The affordable weekend retreat that’s 35 minutes from London on the Elizabeth Line

And for weekending Londoners, we’ve found an affordable break that barely requires leaving the city.

Just 30 minutes from Central London on the Elizabeth Line is Burnham Beeches Hotel, a four-star Georgian-era mansion with cosy bedrooms, crowd-pleasing food, and ten acres to explore by bike or on foot.

Surrounded by woods and hills in posh country house hotel land (aka Buckinghamshire), this place is fun, laid-back and decent value for money.

Allow extra for a taxi—the road from the station is a narrow country lane, and though the walk is just 30 minutes, a lift is worth the investment.

The rooms

The palatial building is cleaved in two by its glass lobby, with the Georgian half on one side and a newer, less characterful annexe on the other.

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It has 80 rooms and suites across both, all finished with woodland decor, plush velvet headboards and jolly forest wallpaper.

There are several room categories, ranging from entry-level Nest doubles to Canopy suites which have perks like luxury bath robes, a queen-size bed and a Nespresso machine.

The piece du resistance is the Clifton Suite, a two-room masterpiece with a giant clawfoot bathtub and a four-poster bed.

Retaining the grandeur of the original Manor House, everything about this room feels like old-world royalty.

It’s no surprise that this is also their Bridal Suite.

Elsewhere, families are well catered for, with sofa beds in select rooms.

There are accessible rooms in the newer part of the building, complete with wet rooms.

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Food and drink

The whole ground floor of the Georgian side is dedicated to four restaurants and bars, all of which have been refurbished.

Breakfast is in the light, breezy Brasserie 1727, a delightful array of pastries, cold meats and cheese, cereals and the non-negotiable FEB.

Dinner is served here, too.

It runs to a small buffet and a few à la carte options (try the herb-crusted lamb rump and deconstructed cheesecake).

A more sophisticated dinner venue is the Arden Room, while at the end is Verdure bar and lounge, a cosy hideaway with squashy sofas, mustard and gold fittings and quality cocktails from £12.

They serve 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.

It’s warm, inviting and a lovely place to spend a few hours.

Special shout out to the staff, who are friendly and attentive without being intrusive.

The facilities

However, while the rest of the hotel exceeds expectations, this is, sadly, a let down.

Located in the basement, there’s a small pool, hot tub, wooden sauna and a new steam room.

The pool is beautifully maintained, but it’s only big enough for two (max three) people.

After that, it feels decidedly cramped.

It’s also a shame that the gym is tiny, in a rather sad windowless room with a treadmill, Peloton bike and free weights.

Meanwhile the spa, which offers treatments with Temple Spa products, is quite strangely spread across three guest rooms rather than in a separate building.

Services are reasonably priced, with prices from £45 for a 30-minute foot and leg massage and £130 for a facial and full-body massage.

Book online before your visit.

Location

The nearest station is Burnham, which is on the Elizabeth Line.

The commute is a breeze and strategically convenient if you want to club 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 to wander among its ancient beech and oak trees.

How much does it cost?