Checking in: Eynsham Hall

Oxfordshire has a lot to offer – beautiful country house hotels, breath-taking scenery and a great escape from the daily grind. But it’s also an ideal destination for businesses looking for a change of pace for their next meeting or event. I had the pleasure of visiting Eynsham Hall, conveniently located just outside Oxford and Witney and only a short drive from the iconic Cotswolds. The drive up to this Elizabethan-style building conjures up images of Downton Abbey and a long-forgotten tradition of designing grand manor houses.

Inside, we’re greeted by a warm fire and a smiling face at the reception desk – just a peek at how seriously the staff here take the hotel’s slogan of “Wholeheartedly”. Up the impressive main staircase we go to our suite, and we’re practically speechless when we get there. The room is huge, with a king-size bed, sitting area, mini-bar, desk and TV, plus my favourite feature of any room I’ve ever been in – a deep copper bathtub situated in a large bay window overlooking the grounds of the hotel. To say it’s picturesque is an understatement. To complete the country house package, a digital radio tuned to Classic FM plays soft, soothing notes.

We’re here to relax, and that’s exactly what we get. The Brasserie and Gun Room bar are both cosy and welcoming. We also get to pretend we’re being healthy by making a visit to the on-site Health and Fitness Club’s pool and sauna before we head into Witney for a bit of retail therapy.

Eynsham Hall has recently undergone a £2.5 million refurbishment and it shows; no two rooms in the main hall are the same, each featuring bespoke furniture and stylish interior design. The rest of the main hall has also benefitted, with the Brasserie and common areas on the ground floor sporting fresh paint and chic touches throughout.

The property has a lot to offer corporate bookers, with 40 dedicated meeting and event spaces for up to 170 delegates and a total of 135 guest rooms. The expansive grounds can also host a variety of team-building activities and summer parties. It’s a true hidden gem and a haven in a busy world.

Eynsham Hall Hotel, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 6PN; 01993 885 200; eynshamhall.com