Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Hotel-exterior-1000x625.jpg" alt="Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-33972" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Hotel-exterior-1000x625.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Hotel-exterior-800x500.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Hotel-exterior-768x480.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Hotel-exterior.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Just a few minutes by car from the M3 and Basingstoke, Audleys Wood is a 19<sup>th</sup> Century Neo-Gothic Renaissance Manor surrounded by pretty Hampshire countryside.</p>



<p>Just off a busy A-Road, the Four AA Star hotel and estate is more bucolic and historic than you might expect. Delving really far back, the name Audleys dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 (then written as Oddele). &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-main-exterior-4-min-1000x750.jpg" alt="Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34342" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-main-exterior-4-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-main-exterior-4-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-main-exterior-4-min-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-main-exterior-4-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Built around 1879 for auctioneer Thomas Pailin and his wife it was sold just a couple of years later when he died and was later owned by the founder of a Brewing Company. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-exterior-3-min.jpg" alt="Lawns at Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34337" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-exterior-3-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-exterior-3-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-exterior-3-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-exterior-3-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>During the Second World War it was leased to Viscount Camrose, the Editor and proprietor of <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>. (There’s always a current copy in the lounge here, to commemorate the great statesmen and journalists who came to visit).</p>



<p>Part of the Hand Picked Group since 2007, Audleys Wood was extended and opened as a hotel in 1989.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-Lounge-fireplace-min-1000x750.jpg" alt="Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34341" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-Lounge-fireplace-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-Lounge-fireplace-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-Lounge-fireplace-min-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-Lounge-fireplace-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Audleys Wood has plenty of original character features that will appeal to country house hotel lovers. Stepping up the marble steps in the entrance past rows of wellies, inside the main house is appropriately grand with ornate wood carved panelling, flagstone floors in the grand reception area, a comfortable lounge and fireplace with a chest full of board games.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1454" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Long-Lounge-min.jpg" alt="Long Lounge Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34021" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Long-Lounge-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Long-Lounge-min-800x775.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Long-Lounge-min-1000x969.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Long-Lounge-min-768x744.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The light-filled Conservatory restaurant is a real highlight of the building with its incredible vaulted ceilings. (Look out for the intriguing Minstral’s Gallery). At dinner, we’re delighted to spot a deer roaming across the lawn and a few pheasants, too.</p>



<p>Outside, there’s a dedicated pavilion for weddings and functions and terrace seating outside the Conservatory, overlooking the manicured lawns and woodlands. (Having spied a few couples enjoying a delicious looking afternoon tea, we vow to return to try it).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="973" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Bedroom-min.jpg" alt="Bedroom at Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34017" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Bedroom-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Bedroom-min-800x519.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Bedroom-min-1000x649.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/Audleys-Wood-Bedroom-min-768x498.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Audleys Wood has two large traditional suites and a further 66 bedrooms with views over the grounds. Ours, in the modern extension has everything we needed for a comfortable night’s stay with a desk and armchairs to sit and enjoy a cuppa. In the morning, there’s a great choice of cold buffet options and eggs that are perfectly cooked to order.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1428" height="929" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Hall-Dining-Room.jpg" alt="The Conservatory Restaurant at Audleys Wood Hotel Basingstoke" class="wp-image-34348" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Hall-Dining-Room.jpg 1428w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Hall-Dining-Room-800x520.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Hall-Dining-Room-1000x651.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Hall-Dining-Room-768x500.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1428px) 100vw, 1428px" /></figure>



<p>Dinner in the two AA Rosette-rated restaurant is a real highlight. Visiting with our daughter (Miss 8), there’s plenty of children’s options to choose from, including what turns out to be a huge mezze of dips and veggies with chicken strips, followed by another generous serve of fish and chips.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-starter-min.jpg" alt="Starter at Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34343" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-starter-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-starter-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-starter-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-starter-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The wine list doesn’t disappoint with plenty of options by the glass and bottle. Always keen to try something new, I plump for a crisp, fruity, Galician Albariño which pairs well with a starter of curried parsnip velouté, poured theatrically at the table over two very tasty parsnip bhajis.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-2-min.jpg" alt="Fish starter at Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34338" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-2-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-2-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-2-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-2-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Mr. Muddy opts for a generous fillet of John Dory with caponata and bouillabaisse which is super fresh and flavoursome.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-course-min.jpg" alt="Fish main at Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34336" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-course-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-course-min-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-course-min-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-fish-main-course-min-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, a roast Cornish Cod is also very fresh tasting (if a little over-salted), and elevated by a crab, gnocci and bisque.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-steak-min.jpg" alt="steak main course at Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34344" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-steak-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-steak-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-steak-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-steak-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Steak-loving Mr. Muddy is in raptures over his 28-day aged rib eye, beautifully cooked and served up with a charred shallot and Caesar salad and super chunky triple-cooked chips.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-treacle-pudding-min.jpg" alt="treacle tart Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire" class="wp-image-34345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-treacle-pudding-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-treacle-pudding-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-treacle-pudding-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/Audleys-Wood-treacle-pudding-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Having had, by this point, a more than elegant sufficiency, dessert was definitely a case of two spoons and soldiering on. Chosen because we hadn’t had it in years, the nostalgic treacle tart nonetheless rounded off the meal well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children">CHILDREN</h2>



<p>A great place to come with the family. Children under three stay and eat for free while those aged four to 11 receive complimentary bed and breakfast when a sharing parents’ room (£25 for kids over 12 years). We share a twin double room and our daughter is delighted to have her own big bed, a welcome pack and child’s VIP robe to borrow and (most exciting of all) a bedtime milk and cookies menu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-friendly">PET FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Furry friends will find plenty of treats on arrival and a warm welcome in reception. There are designated dog-friendly hotel bedrooms (£20 per dog per day/£10 per second dog ), with access to the lawns or courtyard and grounds. Dogs can join you in some of the lounge areas. Ask about nearby walking routes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access">DISABILITY ACCESS</h2>



<p>Audleys Wood has an adapted room on the ground floor. There’s ramp access to hotel and wedding pavilion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Vyne-National-Trust-Images-John-Miller-min.jpg" alt="The Vyne Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-31303" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Vyne-National-Trust-Images-John-Miller-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Vyne-National-Trust-Images-John-Miller-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Vyne-National-Trust-Images-John-Miller-min-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Vyne-National-Trust-Images-John-Miller-min-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Vyne-National-Trust-Images-John-Miller-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Head into nearby Basingstoke and the vast <a href="https://www.festivalplace.co.uk/">Festival Place</a> for a shopping fix. Also here, <a href="https://www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk/">Milestone’s Museum</a> is a nostalgic trip through Britain’s past. National Trust big hitter <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-vyne-basingstoke/">The Vyne</a> with its Tudor connections is less than 15 minutes’ drive. Or get a literary history fix at the great <a href="https://janeaustens.house/">Jane Austen’s House</a> at Chawton, 20 minutes’ drive from Audleys Wood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>A very well priced, under-the-radar Hampshire country house hotel stay with top-notch dining, close to transport links and Basingstoke.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>The modern guest rooms lack the character of the main house, although you’ll find it in the Lavinia Fenton and Jane Austen Suites. Spa queens and gym bunnies might bemoan the lack of leisure facilities.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Rooms start at around £155, rising up to around £220 for a suite. In the restaurant, starters are £8-£18, mains are £18-£42 and puddings are £8-£11.</p>



<p><em>Audley’s Wood, Alton Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2JT. </em><a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/audleyswood/">handpickedhotels.co.uk/audleyswood</a></p>


Muddy stays: Audleys Wood, Basingstoke

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