night away alone, cosy, relaxing, luxury, boutique where would you go?

[jenthehen]

Just that really, not necessarily in need of a spa, somewhere to relax, feel safe, unwind maybe potter around lovely independent shops and cafes. Does somewhere exist? somewhere within 2 hrs of midlands?

I would go to Bath.

I second PP, I'd go to Bath too.

The Gainsborough in Bath is beautiful but ££££.

Also the Manor House in Castle Combe, beautiful village setting and stunning grounds.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, Bath is a bit too far unfortunately (I'm North East Midlands and that would be 3hrs for me and don't really want to spend 6hrs travelling) . thanks for suggestions though.

York? Durham?

Foxhill manor, Cotswolds. Is that nearer?

Yes bluesouper that is a bit closer but that's £££'s possibly somewhere smaller and less luxurious may be needed. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Harrogate?

Somewhere in or around Cheltenham?

Calcot Manor in Tetbury...

www.theolddeanery.co.uk/

The Old Deanery, Ripon

Dormy House in the Cotswolds is really lovely (close to Chipping Campden)

I think I have the image of Cameron Diaz snuggled up in "The Holiday" as the sort of cosy retreat I fancy, but where I don't have to cook or clean but nothing too large or couply as I don't want to feel 'odd' eating alone. Perhaps a gorgeous guest house or air B and B might be better?

We've booked some lovely places recently through Blue Chip holidays.

I'd go to Stratford Upon Avon.

Or I'd stay in Nottingham and have a day at Eden Spa, just outside.

Would Cambridge be too far?

Dormy House does look gorgeous but £550 a night is too expensive for me.

Placemarking because I sort of live in your region and we have 3 child free nights coming up. We're thinking Oxford and the Cotswolds. I once stayed in a nice hotel in Broadway (not really a spa, but had a pool) which was lovely.

PM me if you want some ideas of boutique hotels near me.

You might dismiss it immediately but.... Birmingham???

Malmaison in the Mailbox is lovely - not too expensive and has a fantastic spa. You can mooch the shops or go for a long walk along the canals...

Was going to suggest Cambridge, there's Hotel du Vin, Tambulaine (or something like that) or Gonville Hotel, all quite nice,

Or for a smaller town Poets House in Ely is nice, go a weekend the Farmers Market is on as they sell really good cake, and you can easily have a day trip to Cambridge

These are all great suggestions. Nottingham and Birmingham both reasonably close but think I fancy a smaller town. I did have a shopping trip to Birmingham recently and enjoyed it though.

Cambridge does sound lovely and only just outside my 2hr range. I'll check out those suggestions thank you. Hard to reach by train though so Id have to drive..

The pigs in Norfolk?

What about Shrewsbury? Lots of little independents for a good mooch round, walks by the river. And try the Golden Cross for food and rooms - I've never stayed, only eaten, but it's really cosy and over-the-top rococo which feels luxurious without you getting "lost" in it, iyswim.