Sweeping up the long driveway and catching sight of the peach and white façade of Hintlesham Hall, a handsome 16th Century manor house, for the first time is a memorable moment – we’re talking major Bridgerton vibes. 

Inside things are just as swoonsome, with a classy fine-dining restaurant, cosy bar, library, salon and beautiful Long Gallery lined with art work depicting local scenery (if one catches your eye they’re available to buy). 

Unpack your bag in one of the 32 individually designed rooms and suites, which range from spacious Classic Rooms with Queen-sized beds through to Braganza, an enormous suite on the first floor with plenty of Instagrammable extras like an ornate 17th-Century plasterwork ceiling, freestanding bath tub and huge, chintzy lounge. Muddy loves the Cherry Orchard Suite, with its soaring ceiling, arched window, private terrace and mezzanine bedroom – this is where former owner of the hall and TV chef Robert Carrier used to film his show! 

Kick your weekend break off with a cocktail (the elderflower & Prosecco is perfect if you’re celebrating) in the comfy bar before moving through to the grand restaurant to tuck into delicious dishes like seared scallops with pea velouté and truffle, pan-fried fillet of halibut or venison loin in a juniper jus presented so exquisitely, they look like small works of art. Chefs use herbs and veg fresh from the hall’s kitchen garden and source food locally where possible which shines through in the flavours.

When you’re not wining and dining or acting out Lady of the Manor fantasies, there are plenty of other things to keep one amused at Hintlesham Hall. Don’t miss a a spot of pampering in the delightfully intimate red brick spa, which has three treatment rooms, mani and pedi stations and an outside terrace with a Jacuzzi, just the spot to relax with a glass of bubbly. Further afield, the hall can arrange clay pigeon shooting and a round of golf at 18-hole Hintlesham Golf Club next door. Or why not pull on your wellie boots and head to nearby Constable Country for a riverside walk to work up an appetite for afternoon tea back at Hintlesham? 

There are loads of amazing events throughout the year at Hintlesham Hall too, think comedy dinner shows and seasonal events like New Year’s Eve black tie gala, and special packages for Mother’s and Father’s Day. #WeekendBreakBliss