Aston Rowant's Cherry Tree: England's Most Stunning Secret?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "secret" that is Aston Rowant's Cherry Tree. And let me tell you, after spending some quality time analyzing its offerings…well, let's just say my expectations, like a poorly poured pint, went down a few notches, but then again, there were definitely some frothy surprises at the bottom.
The "Secret" Unveiled: Aston Rowant Cherry Tree - Is It Worth the Hype?
First off, the SEO stuff. We need to talk about accessibility. Because let's be honest, accessibility is absolutely crucial. So, let’s see:
- Access for Everyone: This seems to be the Achilles heel. Wheelchair accessibility is mentioned but doesn't detail the extent. How easy is it really? Ramps? Lifts? Wide doorways in the rooms? They need way more detail on this! I want to picture someone's grandma, a wheelchair and all, gracefully navigating those supposedly stunning grounds. And what about facilities for disabled guests? This means more than just "available". It means thoughtful and practical.
- Internet Access Is Mandatory! I'd be screaming if there isn't super-fast Wi-Fi… especially since they boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!". So, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: good. But actually performing and not having my Zoom call drop is an entirely different ball game.
Things to Do (Or, How To Actually Relax… or Not)
Okay, the real fun begins. The spa situation. I love a good spa. And Cherry Tree teases with a whole list of goodies. But do they deliver?
Spa Shenanigans: They've got the whole shebang: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steam room, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Now, visualize this: me, fresh from a stressful week, sinking into a blissful massage. The pool with a view better be as stunning as promised, or I'm writing a strongly worded email. The sauna? Hot enough to melt my inner child. The steam room? Hopefully not so steamy you can't even see your toes. However, is it "romantic"? They have Couple's room, it is perfect spot for Proposal spot. That's a very specific selling point!
Fitness Freaks, Rejoice? They also had a Fitness center, Gym/fitness. So, if you like to work out on holiday…I'm not judging, I won't…too much. Maybe a little quick workout before enjoying the massage.
Cleanliness and Safety: Essential in the Age of… You Know
Let's be serious. Safety is paramount.
- COVID-Conscious? Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Sounds thorough. Good.
- The Basics: First aid kit, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property. You know, the stuff that should be standard everywhere, even if we weren't in the middle of a gestures vaguely at the world.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
Ah, the all-important sustenance. This is where things get interesting…
- Restaurant Revelations: With A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: I'm already intrigued. This is a pretty diverse offering. But is the food actually good? And most importantly, will they have decent coffee? (Don't judge, it's important!). Can't go wrong with a Breakfast [buffet] and a Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Room Service: A Lifesaver: Room service [24-hour] is a winner! After a long day of spa-ing, I want to order a ridiculously large pizza at 2 am without judgement from the hotel.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty.
- The Perks: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. This covers almost everything you'd expect. The Contactless check-in/out is a must, and the Air conditioning in public area? Essential.
- Business Traveler-Friendly: The Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center, and the Meetings setup hint at a potential corporate crowd.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or… Not?
- Babysitting Service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal That ticks the boxes. But are the facilities actually fun? Do they have a decent playground? A game room? Details, people, details!
Access: Security and Peace of Mind
- Safety First: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. Reassuring. Especially with the way the world is.
Getting Around: Ease of Access
- Convenience is King: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. They seem to have all bases covered. Free parking? Always a plus.
Rooms and Amenities: Living the High Life (or Not?)
Alright, the rooms! Where we spend most of our time.
- Room Rundown: Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. This is the full package. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Thank you, sleep gods. But the real question: Is it all stylish? Are the beds comfy? Is there enough plug sockets?
My Take: A Hot Mess of Feelings
Look, here's the thing. The Cherry Tree sounds promising. Very promising. But the devil's in the details. And the details are a little vague at times. I want to see more specifics. The rooms sound great, but how's the vibe? The spa sounds heavenly, but how crowded is it? The food sounds diverse, but how’s the quality?
The Offer: Book Now and Escape the Mundane!
Want to trade the humdrum for sheer blissful escape? Aston Rowant's Cherry Tree beckons. Experience:
- Luxurious Rooms: With all the comforts and amenities you could dream of, including free Wi-Fi, so you can Instagram your glorious escape!
- Relax the day at Spa: Enjoy the perfect rest and relaxation.
- Delicious Cuisine: From Asian delights to international cuisine at our well-regarded Restaurant!
Exclusive Offer: Book your stay at Aston Rowant's Cherry Tree now and receive a complimentary welcome drink.
Don't wait! Escape to serenity! [Insert Booking link and contact details]
Final Verdict:
Aston Rowant's Cherry Tree could be a stunning secret. It has
Luxury Escape: Lovelady Shield Hotel, Alston, UK - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a glorious, chaotic mess of a weekend at The Cherry Tree in Aston Rowant. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is… well, it's me trying to get through a weekend without completely losing my mind. Let's go!
The Cherry Tree Catastrophe & Comedy Weekend: A Highly Unofficial Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Awkwardness & Ale (and maybe a shedload of regret)
1:00 PM - Arrival (Attempt): God, the drive! Seriously, whoever designed these country lanes should be forced to navigate them in a clown car. I'm pretty sure I saw a badger give me the stink eye whilst I took the wrong turn, AGAIN. Arrive at The Cherry Tree finally. The pub’s charming! or so, I thought, till the lock on my room door tried to eat my key (and quite nearly succeeded). I think I spent twenty minutes fighting with a stubborn bolt. Victory! (Mostly.) Room's… cozy. And by cozy, I mean, you could trip over a rogue sock and somehow reach the bed.
1:30 PM - The Great Pub Exploration: First mission: Locate the bar. Then, order a pint. Then, find a quiet corner to recover from the journey. This is crucial. I'm already fighting off the urge to go full-on Bridezilla because the "rustic charm" is starting to feel suspiciously like "slightly falling apart." The pub's genuinely lovely, though. The wood is worn, there's a fireplace that actually looks like it might warm you, and the locals… well, they're a colourful bunch. Eavesdropping is already becoming a favourite pastime. Heard a story about a prize-winning marrow. Very exciting.
2:30 PM - The Food Frenzy (and Emotional Rollercoaster): Lunch time! I'm usually a salad-and-pretend-I'm-healthy kind of eater, but a hearty pub lunch called my name. Ordered the fish and chips. The fish was… glorious. Perfectly battered, flaky heaven. The chips? Well, let's just say there was a slight issue with the portion size. I think I could have fed a small nation. Spent a good ten minutes wrestling with my guilt while simultaneously stuffing my face. Ah, the internal conflict of the weekend has already begun!
4:00 PM - Aston Rowant Rambles (and Existential Dread): Time for a walk. This area is filled, which should be a peaceful, rejuvenating wander, but the reality involves me getting lost, encountering a grumpy sheep, and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. But the views? Stunning. Truly breathtaking. Until I remembered I forgot my camera. Typical. Stared at a field for a good hour contemplating life's more pressing questions, like what is the meaning of a cow's contented moo?
7:00 PM - Dinner (Attempt 2): Back at the pub. Ordered something light this time, just to balance out the fish and chips tsunami. Decided on the vegetarian pie. It was… okay. Fine. Basically, it tasted of… well, pie. The kind of pie that makes you appreciate the artistry of a good pastry chef. Started chatting with a table of regulars who seem to know everyone and everything. Learned about the local cricket team, the village gossip, and the best place to buy a particularly pungent cheese. The conversation was lovely, the pie… was pie.
9:00 PM - Fireside Frolics (or, The Attempt to Socialize): Sat by the fireplace, nursing a pint of something dark and delicious. The pub is abuzz with laughter and chatter. Tried to join in a round of "Would I Lie to You," which ended with me accidentally revealing something deeply embarrassing about my childhood. Mortification ensues. Retreat to the safety of my room and pray for a good night's sleep.
Day 2: Adventures in Appreciation (and Afternoon Nap-ocalypse)
8:00 AM - Breakfast (and a Fight Against the Bed Bugs… Wait, No): Wake up! Breakfast time! Had a Full English. It was amazing! I feel like this is the best day yet!
9:00 AM - Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve (and the Wildlife Encounter): Time for another walk! I’ll try not to get lost again. The nature reserve is beautiful! The silence is glorious, the air clean. Saw a deer! Such a peaceful area, and I could stay here forever!
12:00 PM - Pub Lunch (again!): I was in a great mood, so I went to the same place I ate breakfast, but I ordered a full course this time. Fish and chips (again). I don't know if that part of the menu is cursed, but it was terrible for some reason. The chips were still plentiful, though.
2:00 PM - Afternoon Nap (A Disaster): Back to my room. I was exhausted, so I decided to take a little nap. That soon ended up in me sleeping until it was practically nighttime.
7:00 PM - Dinner (and Last Night's Revelations): Another dinner at the pub. I went full-on comfort food: steak and ale pie. It was delicious! I finally got to chat with some of the staff, they told me it was a slow night for them, but that the pub was busy last night. I asked what was going on, they said the locals were having a wild party, but I somehow missed all of that! I am so unlucky.
9:00 PM - Final Pint & Farewell (For Now): One last pint, one last attempt at socializing, and one last look at the beautiful pub. I will miss this place, but I am happy to be going home.
Day 3: Departure (and the Promise of a Long Nap)
- 9:00 AM - Goodbye Breakfast (and the Reality of Departure): Had a small breakfast, I was still trying to digest all of that food. I'm not sure if I'll be able to go home.
- 10:00 AM - The Journey Home (and the Aftermath): The drive was long and rough, and I almost didn't make it home. But I am safely back. I should be able to sleep for a week, I am so tired.
Post-Trip Reflections (aka, Ranting and Rambling):
Right, so The Cherry Tree. It's a mixed bag, isn't it? The pub is genuinely beautiful, the food is hit-or-miss, the walks are lovely, and the locals are, well, characters. I’m not sure if I have learned anything, but I had fun. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for a bit of glorious messiness, a few questionable food choices, and the distinct possibility of losing yourself in the countryside. And definitely pack a sense of humour. You'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Portofino Mar Benidorm Awaits!
Aston Rowant's Cherry Tree: England's Most Stunning...Secret? (Let's Get Real)
Okay, spill. What even IS this "Cherry Tree" and why should I care, anyway? Sounds kinda...boring?
Alright, alright, settle down, Mr. Cynic. Aston Rowant, up in the Chiltern Hills, is home to this cherry tree. Or rather, *was* home to this cherry tree. Sadly, after years of being the most iconic spot in the area, the great cherry tree of Aston Rowant, which had been gracing us with its beauty, had unfortunately been removed.
So, if you're expecting a perfect Instagram-able moment, you'll be…disappointed. (And maybe a little sad, like I was when I first heard!) BUT, bear with me. It was, I'm telling you, *epic.* On a clear day, you'd get this jaw-dropping view, everything stretched out before you. And the tree... oh, that cherry tree! It wasn't just any tree. It was this gnarled, character-filled thing of beauty. Before it's removal, the tree would be covered with fluffy pink blossoms in spring that was a sight for sore eyes!
Why care? Because it was the antithesis of boring. It was a little piece of magic, a reminder that beauty can exist in the simplest of places. It was about feeling... *something*. And that, my friend, is never boring. Now, however, we have an open field and views. But the memories remain.
Right, right, beauty etc. But HOW do I actually get there? (And can I drive right up to it?)
Okay, logistics. It's in the Chiltern Hills, which is good news and bad news. Good because the views are stunning. Bad because it's...hills. Expect a bit of a walk. More bad news: There's no direct car access. Your satnav will likely try to kill you. Seriously.
You can park at a designated car park nearby, and then, depending on the situation , prepare for a little walk. There's this little dirt road, very bumpy (trust me, I drove a tiny rental car up it once... let's just say I winced the whole way). Once you've parked, it's a brisk walk to the field where the Cherry Tree once stood, or will potentially *stand* again. It's fairly easy to find, and there are usually some signs directing you. Just don’t expect a paved path; it’s nature, darling, embrace the mud!
So, spring is the obvious time, right? For the blossoms? But when's the *best* time to visit? Dish the dirt!
Spring, yes. When the cherry tree was in full bloom, it was a symphony of pink. The view was already gorgeous. But let's be honest, spring is busy. Everyone and their dachshund is trying to get a photo. I’ve been there when it was PACKED. No peace!
My personal recommendation? Autumn. Especially a crisp, clear autumn day. The foliage is changing, the light is golden, and the views... oh, the views! Plus, the crowds are (usually) gone. You can have the whole place (almost) to yourself. And that, my friends, is the true secret of Aston Rowant.
Also, keep a weather eye on the forecast. Nothing worse than trudging up a hill only to be battered by wind and rain. Although, even then, there's a certain raw beauty to it. Just pack a good raincoat!
Any tips for a total newbie, someone who's never even *seen* a cherry tree, never mind a stunning one?
Okay, newbie advice, from a somewhat-seasoned…well, viewer. First, wear good shoes. Seriously. Hiking boots are ideal, but decent trainers will do the trick. Avoid heels. Please. I saw a woman in heels there once. I still cringe.
Second, pack a picnic. Seriously! The views are perfect for a sandwich and a flask of tea (or, you know, something stronger if you fancy it!). There are no shops or cafes nearby, so come prepared. And take all your rubbish with you! Leave no trace, etc.
Third, bring a camera. Or your phone. Whatever you use to capture the moment! But, don't get TOO obsessed with the perfect shot. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the ones where you just... *be*. Watch the light change, feel the breeze on your face, and just soak it all in.
Finally, be respectful. Respect the land, the trees, and the other visitors. And try not to shout too loudly. It's a place for peace, not a rave.
Okay, you've mentioned this multiple times. What's so special about the views? Are we talking, like, *really* special?
Right, let's talk views. "Really special," is an understatement. It's the kind of view that makes you stop breathing for a second. The Chiltern Hills. The rolling fields. On a clear day you might see miles. On a bad day... well, even on a bad day, it's beautiful. It's a wide open space, perfect for stretching your legs and staring.
I remember once, I went on a particularly grey day in the fall. The wind was howling, and I was absolutely freezing. I was practically cursing myself for even going. But as I turned that final corner and saw the vista... suddenly, I didn't care about the cold. The clouds were scudding across the sky, the sunlight was playing tricks on the landscape, and it was breathtaking. It was the kind of view that makes you appreciate the small things. It made me feel tiny and insignificant, in the best possible way. It was pure, unadulterated beauty. I even got a picture! Which, by the way, doesn't do it justice. Nothing does. You just have to be there.
I'm a bit of a history buff. Anything else to do/see near Aston Rowant to make the trip worthwhile?
Oh, absolutely! The Chilterns are packed with history. A few suggestions:
- The Ridgeway: It's an ancient trackway with stunning views. It's definitely worth walking a section of it for a breathtaking trip.
- Turville: A picturesque village, famous as the location for several movies and TV shows.
- Princes Risborough: A charming market town with some lovely pubs (perfect for a post-hike pint!).
Also, do a bit of research beforehand! There are often historical sites to visit. AlwaysHotel Finder Reviews
