Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

ALTERNATIVE FATHER'S DAY GIFT

Why not treat dad like a real lord with a luxurious stay at Hand Picked Hotels – a unique collection of architecturally splendid former country houses.

With 14 hotels set in stunning locations across the UK and Jersey to choose from, there's no end of interesting activities, settings and experiences to keep dad entertained this Father’s Day whatever his interests may be. If dad is a lover of the great outdoors he can enjoy a wide range of country pursuits at the hotel such as clay pigeon shooting, fishing and croquet. The hotels can also put together a picnic basket to allow you to enjoy the grounds in the summer sunshine.

If dad is a fan of creature comforts you can always arrange a day’s pampering at many of the hotels’ Spas, with just-for-men treatments such as the Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy Sports and Fitness Massage, or simply some quiet time in the sauna. If he’s got a sweet tooth and a penchant for custard, he’ll turn to jelly at the thought of the Sunday Pudding Club Father’s Day buffet at selected hotels. And if he’s more of an action man, why not fly him into one of the Hand Picked helipads - all the hotels are accessible by helicopter.

Hand Picked Hotels are located in

1: Brandshatch Place, Fawkham, Kent

2: Buxted, Uckfield, Sussex

3: Chilston Park, Maidstone

4: Crathorne, North Yorkshire

5: Ettington Park, Stratford-Upon-Avon

6: Seiont Manor, Snowdonia

7: L'Horizon, Jersey

8: Norton House, Edinburgh

9: Nutfield Priory, Redhill

10: Rhinefield House, Hampshire

11: Rookery Hall, Nantwhich, Cheshire

12: The Priest House, Derby

13: Wood Hall, West Yorkshire

14: Woodlands Park, Surrey

For more info on what’s happening at your local Hand Picked Hotels please contact the Hand Picked Hotels press office at Cow PR on 020 7684 6969 or hph@cowpr.com

Below are a few suggestions for making sure dad is entertained, fed and above all appreciated this Father’s Day:

Badger Watching at Wood Hall Hotel, Wetherby, West Yorkshire

Offering some of the finest views of East Yorkshire this hotel is bound to be a winner with nature lovers.

Keep dad entertained:

Go on a badger watching tour with the hotel’s groundsman using chunks of melon - a firm badger favourite!

Keep Dad fed:

The hotel’s team of award-winning chefs will rustle up a mouth-watering three-course Father’s Day lunch at the impressive Georgian Restaurant, with a special gift for all dads.

Prices from: Father’s Day lunch costs £24.95 per person, £15.95 for children under 14. Double room B&B from £198.00 per room.
(Subject to availability)

Contact: 01937 587 271 or e-mail: woodhall@handpicked.co.uk

Experience the high life at Norton House Hotel, Edinburgh

Ideally located in a dramatic country estate just outside Edinburgh, Norton House is a haven of understated luxury, making it the perfect special getaway for your dad.

Keep Dad entertained:

Visit the Concorde Experience at the Museum of Flight in Edinburgh and relive life on board one of the world’s most iconic aircraft.

Keep Dad fed:

Treat dad to a glorious three-course meal with the Sunday Pudding Club’s special Father’s Day lunch at the hotel’s Brasserie restaurant, finished off with an ‘all you can eat’ British Pudding buffet.

Prices start from: Father’s Day lunch from £19.50, children under 12 for £9.95. Double room B&B from £130 per room.
(Subject to availability)

Contact: 0131 333 1275 or nortonhouse@handpicked.co.uk

Live it up like a Lord at Buxted Park Hotel, Ashdowne Forest, Near Uckfield, East Sussex

This Georgian Palladian mansion is set in Sussex woodland and has played host to kings, queens, princes and princesses, not to mention prime ministers and film stars such as Marlon Brando and Gregory Peck.

Keep Dad busy:

Visit the Austin Seven Car Rally and Picnic which has more than 200 exhibits of beautiful vintage and modern cars at nearby Bewl Water at Lamberhurst in Kent.

Keep Dad fed:

After the three-course Father’s Day lunch on Sunday at The Victorian Orangery, tuck into an a pudding buffet from the Buxted Park Pudding Society.

Prices start from:

Father’s Day lunch or £26.50 per person, children’s menu available from £5.00. Double rooms B&B from £165.00 per room.

(Subject to availability)

Contact: 01825 733 333 or buxtedpark@handpicked.co.uk

Supercars and fine dining at Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Nestled in the Stow Valley, Ettington Park is a stately home from home, offering visiting dads modern comforts as they relax in a location which is steeped in history.

Keep Dad entertained:

With the Heritage Car Museum’s Supercar Sunday where a fantastic array of Supercars will be on show - dad can even drive one in exchange for a charity donation.

Follow up with a gentlemanly evening game of croquet on the hotel’s lawn to wind the perfect day down.

Keep Dad fed:

A sumptuous three-course Father’s Day lunch will be served in the impressive Oak Dining Room.

Prices start from: Father’s Day lunch £30.00 per person, £15.00 for children under 12. Double room B&B from £164.00 per room.

(Subject to availability)

Contact: 01789 450 123 or ettingtonpark@handpicked.co.uk

Notes to Editors

•Hand Picked Hotels won AA Hotel Group of the Year 2004-2005 and was presented with the Business Excellence Award last December by the Tourism Minister for its commitment to customer service and developing the brand. Its founder, Julia Hands, was presented with the top award in the Tourism and Leisure business sector of the First Women Awards, organised by the CBI, in conjunction with Real Business magazine, in July last year.

•Created by former City lawyer Julia Hands, the exclusive Hand Picked Hotels collection are 14 architecturally splendid former country estate houses, renowned for stunning interiors, exquisite food, fine wines and excellent service in a relaxing atmosphere. The hotels are conveniently located across the UK, from Surrey, Kent and East Sussex, to the New Forest, Jersey and Edinburgh

For more info please contact the Hand Picked Hotels press office at Cow PR on 020 7684 6969 or hph@cowpr.com