Afternoon tea and spa at Fishmore Hall

AD – Press trip

I don’t mean to brag but I am a bit of an expert on afternoon tea. I know a good cake when I see one – and I know how to pronounce scone and that the cream should definitely go on first. So I was delighted to be invited for afternoon tea at Fishmore Hall country house hotel in Ludlow. And to top off my perfect afternoon, I was able to use the spa facilities and have a massage too.

About Fishmore Hall

I’ve been to Fishmore Hall a few times over the years. I haven’t stayed there but the hotel itself has a great reputation. I know first hand that it’s a fabulous wedding venue where they go the extra mile to ensure you have the perfect day. I’ve also been there for dinner and it is a real gourmet dining experience, perfect for foodies.

Recently, they’ve added the Spa Shell to complete the luxurious experience. Located in the gardens of Fishmore Hall, the Spa Shell boasts four treatment rooms. There is also an outdoor hot tub, steam room and sauna for ultimate relaxation.

My afternoon in the Spa Shell

When I arrived at Fishmore Hall, I was shown to the beautiful Spa Shell located in the hotel garden. This is a wooden structure that acts as a self-contained spa. In this idyllic rural location, you feel totally submersed in relaxation from the moment you walk in.

We were talked through a quick health questionnaire and chose our treatments before being shown around the small spa area. Lockers, slippers, robes and towels were all provided. There’s even blankets available to snuggle in. The hot tub is located outside, perfect for a cold winter’s day.

On the patio with the hot tub are chairs and a luxurious double hammock. It was a bit chilly for that on my visit in January, but I’ll be back in the summer to make the most of it.

Inside there are loungers and chairs. Water is available at all times and the staff kindly brought us some hot drinks and soft drinks over too. The sauna and steam room both have different atmosphere settings with music and lighting to suit your mood.

The steam room was scented with essential oils too, which added to the relaxation. There is a rain and a breeze setting where water comes down if you press a button. We were told the water would be in front of us but it did get us quite wet.

The spa treatment

I was offered a choice of 30 minute treatments and decided on a back massage. The treatment rooms are clean, well equipped and relaxing. The couch is heated so you instantly feel comfortable when you lie down. I was asked what sort of pressure I wanted before the massage started. This was then checked a couple of times during the experience too. The massage was fabulous. I felt instantly better for it and at the end I was given post-treatment advice about drinking water to flush out the toxins.

Fishmore Hall afternoon tea

After we’d finished in the spa, we headed over to the restaurant for afternoon tea. This consisted of sandwiches, followed by scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of cakes. They were served with a hot drink or soft drink of your choice. I went with green tea but then realised I’d need a black coffee as well to get me home as I felt so relaxed.

The afternoon tea was truly fabulous. In fact I’d go as far as to say that it was one of the best I’ve had – and I’ve had a lot of afternoon teas. They made me a special plate of sandwiches as I’m vegetarian and there were both plain and fruit scones to choose from. The cakes tasted as good as they look!

Valentine’s Day at Fishmore Hall

As a special treat for Valentine’s day, couples can enjoy exclusive use of all of the spa facilities for three hours plus an additional two hours of luxury Elemis treatments. The experience is priced at £700 and includes an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s 15 luxury rooms, a romantic three course dinner for two in the 3AA Rosette restaurant Forelles and a full English breakfast the following morning.

For an additional £300, guests can stay cocooned in the Spa until 11pm and enjoy a romantic evening celebrating with cocktails. An exclusive bar tender is available for just £50 for the three hours to create a bespoke cocktail for the special day. You could even order a bottle of champagne, also priced at £50. How utterly fabulous.

AD – Press trip