Our lovely Labradoodle puppy baby Blue is now seven months old. She has graduated from puppy class and is trained not to doodle like a poodle, or lark around like a Lab, well sort of….she is still quite a naughty puppy, that said, Mr B and I decided it was time to put those puppy skills to the test and take her to a hotel.
We were asked if we would like to spend a couple of days at The Bath Arms a coaching Inn turned four star hotel and gastro pub nestled in the stunning Longleat Estate.
Longleat Estate is an extraordinary otherworldly place (think To The Manor Born meets Middle Earth) deep in the heart of the stunning Wiltshire countryside made famous by Longleat House, Lord Bath and The Longleat Safari Park. You may have heard of the safari park and the Lord but did you know this little corner of Britain was so incredibly stunning?
First about The Bath Arms, we arrived on a very sunny April afternoon and were shown to our recently refurbished Garden Room, which was ample in size and neatly decorated, the thing that made it brilliant though was direct access to the hotels lawned and manicured garden. This made early morning and late night walk time a lot easier. The hotel will also provide dog bowls and beds if necessary.
After afternoon tea and a game of Frisbee on the lawn we took one of the recommended walks through the countryside of the village of Horningsham. The walk is deliciously English with chocolate box thatched cottages, farms, streams, and the odd stunning mill pond. We walked past the village church, the resident sheep in the church yard took quite an interest in Blue.
We reached a beautiful meadow, Mr B remarked that he spotted a bull in the nearby heard of cows, I tried not to panic but realizing my multi-coloured scarf resembled that of a matador I found my feet making a running motion toward the stile.
Mr B and Blue held back to fend off the offending creatures, ‘ho-way’ he shouted to the heard in a knowledgeable farmer like manor, Blue stood firm, all at once, both calm and intrigued at the spectacle of the fast closing in zombie cows.
Safely on the other side of the stile I turned, “Where’s the bull?” I screamed, heart in hand. “The bull? Said Mr B, I was joking darling there is no bull!”
An exchange of expletives ensued, however I did manage to catch a shot of the now funny scene.
Back at the hotel, we dined in the traditional country pub at The Bath Arms. The restaurant at The Bath Arms boasts two AA rosettes so probably not for pups.
That said our experience was faultless; scallops, Bacon and Pea Jus starter followed by posh Steak and Kidney Pie and a nice Malbec. Mr B had the Raspberry Creme Brule for dessert and I had the Chocolate Fudge with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. All produce is proudly locally sourced, It was nothing short of delicious.
After a blissful nights sleep we enjoyed a Full English Breakfast, Mr B and Blue agreed that the sausages were possibly the best they had tasted.
We spent the morning walking to the stunning vista of Heaven’s Gate, with views over the magnificent Longleat House and Mendip Hills. This is definitely worth a look, though check the map, we first walked in the wrong direction!
All in all we came away from our break, refreshed, full, nicely tired and that little more wary of walking through meadows.
Mr B is already planning meetings in Bath and the West Country to justify another visit. Truth is, you don’t need an excuse, just take an overnight bag, the dog and drive up to Longleat Estate for a bit of out of this world luxury.
Love DSB X