44 ways to top up your happy  

This summer it’s all about the small moments that make your stay even better. The things that’ll have you smiling long after you’ve gone home. If you’re looking to maximise your fun, read on for our ultimate guide to topping up your happy. 

1. Pack a face mask and make a spa playlist 
Turn your room into an extension of the spa by packing your favourite face mask and creating a playlist of soothing sounds. Add a fluffy robe and a cup of herbal tea for the full experience. 

2. Play day out roulette 
Before your stay, fill a jar with local attractions, activities and adventures. Pick one each morning and let fate decide whether it's a woodland walk, family attraction or lazy afternoon at the hotel. 

3. Eat dessert first 
Life's too short to risk being too full for pudding. We highly recommend making room for the Biscoff cheesecake. 

4. Wake up naturally, with nowhere to be 
Forget alarms, meetings and school runs. This is your chance to wake up slowly, stretch out and savour the rare luxury of having absolutely nothing urgent to do. 

5. Turn the grounds into your playground 
Pack a frisbee or kite and make the most of our gorgeous grounds. 

6. Float until your fingers wrinkle 
Spend some time in the pool with no lengths to complete and no schedule to keep. Just relax and enjoy the moment. 

7. Ask for the chef's recommendation 
Order something you'd usually overlook. You might just discover a new favourite dish.

8. Have afternoon tea just because 
You don't need a special occasion to enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones and dainty sweet treats. Make it extra special by dressing for the occasion. 

9. Have a slice (or two) of fried bread 
Yes that’s right, our breakfast buffet includes this absolute classic. Top it with eggs, dip it beans or make an elite sausage sandwich. 

10. Learn a new card game  
A simple pack of cards can become an unexpected getaway tradition. Learn a new game and hold a mini tournament across your stay. 

11. Book a couples' spa treatment 
Relax side by side and enjoy some uninterrupted time together. After all, shared relaxation counts as quality time, even if you doze off. 

12. Find the comfiest spot in the hotel 
A cosy lounge chair, a sunny terrace or your favourite corner of the bar - every hotel has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. 

13. Plan a spontaneous extra night 
If you're not ready to leave, see if you can extend your stay. Sometimes the best decisions are the least planned. 

14. Make time for a sauna reset 
Take a few moments to switch off completely and let the warmth work its magic. 

15. Toast absolutely nothing 
You don't need a birthday or anniversary to raise a glass together. Splash out on some bubbles and celebrate just being together. 

16. Have a day where you don’t leave the hotel 
Explore the grounds, swim, read, nap. Do whatever you want as long as it’s here. 

17. Pack matching pyjamas 
Perfect for cosy evenings, family photos and a bit of cheesy holiday fun. 

18. Make full use of the tea tray 
Cuppas in bed all round. Bonus points if someone else makes the first round. 

19. Plan to recreate your favourite spa moment at home 
Make a note of your favourite products, and treat yourself so you can DIY when your getaway is over. 

20. Make a family memory jar 
Write down funny moments and favourite memories from your stay and read them together before you head home. 

21. Start a holiday book club 
Challenge everyone on your trip to read the same book and compare notes at the end. 

22. Pretend you're a mystery guest 
Award points for fluffiness of towels, quality of puddings and bounciness of beds. Don’t forget to tell us our score. 

23. Take a post-treatment nap 
Because, wellness. 

24. Leave your phone behind 
Digital detox for a day - no maps, no research, just instincts, adventure and no distractions. 

25. Eat lunch in your robe 
Everyone else is only jealous. 

26. Write a postcard to your future self 
Post it to arrive when you get home - it’s the perfect reminder to book your next break. 

27. Create a soundtrack for your stay 
Because every getaway deserves an unofficial theme tune. 

28. Choose a holiday mascot - and take them everywhere 
A rubber duck or teddy bear can become an unexpected travel companion. Don’t forget to snap a pic of them wherever you go. 

29. Play 'would you rather?' over dinner 
Watch the questions get progressively more ridiculous as the night goes on. 

30. Book an unplanned (but much needed) spa treatment 
You’re not here on a spa break but there’s no reason it can’t become one. Take your pick from massages, facials, manicures and more. 

31. Turn checkout day into one last adventure 
Take the scenic route home or squeeze in one final treat. 

32. Forget three courses - have four 
The cheeseboard or truffles totally count. 

33. Order all the starters to share 
It’s like make-your-own tapas and the perfect way to sample every option and find your favourite. 

34. Upgrade your stay 
Go for a superior room or even a suite and make the most of the extras. Mini fridge anyone? 

35. Book a golf lesson 
Whether you’re new to golf or a semi-pro on the green, you can always pick up some new tricks. 

36. Ask the staff for ideas 
They know the local area well - see where they’d spend their day, you might find some real hidden gems. 

37. Find some flora or fauna 
Our hotels have the countryside on their doorstep. Look up for swifts, stroll through wildflower meadows and keep your eyes peeled for blue butterflies.  

38. Go stargazing 
Slaley Hall and The Telford are among our hotels near Dark Sky areas. Pack a picnic supper and go constellation spotting. 

39. Have a midnight feast  
Pack your favourite treat and enjoy while you watch a film in bed. Snacks always taste better in your pjs. 

40. Create your own nearest-the-pin challenge 
A little friendly competition can transform an ordinary round into a memorable one. 

41. Book the early tee time 
There's something special about being one of the first out on the course as the day begins. Just you and your clubs. 

42. Celebrate the best recovery shot of the day 
Sometimes escaping trouble is even more satisfying than playing a perfect game. 

43. Play an extra 9 holes 
Because 27 is the magic number. You get some extra time on the green without compromising your trip to the 19th hole. 

44. Book your next stay before you leave 
Enjoyed yourself? Beat the post-getaway blues by booking your next stay before you get home. Head back to an old favourite or head to one of the other hotels in our collection.