Summer in Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns staying at Hartwell House and Spa
-94 acres of National Trust gardens to explore at this award-winning hotel
-15 mins drive away is the Chilterns National Landscape for many walks
Hartwell House offers a picturesque escape in the Buckinghamshire countryside, set within 94 acres of National Trust gardens and parkland. Summer is the ideal time of year to explore the hotel’s gardens and surrounding areas which include the Chiltern National Landscape.
A National Landscape, formerly known as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ is a more formal title for an area of land that is of national importance because of its natural beauty. And the Chilterns offer a truly wonderful setting for walking.
Walking in the Chiltern Hills offers a gentle yet deeply rewarding experience, particularly well-suited to those who appreciate a slower pace and a connection with the English countryside. With its rolling landscapes, ancient woodlands, and well-maintained footpaths, the area invites walkers to take their time, pausing to enjoy sweeping views. The terrain is varied without being overly demanding, allowing for enjoyable exploration without the strain of more rugged hiking destinations.
Hartwell House invites guests to spend time in its gardens and the sunnier days are ideal for spending longer outdoors. Designed at the start of the 18th century and landscaped by a follower of Capability Brown, one Richard Woods, the gardens at Hartwell House spread across 94 acres, offer guests plenty to explore. Guests can spend hours discovering the grounds which include a Gothic Tower, a Statue of Hercules, a Bridge which comprises the central arch of James Paine’s Kew Bridge and the Canal Temple home to 10,000 daffodils. A kitchen garden used by the chefs features apricot, peach, pear and plum trees. There are also beehives in the gardens and all weather tennis courts. St Mary’s Church is located in the hotel grounds and the little octagonal church was rebuilt in 1753 by Henry Keene. It is one of the finest examples of the early Gothic Revival style.
Guests can follow a trail around the grounds with a copy of their Tree Map, available in each bedroom, to identify 10 prize specimens, from a Horse Chestnut and a London Plane tree to a Giant Sequoia. This is a wonderful way to connect with Hartwell House’s outdoors.
Walking regularly brings a range of benefits that go beyond simple exercise, especially as we grow older. It supports heart health, helps maintain joint flexibility, and can improve balance and coordination, all of which contribute to staying active. Just as importantly, walking outdoors has a positive effect on mental wellbeing including reducing stress, lifting one’s mood, and encouraging a sense of calm.
The walking continues indoors, albeit at a slower pace at Hartwell House which has plenty of public rooms to discover, all filled with history. In 1809, Hartwell House was leased to the exiled King Louis XVIII of France and his court. King Louis remained at Hartwell until 1814 when the constitutional document, confirming his accession to the throne, was signed in the library by the King. The Great Hall is a masterpiece of English baroque design and most of this room is virtually unchanged since its completion around 1740. The Morning Room and the Library are decorated in the Rococo style, with curvilinear marble chimney pieces. The bookcases in the Library are fitted with some of the finest surviving gilt-brass wirework in the country. The main Dining Room has been designed in the style of the eminent early 19th century architect, Sir John Soane. The restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes and is open daily for dinner and on Sundays for lunch. The unique staircase at Hartwell House is decorated with carved Jacobean figures and leads to a selection of luxury suites and bedrooms.
Hartwell Spa resides in the grounds with a mosaic-lined indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, gym and club room. Guests can enjoy treatments by leading brand 111SKIN and Jessica for manicures and pedicures.
Hartwell House was the winner at Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026 for ‘Best for Romance’. The Good Hotel Guide awarded Hartwell House ‘Best Historic Hotel’ for 2026 at their recent Good Hotel Guide Cesar Awards. These awards go to the best hotels of the year. Inspired by Cesar Ritz, the most celebrated of hoteliers, these awards have been called the Oscars of hotel keeping.
In September 2008, the hotel was donated to the National Trust to ensure its long-term protection. It continues to be managed by Historic House Hotels.
The tranquil setting at Hartwell House invites guests to truly unwind and summer is the time to explore even more and enjoy the great outdoors.
www.hartwell-house.com Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR, Tel:01296 747444
B&B priced from £318 per room per night and includes use of the spa facilities
Hartwell House welcome children over the age of six years. The hotel also welcome two small dogs or one large dog per selected suite (by prior request)
