Down Hall Hotel & Spa – Hatfield Heath

Hatfield Heath, near Bishop’s Stortford · ★★★★★ 4.7 (2,200+ reviews) 154 rooms · Eden Spa · 110-acre estate · 2 AA Rosette dining · From £180 B&B

Down Hall stands as one of Essex’s most imposing country-house hotels, an Italianate mansion constructed in 1873 and meticulously restored over the past decade. Nestled in 110 acres of rolling parkland on the Hertfordshire border, it provides a seamless escape from urban bustle—merely 15 minutes from Stansted Airport and 40 minutes from London Liverpool Street—yet feels worlds away, with manicured lawns, ancient oaks, and wandering peacocks enhancing the grandeur. The hotel’s recent transformation has elevated it to a premier destination for discerning travellers, blending Victorian opulence with contemporary comforts.

The brand-new Eden Spa, unveiled in 2024, serves as the centrepiece: a 20,000 sq ft sanctuary featuring an indoor infinity pool, thermal suite with Finnish sauna and Himalayan salt room, outdoor hydrotherapy tubs, and 15 treatment rooms offering bespoke therapies using local botanicals. Accommodation spans classic mansion rooms with four-poster beds and claw-foot baths to modern garden-wing suites with private terraces overlooking the lake—many featuring Nespresso machines, Molton Brown amenities, and smart TVs. Dining shines at the Garden Room, a 2 AA Rosette venue specialising in seasonal British fare like pan-roasted Essex lamb with heritage carrots, paired from an extensive wine list. Afternoon tea in the panelled library, with scones from the on-site bakery, is a house staple.

Ideal for romantic weekends, corporate retreats, or family celebrations, Down Hall excels in versatility, with event spaces for up to 400 and complimentary croquet on the lawns. Its location facilitates day trips to Epping Forest or Cambridge, while the grounds invite leisurely strolls or falconry sessions.

Pros

• Exceptional new spa with cutting-edge facilities
• Vast estate for outdoor pursuits and privacy
• Superb dining and service throughout
• Convenient for airports and London commuters

Cons

• High demand means peak weekends book 6–9 months in advance
• Premium rates on weekends and holidays