Donnington&Co Hotel & Spa Review: A Luxury Spa Escape Near London
Last updated on August 27th, 2026
After a busy few months, my boyfriend and I decided we were overdue a little escape from London. With temperatures reaching 35 degrees in the UK, the idea of spending a night somewhere peaceful with a spa, great food and beautiful countryside surroundings (and air con!!) sounded exactly like what we needed.
After a bit of searching, I came across The Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa, located just outside Newbury in Berkshire, which is around 1 to 1.5 hours from London depending on where you’re travelling from.
It looked like the perfect destination for a relaxing spa break near London, and after spending a night there, I can honestly say it exceeded our expectations!
If you’re considering booking a spa hotel near London, here’s everything you need to know about our experience and hopefully encourage you to book a getaway too 🙂
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Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa at a Glance
- Location: Donnington, Newbury, Berkshire
- Distance from London: Around 1–1.5 hours by car
- Spa Facilities: Swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, aromatherapy room and treatment rooms
- Restaurant: The Press Restaurant
- Golf Course: 18 hole golf course
- Best For: Couples, birthdays, spa weekends and golf breaks
- Would I Return? Absolutely!!
Arriving at Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa
As soon as we arrived, I knew we had picked a good one.
The grounds were beautifully maintained, the lawns perfectly kept and everything looked immaculate! Even before stepping inside, I already felt like I was going to have a pleasant stay and was ready to have a peaceful experience.
As we had booked spa treatments before check-in, we headed straight to the spa to start our stay in the most relaxing way possible.
The Facial & Spa Treatments
Before our facial treatment, we were advised to arrive around 10–15 minutes early at the Spa to complete a short consultation form and settle into the spa.
The check-in process was smooth and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We were asked to complete a health questionnaire covering any medications, pregnancy or cosmetic procedures that might affect the treatment.
My boyfriend was booked in before me, so I spent some time relaxing in the spa’s relaxation lounge which became one of my favourite spaces in the hotel.
The room was filled with comfortable loungers, calming music and a complimentary tea station offering a variety of herbal teas.
I helped myself to a refreshing mint tea and spent some time looking out across the beautiful grounds and taking a moment to just reflect on the past few weeks and be present in the moment.
On this particular day, it was over 35°C outside so it was simply too humid to sit outside so I enjoyed the view from the lightly air-conditioned lounge!
Soon it was my turn for the Temple Spa My Kinda Skin Facial which is a 25 minute facial treatment that is specifically tailored to your skin so you are left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
My therapist, Lea, was absolutely lovely. She immediately made me feel comfortable, took the time to discuss my skin concerns and explained the treatment before we began.
The treatment started with a relaxing foot cleanse before moving onto facial cleansing, exfoliation, facial massage techniques, an under-eye treatment and a lovelyyy relaxing neck and shoulder rubs.
The treatment room itself was beautifully presented, clean and calming. There are eight treatment rooms in total, and everything felt very professional whilst still maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
One thing I particularly appreciated was that after the treatment, Lea provided a leaflet detailing all of the products she had used on my skin. It’s such a thoughtful touch and means you can easily purchase products you enjoyed during the treatment.
There is also a lovely retail area where you can browse skincare, hair care and body products, with testers available for everything if you’d like to try before buying.
The only tiny downside was that the air conditioning in the treatment room was a little noisy. However, considering the extreme heat outside, I’d take that over feeling hot and uncomfortable any day!
There is a wide range of spa treatments available to suit different needs and preferences. You can choose from facials, full body massages, scalp massages, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures, as well as specialist treatments designed for pregnancy. Treatment prices vary with 25 minute treatments starting from around £55 and 55 minute treatments from approximately £85.
Overall, the treatment was incredibly relaxing and left me wishing it had lasted much longer.
The Room
After our spa treatments, it was finally time to check in!
The reception staff were warm and welcoming and explained everything we needed to know before handing over our room key.
One thing worth noting is that the hotel is quite large, so depending on where your room is located, expect a short walk through the hotel corridors.
The room itself was lovely. It was spacious, bright and beautifully decorated. I really loved the colour scheme, which blended soft cream tones with green accents throughout the room, from the cushions and throw to the beautiful floral wallpaper behind the bed.
The room also included complimentary tea, coffee, bottled water and 2 biscuits, which is always a lovely touch.
The bathroom was equally spacious and included a bath, mirrors all around (may not be liked by everyone!) and all the standard amenities you might need. If you’ve forgotten anything, such as a toothbrush, reception can provide additional items upon request.
One of the best things about staying here was how peaceful it was. You’re surrounded by the beautiful countryside and many acres of a golf course so the evenings were very quiet which meant a lovely nights sleep.
The Spa Facilities
Once settled in, we spent a few hours enjoying the spa facilities.
The spa is thoughtfully laid out and easy to navigate, allowing you to move between the different facilities without constantly walking around.
The spa facilities include:
- 18 metre swimming pool
- Jacuzzi
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Aromatherapy room
- Fully equipped gym
The pool and jacuzzi were both warm and spotlessly clean. I also noticed staff regularly checking water temperatures throughout the day, which was reassuring and showed how well maintained everything is.
The sauna, steam room and aromatherapy room were all excellent additions and provided plenty of opportunities to unwind between swims.
One thing that genuinely surprised me was the gym. Most hotel gyms tend to be fairly basic, but this one was impressively equipped with a wide range of machines and weights. If we’d known beforehand, we definitely would have packed our gym clothes!
I only snapped one photo of part of the pool area to respect peoples privacy as it was quite a busy day with it being an incredibly humid day in the UK. You can view the facilities here.
Dinner at The Press Restaurant
After a relaxing afternoon at the spa, we had dinner booked at The Press Restaurant, located within the hotel.
The restaurant itself is beautiful, with elegant decor and access to a lovely outdoor terrace area.
The menu featured a wide range of dishes including burgers, steaks, fish, seafood and classic British favourites like fish and chips
We both were craving a burger, so we opted for the Donnington Beef Burger and the Cajun Chicken Burger, accompanied by a side of cabbage and french fries.
The food arrived promptly and was absolutely delicious. The portions were generous, everything tasted incredibly fresh and the flavours were fantastic!
We were so full by the end of the meal but you cant not get something sweet, right?!
We chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding served with salted caramel ice cream and it was genuinely one of the best desserts I’ve had in a long time. It was light, moist and exactly what you want a good sticky toffee pudding to taste like!
As we were celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday, one of the lovely staff members surprised him with a birthday plate featuring a macaron, miniature cupcake and a chocolate birthday message.
It was such a thoughtful gesture and really added to the experience.
The service throughout dinner was exceptional and the atmosphere felt relaxed, welcoming and warm. I could not fault the service at all.
They also have an impressive collection of over 200 wines, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Right next to the restaurant there is a lovely bar with beautiful decor and outdoor seating area where you can enjoy a lovey intimate drink in the quiet with subtle music playing softly in the background.
The Press restaurant closes at 10:00pm and the bar at 12:00am.
Breakfast at the Hotel
One thing I really look forward to during a hotel stay is the breakfast buffet. If I’m honest I don’t remember the last time I had such great breakfast at a hotel!
The breakfast was served buffet style and there were so many delicious options to choose from.
There were scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, pastries, fresh bread, cereals, granola, fresh fruit, juices, tea and coffee.
We arrived around 9:30am, just before breakfast service ended at 10am, and everything was still fully stocked and regularly replenished.
The food was fresh, flavourful and left us full first thing in the morning.
You have the choice of sitting indoors or outside too if it’s a lovely day!
Things to Do Near Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa
One of the reasons I think this hotel works so well for a weekend getaway away from London is because there are plenty of attractions nearby.
Donnington Castle
We went to visit the Donnington Castle which is only a 5 minute drive away from the hotel. This is an incredible site showcasing the ruins of a medieval castle dating back to 1386!
The Donnington Castle played a significant role during the English Civil War and today it is open to the public to visit the impressive remaining ruins free of charge.
The castle sits on a small hill, so you get a beautiful view across the Berkshire countryside.
You will find information boards around the site explaining its fascinating history too which was incredible to read all about its past.
Free parking is available onsite too.
Snelsmore Common Country Park
For those who enjoy walking, Snelsmore Common Country Park is well worth visiting.
The park offers beautiful walking routes through heathland and woodland, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot wild ponies grazing around!!
There’s also a small cafe onsite if you fancy a drink after your walk too.
Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
If you’re a Downton Abbey fan then you must visit the Highclere Castle! Located around 15 minutes from the hotel, the castle served as the main filming location for the iconic television series and offers tours of both the house and grounds.
It’s easily one of the most popular attractions in the area and is a great addition to a spa weekend.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a luxury spa hotel near London, Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa is well worth considering.
From the relaxing treatments and excellent spa facilities to the comfortable rooms, delicious food and peaceful surroundings, every part of our stay felt thoughtfully designed to help guests unwind.
What stood out most was the level of service. Every member of staff we interacted with was friendly, welcoming and genuinely seemed to care about making our stay enjoyable.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a romantic getaway or simply looking for a relaxing countryside escape near London, Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa is a destination I’d happily recommend.
Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa – FAQs
How far is Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa from London?
The hotel is located approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from London by car, making it an ideal choice for a weekend spa break or overnight getaway.
Does Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa have a spa?
Yes. The spa includes an 18 metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, aromatherapy room, relaxation lounge and treatment rooms.
What spa treatments are available?
You can choose from a variety of treatments including facials, scalp massages, full body massages, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures and pregnancy treatments.
Is Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa good for couples?
Absolutely. The peaceful countryside setting, spa facilities, restaurant and comfortable rooms makes it a great choice if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or just looking for a peaceful romantic getaway.
Is there a restaurant at Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa?
Yes, The Press Restaurant is located within the hotel and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What attractions are near Donnington & Co Hotel & Spa?
There are a few attractions near the Donnington & Co Hotel including Donnington Castle, Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) and Snelsmore Common Country Park
Would you stay here again?
Without hesitation. We had a wonderful experience and would happily return for another relaxing spa break in the future.
