Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-exterior-1-min.jpg" alt="Oakley Hall Hotel exterior Hampshire foodie stays " class="wp-image-26477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-exterior-1-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-exterior-1-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-exterior-1-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-exterior-1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-exterior-1-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>If you like traditional country house hotels, you&#8217;ll love Oakley Hall Hotel. An impressive Georgian mansion with sweeping driveway, grand entrance and 315 acres of exceedingly strollable grounds, the large, romantic hotel and wedding venue is just six miles outside Basingstoke, close to Overton. </p>



<p>Originally the Bramston family seat, it was rebuilt in 1795 by Wither Bramston. Wither lived here with his sister, Augusta, and his wife Mary (who moved from nearby Tudor mansion, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-vyne-basingstoke/" target="_blank">The Vyne</a>). Their friend and fellow Hampshire local – one Jane Austen – lived close by and often popped over for a visit. So if you stay here or come for afternoon tea, you&#8217;ll quite literally be following in her footsteps.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1013" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-view-min.jpg" alt="View from sash window Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27172" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-view-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-view-min-800x540.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-view-min-1000x675.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-view-min-768x519.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-view-min-777x525.jpg 777w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Everything you hope for in a grand country house hotel, Oakley Hall has manicured lawns, beautiful woodlands, high ceilings, tall sash windows and smart reception rooms. After you check-in, take a peek around the main house. Very popular for weddings, there are some gorgeous original features, like the beautiful wood panelled ceiling in the library function room. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-swing-min-1000x667.jpg" alt="Tree swing Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-swing-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-swing-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-swing-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-swing-min-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-swing-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dropping our bags in the room, we head straight out for a stroll. After a walk around the woods, we also discover the walled kitchen garden. Wandering back towards the house Miss Six and I spy the romantic tree swing in the grounds and have a little go. Weee!</p>



<p>Deservingly four-star, the hotel is very guest-oriented. The bedrooms, restaurant and bar all have a smart modern look, and the spoil-yourself dining and fluffy white robes create a relaxed vibe, without an ounce of stuffiness. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-restaurant-1.jpg" alt="Glasshouse restaurant Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-26499" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-restaurant-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-restaurant-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-restaurant-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-restaurant-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/04/Oakley-Hall-restaurant-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Designed to be a laid back, fine dining experience, Oakley Hall&#8217;s two-AA Rosette Glasshouse restaurant achieves just that. The interiors here are fittingly contemporary and the food is absolutely on point. Sadly, we don&#8217;t have time for afternoon tea, (which is a shame as it comes with rave reviews). Next time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-kitchen-garden-min.jpg" alt="Kitchen garden Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27179" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-kitchen-garden-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-kitchen-garden-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-kitchen-garden-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-kitchen-garden-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-kitchen-garden-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Tasty and sustainable, much of the produce served up on the all-day dining menu is sourced from within a 50-mile radius. Some of the vegetables, herbs and fruit are grown in the hotel&#8217;s own gorgeous Kitchen Garden.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-tuna-starter-min.jpg" alt="Fine dining Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-tuna-starter-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-tuna-starter-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-tuna-starter-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-tuna-starter-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-tuna-starter-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Seated comfortably for dinner, we order from the main menu and good choice of specials. To start, we tuck into some absolutely beautiful pan-seared scallops and a delicate special of sushi-style tuna, served with a milder wasabi sauce and pickled vegetables (above). </p>



<p>Miss Six finds plenty to pick from on the children&#8217;s menu. And she&#8217;s equally delighted with her generous portion of fish, huge chunky chips and peas.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-fish-main-min.jpg" alt="Fresh fish dishes Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-fish-main-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-fish-main-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-fish-main-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-fish-main-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-fish-main-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, we plump for a warming gnocci pasta dish with a super-fresh sauce. The gorgeous pan-fried fish from the specials menu wins the day, served with tasty greens and deliciously punchy caper berries. </p>



<p>To go with the tasty fine fare, Oakley Hall has a very decent wine list. My glass of French Picpoul is billed as perfect with seafood &#8211; and doesn&#8217;t disappoint. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-cookies-min-1000x667.jpg" alt="Cookies and ice cream Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27174" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-cookies-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-cookies-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-cookies-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-cookies-min-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-cookies-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pudding is a hearty sticky toffee pud with large dollop of ice cream and two spoons. It&#8217;s pretty spot on. Unexpectedly though, the star of the show on the puds front has to be our daughter&#8217;s utterly amazing warm, home-baked &#8216;Yogi Bear&#8217;s&#8217; cookies and vanilla ice cream. Fortunately for us, it&#8217;s such a hefty serve that she allows us to help her out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-main-min.jpg" alt="Bedroom Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27171" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-main-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-main-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-main-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-main-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-bedroom-main-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Large enough to house a wedding party but keeping its character country house hotel charm, Oakley Hall has 50 very comfortable bedrooms in the main house and adjoining courtyard. There&#8217;s also an idyllic three-bedroom, self-contained <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.oakleyhall-park.com/stay/garden-cottage/" target="_blank">Garden Cottage</a> in the grounds.</p>



<p>Located in the main house our executive room (above) has a period fireplace, comfy super king-sized bed and beautiful sash windows overlooking the front of the house. There&#8217;s all the creature comforts you&#8217;d want away from home, like fluffy white robes, decent WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities and fresh milk in the fridge. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-duck-in-bathroom-min.jpg" alt="Rubber duck bathroom Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27176" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-duck-in-bathroom-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-duck-in-bathroom-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-duck-in-bathroom-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-duck-in-bathroom-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-duck-in-bathroom-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A comfortable pull-out sofa bed is all made up for our daughter to sleep on.  She&#8217;s super pleased with the kid&#8217;s activity pack left out for her and cute, fluffy white robe to snuggle up in after a rubber duckie bath.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-breakfast-min.jpg" alt="Breakfast Oakley Hall Hotel Basingstoke Hampshire" class="wp-image-27173" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-breakfast-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-breakfast-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-breakfast-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-breakfast-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/oakley-hall-breakfast-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>After a great night&#8217;s sleep, we return to the Glasshouse Restaurant for breakfast.  Our tasty eggs florentine and a very well executed full English really fuels us up for the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOG-FRIENDLY</h2>



<p>Dogs aren&#8217;t permitted, other than guide dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>Disabled guests won&#8217;t have a problem. The car park with disabled parking bays is very close to the main entrance. Oakley Hall has three bedrooms with fully accessible bedrooms and lifts to all floors.  </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min.jpg" alt="The Vyne National Trust" class="wp-image-27360" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



<p>Oakley Hall is well-located for some big hitter Hampshire attractions, like <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bombay-sapphire-distillery/" target="_blank">Laverstoke Mill, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery</a>, just five miles from here. Gorgeous Tudor mansion <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-vyne-basingstoke/" target="_blank">National Trust place, The Vyne</a>, is a 15 minute drive. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://janeaustens.house/" target="_blank">Jane Austen’s House</a> is around 30 minutes&#8217; away in the village of Chawton, near Alton.&nbsp;And <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://highclerecastleshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">Highclere Castle</a>, aka Downton Abbey, is 20 minutes from Oakley Hall (check for seasonal opening). </p>



<p>Nearby Basingstoke has some good <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/" target="_blank">theatres</a> and the huge <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/festival-place-basingstoke/" target="_blank">Festival Place</a> for shopping and the cinema. And if you fancy having a go, Oakley Hall has <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.oakleyhall-park.com/relax-play/clay-pigeon-shooting/" target="_blank">clay pigeon shooting packages</a> in the hotel grounds (book ahead).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Luxe, family-friendly stays, romantic breaks in a gorgeously romantic, elegant setting, special occasions, foodie fine dining and afternoon teas. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:&nbsp;</strong>Spa fans. There&#8217;s no pool or leisure facilities so at present, so nowhere to swish to in your fluffy robe and slippers &#8211; although there are plans afoot to add one. We can&#8217;t wait!</p>



<p><strong>The damage:&nbsp;</strong>Rooms start at around £250 per night. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.oakleyhall-park.com/offer/hampshire-escape/" target="_blank">Hampshire Escape</a> dinner, bed and breakfast packages are available from £304 per night for two. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.oakleyhall-park.com/dine-drink/afternoon-tea/" target="_blank">Afternoon tea</a> is £35 or £45pp person with champagne. </p>



<p><em>Oakley Hall, Rectory Rd, Oakley, Basingstoke RG23 7EL. Tel. 01256 783350. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.oakleyhall-park.com/" target="_blank">oakleyhall-park.com</a></em></p>


Review: Oakley Hall, Basingstoke

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