The Tawny Hotel: Review of One of the Best Hotels in Staffordshire
Gorgeous rolling countryside, idyllic ponds, woodland paths, charming shepherd’s huts, lakeside lodges, exceptional food and the peaceful sounds of nature. Here’s our full review and everything you need to know about the Tawny Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in Staffordshire.
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Immersed in gorgeous countryside, a stone’s throw from the Peak District, is The Tawny Hotel, an absolutely stunning property and without a doubt one of the best luxury hotels in Staffordshire.
The Tawny Hotel isn’t your standard hotel. It’s a ‘deconstructed hotel’ – essentially, everything is spread out rather than in one building.
Treehouse-style cabins, charming shepherd’s huts and lakeside lodges are scattered around the estate, completely immersed in nature. You still get all the benefits and facilities of a luxury hotel, including a swimming pool, fine-dining restaurant, bar and spa, but you walk through woodland paths to get there.
One of our favourite things about staying at The Tawny Hotel was walking through the woods and past lily ponds to breakfast every morning and hearing the sounds of nature to start our day.
The Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire, shares its estate with Foxtail Barns Wedding Venue, which was our main reason for staying. We got married at Foxtail Barns and wanted somewhere luxurious nearby, for our mini-moon, where we could spend a few days relaxing after a very busy few months of wedding chaos. The Tawny Hotel was just what we needed.
We stayed in November, which was a beautiful time of year to visit. The estate was glowing in shades of red, orange and gold and in the mornings, a mystical fog drifted across the ponds – it was incredibly peaceful.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about staying at the Tawny Hotel – from its location and unique accommodation, to the surrounding area, facilities and our honest review along the way. We’ll also share tips on getting around the estate, how to get there, the best time to visit and more. If you’re after one of the top luxury hotels in Staffordshire, this is definitely it!
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Contents
Accommodation at The Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire
One of the hardest decisions we had to make about our mini-moon was which room type to stay in at the Tawny Hotel, as they all look amazing!!
The hotel actually spans two neighbouring estates, the Consall Estate and Basford Estate. The Consall Estate is where most of the accommodation is and all the hotel’s facilities – pool, spa, bar and restaurant. The Basford Estate is where you’ll find luxury self-catering holiday homes, perfect for groups of friends and families.
We stayed on the Consall Estate, so this review will focus on the accommodation making up The Wingspan Collection and the hotel’s facilities.
The Wingspan Collection encompasses:
- Wildwood Hut: chic and cosy shepherd’s huts nestled amongst the trees and a short stroll to one of the lakes
- Hillside Treehouse: perched high on a ridge, looking over the valley with a sweeping view over one of the five lakes
- Valley Treehouse: woodland views and cosy nature-inspired interiors, you’re completely immersed in nature
- Lookouts: at the top of a hillside with incredible lake and valley views, you can soak up from your indoor free-standing bathtub and wall-to-wall glass window
- Boathouse: an unparalleled location right on the waterfront with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an indoor free-standing bathtub with incredible views across the lake
- Retreats: the ultimate level of luxury with a gorgeous indoor sunken bath under a skylight and a private dressing room
- Glade Huts: double the size of the shepherd’s huts, perfect if you’re after more space and a cosy lounge to relax after a day in the fresh air
All rooms have a gorgeous outdoor spa bath on the decking, making that luxury-in-nature experience feel even more special.
What made our decision much easier was that we wanted our dog, Plum, to stay with us. While the Tawny Hotel is dog-friendly, dogs are only allowed in the Glade Huts or Lookouts. We went for the Lookout so we could wake up to lakeside views.
Facilities
Although the rooms are spread out across the 70 acres of beautiful grounds, this luxury hotel has all the facilities you’d expect from a 5* property. It truly is one of the best hotels in Staffordshire.
The Plumicorn
At the heart of the Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire, is The Plumicorn, where you’ll find the fine-dining restaurant and bar.
The bar has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere and is perfect for an afternoon drink if you’ve been out walking. In the summer, sit out on the patio and enjoy the sweeping views across the grounds from its elevated position. In the colder months, find a cosy corner to play a board game while enjoying a tasty cocktail or glass of wine.
It’s laidback and dog-friendly, and you can also eat here if you’re after something more relaxed or don’t want to leave your furry friend in your room. You can order from the bar menu, which is a bit more casual than the restaurant – tacos, focaccia, flatbreads, burgers, risotto, or you can order the full à la carte menu if you fancy something a bit more indulgent in the evening.
The restaurant serves a seasonal à la carte menu using fresh local produce. Every dish has been very well thought out, is beautifully presented and full of flavour. The service is impeccable and super friendly, and the staff are more than happy to make recommendations from their extensive wine list. Eating at the restaurant is a lovely experience, and we’d definitely recommend checking it out.
Our top tip: book a table in advance as it fills up quickly. It’s popular with hotel guests and locals who travel in for dinner.
Breakfast is served in the Plumicorn restaurant, and it’s such a lovely start to your day – walking through the grounds in the fresh morning air and sitting down to your coffee overlooking the estate as the sun rises over the lakes.
You can choose to have a continental breakfast hamper delivered to your door if you’d prefer a slower morning from the comfort of your stunning room. The cooked breakfast is absolutely delicious, though, so definitely make the trip to the restaurant at least once.
Swimming Pool
The swimming pool at the Tawny Hotel was, without a doubt, the highlight of our stay. Perched at the top of the valley, underneath the Plumicorn, it benefits from incredible views across the estate.
It’s heated to a toasty 31 degrees, so when we stayed in November, we could still enjoy a dip. In fact, it probably felt even more special swimming outside when the air is cool and crisp. One of our favourite moments of our stay was swimming after dinner when it was cold and dark – it felt so peaceful and extra cosy when we got back to our room.
There are private unisex changing rooms and fresh towels you can grab by the pool. You’ll also find a QR code where you can order drinks straight to your sun lounger.
Your well-behaved dog can hang out with you by the pool, but no swimming for the pooch.
The Tawny Hotel Spa
Inside a charming thatched cottage is the GAIA Spa, a serene retreat with sweeping views across the 70-acre estate.
There’s a single room and a menu of Gaia-inspired treatments from hot stone massages to alleviate stress, nurturing Jade facials, experiences to awaken and energise the body, detox body scrubs, relaxing massages and much more.
Our top tip: book your treatments as soon as you book your stay. The Tawny Hotel Spa fills up months in advance, and unfortunately, it was full for our stay. Our only slight gripe was that it would have been nice if the hotel had emailed us in advance to recommend booking the spa early – something to keep in mind!
The Folly Trail
As we explored the grounds of the Tawny, we spotted several random structures and decorative features that didn’t seem to serve much of a purpose except to look nice. Turns out, this is exactly the point.
During the 1960s, several large country houses nearby were being demolished, so many of their features – stoneworks, water features and statues were rescued to a new home here at the Tawny.
Grab a map from reception and discover the self-guided Folly Trail to see how many you can find hidden amongst the woodland. As you go, you may also come across a few surprises, like table tennis or giant garden chess, so you can pause your treasure hunt for a game.
Additional facilities at the Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire
- Bike rental – one of the best ways to explore the large estate is by bike. Bikes are free to rent (standard bikes, no e-bikes yet), and they also have a couple of kids’ bikes. Request them before you arrive to confirm availability.
- Private yoga sessions – in the heart of the gardens, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature, enjoy a private guided yoga session – either just for yourself or your party. If you don’t fancy the outdoors, you can do it from the comfort of your lodge or decking.
- Weddings – the Tawny Hotel shares its gorgeous estate with Foxtail Barns, so if you’re engaged (or know someone who is), definitely check it out. We got married here and it’s absolutely spectacular!
Surrounding Area
The Tawny Hotel is surrounded by gorgeous Staffordshire countryside near the idyllic village of Consall, making it a great base to explore.
The charming market town Leek is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, where you’ll find cosy pubs, restaurants and cute boutiques – perfect if you can peel yourself away from the estate for a few hours.
If you fancy a longer walk than just around the estate, continue to Consall Nature Park, which can be reached on foot from the hotel. There’s a lovely walk through shaded woodland, past serene ponds and next to the River Churnet. You’ll walk past the Churnet Valley Railway, where there’s a cosy riverside pub, The Black Lion – perfect for a pit stop.
For something different, hop on the Churnet Valley Railway for a nostalgic steam ride through the countryside. Board the train at Constall Station – a short walk through the estate. It’s advisable to book a ticket online and check times before you go.
The Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire, is also a great base for a day trip to the Peak District. In less than half an hour, you could be driving through magnificent limestone peaks, hiking through rugged moors and exploring enchanting castles and quaint market towns. There are also endless walking and cycling trails surrounded by spectacular natural scenery.
For more inspiration and everything you need to know, check out our guide on the best things to do in the Peak District.
About an hour from the Tawny, nestled in the heart of the Peak District, is Chatsworth House, a stunning stately home where you can wander through opulent rooms and stunning gardens, and learn how seventeen generations of the Devonshire Family have contributed to one of the country’s finest houses.
For a fun-filled, adrenaline-fuelled day out, Alton Towers is just a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Whether you’re after heart-pounding rollercoasters, gentle family rides or water adventures, there’s something for everyone. If you want a change of pace from the tranquillity of The Tawny and a great day out with friends or family, Alton Towers is a must.
Our top tip: book your tickets to Alton Towers in advance to skip the queue and make the most of your time on the rides.
Everything Else You Need to Know to Stay at The Tawny Hotel, One of the Best Hotels in Staffordshire
How to get to The Tawny Hotel
The easiest way to get to the Tawny Hotel is by car, giving you the freedom and flexibility to explore the grounds and the surrounding area in your own time.
If you’re travelling by train, the nearest station is Stoke-on-Trent, 8 miles away. There’s no public transport to the hotel, so you’ll need to hop in a taxi. There should be taxis at the station, but for peace of mind, it may be worth booking one in advance, especially if you’re arriving late in the day.
Getting Around the Tawny Hotel
The best way to get around the hotel is, without a doubt, walking. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. They’re so quiet and peaceful – there’s no better way to start your morning and end your day than being surrounded by the sounds of nature.
If you don’t fancy walking or it’s raining and you’re heading out for a nice meal, call reception and a golf buggy will pick you up. You can also do this to get back to your room.
Our top tip: take a torch if you’re heading back late after dinner – the estate gets incredibly dark!
The best time to visit
The Tawny Hotel is dreamy to visit at any time of the year, and every season brings something different.
During spring and summer, the grounds are lush and green and bursting with colourful flowers. It’s perfect for sitting out on your deck with a morning coffee or afternoon drink, or enjoying long walks in the sun.
Come autumn, the trees turn spectacular shades of red, orange and gold, and the morning mist over the ponds feels absolutely magical. Autumn and winter are especially cosy, with frosted walks around the estate, followed by a soak in your warm outdoor spa bath, breathing in the cool, crisp air.
Is the Tawny Hotel dog-friendly?
Yes, the Tawny Hotel is one of the best dog-friendly hotels in Staffordshire. You can bring one medium-sized, well-behaved dog, aged over 1 year. There’s a charge of £50, which also includes a dog bowl and towel. Make sure the hotel is aware you’re bringing a dog before you arrive. Dogs are only welcome in the Glade Huts and Lookouts.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our review of the Tawny Hotel, one of the top luxury hotels in Staffordshire. If you have any questions or want to know more about our stay, please leave a comment and we’ll get back to you.
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