Stoke Park’s 12 gifts of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…a lovely little break at Stoke Park. Now wouldn’t that be great. The gorgeous five-star Country Club, Spa and Hotel has 12 Christmas gift offers for all budgets from a luxurious stay, spa day and golf package to an afternoon tea treat.

Up to a century ago, Stoke Park in Stoke Poges, Bucks – set among 300 acres of glorious parkland, lakes, historic gardens and monuments – was a private estate visited by some of the most famous people in British history. It was then transformed into a luxury country club and now boasts 49 bedrooms and suites, three restaurants, bars and lounges.

All guests have complimentary use of health facilities (indoor a swimming pool with hydro-seats, state-of-the-art gym, multi-surface tennis courts, steam rooms, class and spinning studios) and, what every good hotel should have, free WiFi. You can also book golf and tennis tuition with resident professionals and personal training sessions with qualified trainers.

Stoke Park has always had a close relationship to Pinewood Studios, four miles away, and many movies have been filmed in The Mansion and in the grounds, including two James Bond movies, Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). The epic duel between James Bond (Sean Connery) and Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) is still considered to be the most famous game of golf in cinematic history.

Layer Cake featured Stoke Park in many scenes including the dramatic ending with present-day 007 Daniel Craig and Sienna Miller, filmed on The Mansion’s front steps (above).

For details of the 12 Gifts of Christmas, visit www.stokepark.com/online-shop/products/12-gifts-of-christmas-2012/index.html