Family Stay at Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire

In the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, is one of the country’s most cherished manor house luxury hotels. Chef Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons in the picturesque village of Great Milton, received two Michelin stars in 1984, in the first year of its opening. Remarkably, it has held them ever since.

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Luxury Hotel IN Oxfordshire

I’m guilty like many when it comes to overlooking the country you live in for holiday options. There are so many faraway lands on my bucket list that the UK destinations always seem to get pushed further down the list.

However, Le Manoir has certainly been on that list and it was time to put it at the top. Our last visit to the romantic retreat was nearly 14 years ago in a haze of newlywed bliss. I vowed back then I’d be back again hopefully with kids in tow. Many would think this an odd proclamation, as it sounds like somewhere you wouldn’t ordinarily take children.

Well, this is where Le Manoir differs. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s the perfect place to introduce children to fine dining. Monsieur Blanc adores children, his menu and hotel reflect this. Rather than being shunned, they’re welcomed.

Staying at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons

The 15th-century honey-hued manor house is nestled in an idyllic English setting, surrounded by lawns, flower beds and orchards. Expect an old-fashioned luxury hotel in Oxfordshire at its best that delivers the experience in a homely and comfortable way in a welcoming environment.

Each of the 32 luxurious guest rooms and suites are individually designed and draws inspiration from Raymond Blanc’s global travels and heritage. On arrival, we’d been upgraded to a one-bedroom garden suite – Provence. And it’s no exaggeration when I say we were all blown away when we walked in.

Located in the original 17th-century stable block, the room is nothing short of magnificent. It oozes French rustic charm, from the vaulted ceiling in the dining area to the exposed beams, and the floor-to-ceiling windows looking onto the central courtyard to the open wood-burning fireplace.

The girls’ beds were in the sitting area and our bedroom was through a set of double doors – An elegant room with rich dark colours on the walls. Our walk-in wardrobe was the size of a London studio flat. Equally spacious, the marble bathroom came with his and hers sinks. The girls naturally took full advantage of the TV over the bathtub.

The room is scattered with cute details like French soap to take back home in jute bags, a decanter of Madeira and a selection of fruit to welcome guests. All the rooms are also now equipped with mini sanitiser kits, including a disposable face mask, sanitiser, gloves and wipes.

Whichever room you choose at Le Manoir, I advise you to definitely arrive promptly at 3 pm to ensure you gain maximum indulgence time at this luxury hotel in Oxfordshire.

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The Gardens

Fortunately, our stay coincided with some true Provencal-style heat and blue skies. Perfect weather for exploring the magnificent gardens. The gardens at Le Manoir were originally created by the monks who lived there in the 16th century.

Today the organic kitchen garden alone is two acres with over 90 types of vegetables and 70 herbs. Wandering the grounds, map in hand there is a real feeling that the gardens are as much a part of the Le Manoir experience as the food.

Children will love exploring and discovering the food they’ll soon be eating. From a mushroom valley to the tranquillity of the Japanese ornamental gardens complete with little wooden bridges and a tea house. Be prepared for time to run away with you whilst wandering the grounds.

Stroll through the orchards, where over the years, over five thousand trees including many heritage varieties found nowhere else have been planted.

The open-water lilies float delicately on 15th-century ponds in the serene English water garden. And wherever your eyes land an exquisite art sculpture won’t be too far.

Dining At Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons

Before we even begin to talk about the food let’s remind ourselves, this is the only British restaurant to have held two Michelin stars for more than three decades. An incredible accomplishment.

All dressed up for our gastronomic experience I did wonder if the evening would live up to our last visit. It began on the lawn with canapes and aperitif whilst watching the sun fade over the herbaceous borders. We each had our own customised menus – pescatarian, vegetarian and children. Usually, guests would have a choice of an à la carte or tasting menu, however, due to current COVID measures in place only the 7-course tasting menu is offered at the moment.

Dinner is served in a light, airy conservatory surrounded by ceiling height windows, amongst olive trees. A prelude of appetizers opens the feast – bite-size delights of celeriac and melon.

Head chef Gary Jones serves up plates encompassing craftsmanship, precision and mouthwatering flavours.

A refreshing and light bowl of heritage tomato, the creamiest burrata, basil and olive follow. The garden beets with horseradish and sorrel were immaculately flavoured and I almost felt slight guilt at taking apart the perfectly curated dish.

Whilst Mr S couldn’t wait to dive into the hand-dived Orkney scallop, iced dashi and citrus.

The girls enjoyed first courses of crisp crudites and roasted tomato soup with plenty of delicious freshly baked bread as it made the rounds. The restaurant will also make a selection of fresh organic vegetable purées for babies on request.

Next onto the elephant on the menu – summer vegetable risotto. Many vegetarians would recognise my eye roll as I spied it on the menu. This was different. Unlike any other risotto. A pure delight. From the flavoursome, rich rice grains coated in a creamy chervil sauce to the crunchy, sweet vegetables. Almost like eating a garden on a plate.

The Romano pepper filled with smoked aubergine, toasted seeds and grains was sublime in taste and texture. A crispy garden courgette flower tempura with a pea and mint jus ended the vegetarian savoury flavours on a high. Mr S replaced the dish with a Cornish turbot, cucumber, wasabi and Oscietra caviar. And the girls chose goujons of sole with tartare sauce accompanied with Mayan Gold chips.

At dessert, there is not just one but two to indulge in. La Peche, Le Manoir’s take on the peach melba. and the showstopper – raspberry and beetroot chocolate crumble. It was hard to stop admiring the attention to detail. Each mouthful a symphony of chocolate and earthy tones balanced with sweet raspberry notes. The kids didn’t miss out either with chocolate mousse and a selection of ice-cream and sorbets to end a phenomenal dining experience. A 7-course tasting menu is set at the princely sum of £170 and the children’s menu is £23 per child.

The exceptional dining continued throughout our stay with one of the best lunchtime vegetable tagliatelle to have passed my lips.

Breakfast didn’t disappoint. It had to be the full vegetarian, with the crispiest hash browns, creamiest scrambled eggs, grilled tomato, spinach and a tasty medley of flavoursome mushrooms.

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Services and Facilities

There is no gym, pool or kids club here, but pre-COVID in-room spa treatments were offered. What you do receive from the moment you drive through the gates is first-class service. Greeted by your first name in the car park as your luggage is taken out of the car. Nothing is ever too much trouble and the staff ensures their guest’s every need is met. The only addition is a temperature check now precedes entering the premises for check-in.

Fancy learning all the culinary tricks? Book into the Raymond Blanc Cookery School, where everything from dinner party master classes to children’s cookery courses are led by expert and friendly chefs. The green-fingered can get their plant geek on at the gardening school, based in the Botanic Glasshouse within the grounds.

How to get to Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons

Hard to believe but the resplendent, peaceful grounds are practically just off the M40. The hotel can be found on the edge of Great Milton village. From London, it’s just over an hour by car.

Haddenham & Thame Parkway is the closest station and about 45 minutes from London Marylebone. From here, a taxi ride takes about 15 minutes. And if you have a spare helicopter lying around, there’s a helipad too.

IS It Worth it?

Le Manoir is a very special place. The price of an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast will cost you a serious amount of money. I loved its traditional style yet it avoided being stuffy. A result of the relaxed, effortless yet professional service provided by the team. It’s an experience you’re unlikely to forget with double rooms from £595 per night including breakfast.

The real questions are, what is the price for perfection and are you willing to pay for it? For us, the answer was yes. I’m all about unique experiences for my memory banks. Although, it will probably be another 14 years before we can save up to be back again at this luxury hotel in Oxfordshire.

For the best travel deals to Oxfordshire check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals.

Have you been to Le Manoir? Would you like to go?
Let me know in the comments box below.

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