Tewinbury Farm: The Charming Countryside Escape a Train Journey from London
Living amidst the bright lights of a city comes with its perks. To begin, you can quite happily go your entire life without the need for a drivers license. Aside from that, there’s never a dull moment, with a new wine bar popping up at every corner and a 24 hour shop beside it, ready to assist with the post-Pinot Grigio cravings. However, we can all agree there comes a tipping point. It could happen on any unassuming day, and be triggered by something as simple as a delay on the train you so heavily rely on. When the hustle and bustle becomes pushes and shoves, and the bright lights turn blinding- it’s time to take a well-deserved break, and we’ve found the perfect place to do just that. A brief train-ride from central London is Tewinbury Farm Hotel, a dairy farm-turned-700-acre estate, and the wholesome escape you’ve been dreaming of.
Ah, the countryside… where only the sound of chirping birds and the flow of river-water breaks the silence. In the midst of London’s chaos, this setting of serene tranquillity might seem like a faraway land which likely requires a rental car to arrive at. However, after less than an hour of hassle-free travel (thirty minutes by train, and ten by taxi), we arrived at Tewinbury Farm.
Stepping out of the car door, we were instantly hit with that clean, crisp air and the fresh smells of forestry. Any hint of stress left our bodies; a blanket of peace thrown upon us. As the warm, friendly receptionist checked us in, we learnt of the farm’s history. Tewinbury has been the home to the Williams family since 1931, when they moved in with their herd of 50 cows. In 1980, they sold the dairy herd to purchase surrounding farmland and after opening a farm shop to sell local produce, decided to advertise four rooms in the family home as guest rooms for visitors. From there, Tewinbury was born. The grounds are still farmed and owned by members of the family, and the hotel has retained original farm features throughout, adding to its authentic charm.
We stayed in the Jersey Royal suite, a generous room with a four poster bed and brick detailing for a cozy, rustic finish. The bathroom was pristine, equipped with luxurious products, a grand bathtub, and heated towels. We left our cases unpacked, eager to set off and explore the many trails surrounding the grounds. Past the friendly alpacas, through the woodland, and onto the beautiful tree-lined path, where we were treated to a stunning scene of the golden, winter sun setting over the old railway line.
Post walk, we warmed up in the hotel’s piano bar, a warm, comfortable space with colourful art hanging on the brick walls. We grabbed a game of Scrabble and passed an hour or two unwinding over red wine and small plates, sinking into the deep, comfy sofas. Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner at Cowshed, the hotel’s farm-to-fork restaurant.
Our visit fell on a Sunday, meaning we were lucky enough to try the restaurant’s infamous roast dinner. We opted for the rump of beef and corn fed chicken, two succulent dishes using local meat, drizzled in a thick gravy and served with perfectly golden potatoes, garden vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding and cauliflower cheese. Despite the hefty portion, we managed to proceed with a generous cheese platter and a buttery apple crumble.
From start to finish, the meal was divine- a perfect, cozy end to the most wholesome day. With our hearts and bellies full, we headed to The Stable for a nightcap before retreating to bed. The plush duvet and buttery soft pillows secured us a deep, unstirred sleep.
The following day we awoke to a crisp, blue sky, and made our way back to Cowshed for breakfast. The restaurant’s bar had transformed into a bright, airy buffet offering a varied selection of fruits, pastries and cereals as well as the usual components of a traditional cooked breakfast, with freshly squeezed juices and aromatic coffees to wash it down. After a generous feed to start the day, there was time for one final walk to take in the fresh, clean air, feeling revived, renewed, and ready to return to the chaos of London.
Tewinbury Farm offers the peaceful, yet convenient escape that every city-dweller dreams of. Whether you’re based in London or beyond, look no further for your next countryside getaway one that the whole family will enjoy.