The Grove: A Countryside Retreat Within Easy Reach of London

The Grove is a renowned luxury hotel set within 300 acres of breathtaking countryside near Hertfordshire. Just 18 miles from central London, The Grove provides a restful retreat without having to travel hundreds of miles and, for this reason, is a favourite among those looking for a getaway that's close to home but far enough to actually feel like you're on holiday.

Considering a visit to The Grove?
Explore the hotel and check availability for your dates.

Book The Grove Hotel

What is the History of The Grove Hotel?

The Grove manor house dates back to the 1500s during the reign of the first Queen Elizabeth. In the 1750s, the house was acquired by the Honourable Thomas Villiers, son of the second Earl of Jersey and British Ambassador to France, who became the first Earl of Clarendon. The Villiers family lived in the house for generations and hosted various historical figures over the years, including Queen Victoria, artist George Stubbs and Captain Cook, to name a few.

Between the 1920s and 1940s, the Villiers family moved out and the house became a riding school, followed by a boarding school and a health centre before being established as the wartime headquarters for London, Midland and the Scottish Railway. By 1996, The Grove had fallen into ruin and was subsequently rescued by Ralph Trustees Limited (a family-run private hotel group owned by Stuart and Daniel Levy) who completely restored the property. In 2003, The Grove was reopened as a five-star hotel to the public.

The Setting

Alongside the mansion and restaurant buildings, the expansive estate encompasses a championship golf course, a spa, woodland areas, formal gardens, a football pitch, and a large walled garden housing an outdoor pool, urban beach, tennis courts, kitchen garden, a play area, kids' club and a children's pool. This practical indoor-outdoor setting enables year-round entertainment, and the hotel's active event's calendar ensures there's always something to see or do at The Grove.

Accommodation

The Grade-II listed mansion and West Wing extension, added in 2003, combines timeless grandeur with contemporary style, offering 215 rooms and suites, with the majority of rooms occupying the West Wing. However, the mansion is the historic heart of The Grove housing elegant lounges, a library, and several rooms and suites where the building's Georgian details such as original mouldings and ornate fireplaces have been preserved.

The West Wing is the contemporary section of the hotel, housing 189 newly refurbished rooms and suites with relaxed, nature-inspired interiors. This is where you'll find the spacious family rooms and options with balconies or terraces facing the grounds. Depending on the room, guests can enjoy views over the gardens, woodlands, or wider estate.

Ready to see where you'll stay?

VIEW ROOM OPTIONS & CHECK AVAILABILITY

Hotel Facilities & Leisure Activities

There is literally something for everyone at The Grove — from archery and axe throwing to spa treatments, golf and walks through the woods. Some activities are only available in summer, while others are available throughout the year, so you can rest assured there is always something to keep you entertained.

Sequoia Spa

The spa at the Grove is one of the highlights of the hotel with its statement 22-metre long indoor pool tiled in black mosaics, bubbling jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, refreshing ice bath, numerous treatment rooms and the Tranquility room where you can unwind after a treatment.

All that's required of you is to put on your robe and escape it all with a luxury facial or massage treatment with Bamford or Natura Bissé products, unknot tired muscles in the soothing jacuzzi, and top it off with a swim or a relaxing session in the Tranquility room.

And, if you don't want to miss a workout during your stay, the hotel gym has everything you need for a full-body workout, including Technogym equipment, Peloton bikes, and live and on-demand fitness classes.

BOOK YOUR SPA BREAK AT THE GROVE

Walled Garden (Open in summer)

Step into your own little corner of paradise in the Walled Garden where you'll find everything you need to de-stress and soak up the sun. At Ralph's Beach, you'll find a heated outdoor pool with luxurious daybeds to relax on, beach massages, a stylish bar for refreshing cocktails, and a family games area to keep the kids occupied.

If you'd prefer a little more action, there are two tennis courts to practice your serve on and an activity lawn where you can try your hand at croquet, giant chess, or badminton. Families with kids under 12 can also enjoy splash time in the indoor children's pool, complete with fun water play features. And, if that's not all, you can wander through the tranquil kitchen garden for a quiet moment during your stay.

Anouska's Kids' Club & Play Area

The OFSTED-registered kids' club is located inside the Walled Garden and offers tons of fun and entertainment for children aged 2 to 9. The kids' club has a fantastic programme of age-appropriate activities ranging from arts and crafts to story time and interactive games, all facilitated by a fully trained team, so you can rest assured that your kids will be safe and well taken care of. There's even an on-site kitchen that prepares fresh, healthy snacks for the little ones.

Alongside the indoor space, there's a lovely garden and play area outside so your kids can enjoy some fresh air. Anouska's Kids' Club is open on Saturdays year-round and throughout the school holidays for children of hotel residents. Kids' Club sessions can be booked in three-hour slots at a cost of £45 per child.

Golf Course

The Grove is home to one of the most prestigious golf courses in the UK having won multiple awards over the years. The 18-hole championship course, which boasts stunning views of the Hertfordshire countryside, does not require you to have a handicap or be a member to play, so you can simply book a round online any time of the year. Golf lessons are also available to individuals, corporate groups and families.

Woodland Trails & Leisure Activities

Adventure awaits in the woodlands at The Grove where you can immerse yourself in nature along the picturesque woodland trails. Little explorers will love the interactive musical instruments placed throughout the woods, and you can opt to explore on foot or hire a bike for up to two hours (family-friendly options with trailers, tandems and baby seats are also available).

Other enthralling year-round activities in the woodlands include archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting, and mini Land Rover rides. And during the school holidays, you can get up close and personal with birds of prey and feed and pet cute farm animals in the petting zoo.

Things to Do Near The Grove

Whilst there are plenty of things to do on-site, The Grove's convenient location allows guests to explore a range of attractions in and around Watford, Hertfordshire. Most notably, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour of The Making of Harry Potter, is just 2 miles from the hotel. You can also check out the beautiful Cassiobury Park within walking distance of the hotel, and The Snow Centre, an exhilarating indoor ski venue is just 7 miles away.

In Summary

The Grove brings together the very best of a countryside escape and a luxury hotel stay, with a historic setting, indulgent spa, championship golf and an impressive range of activities for all ages. Whether you're planning a family getaway filled with outdoor adventures or simply want to relax for a few days, this Hertfordshire estate offers plenty of reasons to make it your next countryside escape.

Reserve your suite at The Grove and enjoy members-only pricing.

BOOK THE GROVE HOTEL

Frequently Asked Questions: