The popular British hotel that guests describe as ‘a cruise ship on land’

A HOTEL in the UK has been described as a “cruise ship on land” because of how much it has to offer guests.

More Brits are looking for staycations this summer, with searches for UK all-inclusive holidays rising by 50 per cent in comparison to this time last year.

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Experts from adult-only hotel group, Warner Hotels, say this is due to the predicted travel chaos at airports, as staff go on strike, combined with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

However, the hotel group’s newest accommodation, Heythrop Park, has been compared to a cruise ship, as they promise guests “everything from dining to entertainment without you having to don your sea legs”.

The 300-year-old, Grade II listed hotel in the Cotswolds opened in 2022 following a £40 million investment and offers half-board breaks with indoor and outdoor activities.

There’s access to a spa, acres of grounds to walk around and live entertainment all at no extra cost.

The hotel boasts 337 bedrooms – all with windows and a view, albeit not one of the ocean.

In the evenings guests are promised the option of “a big night out without going out”.

There are West End style stage shows as well as intimate performances from one of the many acts in the theatre and the Late Lounge, which offers live music and singing.

There’s an array of dining options for those staying, from the Market Kitchen buffet-style eatery to the Brasserie32 restaurant. 

Guests can also try an afternoon tea in a beautiful historic location with sweeping views of the Cotswold countryside.

There are plenty of activities to get involved in during the day, with archery, rifle shooting, and laser clay outside and daily quizzes, chef-hosted cookery demos, gin, cocktail, and tea tasting inside.

There’s also a cinema room, a games room, and plenty of bars, lounges, terraces, and reading rooms for guests to choose from too, adding to the cruise ship feeling.

However, unlike on a cruise ship in the ocean, guests are able to leave the resort, should they wish, with historic towns and villages in the surrounding area, such as Chipping Norton, Banbury, and Oxford.

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Those staying also have 440 acres of grounds to explore, included in which is a par-72, 18-hole championship golf course and driving range.

The course is strategically designed to take golfers on a sight-seeing path around the grounds, while also showing off the quiet Cotswolds landscape.

For those more interested in relaxation, the hotel has a spa and leisure facilities, including outdoor hot tubs, a relaxation room, a sauna, a steam room, a thermal suite, and a gym, with classes ranging from wellness and yoga to fitness.  

Matt Williams, head of activities and entertainment at Warner Hotels, said: “In the UK, it can be hard to find space to create a resort similar to those abroad, but at Heythrop Park we benefit from acres of land to fill with activities and a large manor house for lounges, entertainment, and restaurants to make sure our guests get real value for their money.

“Whether our guests’ idea of fun is getting up to as much as possible, or they simply want to have a relaxing getaway the choice is theirs.

“While we won’t be setting sail any time soon, the ‘cruise ship on land’ is ready and waiting to welcome guests aboard.”

Meanwhile, this UK staycation place has a ‘better safari than Africa’ – and amazing stargazing spots.

And this huge UK campsite is right on the beach and has dolphins swimming just off shore.

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