My 40th Birthday: Seeking inspiration

[QueenofNW2]

It's my 40th in November, and already I'm dreaming about it. Grandparents will take the children, so hubby and I will have our first grown-up weekend in four years.
We're looking at a maximum two-night break, and want to be about 2 hours' flight from London, or 4 hours' drive.
We like old-fashioned hotels, gourmet food, historical urban sights or good country walks. An indoor pool/steam room/spa on site would be nice.
Have done Venice, considering Bruges, Krakow, Trieste, Inverness - ideas gratefully received! Budget around ?700.

Charlton House is the best hotel I have ever stayed in - all the rooms are designed by Mulberry and the restaurant is excellent.

Le Manior aux Quat Saisons for uber foodie experience. Very pricey though.
HTH

old thread with some recommendations on it

Stoke Park club might be worth a look if you like old fashioned hotels

Oxford? Malmaison there looks great, although isn't old fashioned. Le Manoir would fit your criteria.

If I were you I wouldn't go too far from London just because I'd want to make the most of the time and wouldn't want to spend loads of time travelling.

Or The Grove might well be the sort of thing, have heard good reviews here and elsewhere.

Thanks for your suggestions! Good point made on not spending too much time on travelling. Grove would be about 40 minutes away.

Go to Trieste! We're going there in March. We've been before, and it just gets better each time. Loads of good architecture, interesting harbour, good shops, lovely restaurants and nice walks in the hills.