Having two little ones, it’s very rare that Chiino and I get any couple time together. Everything from date nights to just having 1 minute to chat about our day, sometimes it feels like we’re strangers in the night! So we decided that for my birthday this year we were going to try and get a night away to ourselves and have some real quality time together (and maybe actually get some sleep!)
When Red Letter Days got in touch with me asking if I’d like to review their vouchers and packages I almost cried! If you haven’t heard of Red Letter Days then you are missing out! They offer amazing gift experiences such as epic afternoon teas, one of a kind overnight stays and seriously thoughtful experiences. You can get a voucher in the post in a lovely folder or you can get an email sent to you if you’re looking for a brilliant last minute gift idea.
I decided to go with the Relaxing Spa Break for Two at Peckforton Castle. It’s based in Cheshire so only a couple of hours away from us and it’s a castle! I’ve never stayed in a castle so that in itself was going to be exciting. You can already get the gist of why Red Letter Days are so good. It’s not just an overnight stay in a bog standard hotel… they do really memorable experiences.
Booking The Stay
I was nervous about booking the actual stay at Peckforton. As Red Letter Days send you a gift card, you then have a limited time (usually between 6 – 10 months) to actually book the experience. I got my voucher at the end of 2018 but wanted to use it to book my birthday getaway in March. So in January, I called Peckforton Castle. All the contact details were in the folder from Red Letter Days but I was still a little nervous.
There was no need to be! The booking was made super easy. All they needed for confirmation was the reference number and pin on the voucher and the rest was all booked. I had an email confirmation too – so everything really was that easy. The whole booking process has left me in no doubt that I would definitely be happy booking anything with a Red Letter Days voucher.
Peckforton Caste – The Spa
Check-in time at Peckforton Castle is 3pm but if you have a spa booking you can arrive early and use the facilities. So obviously, we need. It was my birthday after all!
In terms of the spa, the people were lovely and my massage was amazing. As part of the package, you can choose one 25 minute treatment each from a choice of an Elemis Back Massage, Elemis Taster Facial, Jessica Mini Manicure, Jessica Mini Pedicure. I just the back massage because it’s where I hold all my stress.
The staff was very attentive and I did feel very relaxed. It is a very small spa and there isn’t a huge amount to do. There isn’t a swimming pool for example and the changing room are pretty tiny so there was a bit of a queue. However, the two outdoor hot tubs certainty made up for it. We spent an hour our doors in the cold, feeling absolutely amazing in the warm hot top. There’s something so exhilarating about being in the outdoors like that. It was brilliant.
Peckforton Castle – Checking in
Once we’d finished the spa session, we went to check in. Receptions were lovely and were fully aware that we had a Red Letter Voucher and made absolutely no fuss about it. It was as though we had already paid in cash, it was that easy. I’m not sure if it’s because it was my birthday but they upgraded us very kindly from a classic room to an executive room and I was SO excited. We were given our room key and the lovely staff directed us to our Beeston Room.
Peckforton Castle – Beeston
As soon as we opened the door to the Beeston Room I had to close it again and video us going in. It was stunning! We were greeted by a huge regal four-poster bed and an absolutely flawless room. The high ceiling with its wooden bar features didn’t hold a speck of dust and not a spider in site!
As we walked in our breath was taken away for a second time. Not only was the bathroom massive with gorgeous slate blinds on the windows that let in the glorious sunshine but also the freestanding bath was an absolute winner. Toiletries and towels were included – the only thing that was missing was a bubble bath. So the shower gel had to do.
I didn’t want to leave the room. It was just enchanting. It really felt like a treat. Something different and absolutely a memory were being made. The castle has 48 stunning guestrooms all individually designed, so you may not get one that looks like this. But I’m almost sure it will be just as beautiful.
In terms of the room, we slept like a dream. We had everything we needed from complimentary water to slippers and robes. We had Wifi, a TV and there was absolutely no noise whatsoever. It was so peaceful. A really lovely room.
Peckforton Castle – Dinner
Part of the Red Letter Days package was a delicious three-course meal in the hotel’s three AA rosette 1851 restaurant. It was a pretty lux setting, very quiet, calm and peaceful. We were seated in a booth, which meant you get a little privacy, which is always quite nice at dinnertime.
The 1851 restaurant has a set menu throughout the year using in-season ingredients. There are approx. 3 or 4 dishes to choose from when it comes to starter, main and dessert.
As Chiino is a meat eater we went for pigeon. I can’t say I was a fan but I know it was because I’m not used to that kind of rich meat. It was however cooked perfectly. For main, I had fish and I wasn’t disappointed. The freshness was divine an actually, the portion was too small. Lastly, I opted for a cheese board because I’m addicted to Brie. Chiino had a proper dessert and I was only a little bit jealous. Drinks are not included but are reasonably priced.
The castle is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so I would strongly advise you to book dinner in one of the two restaurants. Don’t leave it to chance because there really isn’t a local McDonalds!
Peckforton Castle – Breakfast
We went down for breakfast at around 8am and were actually the first people there. The waiter advised that it would be a served breakfast as the number of quests didn’t equate to a buffet. Of course, we would have loved a buffet (who doesn’t) but we were just as happy to give our choices to the waiter. The breakfast was lovely. The food was fresh and cooked to perfection. There were also sweet bakes, cereal and fruit available, as you would expect. This was also included within the Red Letter Days package.
Check out
Checking out was a breeze. I really wish we could have stayed there another night. The staff are more than happy to help you to your car if you require it. The car park is downhill from the Castle so if you have lots of bags or any mobility issues you’ll definitely benefit from the assistance.
Overall it really was a magical stay. The room was just phenomenal. I’m usually one who loves modern, contemporary hotels. But staying at Peckforton Castle has given me the taste for something a little bit different.
You can find out more about Peckforton Castle here and you can check out everything Red Letter Days has to offer here.
