Set in 66 acres of landscaped gardens with vast views across the Hampshire countryside, Tylney Hall Hotel and Gardens is situated just one hour from London. The Grade II-listed building remains an outstanding example of a luxury country house with many original features. It is said that a mansion house has existed on the site since 1561, although the first Tylney Hall was not built until 1700. 

Now, the hotel consists of just 112 rooms situated in the Mansion House and the surrounding gardens, offering something for everyone. With a hotel steeped in history just 30 minutes from my home, I took an overnight trip to see what it had to offer, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Rooms

Tylney Hall’s 112 rooms fall into nine categories, situated in the Mansion House and the surrounding gardens. Pick from Classic Bedrooms, Mansion Classic Bedrooms, Superior Classic Bedrooms, Mansion Superior Classic Bedrooms, Junior Suites, Mansion Junior Suites, Garden Suites, Orangery Suites, Mansion Suites, Master Suites and a State Suite. 

Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or a relaxing break, Tylney Hall’s beautifully designed bedrooms offer something for everyone.

Classic rooms are located in either the courtyard or the gardens and are furnished with either double or twin beds, a coffee table, a writing desk and a luxurious en-suite bathroom.

The brand new State Suite epitomises elegance and luxury. Located in the main mansion, it has the best views in the hotel, overlooking the Italian Garden, Boathouse Lake, and the redwood-flanked vista. 

I had the pleasure of staying in one of the four Orangery Suites, which were in a prime position overlooking the Water Gardens, a short walk from the main hotel. The recently refurbished suites have magnificent high windows, with a suite split over two levels. Ideal for families, the Orangery Suites can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

The fully air-conditioned suite offered a large living area with a sofa, armchairs, and a table, as well as a comfortable bedroom and a walk-in shower on the upper level. The decor was traditional and comfortable, and the room had everything you needed to enjoy the night or more, including a coffee machine and mini fridge.

With a door opening onto the Water Garden, I enjoyed an early morning walk and visited the ducks. It was super relaxing, peaceful, and private, and I’d definitely pick this room option again if I were to revisit. 

I’ve never stayed at a hotel with this many room options, which I thought was perfect and definitely suitable for a country wedding.

Dining and drinking

The Oak Room Restaurant

The Oak Room is an award-winning hotel restaurant with a delicious menu curated by Mike Lloyd, executive head chef. The menu boasts seasonal specialities and signature dishes, which are complemented by a carefully chosen wine list. The offerings were extensive, with starters including freshly steamed mussels, leek and watercress soup, beetroot carpaccio, and more. 

While I saved myself for the main meal, the starters looked and smelled delicious. Mains included pan-fried duck eggs, potato gnocchi, whole Cornish sole, lightly curried rump of lamb, sharing chateaubriand, and more.

I opted for the sharing chateaubriand, which was served and sliced tableside and cooked to absolute perfection. It was one of the best-cooked pieces of tenderloin steak I’ve ever had, melting in the mouth. Paired with onion rings, crunchy chips, and a mushroom, this meal was an absolute treat and had guests from the restaurant viewing the steak being served.

For dessert, I opted for a kiwi mousse with yoghurt sorbet and a white chocolate crumble. It was the perfect pudding for a rich main course, and one of the best presented I’ve seen. The service was impeccable, with the staff happy to answer any questions and cater for any requirements. 

The decor was traditional, with rich oak panelled walls; the room was fit to host royalty. Everywhere you looked, you were taken back in time, wondering who had been here before and what the room may have been used for. 

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to experience the dinner either, with options to book a table online if you fancy visiting.

It was back in The Oak Room Restaurant for breakfast, too, with options including a full English, smoked salmon with poached eggs, and filled pancakes. A continental selection consisted of delicious pastries, fruit, cereals and juices. I opted for the filled pancakes, which came with banana, creme fraiche and maple syrup, and it was sublime, a perfect birthday breakfast.  

The food was deliciously fresh, and the selection was great, with something for everyone. Tylney Hall also offers afternoon tea in one of its period lounges, with a festive one available at Christmas.

Amenities and things to do

Tylney Hall is the perfect relaxation retreat with an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor heated swimming pool and a sauna.

It is also home to a gym, two tennis courts, five treatment rooms, a nail salon, a croquet lawn, and walking and jogging trails. You can even hire bikes if you wish to take a bike ride.

Treatments include a full-body massage, a back massage, a range of facials, body scrubs, and wraps. All of the treatments, pamper days, and pamper breaks are available online to browse and book.

I had a dip in the heated outdoor pool, which was the perfect temperature for a crisp September morning. There are plenty of sunloungers around the pool, which I imagine are packed in the summer months. 

Leaving the hotel, there’s plenty to see and do nearby. For example, you can explore The Vyne National Trust site, which is a 17th-century family home set within sprawling ancient woodland. Or, you can visit the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, where you can learn about the gin-making process.

If you’re visiting with children, Wellington Country Park isn’t too far from the hotel, with a whole host of outdoor attractions and exciting events.

There’s no denying that Tylney Hall is a superb country house hotel, with rooms and the restaurant holding a very high standard. I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re nearby, whether that be a stay or an afternoon tea. Prices vary depending on the time of year and room type.