Wivehoe House has the feel of a country house hotel, but because the University of Essex is nearby there are good bus connections into town, the shops and other facilities. Easy to reach from London, it's perfect for a weekend escape and a great base for exploring both Colchester itself and also lots of attractions nearby, including the pretty quayside town of Wivenhoe, Beth Chatto's famous gardens a couple of miles away and the delights of Dedham and Constable Country a little way north.
Spend two nights in luxury, with a five-course dinner for two with a cocktail on one evening and chocolate treat made by the chef in your room on arrival.
Two nights from £220pp*
On the outskirts of Colchester, and part of the University of Essex, Wivenhoe House is surrounded by well-tended gardens - making it a peaceful place to stay. The surrounding park provides plenty of beautiful walks.
The hotel is easily reached from London and parts of East Anglia.
By car: under 2 hours from London, 1 hour 30 minutes from Cambridge and under 3 hours from Birmingham. Free on-site parking available.
By train: London Liverpool Street to Colchester takes around 1 hour, after which a taxi takes 10 minutes. Book trains to Colchester.
Wivenhoe House combines a country house hotel with slick modernity. Super-contemporary rooms and suites can be found in the wing. Despite being a hotel school, it is marketed like any other hotel. It is in part staffed by students, who study everything from housekeeping to kitchen service - adding to its charm.
Wivenhoe House has the feel of a full-service hotel. Facilities include 24-hour room service, a comfy lounge, and restaurant. Guests are provided access to the university's excellent sports and leisure facilities (gym, squash and tennis courts).
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Garden
- Lounge
- Family-friendly
- Free Parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Some rooms are sponsored by well-known chains the hotel school works with, and you could be staying in a top-end 'Hilton' or 'Exclusive Suite' at a reasonable rate. Rooms are good sizes, with big ensuites and White Company toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, luxury robes and slippers.
Room types: Classic Room, Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Luxury Room
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with White Company toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, digital TV/radio, writing desk, tea & coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi
The terrace restaurant offers al fresco dining, and serves an undemanding three-course brasserie-style menus at fixed prices. There's also a bar menu, which offers a really good burger and stonebaked pizzas.
Brasserie Bar & Restaurant: modern European cuisine, stonebaked pizzas, classic British bar menu, Sunday roasts. Open daily. Three courses £25.
The Lounge: luxury afternoon teas. Open Saturday and Sunday, 12-4pm. From £24.95 per person.
To view Wivenhoe House’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.