Affordable Weekend Retreat Just 35 Minutes from London on the Elizabeth Line
With flight prices skyrocketing and international travel fraught with unpredictability, a rising tide of holidaymakers is opting for escapes closer to home. For Londoners seeking a weekend break, we have uncovered an affordable retreat that barely requires leaving the city. Located just 35 minutes from Central London on the Elizabeth Line, Burnham Beeches Hotel stands as a four-star Georgian-era mansion, featuring cosy bedrooms, crowd-pleasing cuisine, and ten acres of grounds perfect for exploration by bike or on foot.
An Idyllic Setting in Buckinghamshire
Nestled amidst woods and hills in the posh country house hotel territory of Buckinghamshire, this destination offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere and represents decent value for money. Visitors should budget extra for a taxi, as the road from the station is a narrow country lane. While the walk takes just 30 minutes, a lift is often considered a worthwhile investment for convenience.
Recently Refurbished Rooms and Suites
Fresh from a significant glow-up, the hotel has been operational since the 1960s but has undergone recent refurbishment to bring its design firmly into the modern era. The palatial building is divided by a glass lobby, with the Georgian half on one side and a newer, less characterful annexe on the other. It boasts 80 rooms and suites across both sections, all adorned with woodland decor, plush velvet headboards, and cheerful forest wallpaper.
Room categories range from entry-level Nest doubles to Canopy suites, which include perks such as luxury bath robes, queen-size beds, and Nespresso machines. The pièce de résistance is the Clifton Suite, a two-room masterpiece featuring a giant clawfoot bathtub and a four-poster bed, retaining the grandeur of the original Manor House with an old-world royal feel. This suite also serves as the Bridal Suite.
Families are well catered for with sofa beds in select rooms, while accessible rooms with wet rooms are available in the newer part of the building.
Exceptional Dining and Drinking Options
This is where the hotel truly excels. The entire ground floor of the Georgian side is dedicated to four restaurants and bars, all recently refurbished. Breakfast is served in the light, breezy Brasserie 1727, offering a delightful array of pastries, cold meats, cheeses, cereals, and the essential full English breakfast. Dinner is also available here, featuring a small buffet and à la carte options like herb-crusted lamb rump and deconstructed cheesecake.
For a more sophisticated dinner experience, the Arden Room provides an elegant setting. At the end, Verdure bar and lounge offers a cosy hideaway with squashy sofas, mustard and gold fittings, and quality cocktails starting from £12. The bar serves a nice range of English selections, including Chapel Down sparkling wine from nearby Kent.
The highlight is afternoon tea in the Evergreen room, a kitsch timewarp of mahogany furniture, crystal chandeliers, and vintage green armchairs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for spending a few hours. Staff are praised for being friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
Spa and Fitness Facilities with Caveats
For many guests, the spa and fitness centre will be a drawcard. However, while the rest of the hotel exceeds expectations, this area is somewhat of a letdown. Located in the basement, it includes a small pool, hot tub, wooden sauna, and a new steam room. The pool is beautifully maintained but only accommodates two to three people comfortably, feeling cramped beyond that.
The gym is tiny, situated in a rather sad windowless room with a treadmill, Peloton bike, and free weights. The spa, which offers treatments using Temple Spa products, is oddly spread across three guest rooms rather than in a separate building. Services are reasonably priced, starting from £45 for a 30-minute foot and leg massage and £130 for a facial and full-body massage, with online booking recommended before visits.
Strategic Location and Nearby Attractions
The hotel is strategically located between London and Reading, just north of Slough and not far from Heathrow Airport. The nearest station is Burnham, which is on the Elizabeth Line, making the commute a breeze. This location is conveniently positioned for combining a city break to either Windsor or London as part of your visit.
The 926-acre Burnham Beeches nature reserve is a five-minute drive from the hotel and well worth a visit for wandering among ancient beech and oak trees.
Pricing and Value
Entry-level rooms start from £149 per night based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, offering an affordable option for a weekend getaway.
