The spa hotel scenic landscape and gin distillery less than an hour from London
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Surrey hills Guildford Manor and a gin distillery visit
Welcome to an exciting journey through the idyllic Surrey hills, where we will explore the charming Guildford Manor and indulge in a gin distillery visit.
As you venture with us through stunning landscapes, we will unlock the secrets of making your own gin and discover fascinating benefits of this beloved spirit. So sit back, relax and get ready for a tantalizing adventure that combines history, culture, and delicious tastes all in one exciting trip!
Surrey hills is a stunning area of breathtaking views and outstanding natural beauty. A bonus is that it is so close to London. Without feeling like it. So I chose an exciting overnight staycation in the Surrey hills area of outstanding natural beauty. For me. My husband and the kids.
I like to feel like I'm truly away. Whether going abroad or staying local on my holidays. Surrey hills allowed me to do just that.
My experience
We were booked in to the Guildford Manor House Hotel. A four star Spa hotel near the Surrey hills. Arriving to the hotel. It was thankfully sunny and warm. Allowing us to take in the full beauty of the grounds. Where wildflowers were in bloom in a stretch of field. Behind some perfectly manicured gardens.
After checking in to our cosy room for the night. We headed to the on sight restaurant for a champagne afternoon tea.
The peace and quiet of nature. With just the sound of birds and a pretty display of flowers being pursued by bees and butterflies right out our window.
After a delicious afternoon tea. I made my way to the on sight Spa at Guildford Manor House Hotel. Where I settled in for the most relaxing hour long massage. My friendly masseuse used the most aromatic warm oil with the refreshing smell of Oranges.
My husband took the children for a dip in the pool in the meantime, and we reunited in our hotel room upstairs afterwards. The spa also had a sauna. Which we didn't end up using. Thanks to a busy first day and some warmth from the sun.
To round off the evening. I enjoyed a dinner of risotto at the hotels Newland's Corner restaurant.
The next morning we went by foot to explore the area. With impressive views that stretch for miles. I was glad we had brought the Binoculars along. The magnifying glass for our then three year old. Kept us all busy along our long hike.
This was a first for our then only three year old son! Since ditching the buggy. He did so much walking that day. Up and down some steep. Wonky paths with little complaint. My husband and I were so proud of him. He was so knackered on the way back to the hotel. He fell asleep in his daddy's arms. Being carried beside the noisy carriageway. And believe me. Not much can slow our son down. Let alone get him peacefully off to sleep!
A long hike downwards ended at silent Pool gin distillery. Here you can enjoy a group gin tour and gin tastings. We sat alfresco and had some g&t with snacks. Whilst enjoying the scenic surroundings of the natural pool and giant trees.
Surrey hills Guildford Manor
The Surrey hills is a picturesque region located in the South East of England, boasting stunning green landscapes and charming heritage sites. One such gem is the Guildford Manor, a historic mansion that dates back to the 17th century.
The manor has been meticulously restored and now serves as an elegant hotel with luxurious amenities that will make your stay unforgettable. As you wander through its halls, you will be transported back in time by admiring its ornate architecture and rich decor.
But this enchanting estate offers more than just accommodation; it also features lovely gardens where visitors can take peaceful walks surrounded by nature's beauty. The serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for meditation or reading a good book while enjoying fresh air.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or simply want to experience some tranquility away from the city's hustle and bustle, Surrey hills' Guildford Manor is undoubtedly worth visiting.
Silent Pool gin distillery visit
A gin distillery visit is an experience like no other. It's a chance to learn about the history of gin and how it's made, as well as taste some unique and delicious flavors that you won't find anywhere else.
At Surrey hills Guildford Manor, visitors can take a guided tour of their state-of-the-art distillery facility. You'll get to see first-hand how they craft their own signature blends using carefully selected botanicals and traditional distillation methods.
During the tour, you'll also have the opportunity to sample a variety of gins from their collection. From classic London Dry Gin to more experimental flavors such as Elderflower or Rhubarb & Ginger, there's something for every palate.
But the experience doesn't stop there! At Surrey hills Guildford Manor, guests can even participate in workshops where they can learn how to make their own gin at home. Imagine impressing your friends with homemade cocktails featuring your very own custom blend!
Visiting a gin distillery is an excellent way to immerse yourself in this beloved spirit and gain a new appreciation for its complexity and versatility.
How to make your own gin
Making your own gin can seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple. The first step is to gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients. This includes juniper berries, coriander seeds, citrus peel, alcohol (preferably high-proof vodka), and any other botanicals you want to include in your recipe.
Next, crush the juniper berries and coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle to release their oils. Add them along with the citrus peel and any other botanicals to a jar or bottle of alcohol.
Let the mixture steep for at least 24 hours (or up to several weeks) in a cool dark place, shaking occasionally. Once ready, strain out the solids using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer.
Now comes the fun part – tasting! Experiment with different ratios of botanicals until you find your perfect flavor profile. You can also add sweeteners or mixers if desired.
Bottle up your homemade gin and enjoy responsibly! Not only is it satisfying to create something yourself from scratch, but you'll also have bragging rights when serving up cocktails at parties.
The benefits of gin
Gin is not just a tasty alcoholic beverage, but it actually has some surprising health benefits. Firstly, gin is low in calories and carbohydrates compared to other alcoholic drinks. This makes it a great option for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to being low in calories, gin also contains natural botanicals such as juniper berries and coriander which have antioxidant properties that help fight off free radicals in the body. These antioxidants may provide protection against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Furthermore, studies have shown that moderate consumption of gin can improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation due to its high concentration of herbal ingredients. Gin’s anti-inflammatory qualities may even benefit individuals with arthritis by easing joint pain.
Gin’s unique combination of herbs and botanicals also gives it an aromatic quality which can act as a natural remedy for reducing stress levels. The scent alone can be calming, while drinking gin responsibly could potentially alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Consuming gin in moderation comes with exciting perks beyond just being delicious!
Recipes with gin
When it comes to gin, there's more than just the classic gin and tonic. Gin can be a versatile addition to cocktails and mixed drinks.
One popular gin cocktail is the Negroni. Made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, this Italian drink is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
For a fruity twist on your G&T, try adding some fresh berries or citrus slices as a garnish. This not only adds flavor but also makes for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Another tasty option is the French 75. Combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne for a bubbly yet sophisticated beverage.
If you prefer something sweeter, mix up a Bramble by muddling blackberries in sugar syrup before adding ice and topping with gin and lemon juice.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing drinks with gin - get creative! Just remember to always use quality ingredients and measure carefully for consistent results every time.
Conclusion
A visit to Surrey Hills also known as Surrey Downs. Guildford Manor Hotel and the silent Pool gin distillery can be an exciting adventure for anyone. The beautiful scenery of Surrey hills makes the experience even more worthwhile.
Not only do you get to learn about the history of gin production and how it has evolved over time, but you also get to make your own gin with unique flavors that reflect your taste.
Moreover, drinking gin in moderation has numerous benefits such as aiding digestion, relieving stress, among others. With so many recipes available online that incorporate gin as a key ingredient from classic cocktails like Gin and Tonic to new ones like Gin Sour or Negroni.
Therefore if you want to have a fun-filled day out while learning something new and enjoying some delicious drinks then head down to Surrey hills and Guildford Manor for an unforgettable experience.