An Insider's Guide To Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Forbes

15 hours ago

The grounds of Carden Park. Carden Park
C radled in the rolling hills of Cheshire, Carden Park is a mighty countryside hotel, set on a sprawling 17th-century estate—impressing famous faces (from Ryan Reynolds to Blake Lively) and hotel inspectors alike. Encompassing 1,000 acres of manicured grounds, it boasts two championship golf courses, a multi-million dollar spa, and a sculpture garden curated by BBC Antiques Roadshow's Grant Ford . But perhaps most unexpected is its three-acre vineyard, which produces up to 6,000 bottles of Carden Park Reserve, every year. Whether you're strolling beneath heritage oaks, unwinding in spa-soaked stillness, or raising a glass of estate-grown Brut , Carden Park is not just a hotel—it's a refined English reverie.
Chester, UK. getty
Tucked away near the quiet village of Broxton, Carden serves as a charming gateway to Chester —a historic city steeped in nearly 2,000 years of rich history and architectural splendour. Wrapped in ancient Roman walls—Britain's most complete—Chester unfurls with ancient fortifications as you wander along cobbled lanes lined with glowing bakeries, independent shops, and striking black-and-white timbered facades. Then, visit the city's crowning jewels from Chester Cathedral to its Roman amphitheatre, Chester Zoo, and leafy Grosvenor Park where families picnic under ancient trees beside the meandering River Dee. Whether you're sipping a pint in centuries-old pubs like The Victoria or tracing your fingers along timeworn stone carvings, Chester makes for the perfect step-back-in-time day visit while you're staying at Carden. Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Bakewell By Lewis Nunn
Carden Park Lobby Carden Park
Sweeping down a mile-long drive flanked by majestic streams dotted with paddling ducks, fairytale stone bridges, and towering grand oaks, you'll meet the mighty Carden Park . At its heart, you'll find a sweeping reception where gleaming brass luggage trolleys glide across plush indigo tartan floors underneath industrial-chic chandeliers. While a grand mahogany staircase spirals upward, flanked by stately archways that lead into chic bars and lounges. The Carden Library , perhaps the most evocative, is steeped in character: grape velvet sofas, a brooding gothic fireplace, and vintage encyclopaedias; perfect for a quiet drink—or a surprise encounter with members of the England football team. All around, you'll spot cracking fireplaces and copper Chesterfield loveseats nestled in cozy nooks. While snaking corridors—lined with oil paintings—meander between a 'shopping mall' enclave featuring a bespoke hair salon, an artisan florist, and a state-of-the-art gym.
Carden Luxury Suite Carden Park
You'll find 197 rooms and suites at Carden —each brimming with understated elegance and classic countryside charm. At the top of the tree, however, opt for one of four Carden Luxury Suites , overlooking the rolling estate gardens and Nicklaus championship golf course. Dark, moody, and unapologetically masculine—they evoke a private country club feel—think grape walls, tartan carpets, Gustav Klimt sketches, and little nods to the countryside, from horse busts to iron bolted trunks. Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn
Spill into a spacious living room and you're welcomed with Hamlet chocolates, dainty petit fours, a fresh fruit platter, and a champagne bucket cradling a bottle of estate-grown Carden Park Reserve (replenished daily). Plus a fully-stocked complimentary minibar with soft drinks, spirits, beers, and wine. Mornings invite you to curl up on a comfy cross-stitched sofa, cocooned in faux fur throws opposite a cozy fireplace, as you graze on a lavish room service breakfast. At night, snuggle up in your cloud-like super king bed under a twinkling, starry canopy, or draw a bath in your uber-luxurious ensuite, complete with glowing vanity mirrors and a giant walk-in rainfall shower (Carden Luxury Suite from $676 per night). Food and Beverage
Bar at The Vines Carden Park
Dining at Carden Park is a richly layered journey through seasonal British cuisine, rooted in estate-grown produce. The Vines , its gastronomic crown jewel, holds 3 AA Rosettes, showcasing the artistic flair of Executive Chef Harri Williams. Here, you'll feast on eight-course tasting menus ($260 per person) brimming with exquisite dishes like delicate beef tartare, roasted monkfish (served on the bone), truffle-stuffed chicken breast, and velvety dark chocolate mousse—thoughtfully paired with a wine flight and petit fours to finish.
The Vines Carden Park
Redmond's Brasserie , however, is a more laid-back affair—gazing out of cascading windows framing the estate's grounds as you feast on classic British comfort food—chicken and leek pithivier pies, succulent loin of beef, pillowy potato gnocchi, and the house-favorite Carden Steak Burger —layered with maple glazed streaky bacon and Applewood cheese, served in a sourdough bun crowned with onion rings.
Breakfast here is not to be missed—expect baskets of golden croissants, counters filled with mountains of fruit, cold meats, and cheeses; a 'make-your-own' pancake area, and silver trays stacked with sizzling sausages, farm-fresh eggs, and gorgeously crisp bacon.
Redmond's Brasserie Carden Park
For Bollinger afternoon teas, head to Goldie's Lounge —later transforming into a sultry, chic cocktail bar with a live pianist and a daring drinks list—from Tokyo Tea to Chamomile Sour and Kentucky Brunch. Meanwhile, Jack's Bar , nestled within the golf clubhouse, is the go-to spot for golfers—serving stone-baked pizzas, bacon rolls, and craft ales served with a view of the 18th hole. Spa and Wellness
The Spa Garden at Carden Park Carden Park
Just a short stroll from Carden's tartan-clad lobby lies the utopian-style reception of The Spa at Carden —ultra-modern and adults-only (crowned Best UK Spa by the AA and Global Spa of the Year in the World Luxury Spa Awards)—where hedonists and selfie-snapping influencers swan through, wrapped in cloud-soft robes.
Upstairs, the sleek, glass-boxed Elements restaurant floats above the spa gardens—where you can order golden eggs benedict, pillowy Asian steamed buns, and homemade buttermilk pancakes. Or, indulge in a three-tier Bollinger Afternoon Tea ($65 per person)—grazing on delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy warm scones, and scrumptious cakes.
Afternoon tea at Carden Park. Carden Park
Gliding down a swirling staircase, you'll float through the Thermal Suite —housing steam and salt rooms, heated loungers, glass-fronted Finish and bio saunas, experience showers, and a stunning mosaic tepidarium; and swim a few laps in the light-filled hydrotherapy pool (with bubbling body jets and swan pipes)—or stretch out on waveloungers in one of three cocooning relaxation rooms, where you can sip iced tea beside crackling fires, wrapped in snuggly throws. Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Cirencester By Lewis Nunn
Indulge in hot stone massages, touch therapy, rejuvenating facials, and full-body rituals, or surrender to the mighty Spa at Carden Signature Experience ($250 per person)—the ultimate top-to-toe indulgence—starting with a foot scrub before gliding onto a full body hot stone massage and facial to finish (plus—a complimentary glass of Carden Park Estate Reserve ).
Outside, you can nestle into snug glass pods (with buttons to order Moët ), sink into bubbling vitality pools and steaming hot tubs, or cozy up with your Beau beside crackling firepits as waiters whiz from behind the Bollinger Garden Bar with chilled glasses of champagne and tickling cocktails-a-plenty. All-Star Amenities
Nicklaus Course Carden Park
Ryan Reynolds has famously teed off at Carden —with two championship golf courses: the 18-hole Cheshire Course and Nicklaus Course , designed by golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus. Practice your swing on the 11-bay driving range—stretching a generous 300 yards—with TaylorMade premium golf balls, floodlit facilities, sheltered bays, and free golf equipment rental. Or, for those seeking precision, book private golf coaching with a PGA professional who'll use TrackMan technology to dissect your swing speed, club path, launch angles, and spin axis. Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Plymouth By Lewis Nunn
Adrenaline-junkies aren't left out either—Carden's adventure center is where you can tackle free-fall pillows, soar across 210-metre dual ziplines, scale a mighty climbing wall, or test your aim with archery, air rifles, and mini-squad challenges. There's even a 1-hour Segway safari through the estate's scenic 1,000-acre trails. But it's not all high-octane action.
The estate also boasts the largest commercial vineyard in the North of England, spanning three lush acres and producing up to 6,000 bottles of sparkling Brut annually. Tour the vineyard to learn about its two elegant grape varieties—or simply sip a chilled glass in one of Carden's cozy, firelit lounges. How To Get There
Travelers and residents in London can hop on a 125-minute direct train from London Euston to Chester with Avanti West Coast . From Chester Station, it's a 25-minute cab ride to Carden Park. For more information, visit cardenpark.co.uk. Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Bakewell By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Cirencester By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Plymouth By Lewis Nunn Forbes An Insider's Guide To Calcot & Spa: The Cotswolds By Lewis Nunn Forbes An Insider's Guide To Another Place: The Lake District By Lewis Nunn