SWINTON PARK By Paul Revel
SWINTON PARK IS A 20,000-ACRE family-owned estate, at the heart of which is the ancestral seat, now a four-star 31-room hotel sitting in 200 acres of landscaped parkland. It is owned and run by Mark Cunliffe-Lister, Baron of Masham, and his wife Felicity. The estate was sold in 1980, but the family was able to buy it back in 2000. Its splendours have been immaculately restored and many family antiques and paintings are back in their original places.
Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 4JH • Tel: +44 (0)1765 680971
swintonpark.com
ROOMS: Due to the historic layout of the property, the 31 rooms and suites come in a wide variety of categories, sizes and views. Classically decorated and furnished, with interesting old photographs and artwork, and large canopied beds, my mid-category room was very spacious, well-appointed and comfortable, but not ostentatious. Friendly touches include complimentary mini- carafes of whisky and gin, plus mixers and ice, in all rooms. The bathrooms feature robes
and Molton Brown products. Free wifi is available throughout the property.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS: A notable feature of the food at Swinton is the home-grown produce from the estate. The walled gardens produce much of the fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for the hotel. The seasonal local ingredients on the delicious seven-course tasting menu included estate- produced mushrooms, venison and honey. The bar is the only contemporary-styled part of the hotel, while splendid
Georgian decor and high ornate ceilings feature in the dining and sitting rooms. BUSINESS FACILITIES: The hotel has a range of meetings spaces for up to 120 attendees, but the most notable feature is the range of incentive and team-building options on offer. These include a renowned cookery school, survival skills, off-roading, shooting – both clay pigeon, and seasonal grouse and pheasant – and fishing. LEISURE FACILITIES: The boot room has Barbour waterproofs
and Hunter wellies for guests, plus bicycles for exploring the beautiful parkland, with its five lakes and birds-of-prey centre. Guided walks are on offer, as well as falconry, ‘glamping’ in designer yurts, golf and horse-riding. VERDICT: Beyond any superficial Downton Abbey factor, Swinton Park has the engaging character and heritage of a traditional aristocratic working estate – but with plenty of luxury and seriously good options for demanding corporate events buyers.
GO NATIVE CANARY WHARF, MILLHARBOUR
By Tom Newcombe
Lanterns Court, 20 Lanterns Way, Millharbour, London E14 9JL Tel: +44 (0)20 7221 2028 •
gonative.com
THE HI-TECH STUDIO, one- and two-bedroom apartments at Millharbour, Millwall Dock, are a few minutes’ walk from the towering bank HQs and skyscrapers of London’s Canary Wharf. The stylish apartments come complete with views over the Thames, London Docklands and the O2 Arena.
ROOMS: My one-bed apartment featured contemporary, minimalist decor, satellite TV, a washer/dryer, a balcony and two three-seater leather sofas. The kitchen and living room are open-plan, the former coming with a fridge/freezer, an oven and microwave, and plenty of cooking utensils. You can also control the temperature in the bedroom and living area separately. The bedroom was 5.6m x 3.5m and came with a large wardrobe and iPod docking station. The one- and two-bed apartments both include an extra sofa bed in the living area.
90 BBT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
FACILITIES: There is a 24/7 reception, plus housekeeping services, which come once a week for a seven-or-more night stay; extra cleaning days can be purchased for £25 plus VAT. The apartment is located within walking distance to a number of restaurants and bars, with a Tesco Express (open until 11pm) located just outside the apartment. The Tiller Leisure Centre is located ten minutes’ walk away and offers a gym, a pool and an exercise studio. ACCESSIBILITY: The apartment is tucked away among rows of office buildings and
can be difficult to find on a first visit, with limited directions on the website. The Docklands Light Railway, with stops at Canary Wharf and Heron Quays, provides a direct connection to and from the City, and on to central London. VERDICT: The apartment is hard to fault – its bedroom and living space are both a decent size, and it provides a cheaper stay than most surrounding hotels. It is in a good location, with plenty of restaurants nearby, and convenient for Canary Wharf, the City and the West End.
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM By Tom Newcombe
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