Friday, 2 October 2015

Walton Hall

Set in 65 acres of grounds in the heart of Shakespeare country with a river 'Walton Hall' was our location for a one night break. A four-star hotel, split into two sections. The Hall a seventeenth century Grade II listed building (pictured) and the hotel. The Walton Hall is a 16th-century country mansion at Walton, near Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, once owned by Lord Field and the entertainer Danny La Rue. La Rue spent more than £1million on the purchase and restoration of the country house hotel, and sold it in 1983. Controversy with the two Canadians who had bought it and agreed to retain La Rue's name on it led to a police investigation where La Rue eventually was cleared of any suspicion but discovered he had lost more than £1million. In the mid-20th century, the property was owned by the M.O.D. and used as a training camp for Army Cadets prior to being sold to Lord Field, who restored the main building to be used as a family home. Plenty to do apart from walking the beautiful grounds as there is a full gym, swimming pool and health suite. So definitely worked up an appetite before dinner was served. The next day after a bit of panic when I lost my mobile phone and had to return back to the hotel where it was found was spent in Stratford Upon Avon. Surprisingly I was made Mayor for the day !

The John Bunyan Trail (3) Hexton to Shillington

It's one of those 'shall we, shan't we sort of days. The weather has been poor all week and has worsened with the arrival of Sto...