Hartwell House & Spa

Buckinghamshire, England

Overview

This quintessential, National Trust-owned English countryside estate, located in the Buckinghamshire countryside, just an hour by train from central London, offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a unique blend of history and sophistication.

After a restful night's sleep in the lovingly restored, impeccably designed bedrooms, spend your morning strolling through 90 acres of parkland, past a church folly, bridges, lake, parkland, and gardens. The history of the hotel actually dates back almost a thousand years to Edward the Confessor – and the house was once lived in by the exiled King of France, Louis XVIII, and his court. Dine decadently on locally sourced British cuisine – the Aylesbury duck-inspired four-course dinner is famous, and is justly accompanied by a dry martini with Aylesbury vodka. Take time for aromatherapy treatments in the indulgent spa.

Insider Guide

Closest Airport

Heathrow International Airport (LHR) (42 miles / 50 minute drive)

Closest Train Station

Haddenham & Thame Parkway (6 miles / 15 minute drive)

Number of Rooms

48 Rooms and Suites

The Restaurants

Main House Restaurant with 2AA Rosettes
Hartwell Café
Hartwell House Bar

Amenities and Facilities

Bar
Disabled Access
Laundry
Private Estate
Room Service
Spa
Swimming Pool - Indoor Heated
WIFI
Gym
Child Policy – 6 years old and over

Rebecca Recommends Secrets

Marvel at the magnificent architecture at Hartwell House – great attention has been paid to the reinstatement of period details.

For multigenerational families – stay at the Old Rectory Cottage located in the grounds of Hartwell House with 4 bedrooms and an outdoor pool, perfect for a dip to cool off in the summer months after a day of exploration.

If you fancy a little sleep in – brunch is served daily from 10.30am in the Harwell Café.

There are more National Trust properties in Buckinghamshire than any other county in England. The nearest and most impressive being Waddesdon Manor, built and owned by the Rothschild dynasty in the style of a French chateau.

You must make time for a visit to Oxford with its amazing history and heritage – perfect for a day trip from Hartwell House.

If you’re a wildlife lover, Tiggywinkles, The Wildlife Hospital Trust, is a specialist hospital just 10 minutes from Hartwell House. Using every available veterinary welfare skill, they are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating all species of British wildlife – I tempt you not to smile at their name….

Combination Stay/Why Visit?

Located in the Vale of Aylesbury and on the edge of the Chilterns, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hartwell House is only two miles from the busy market town of Aylesbury and 20 miles from Oxford, making it the ideal location for a visit to the English countryside. Guests can enjoy a visit to Oxford, then relax at the full-service spa with an indoor heated pool, or just enjoy a walk around this spectacular estate. Découvertes DMC UK is on hand to assist you with unique insights into the surrounding area and one-of-a-kind experiences specifically tailored to your client.

How We Travel for Good

Historic House Hotels combine traditional hospitality with a unique conservation purpose, creating memorable stays that help protect the nation’s heritage.

Across the three hotels, we continually seek ways to reduce our environmental impact, from sustainable guest amenities and responsible sourcing to reducing waste and supporting local suppliers. Our historic gardens and parklands play an important role in this, providing home-grown produce and honey for our kitchens, flowers for the houses, and valuable habitats for wildlife in increasingly urbanized areas.

What sets Historic House Hotels apart, however, is its charitable purpose. As a subsidiary of the National Trust, all profits generated by the three hotels are gifted back to the charity, helping to care for historic houses, gardens, landscapes, coastline and wildlife across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For guests, a stay at Bodysgallen Hall, Hartwell House, or Middlethorpe Hall is more than a relaxing escape; it is an opportunity to contribute directly to the protection of the nation’s heritage. It is hospitality with purpose, where every booking helps preserve special places for future generations to discover and enjoy.