Saturday, August 1, 2015

Grim's Dyke Hotel

I've so missed the London Bloggers Teas and the fun of meeting up with other bloggers over scones and tea.  So when my inbox pinged with an invite from Linzi at Office Breaks to attend a bloggers tea I immediately responded "Yes!"  

The fact that it was located in a gorgeous country manor made it even more appealing.  The Grim's Dyke Hotel is a 19th Century Tudor-Style manor located on 40 acres just 12 miles from the center of London. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England


The home was built in the 1870's and designed by Richard Norman Shaw.  Sir William Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan fame purchased the house in 1890 and turned it into his dream home.  He lived there for over 20 years until he tragically drowned in a the lake on the property.  For a while the house was a sanatorium and rehabilitation center.  It's also been a popular movie and television set.  It's been a hotel since the 1970's.

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

After a 20 minute tube ride and a short taxi ride, we arrived to a red carpet welcome.  It was hard to believe that we were so close to London.  It felt, smelled and sounded like a different world. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

A guided tour by a very knowledgeable volunteer introduced us to the property and building and all of the stories it holds.  The original plot was over 100 acres and the hotel now sits on 40 acres or manicured gardens and woodlands paths.  There's a manicured terrace and a croquet lawn. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

The house is large, but once inside it's so cozy.  Plenty of places to sit by a window and enjoy the atmosphere.  I felt like I was visiting a friend rather than staying in a hotel.  That's right.  I brought along my suitcase and decided to make a little weekend getaway of afternoon tea.  Best decision ever.  

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

The afternoon tea easily compares to any I've had in London.  Plentiful, fresh food and efficient, friendly service at only £15.95 per person, a fraction of what you pay in the center of London.  Just the setting alone is worth that. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Very generous portions of all of the Afternoon Tea staples, triangle sandwiches and scones.  There were also some extra treats like a warm mini-quiche.  The kitchen gardens, beehives and greenhouses supply the restaurant at the hotel. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

There was so much food that I boxed up my sweets and took them to the room for an evening snack. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

I did have one of these sweet swans made of choux pastry.  It tasted as delightful as it looked. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

After saying goodbye to the other bloggers I checked into my room for the night.  I stayed in one of the seven master bedrooms in the main building.  The hotel has 48 rooms the rest located in a garden annex.  This room was perfect and I wanted to stay for a week.

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

I threw open all of the windows and curled up on the four-poster bed for a little rest after that amazing tea.  After a stressful week, I really needed this little mini-break.  I couldn't have found a better setting.   

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

I spent the rest of the afternoon sitting outside, reading and exploring the woodlands that surround the manor. Or tucking into one of the public rooms to color or just sit quietly with a glass of wine from the Library Bar. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

The sounds of London that are constantly buzzing around in my head quickly faded away and were replaced by the song of birds and bees and a restful calm. It was the perfect place to just unwind and think.

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

After room-service dinner and a soak in the tub, it was early to bed where I slept like a baby.  The next morning I woke up and had another woodland explore after a light breakfast. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

I then spent about an hour in the sunken rose garden with the macro lens.  I was completely alone.  Well, just me, the camera and lots of fat bumblebees.  You can see the photos here

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England
  Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

I left reluctantly and I was home in just half an hour.  It was such a great little getaway.  I will definitely return to Grim's Dyke someday. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

If you are looking for a very special afternoon tea and a little break from London, Grim's Dyke is the perfect choice.  I can not recommend it highly enough.  I went home feeling restored and my ears buzzing with the sounds of nature.  

Where do you go to getaway from the noise of daily life?



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I received a complimentary afternoon tea and a discounted stay from 
Grim's Dyke Hotel for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.


You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.

9 comments:

  1. What a lovely looking place. I had heard about it on my quest to drink all the tea before I left, but never actually made it there. I'm glad you had a good time there. :)

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    1. For that price & the setting, you can't beat it. I loved it. :D

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  2. the hotel is beautiful!!! seems such a perfect retreat from the city centre! I always miss blog events as I normally travel for work :(

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    1. Working full time certainly cuts into my blogger fun. It was such a nice little getaway. Thanks for reading and commenting, Miss Lilly.

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  3. That looks like the perfect place to "get away from it all." Your room and the food looked perfect and to top it all off - you could wander those lush, green grounds. I need to get myself invited to a blogger event like that. I could use the rest!!
    xxoo Bronwyn
    www.queenbcreativeme.blogspot.com

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    1. Bronwyn, it was lovely. I took about four quiet walks through the woodlands. I can't believe it's so close to the center of London. I did not want to leave. xo

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  4. It sounds like a perfect escape.

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!