Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-river-AE.jpeg" alt="The gardens at Wotton House Hotel, Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-51624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-river-AE.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-river-AE-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-river-AE-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-river-AE-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-river-AE-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://wottonhouse.co.uk/">Wotton House Hotel</a> is an exquisite 17th century mansion house just a few miles out of Dorking on the Guildford Road at Wotton. It’s a very pretty part of the world.</p>



<p>A sweeping driveway leads through a walled entrance to the manor house &#8211; and it’s an impressive entry to an impressive property, set on 13 acres of landscaped gardens.</p>



<p>This sprawling country estate was once the seat of the Evelyn family, whose son John, a famous botanist, designed England’s first Italian gardens in the estate’s grounds.  And yes, Mr Evelyn was also the inspiration for the name of the botanical beauty brand Crabtree and Evelyn. Mr Evelyn also designed England’s first Italian gardens here, with two Roman temples and quirky grottos. They’re now Grade II listed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-library-AE.jpeg" alt="The Library at Wotton House Hotel, near Dorking in Surrey." class="wp-image-51625" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-library-AE.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-library-AE-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-library-AE-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-library-AE-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-library-AE-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This is understated country manor elegance at its best – and that vibe hits you from the moment you nose your car along the driveway. Inside the main oak entrance by the arched oak door, there’s a wire cage that houses a collection of Hunter welly boots – so you needn’t worry about getting your stilettos muddy. *wink* </p>



<p>Beyond the entrance, the interiors are as swanky as the snaking driveway – lofty domed ceilings, grand staircases, medieval archways, opulent chandeliers, panelled walls and big French doors leading out to the terrace and the gardens. There are eccentric little touches that will make you smile: a gilt-framed mirror at the base of the staircase, quirky prints of  vases and ceramics, vintage clocks and heritage maps. </p>



<p>In addition to the dining room and bar, the latter the former orangery, there’s a relaxing morning room to chill out in, as well as comfy armchairs dotted around the place. The hotel is a popular spot for business conferences, and at weekends it’s often busy with weddings. Be sure to pop into the Gothic Old Library – it’s stunning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-restaurant.jpg" alt="The 1877 dining room at Wotton House Hotel, near Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-51622" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-restaurant-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-restaurant-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-restaurant-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You might expect a place of this grandeur to be a bit uptight and starchy, but on the Thursday evening that I trooped along, it was nothing of the sort. The restaurant 1877 &#8211; named after the year the house was built &#8211; was busy enough, although not packed to the rafters.</p>



<p>First thing to know about the restaurant is that service is excellent; attentive and friendly but not over-familiar. It’s the kind of place where plates of food come out looking pretty as a picture but not with portion sizes that leave you craving more. </p>



<p>It&#8217;s not a huge menu, which I like &#8211; just three starters and five mains. But you will probably still um and ah before making a choice. It&#8217;s interesting and inventive with something for all tastes. As two fish lovers, the Mr and I both went for the cured and torched mackerel with a celeriac remoulade and capers to start. It was beautifully presented and really tasty. </p>



<p>For mains, I chose the seabass served with leek risotto and Mr M opted for the rump of lamb which came with a rosti potato, braised red cabbage, broccoli and red wine jus. He was still raving about the tenderness of the lamb three days later. </p>



<p>For puds, I chose the cheese board and Mr M had a posh Eton mess &#8211; both were delicious.  The cheese board featured a selection of British cheeses with some quince jelly and chutney and artisan crackers. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay"><strong>STAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1027" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Ivy-suite.jpg" alt="The Ivy Suite at Wotton House Hotel near Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-51621" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Ivy-suite.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Ivy-suite-800x548.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Ivy-suite-1000x685.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Ivy-suite-400x274.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Ivy-suite-768x526.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In keeping with the botanical theme, the premium rooms and junior suites are named after plants and flowers. I stayed in the Ivy suite – a gorgeous space with armchairs and stunning views out over the front gardens. The rooms are all stylishly decked out muted shades of greys, greens and blues with plaid soft furnishings. Features like retro dial telephones, antique trunks and floral china add a quirky touch.</p>



<p>The bed in the Ivy suite, as well as being enormous, was super-comfy. There are also the usual luxuries you’d expect to find in a place like this piles of fluffy white towels, bathrobes and swanky toiletries. Guests have access to the gym, indoor pool, steam room and tennis courts, as well as the 13-acre gardens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY? </strong></h2>



<p>I’d say so. The staff were lovely and, though the styling in the hotel is quite grown up. There are four family rooms There’s no playground or anything like that, so you’d want to either go for a walk, take a dip in the pool or get out and about with little ones. The restaurant, has quite a grown-up vibe especially under the olive tree where most of the tables are for two. But there is a dedicated children&#8217;s menu, and families were dining when I visited.  And the morning breakfast buffet is supreme so they’ll be able to fill their boots, no problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/wotton-house-hotel-dog-wellies.jpg" alt="A dog sits near wellie boots at Wotton House Hotel in Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-50397" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/wotton-house-hotel-dog-wellies.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/wotton-house-hotel-dog-wellies-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/wotton-house-hotel-dog-wellies-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/wotton-house-hotel-dog-wellies-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/wotton-house-hotel-dog-wellies-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/12/wotton-house-hotel-dog-wellies-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Yes, dogs are welcome in pet-friendly rooms and in the bar where the daily menu is on offer. Four-legged furries are not permitted in the restaurant. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>Wotton House Hotel has several rooms with wheelchair access and wet rooms with step-free access to the restaurant, bar and morning rooms. The leisure facilities are accessed via a lift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-AE.jpeg" alt="The gardens at Wotton House Hotel near Dorking, Surrey, in the early morning winter light." class="wp-image-51623" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-AE.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-AE-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-AE-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-AE-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/01/Wotton-House-Hotel-gardens-winter-AE-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a tennis court and leisure club with a gym, pool, sauna, hot tub and classes like yoga, spin and pilates. Of course there are 13 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens at Wotton House Hotel to explore, and Leith Hill and Box Hill are not far if you want to take in a more strenuous walk. The hotel has cycling and walking maps if you want to get out in the local area. </p>



<p>Silent Pool Distillery and Denbies Wine Estate are both close by &#8211; each one offering tours and tastings. And the National Trust’s Polesden Lacey and the charming market town of Dorking, with its eclectic vintage and antique shops, arts and craft stores and boutiques are also only a few miles away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Romantic mini-breaks, those who want to trek the Surrey Hills, overnight escapees, groups of friends or families looking for a hassle-free getaway.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Spa devotees. There&#8217;s a gym, swimming pool and hot tub, but manis, pedis and massages you won&#8217;t be getting. </p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> </p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://wottonhouse.co.uk/">Wotton House Hotel</a>, Guildford Road, Dorking RH5 6HS. Tel: 01306 855 483.</em></strong></p>


Review: Wotton House Hotel, near Dorking

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