UK Autumn Breaks in Two Unique Waterside Retreats

Ideal destinations for those inspired by Olympics and Paralympics and looking for pampering at a brand new spa opening in September
While it feels like there are few hidden gems on the British Isles to be found, two destinations are ideal for autumn and winter exploring. The Relais Henley, a historic riverside coaching inn in the centre of Henley and The Relais Cooden Beach, a historic 1928 mock-Tudor landmark, sitting on its own quiet private beach with a new spa opening this September.

The Relais Henley: Gastronomic riverside break, launchpad for rowing, shooting and running and Henley Literary Festival pit stop

Henley is a charming town for an autumn/winter weekend break coupled with a stay at the historic The Relais Henley hotel. Built in the 1530’s, guests at this riverside retreat can sleep in rooms named after the notable guests that once stayed there including King Charles I and Grace Kelly (who visited when watching her brother competing in the Henley Royal Regatta). The hotel was bought by Relais Retreats and opened in 2021 after an extensive renovation in a contemporary eclectic style that remains sympathetic to the building’s historic bones.

A hidden gastronomic gem, the hotel houses Restaurant Dominic Chapman, the eponymous award-winning restaurant of the chef who worked with Heston Blumenthal at both the Fat Duck and The Hind’s Head before becoming head chef at The Royal Oak earning the restaurant a Michelin star. At his latest restaurant, he is serving up farm to table, seasonal, good honest food with prices for a two-course set lunch menu starting from £20. Just off the lobby is the Henley Deli offering speciality coffees and fun and informative workshops such as coffee decorating art and barista classes. 

For those inspired by the recent Olympics and Paralympics, Henley is a mecca for many of the Olympic rowing team. Rowing experiences on the River Thames can be organised by the hotel. There is a myriad of Olympic inspired activities in the area including clay pigeon shooting on the grounds of one of the nearby stately homes and circular running or hiking routes mapped out in the surrounding beautiful countryside.
 
For something at a slower or less sporty pace, try a wine tasting at a local vineyard and see why this area of the UK is being bought up by some of France’s most exclusive champagne houses. 

For those that love the charm and beauty of the Cotswolds but feel put off by its creeping prices and swelling crowds, Henley is an attractive alternative for exploring the best of the British countryside from the quintessential market town of Henley.

For literary lovers, The Relais is Henley Literary Festival’s hotel partner, providing a perfect opportunity to check out the festival’s brilliant line up including Michael Palin, Sara Cox, Rick Stein and Sarah Raven combined with an overnight stay.

Nightly rates at The Relais Henley start from £220 on a B&B basis based on two people sharing.
The Relais Henley
The Relais Cooden Beach
The Relais Cooden Beach: Beachside bliss at a lesser-known spot with a new spa opening this autumn

With its own private beach and a two minute walk from the train station, The Relais Cooden Beach is an easily accessible spot for a weekend break, complete with a new spa that is opening this month. Treatments use a range of products from Pelegrims from which formulations have been made with extracts from by-products (grape skins, seeds and vines) of the wine-making process. There is a Seaweed Leaf Body Wrap that uses ingredients from the hotel’s very own seafront and Meno-Pause & Restore Spa Day offering specifically designed to alleviate symptoms and support women going through perimenopause ad menopause.

Once the private home of the De La Warr family, Cooden Beach became a favourite hideaway for the Duke of Windsor and Wallace Simpson and Winston Churchill and is now set to get back on the map as a British staycation destination. After a windswept walk at the beach enjoy The Rally Restaurant’s famous fish and chips. The Relais Retreat Spa in conveniently located in the hotel and moments away is a golf course for those wanting to fit a round in during a weekend stay. 

For those looking for a coastal break away from the crowds, Cooden Beach and nearby Bexhill-on-Sea is a soothing alternative to the busier nearby spots such as Brighton and Hastings.

Nightly rates at The Relais Cooden Beach start from £170 on a B&B basis based on two people sharing.