Peace, Privacy & Poolside Bliss At Beaverbrook

For a special birthday treat, we made the bold but brilliant decision to leave the children and our rather boisterous dachshund at home. And honestly? We’re so glad we did. What followed was a calm, peaceful escape in the most spectacular of settings, and a chance to properly switch off, slow down, and savour.

This enchanting estate in Leatherhead, nestled amongst the picturesque Surrey Hills, blends timeless English elegance with a touch of whimsical fun and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re escaping for rest and relaxation, a foodie indulgence, or a family getaway with room for everyone, Beaverbrook has it all and then some.

The location

Just a stone’s throw from London, yet worlds away in atmosphere, Beaverbrook is set within 470 rolling acres of bucolic countryside. Originally the home of newspaper magnate and political powerhouse Lord Beaverbrook, the house itself carries with it a legacy of glamour, power, and rich storytelling.

In its heyday, it played host to the likes of Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming, whose creative fingerprints are felt across the estate to this day.

Fast forward to the present, and the estate has been reimagined as a luxurious, playfully curated hotel where history and heritage meet contemporary comfort. Renowned for its seasonal flair, think summer hot air balloon dining and a glittering winter ice rink, Beaverbrook knows how to make memories, no matter the season.

What sets it apart

Quite simply, there is always something to do. Or not do, if that’s more your style. You can walk, paddle, play pickleball, archery, tennis, croquet, golf, or float blissfully in the heated outdoor pool (complete with its own bar).

For those craving calm, the spa is a destination in itself. Housed in a striking Art Deco pavilion, this colour-drenched wellness space is pure joy from its mosaic-tiled walls and stained-glass ceilings to the luxurious treatments that leave you floating.

The moment we arrived, I felt my shoulders drop. Calm, beautiful, and just the kind of grown-up getaway we were craving.

The rooms

We stayed in a beautifully appointed room in the main house, full of thoughtful touches that made our stay feel instantly special. The complimentary in-room treats (fresh juices, popcorn and chocolates) were a welcome surprise, and the views over the estate were nothing short of dreamy.

The grounds & facilities

Beaverbrook’s gardens are bursting with colour, especially in spring, and full of hidden nooks. We loved wandering through the grounds, discovering secluded benches, manicured lawns, and bursts of wisteria and blossom at every turn.

One early summer afternoon saw us stretched out by the pool, with stone-baked pizzas arriving fresh from the oven.

And come evening? We made our way to the terrace, drink in hand, and watched the sun dip over the Surrey Hills. There truly is no better spot for a sundown G&T and champagne cocktail in hand.

The food & drink

The culinary offering at Beaverbrook is nothing short of exceptional. From casual bites at WildKitchen and The Deli to stylish cocktails at Sir Frank’s Bar, there’s something for every mood and moment.

Wagyu on a hot stone and a smoked chocolate cigar? I mean… come on.

But the crown jewel of our stay was dinner at the Japanese Grill—a world-class dining experience blending bold Japanese flavours with beautifully refined presentation. We tried lots of dishes, here were our standouts:

Popcorn Shrimp with Spicy Mayo & Ponzu: Lightly battered and bursting with umami, this dish was the ultimate indulgent start – gone in seconds.
Beef Tenderloin Tataki: Sliced to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, with a subtle depth of flavour that lingered beautifully.
Softshell Crab Salad: Crisp, fresh, and with just the right amount of crunch and zing.
Alaskan Black Cod with Yuzu Miso & Fresh Lime: Buttery, flaky, and delicately sweet with a citrusy kick—an absolute must-order.
Wagyu Ishiyaki (three types!): Served sizzling on a hot stone with koji soy, shiso and wasabi, fun to cook, and even better to eat. A real showstopper.
Smoked Chocolate Cigar with Nikka Whisky Ice Cream: Rich, theatrical, and deeply indulgent, every bite felt like a celebration.

It’s the kind of meal you don’t stop thinking about for days.

A note on price

It’s worth noting Beaverbrook clearly doesn’t come cheap (far from it). This is a place where every detail is carefully considered, every experience thoughtfully delivered, and that level of luxury comes at a cost.

But for those special occasions, longed-for escapes, or family weekends you’ll never forget in a hurry, it absolutely earns its place in the higher-end bracket. You’re paying not just for a bed and dinner, but for the atmosphere, the heritage, the magic, and the memories.

The verdict

Beaverbrook isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. Whether you’re here to dine, doze, or dive into all the estate has to offer, there’s something for everyone.

We’ll be back for more poolside relaxation and another round of wagyu on a hot stone.