpose of this review. All editorial copy and opinions are our own.
Oh heavenly! My aching shoulders and tired eyes are crying out for this!
This looks absolutely fabulous – love the attention to details and the spa looks so nice *starts checking dates*
Oh my this looks like bliss! And to be child-free too – heaven. Really impressed with that children’s menu too! x
This looks stunning! #JEALOUS :))) Although I’m off to Venice in 4 weeks so I’m revelling in that 😉 lol xx
i love those line of old boots, great shots looks lovely x
Oh, wow, that looks like such a lovely break. Glad you enjoyed it and made the most of the relaxation time.
This sounds and looks wonderful!! Lucky you xx
Looks great, very tranquil and relaxing. I sometimes think gardens are as interesting in Winter as in Summer, more atmospheric.
This looks absolutely beautiful. Oh how I could do with a nice break – even a small one. I love all the personal touches. It really makes a place stand out, I think, and most of all, it makes me feel more valued as a customer x
Wow it looks amazing there! Am super jealous!! (Also, you got to review a fancy hotel with a spa?? I need to up my game!)
This place sounds Amazing!!!! Great for a Jan detox break….although the wine list and black pudding sound too good to miss 🙂 this is a beautifully written post. x
Wow this looks wonderful – such a lovely way to spend some kiddie free time together.
I’m soooo jealous !!
My birthday is the end of May – just so you know that this would be an ideal birthday gift for me 🙂
Glad you had such a great stay.
*Makes mental note*
That sounds like bliss!!
Personally loving the kids menu…so nice to
Find a few different options other than nuggets, pasta and burgers for kids – mine would love that menu.
I’m finding that Norfolk and Suffolk hotels are really pulling out all the stops to make relaxing country breaks pretty perfect. There is a definite trend towards good, local food and the extra touches to make a stay memorable. Love the windscreen note and the interactive wine menu.
Congham Hall is somewhere we have often considered visiting as it’s not too far from us. I will have to try it out.
ooh I’m so jealous! this place looks amazing! x
Oh how wonderful Helen, it sounds like you had the best time. Got a little lost in your description of the spa, clearly it’s been too long! Seems like the best combination for a trip away – in a great part of the world too. What a lovely touch with the windscreen 🙂
I was already sold on this place.. and then you showed the interactive wine list. Um hello, how can I sign up?
How cool is that tablet of wines! I really could do with a weekend away like that with no kids.
What a great little holiday – I’d love that Garden Spa particularly – looks amazing. So glad you had a great time.
Wow – what else can I say other than I have just turned green (with envy). Intrigued by the interactive wine list too!
That sounds like absolute heaven. I’m not jealous at all *sob*
Oh this looks like a lovely place to stay. Bet the garden is amazing in spring/summer time!
I love your boot shot and am feeling very envious, it looks like a super place to take a break.
That looks like heaven! Could soooo do with a J-free pamper day out about right now. If only!
Love the sound of this and even better the modern with beautiful Old surroundings x
Oh wow this looks so relaxing! Lucky you! We really need to sort out some baby sitters so we can do something like this at some point
As soon as I read super-king size bed I was sold. It looks heavenly.
We love Norfolk, and this looks BLISSFUL! Definitely one to consider for another trip for us. I wonder if they will cater for special diets (and ours are pretty “special” so we usually have to self cater) . So pleased I saw this – lovely photos too.
Lovely pics! They’ll probably be inundated with bookings from bloggers tempted to try everything shown in the photos – including that ‘kids corner’ menu!
Oooh, aren’t you lucky? Looks like a lovely place.
This isn’t far from me and looks wonderful, I’d love to book Mr Boo and I in for our wedding anniversary
That looks truly gorgeous, and so English! I would love to go one day! Thanks Helen! 🙂
*sighs*
That looks amazing – I hope you had a fab time x x
It looks like the perfect place to relax In x