Hotel Review: Washingborough Hall Hotel, Lincoln
Review Jennifer Bonfield
As we drove up the drive of the Grade II listed, early Georgian Manor House, it’s quite clear the photos don’t do this beautiful building justice. We headed through the entrance to the reception desk to be greeted like we were old friends. If you are looking for a home from home, this family owned hotel will be right up your street.
This 12 bedroom hotel has been sympathetically decorated to tie in with its original Georgian heritage with original cornicing and grand light fittings in place of where you imagine sparkling ballroom – esque chandeliers once hung. There is certainly an air of history and former grandeur in this magical hotel.
Weddings are proving to be hugely popular here and it’s not hard to see why. The hotel offers a perfect space which you can book out the whole place but yet keep the feel of an intimate gathering. We met with Lucy one of the owners, who oversees all weddings. She clearly has a passion for weddings and pays attention to the finest details and you just know she would make your ‘Big Day’ run like a dream. My husband even suggested we renew our own wedding vows here and we’d only set foot in the venue for 5 minutes.
We were shown to our room for the night, the rather grand Inglyby suite, which was overlooking the pretty mini gazebo, acres of manicured grounds and the Downton Abbey-esque graveled driveway. The room was spacious, with sprawling bed, furnished in plush velvet and silk fabrics, cushions and quilted throws, a fusion of country house meets contemporary hotel with traditional armchairs sat alongside glossy chests of drawers and opulent gold feathered light fittings.
The bathroom was a real highlight, with divine a roll top bath and huge double walk in shower and shelves were peppered with L’Occitane toiletries and fluffy towels.
We headed to the newly built Orangery for a deliciously warm homemade scones and freshly brewed tea. This new extension was a flawless addition to the original building and gave the function room a glorious flood of light with glass ceiling and a row of huge windows with double doors leading onto the gardens. This is the room where afternoon tea and lunch is hosted but also is the location of the wedding breakfasts and evening receptions.
This was the weekend of the Magna Carta anniversary so we strolled into pretty Lincoln centre to visit the Cathedral where we had a guided tour which we were actually utterly enthralled in – a must visit for history lovers. We then headed to Lincoln Castle to visit the Manga Carta vault followed by a stroll Lincoln before heading back to the hotel for dinner.
For pre-dinner drinks were directed to the bar; a petite room for sure, but cozy all the same. Dinner was pleasant but we maybe a touch out of season with accompaniments of spring veg in June. The 2 AA rosette restaurant is known for using seasonal British Lincolnshire produce where possible with head Chef Dan Wallis at the helm who has worked in the same kitchen for 15 years – quite an impressive stint which surely reflects the the fact Lucy and Dan (the owners) look after their staff well. Our full English breakfast the next day was full of fresh produce and was absolutely delicious.
The staff were exceptional and made us feel right at home with a genuine friendly manner and made sure we wanted for nothing.
This beautiful hotel is clearly run with passion and the staff all have a genuine welcoming manner. Overall, a glorious place to stay for a weekend break or a visit for lunch or afternoon tea in the stunning orangery. If you are thinking of planning a wedding Lucy told us bookings are coming in thick and fast we saw her talking and showing round several brides-to-be around the venue in our short visit. If you are planning a wedding here though you may have to get behind us in the queue!
G&G Rating:
The Magna Carta Package @ Washingbourugh Hall
Luxury 2 night stay in one of our Superior Rooms for £445. You are treated to Dinner in our Double AA Rosette Restaurant each night with a glass of Champagne included. Cream Tea will be waiting for you on arrival & a Free Transfer to the City on one day, you can use your Free Castle Tickets when ever you find the time.
Church Hill
Washingborough
Lincoln LN4 1BE
01522 790340