Kiki’s pre-Christmas trip to Luxurious dog-friendly Retreat Stapleford Park

Kiki, the Pet Inspector, was recently invited to the gorgeous Stapleford Park Hotel in Leicestershire for a pre-Christmas trip – you can find out what she thought here!

We were so excited about our upcoming visit to luxurious Stapleford Park situated in stunning countryside just 15 minutes from the market town of Melton Mowbray.  Kiki absolutely loves being spoilt at luxury country house hotels – she picks up on the atmosphere and acts accordingly. On this trip, we were thrilled to stay at such a dog-welcoming hotel that really felt more like a private home and the chance to walk the Peninsula Walk in Rutland, a county we had never visited before.  

We arrived as night began to fall at Stapleford. This Grade I listed mansion looked very imposing as we drove up the tree-lined road and parked just outside the main grand entrance –  it had a truly magical feel. Kiki couldn’t wait to see around. The reception is very grand, but immediately welcoming, with a huge fireplace, Christmas tree and roaring fire, fabulous Chinoiserie wallpaper and Wellington boots lined up at the entrance offering a promise of a wonderful walk in the grounds the next morning.

Arriving at Stapleford Park felt a bit like arriving at someone’s very grand house for the weekend rather than a hotel. We were given a wonderful dog-friendly welcome by the lady at the desk who gave us a quick tour of the reception rooms festooned with squashy sofas, antiques, grand chandeliers, old masters and plenty of Christmas touches. The hotel is steeped in history, Stapleford Park’s roots trace back to the 14th century when it was founded as a stately home. The property has witnessed centuries of change, hosting aristocracy and luminaries alike. However, it retains a quirky charm and we had the feeling that dogs have always been welcome here. Set amidst 500 acres of meticulously manicured grounds, dotted with sheep, it has a lovely rural setting and offers an idyllic retreat for pets and their owners can revel in nature’s splendour.

A Pawsitively Luxurious Stay in a Dog-Friendly Room

As we swept up the huge staircase with red walls adorned with original paintings we soon arrived at our dog-friendly room. These spacious and exquisitely designed sanctuaries seamlessly blend elegance with comfort. Kiki’s eyes sparkled as she settled into her plush pet bed and treats. All the dog-friendly bedrooms are individually named and furnished with antiques. Ours was vast with a huge king-size bed, comfy armchairs and a mullioned window with wonderful views of sheep grazing on the grounds, which seemed to stretch forever. The bathroom was plush and stylish with a wonderfully large bath and everything you could possibly want – plus there were fluffy bathrobes and slippers for the swimming pool and spa.  The room exuded a welcoming ambience, a perfect haven for a pampered pet and their humans.

From the windows of our room, we could spy sheep grazing on the grass and you really feel you are away from everywhere and everyone.  

Tail-Wagging Dog-Friendly Features

Stapleford Park’s commitment to pampering pets goes beyond the superficial. It’s a true haven for our furry friends. Upon arrival, Kiki was greeted with such a warm welcome, setting the tone for her stay. Pet beds were thoughtfully provided, ensuring Kiki’s relaxation and contentment. The estate’s sprawling grounds are a veritable playground for dogs, inviting them to frolic and explore the beauty of the English countryside. Dedicated pet-friendly dining allowed Kiki to join us for drinks in the Library and breakfast the next morning. There is also a book of walks provided around the Estate.

Culinary Artistry and Impeccable Service

After drinks in the Library with Kiki, we decided to return her to the room as she was very tired, and sampled dinner at Stapleford Park‘s splendid dining room the Grinling Gibbons restaurant –  a culinary sanctuary where the team take inspiration from locally sourced Leicestershire ingredients, some foraged from the Estate. The room itself exuded timeless elegance, with its refined decor and the warm glow of soft lighting. 

The dining room comes alive with a menu that fuses traditional British fare with innovative twists. Guests can delight in a diverse selection of dishes that showcase the best of Leicestershire’s flavours. From succulent cuts of locally sourced meats to fresh, seasonal vegetables, each plate is a work of art.  We dined on Caramelised onion tart, Leicestershire Pork Belly with Apple Compote, and Rutland Venison Medallions with Wild Mushroom Risotto, followed by Passion fruit tart. It was delicious.

Dinner was followed the next morning by a delicious breakfast of very nicely cooked scrambled eggs and smoked salmon and in the daylight we could appreciate the wonderful views from the dining room out onto the verdant grounds.

An Abundance of Activities

Beyond the luxurious accommodation and culinary delights, Stapleford Park offers a wealth of activities to captivate guests. 

After a walk with Kiki on the gorgeous grounds I opted for a swim in the 22-meter fabulous indoor pool followed by the jacuzzi and steam room which are all in the main hotel while Rory decided to sample the gym in the 1899 Baroque Revival stable block which has been newly refurbished.  It was raining so the hotel very helpfully offered a golf buggy service to transport guests to the stable block. Rory was impressed with the well-equipped gym and its charming location.  There are also treatment rooms in the spa. 

Other country pursuits you can enjoy at the hotel include archery, falconry, shooting and bike rides around the Estate. But it is the grounds themselves that really make this hotel a paradise for four-legged friends – with its 500 acres of grounds shaped by Capability Brown, manicured lawns, rose walk and lake – Kiki absolutely loved it and as we had her extendable lead was able to run around exploring to her heart’s content.

We would also recommend a visit to nearby Rutland if you are staying at Stapleford Park.  We had a terrific roast lunch sitting by the fire at the dog-friendly Finch’s Arms in Hambledon, and a wander around the gorgeous village before embarking on a 2-hour Peninsular loop circular walk around Rutland Water. This is a 7-mile walk which starts from the village of Hambledon and takes you around the Hambleton peninsula.

Stapleford Park‘s strategic location provides the perfect gateway to explore the surrounding region. A visit to the charming town of Melton Mowbray, renowned for its delectable pies, was a delightful excursion. Sampling the culinary masterpiece that is a Melton Mowbray pork pie was an experience to remember.

The Verdict: A Pawsitively Perfect Retreat

Kiki’s visit to Stapleford Park was a journey into the heart of luxury and tranquillity. This stately estate, steeped in history and brimming with pet-friendly charm, offers an unforgettable experience. From luxurious accommodation to pet-friendly features, gourmet delights to exhilarating activities, and the allure of Rutland’s natural beauty, every facet of Stapleford Park is designed to make tails wag and hearts soar.

So, whether you seek a romantic retreat or family adventure with your best furry friend in tow, Stapleford Park delivers an opulent escape amidst the idyllic English countryside.