As a 50th birthday present to myself I booked myself an overnight stay at Champneys Forest Mere. It was an easy drive - 75 minutes or so - through lovely parts of the countryside. I started off by going for a walk around the grounds to explore and get my bearings before heading into the pool and spa area to TRY ALL THE THINGS! I also had a ‘Stretch and Relax’ class booked that afternoon - which did exactly what it says on the tin.

I would return, probably for 2 nights, and quite happily on my own. By the time I’d got an idea of how everything worked and how to make the best use of the facilities for me - swim and sauna are a great combination - it was time to come home. But not before enjoying a 55 minute organised country hike.