DONINGTON PARK FARMHOUSE HOTEL
About the Castle Hotel
Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, Castle Donington - A Countryside Retreat with Culinary Prowess
Set within 20 acres of woodland and farmland on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border, Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel offers a genuine escape, managing to be both a magical venue and a practical stopover, thanks to its proximity to major transport routes including the M1 and East Midlands Airport. This property is a testament to honest hospitality, where the ability to host everything from a black-tie birthday for 200 to a quiet family gathering on a shoestring is executed with care by a conscientious team.
Location
The hotel enjoys a remarkable rural backdrop, with 200 acres of grounds to explore, including ancient oak trees that are a haven for invertebrates, and woodlands managed under a 20-year plan with the Forestry Commission. This serene setting is surprisingly accessible, just 10 km from East Midlands Airport and close to Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester. While the circuit itself is a mere 1 km away, offering easy access for motorsport enthusiasts, the estate feels miles from anywhere, providing a welcome respite from the regional hubs.
Style and Character
Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel is a place that celebrates its heritage while embracing modern comforts. The 19 character bedrooms offer a sense of place, with some benefiting from an all-glass solar roof that generates enough electricity to power the Stable Suite Annexe. The atmosphere is one of comfortable authenticity, where a log fire burns for six months of the year and local real ales are on tap, encouraging guests to linger. The property also provides 60 permanent grass pitches for tents, caravans, and small motorhomes, with up to 200 overflow pitches available for major race meetings, hinting at a relaxed, countryside ethos.
Service and Facilities
The hotel prides itself on a conscientious team dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all guests, staff, and visitors. This commitment extends to event planning, where the team helps tailor experiences, acknowledging that no two events are the same. Guests can enjoy the simple pleasures of a log fire and local real ale. For those requiring longer stays or attending events, the hotel offers 'Park, Rest and Fly' deals, including secure car parking for the duration of your holiday, demonstrating a practical approach to hospitality.
Rooms
The 19 character bedrooms are thoughtfully appointed, situated either within the main hotel or in a separate building a short stroll into the grounds. Guests can expect comfortable rooms on the first or ground floor, featuring either a double or queen-size bed, or twin beds. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen Freeview TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. The en suite bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, and some feature a shower while others offer a full bath. While not overtly luxurious, these rooms provide a solid, comfortable base.
Food and Drink
The culinary offerings at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel are a distinct highlight, focusing on a "delicious menu" that celebrates locally sourced produce. Farmhouse suppers are a specialty, featuring venison from the hotel's own deer park and beef reared on the farm. The rest of the beef is used to supply pies to local farm shops and farmers' markets, a testament to the quality and provenance. Guests can anticipate an Aga-cooked dining experience, and for a more celebratory occasion, the option of a Champagne dinner in the pig sties or a barn dance with hog roast. Afternoon Tea is also served on vintage china, adding a touch of nostalgic charm. The bar is open from 7 pm until midnight, with music and dancing extending to 12:30 am.
Value for Money
The hotel offers considerable value, particularly for those attending events or requiring transit accommodation. The 'Park, Rest and Fly' deals provide a practical solution for holidaymakers. For event hosting, the ability to cater to diverse budgets, from a black-tie affair to a family gathering on a shoestring, indicates a flexible approach to pricing. The focus on estate-reared produce for the dining experience further enhances the perceived value.
Accessibility
Specific details regarding adapted rooms or wheelchair accessibility were not explicitly provided in the source material, but the mention of ground-floor rooms in the accommodation description suggests a degree of consideration. The spacious grounds might present challenges for those with mobility issues, though further inquiry would be recommended.
Family-Friendly
The property is particularly well-suited for family gatherings and events. The large enclosed private courtyard is ideal for children to play in safely. The availability of caravan and tent pitches also caters to families looking for a more rustic experience. The menu, featuring hearty farmhouse fare and opportunities for unique dining experiences like a barn dance, holds broad appeal for all ages. The hotel's event spaces can accommodate christenings and baby naming ceremonies, underscoring a welcoming attitude towards family milestones.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Housekeeping
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Garden furniture
- Trouser press
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
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