Escaping the City

Having been raised in a family that loves the Great British countryside, I've become very accustomed to the idea of packing up the car and bundling down to a rural destination for the annual family holiday. Tours of stately homes, countryside walks and the phrases "make sure you go to the loo before we leave" and "have you brought wellies with you" have very much become the epitome of a staycation for me. 

As exciting and vibrant as city life can be, there are times where I can't help but almost yearn for the stench of manure in a field and to disconnect from both wifi and the stress of my iPhone email tone. Thus, with age, I have become increasingly excited for my next escape out of London and whichever cosy armchair that may bring with it. 

My most recent escape from the city took me down to a twee village in Wiltshire. Tucked away in an the picturesque setting of Teffont Evias, I found myself in the oh-so-homely Howard's House. Deep amongst a maze of fields and forestry you'll find the hotel nestled between a quaint little church and a stream that, if you ask me, was designed for endless games of Pooh Sticks. 

One of the immediate draws of Howard's House is that all-important homely feel. From the countryside classic interior to the boots lined up by the back door ready for long walks, there's no place more therapeutic to the soul. That homely, countryside theme continues into each of the 10 bedrooms; all with varying decor but equally beautiful, spacious and immaculate. 

During my stay I seized the opportunity to soak up some of the fresh air and explore. It's easy to find yourself immersed (see also: lost) in the depths of the South West countryside for hours on end, so I’d recommend getting your OS maps prepared well in advance. The lovely staff at Howard’s House can of course point you in the direction of the best places to stop off while you're out and about, but be sure to wear your wellies as we all know the Great British weather can be unpredictable. Lord knows my thighs ached something rotten from wading through thick mud and battling hailstones somewhere along a dodgy footpath. Whether you plan to walk or jump in the car, I would suggest making a visit to Compasses or The Bricklayers Arms for a good old fashioned pub lunch, but book in advance.

After braving the elements or a day trip to Salisbury, your return to Howard's House come tea time will be the highlight of your day, maybe even the whole trip. Cosy up by the sitting room fire with a brew, hot cocoa, amaretto and cranberry juice (or whatever tickles your fancy) and get stuck into a game of Scrabble or a good book while you wait for dinner.

Dinner was three courses of heaven with endless cocktails and amuse-bouches all wonderfully crafted my what can only be described as a Michelin Star WIZARD. Some of my favourite dishes included ewe's curd with poached pear and crackers, guinea fowl with potato and spinach and a phenomenal dark chocolate tart with cardamom ice cream! Breakfast doesn't disappoint either; weird as it might sound, I don't think I've ever had a better bowl of porridge. 

I suppose every once in a while, our souls could do with a good night's sleep, a comfy bed and the chance to totally unwind and I can not think of any better place to do just that than Howard's House to warm your cockles and escape the city.

Visit http://www.howardshousehotel.co.uk and thank me later!