Hillbark Hotel & Spa

We were married at Hillbark in late November 2023 and it was the perfect venue for our wedding. This review is a little late because we've only just returned from honeymoon! The hotel was absolutely stunning and the elegant Christmas decorations were perfect and it felt really special to be married in such a beautiful and historic building set in beautiful grounds. Charlotte and Lauren were amazing in providing lots of good advice and support in the planning and run up to our big day to ensure it ran smoothly. They simply went above and beyond what was expected and exceeded our high expectations and we'll always treasure the special memories we have of the day. The food and service was excellent and we were married in the Great Hall which is simply spectacular, especially by candlelight! We were also able to use other rooms and the Contessa Bar, which are equally beautiful, for other parts of the day. Our guests were wowed by the Hotel and we had the most wonderful day and would highly recommend Hillbark to anyone looking for a special place to be married or for any other important occasion.

I couldn’t give them anything other than 5*, more if I could. I’ve just returned home today from celebrating my 40th birthday at the Hillbark, just amazing. We were greeted by the butler who carried our cases. I was upgraded to a family suite giving us much more room. In the room, we had; water, fruit and handmade chocolates on arrival with my welcome letter. The evening meal was delicious, fillet steak was perfection. The staff surprised me with a ‘happy 40th birthday plate’ with handmade chocolates whilst pianist played me ‘happy birthday’. The hotel is currently decorated for Christmas, it is just beautiful. Our room had decorations and a tree but I think this was just the family room. The surroundings, the building and the scenery was perfect for a relaxing birthday celebration. The breakfast was delicious. We opted for a full English but the selection was great. The chef makes all jams, preserves on site fresh, together with bread, pastries, ice cream. All produce is locally sourced and extremely fresh. It was totally worth every single penny. The staff were just superb, it really felt like they genuinely cared. We had treatments in the spa with Victoria who was lovely, nothing was too much trouble. Unfortunately, I don’t know names of other staff but they were all so kind and I LOVE the history of the building, the homely touches and the fact the family reside at hillbark. It really is a home from home. We are making it an annual tradition for Christmas now. Thank you so very much to you all. The last picture is all edible and handmade by the chef. Hillbark is open to anybody all year round, so if you’re fancying a relaxing coffee by the fire or an afternoon tea with exceptional service and quality then I can’t recommend it enough. Thank you all again, see you all soon.

Gorgeous building itself but a few questionable things about the venue; CCTV camera (supposedly not working) in the female toilets only, unprofessional behaviour from the staff (the servers at lunch were bickering in front of wedding guests), very low wall with a big drop onto concrete by children’s play area outside which is very dangerous, staff went searching the guests rooms (and bags) for alcohol whilst guests were attending the wedding service and ridiculously high and inconsistent prices for drinks from either bar. Wouldnt visit again.

We have been to Hillbark today and had a treatment as well as afternoon tea and I can truly say it’s been one of my favourite days. Molly in the spa is amazing, lovely, friendly and does the best massage ever. Staff took us on a tour before afternoon tea and were so lovely and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble here and if you are looking at having a special pamper day then Hillbark is the place to be it’s just stunning

The whole place in terms of the settings is amazing but other than that you aren't made to feel welcome when your paying 300 pound a night you expect people and staff to treat you nice, but when we we met with the "head butler", the man made us feel unwelcome when we were spending r hard urn money there. Othe than the "head butler" the place was great but when you are spending your money in a place like that you don't want to feel judged and you aren't welcome there, the whole place would be great if "he", didn't come in and judge you, walking into you room and questioning why you should be there, he said to us we need to eat in a certain room as we "We'rent wearing the correct attire"", because it might affect the "rating of the hotel", when u spend 300poound on a place to stay this is the last thing you think of

Had afternoon tea this Saturday. One of the best we've ever had. The staff were friendly and helpful and couldn't do enough to make us welcome, especially Lois. We were celebrating our joint birthdays with 2 of our grandchildren and were surprised when the staff walked in with a ahppy birthday message with candles and cake which made the experience even more special Can't recommend this beautiful hotel more highly Thank you from John and Sylvia