The country house that has much to offer, whether for a day trip or a stay

The Grove is the ultimate country retreat where you can combine your stay with a host of dining options and a range of activities.

A resort destination with a difference, the buzzy atmosphere pervades as soon as you walk through the door but, at the same time, it doubles up as a quiet rural retreat. And, best of all, it’s just 18 miles from central London.

There is much to enjoy across the 300-acre site this summer, from the spa and the championship golf course to activities for all ages, including archery, axe-throwing and tree-climbing, woodland trails, mini 4x4s for children to whizz around in, plus an outdoor Everyman cinema, hot air balloon rides and sporting camps with ex-Premier League players and current rugby players.

The Walled Garden is home to a heated outdoor pool and beach, and there are lunchtime barbecues, dining experiences such as the immersive Feast on Cloud 9, a pop-up by Turkish restaurant Skewd in the Potting Shed, a limited time woodland dining experience, the iconic Glasshouse buffet, The Stables and Madhu’s, a destination for authentic Indian cuisine inspired by Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi.

A recent hotel-wide refurbishment extends from the bedrooms to several of the restaurants and also the Sequoia Spa. Bespoke treatments by Bamford take place in this haven, which features an iconic black mosaic-tiled pool, new steam rooms, saunas and a wellness pool. There is a new pre-treatment lounge area and Sequoia Kitchen – a tranquil dining space for hotel residents, spa members and spa day guests.

The Grove is the ideal summer destination for families and couples alike – there really is something for everyone there.

thegrove.co.uk