Find your calm at the runnymede-on-thames
Last weekend me and Theo jumped in the car on Saturday morning and made our way to Runnymede ready for a relaxing weekend away from the chaos of our everyday lives and in to a peaceful oasis.
the runnymede-on-thames hotel & spa is a 4* hotel in Egham, Surrey, situated on the banks of the River Thames, only 10 minutes from Windsor, and half an hour on the train from London. It is the perfect location; close to the bustle but far enough away that you can truly escape.
As soon as we arrived we felt welcomed and our bags were taken to our room whilst we checked in. As we made our way up to our room I felt like I could finally feel the ‘calm’ – if you know me, you’ll know even a journey can stress me out, and once I arrive in a destination I need to feel completely at ease.
By the time we had unpacked, it was closer to 2pm, and we hadn’t eaten so we headed on down to the bar to grab some lunch and a few drinks. We grabbed a table in ‘the lounge’ and ordered a sandwich and tea. Basically a DIY afternoon tea just without the scones.
To work off the sandwich we then decided to do the ‘main’ tourist attraction – The Magna Carta Memorial. It is notable for its association with the sealing of Magna Carta in 1215 by King John, and as a consequence is, with its adjoining hillside, the site of memorials. I won’t go in to what the memorial is or why it is in Runnymede but if you wanted to find out read more here.
After we had visited the memorial we headed back to the hotel for some spa time, a quick swim and chill out before dinner. In the spa, there is a state of the art gym, studio for classes, an outdoor pool, tennis courts and treatment rooms just in case you fancy treating yourself.
For dinner we treated ourselves to a lovely three-course dinner in the ‘the lock bar and kitchen’ in the hotel. We indulged in battered duck and a fish dish (Theo has this) for starters, we both had the steak with chips and peppercorn sauce for mains and then we shared a chocolate pudding and the apple crumble for desert. The food was delicious and the staff were great. After lots of wine, laughs and food we headed to bed ready for another day of exploring and relaxing.
Breakfast was great, even Theo was impressed and he loves his food so that’s a compliment. It wasn’t just a standard buffet breakfast, they had thought of everything from the three types of sausages, three different types of bacon and a choice of many egg styles. They also had vegetarian options on offer, which is usually not available unless you ask. They then also had cereals, breads, pastries and much more. We had two plates each though I wish I could’ve eaten more.
After we had checked out of our room and taken the bags to the car, Sunday morning then consisted of hot tub, pool, sauna, swim, steam room and facial, in which I felt completely at ease and relaxed. The spa at the hotel is fully equipped with an 18m indoor pool, a sauna, (plus a sauna, a massage chair and plunge pool in each of the changing rooms), a eucalyptus steam room and a Jacuzzi.
Sunday morning was also when I had my spa treatment. I decided on a facial and it was divine, I sat back, relaxed and let the lady get to work on my face. She used an array of products and the facial included cleansing, exfoliation, light massage, mask and moisturiser.
Then as sad as it is to write, as it was to leave, we then departed The Runnymede and jumped in the car back home, with a little visit to Windsor on the way. What a wonderful weekend it was, it was certainly what I needed. If only every weekend could be like this!
* I was a guest of the runnymede-on-thames hotel & spa, however all opinions are my own, as always, and I only ever disclose the truth.
Book your own weekend retreat here or read about a weekend in London.
