Hotel Review: Ragdale Hall, Melton Mowbray, England

Amidst the rolling hills of rural Leicestershire lies Ragdale Hall, an imposing, red brick country house which has been converted into a luxury spa hotel. Key architectural features of the 18th century property have been retained, as have the landscaped gardens, but the hotel also now benefits from the vast Thermal Spa, numerous treatment rooms, and an excellent restaurant.

Who for

Ragdale Hall attracts a predominantly female clientele – mothers and daughters, groups of girlfriends, and individual women getting some much needed me-time –  and an unusually high number of guests are repeat visitors. If you like your hotels laid-back and unpretentious, Ragdale Hall is ideal: you can wear what you like, do as you please, and relax. If you want to come to dinner in your slippers and dressing gown, you won’t look out of place.

Accommodation

Ragdale Hall accommodation

The rooms at Ragdale Hall are a welcome change from sterile, monochrome offerings in most hotels today. You can expect large twin or double beds, colourful floral fabrics, and plenty of light streaming through the windows in the early morning. All of the hotel’s rooms have views across the surrounding countryside, easy chairs where you can relax with a book, and the kind of atmosphere which makes the breakfast in bed one of life’s great pleasures.

Facilities

Ragdale Hall’s spa caters to health and beauty on an epic scale. The multi-million pound Thermal Spa offers a variety of heat and water experiences, including indoor and outdoor pools, rose sauna, volcanic salt room, and a tranquil flotation pool in a candlelit cavern. Other parts of the hall house numerous treatment rooms, fitness studios, and a games room, and there are a couple of well-maintained tennis courts outside. You can also play boules or croquet on the front lawn.

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Food and Drink

Breakfast in bed is served at Ragdale Hall as standard, and you can make your selection before you go to bed. Being awoken by the smell of fresh coffee and pastries brought to your room is divine.

Lunches and dinners, which are included in the price of your stay, are served in the historic, wood-panelled dining room. It is elegantly decorated and overlooks the lawns and ponds. You can choose between an expansive buffet and a la carte options, and whilst I chose to indulge (the seared duck was particularly delicious), there are also lighter choices for those trying to eat more healthily. Ragdale Hall has a well-stocked wine cellar, and the waiting staff are enthusiastic in suggesting wine pairings for your meal.

What’s Nearby

Ragdale Hall is close to the picturesque Leicestershire town of Melton Mowbray, famous for its delicious pork pies. It’s well worth taking a stroll around, tasting the many free samples, and of course buying some pies to take home.

The Leicestershire countryside, remarkably unspoilt, is its own attraction, and Ragdale Hall is well placed for you to enjoy it. The hotel’s grounds run straight into farmland, and the reception staff can advise you on the best walking trails to follow. If you prefer to cycle than walk, you can borrow a bicycle, and thus travel further afield.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Room Rates

A two-night spa break (including two treatments) costs from £325.

Value for Money

At first glance, Ragdale Hall might seem expensive, but in fact it is considerably more affordable than similar spa hotels in other parts of the UK. All of your meals are included, as are use of the facilities and exercise and wellness classes, and packages include a set number of treatments, so there are no extras to pay.

Getting There

Most guests drive to Ragdale Hall, which is close to Melton Mowbray, and 15 miles from Junction 21a on the M1. Coming by train, you can travel to Melton Mowbray, Leicester, and Loughborough, then take a taxi to the hotel.