An extraordinary Victorian neo-gothic manor with fantastic history, beautiful listed architecture and spectacular interiors, The Elvetham Hotel makes for a unique and oh-so-elegant Hampshire country house hotel stay.

Sitting on 35 acres of land close to Reading, Basingstoke and Farnborough, The Elvetham has history dating back to Saxon times. However, the ornate redbrick edifice you see when sweeping up the driveway is a confection of the 1860s with the requisite arched windows, dark panelled walls and enormous staircases that deliver you to the hotel’s 93 bedrooms.

It’s this spectacular backdrop that makes the hotel so popular as a wedding venue – or indeed a place to celebrate a special occasion. Prospective brides-to-be can choose to have their ceremony in The Oak Room or Garden Summer House, with the beautifully ornate Library the perfect setting for the grandest of wedding breakfasts. Already tied the knot? Hire out one of the rooms for a special birthday or anniversary and you’ll get The Elvetham’s fabulous events team at your beck and call.

Following an extensive refurbishment of rooms around the hotel in early 2021, The Elvetham’s gorgeous Gloriana Bar had a fiery red update. The décor playfully blends its stunning original features with contemporary furniture. On the walls, there’s also a modern portrait of Elizabeth I, who enjoyed a four-day extravaganza of lavish entertainment here in 1591 (those were the days!). There’s plenty of opportunity to eat and be merry in the smart, renovated Sylvanus restaurant too, where light streams through the beautiful windows.

If you’re just staying for a weekend getaway, aside from the sumptuous bedrooms (we recommend the spacious suites), you have 35 acres of gardens to explore including a kitchen garden, Victorian formal gardens, a croquet lawn and over 80 ornamental trees, including a 400-year-old oak tree planted by Queen Elizabeth I herself (presumably on a break from partying!).

Persuaded? Thought so. Get packing that suitcase, lady!