I booked a mini-break ON MY OWN and this is why you should too… my stay at Burleigh Court Hotel, Cotswolds

Mum-cations are on the rise. No, not taking your mum away (sorry mum), but treating yourself to a break from real life is all the rage. Plus, according to experts, a short burst of mama me-time can prevent you from getting exactly that… rage.

With two kids aged 5 and 8, and a full-time job, I don’t get a lot of time to myself. So in a bid to truly get away from it all, I booked a weekend away at a charming country house in the Cotswolds.

Burleigh Court Cotswolds is a 200-year-old manor house-turned boutique hotel near Stroud, overlooking the Golden Valley.

Perched on top of a hill, the house is built from traditional Cotswolds stone and surrounded by beautiful gardens that look over the rolling hills.

Formally a private residence, this now feels like a luxury home away from home – if your home had stylish, design-led interiors that wouldn’t look out of place on the pages of country living.

There is also a spa on site and an award-winning restaurant, which was my reason for choosing Burleigh Court as a treat for myself.

After an easy train journey from London (1 hour 30 minutes direct from Paddington), I arrived very ready for a break.

Between my kids’ clubs, homework and social life – which puts mine to shame – and working full time at a National newspaper, I didn’t have a lot of time to myself.

I’m lucky enough to have sociable friends, but nights out on the town don’t offer the mental break that a good helping of me-time can.  

A stay at Burleigh Court Cotswolds Hotel

Walking through the heavy, vintage door to a little ‘ding’ was like a warm hug. Check-in was in the cosy lounge, which has a classic country style with vintage touches, art and stacks of stylish interior magazines.

It was an irresistible spot for a ploughman’s sandwich and a crisp glass of wine. Even more luxurious, the manager checked me in as I devoured a warm, freshly-baked scone. Starting as I mean to go on!

I was booked into a ‘top notch’ room (so very British) and I admit I did a little squeal when I opened the door. This place has full Bridgeton vibes, immediately transporting me to the Regency era and I couldn’t be happier about it.

A vintage four poster bed stood in the middle of the room, framed by a large bay window, looking over the hotel’s stunning garden.

The sun was beaming in through the window, bathing the room in light. It was exactly what this frazzled mum needed.

Off the main room was an ornate bathroom with a bathtub and views of the sunny garden outside. I earmarked that for a long soak later with my book – the first one I had picked up in a year.

That was the greatest thing about my self-imposed mum-cation, I didn’t have to be anywhere, do anything or make anyone a snack. I didn’t have to squeeze in work or do any mental admin. I was free.

Solo mum-cations are on the rise

Mental health expert Dr Keshav Jee encourages solo staycations, saying it’s a way for parents to recharge and regain a bit of themselves again.

‘From choosing your destination to deciding where to stay, going somewhere alone can act as a reset button’.

Whether you’ve booked a charming country house hotel or a chic city crash pad, it’s all about you.

This is especially important for mothers or primary carers who can get into a habit of deprioritising themselves for the sake of the kids and the family. Dr Jee insists that travelling solo and finding time for yourself, even for one day and night can work wonders.

‘Taking yourself away allows you a sense of freedom from perceived judgement, social expectations and allows you to be your authentic self’

Just having time to breathe, for 24-hours, can make a world of difference.

As a travel journalist and creator, I have travelled a lot both with and without my children. But this is the first time I have booked a solo stay just for myself. It felt different, floating around with nothing specific to do and it took me a while to adjust.

However, the opportunity to just be free of work and mum duties for a weekend was even more of a luxury than I expected.

There was no need to plan a schedule of activities or eat, nap or sleep at a certain time. No bag full of snacks, colouring books or my work laptop.

My first stop was the Wellness Garden, a tranquil outdoor spa with hot tub jacuzzi, sauna and a historic swimming pool that has been part of the house for centuries.

There are also wood cabin treatment rooms and a simple but luxurious spa menu, although treatments do usually need to be booked in advance.

I wasn’t organised enough to book a treatment but an afternoon in the sun with a Spotify playlist and a juicy book (here are my recent book recs if you’re interested) was the restorative afternoon I needed.

All mums should do this.

A low-key luxury escape, close enough to home to eradicate travel stress, but a world away from life admin and laundry. Bliss.

For a cosy country house, hidden away in the hills, the biggest surpise (and treat) of all was the exceptional restaurant.

A hidden Cotswolds foodie hotspot

Recently winning the Taste of the West Gold Award, the seasonal menu features locally-sourced ingredients, including vegetables and herbs grown in their own garden, steps away from where I had been relaxing all afternoon. You don’t get more local than that, and you could really tell.

The meal was exceptional. The starter, aptly named the ‘150 yard salad’ with freshly picked ingredients from the patch just 150 yards away, was absolutely delicious. I devoured it and just couldn’t get enough.

I followed this with a beetroot and feta salad and the juiciest, softest cut of steak. It really did live up to the hype.

You can eat at the restaurant without staying at the hotel and I highly recommend it if you’re in the local area.

Dining on my own with the most glorious sunset through the window and a bottle of red wine I didn’t have to share, was elite. I thought I would feel awkward as there was a small group there and a few couples dining at the same time, but I didn’t at all.

In fact, I felt liberated. And utterly relaxed.

With my room just upstairs, I took the remainder of the bottle with me and enjoyed the rest in a hot bubble bath. My only problem was staying awake long enough to enjoy it.

Then, I collapsed into bed, thrilled by the prospect of a lay-in, woken only by the birds tweeting and not my children nagging me to let them have their ipads.

Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is the most I’ve had for a long time. And, I could have gone for more to be honest.

However, with dinner as delicious as it was, breakfast was a must. I could hear the light clatter of plates and scent of freshly-cooked bacon as I rolled back the shutters.

The sun was shining and it was another beautiful day in the Cotswolds.

I had planned a slow walk about the hotel’s gardens and surrounding countryside before catching my train. The location here is beautiful and I wanted to explore further.

Soon, I was heading back to mum life and deadlines, but that was okay. I felt like a new woman with a renewed energy for, well, just about everything.

I loved my solo staycation, but there is no question that Burleigh Court Cotswolds is romantic too. Next time, I’ll bring my other half – but the kids can stay with granny.

Rooms at Burleigh Court Cotswolds start from £152 per night. The Bridgeton-style room I stayed in starts from £246 per night. burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk

Would you book a solo mum staycation? Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more travel inspiration – with or without kids!