In comparison with the heatwave of 2020’s lockdown summer which provided us with long hazy days of golden sunshine to make long days stuck at home so much more enjoyable, 2021’s summer weather has been something of a let-down. In the week leading up to my stay at The Runnymede on Thames, a four-star family-owned hotel sitting neatly on the banks of the River Thames, I checked the weather forecast relentlessly. Willing it to make a miraculous turnaround from cloudy with intermittent showers to glorious sunshine and blistering heat. Alas, the golden yolk of the sun symbol failed to appear on my phone screen, and I was left frowning at the little grey cloud that remained an unwelcome guest.

However, as I drove from Guildford train station after picking up my accomplice for the stay, I need not have been so worried. Turning into the sweeping drive of The Runnymede, I quickly forgot about my concerns of rain. The distraction of the immaculately kept grounds and the pristine building in front of me offering a serene sense of calm before I had even set foot over the threshold.

The first thing to strike me about The Runnymede was how it successfully achieves everything that one would want from a four-star hotel without being intimidating. Pushing through the entrance door to the reception, you find yourself in a big open-plan room that is light, bright and airy. The glass windows encasing a lobby that flows into a comfy lounge and onto a spacious veranda with outdoor seating, eventually giving way to the magnificent river itself. The river and The Runnymede go hand-in-hand. Something that is reflected everywhere you look when at the hotel and perhaps what creates the tranquillity that is bound to envelop the entirety of your stay. Everything from the glossy black flooring tiles and art on the walls, to the cute and quirky rubber duck display, there is no forgetting exactly where you are – and why would you want to?

As I peep over the reception desk to check-in, we are greeted by a friendly concierge. ‘You are welcome to go up to your room now or you can go straight through to the River Hideout for lunch’ he smiles. Both ravenous, we decide to head for something to eat. To my delight, the sun has decided to make an appearance and we sit under the spacious pergola sipping passionfruit martinis, waiting for a Chicken and Bacon Salad and the ‘Runnymede Dirty Burger’. The Runnymede has been blessed with its location and the aptly named ‘River Hideout’ provides the perfect spot for guests to revel in the scenery of the river. As the boats float past and the sun glints upon the water’s surface, visitors can sit back and enjoy this serenity as the sound of birdsong and rushing water surrounds them, setting the scene for what will undoubtedly be a relaxing and memorable stay.

After finishing up at lunch, it is time for the main event of our day – the electric riverboat ride. Before we stroll down to the little jetty, I speak to two ladies who tell me they have been coming to the Runnymede “for years”, as it is so convenient for them travelling from central London, to enjoy lunch and then a cruise on the river. After we are briefed with instructions on how to drive the boat, we are trusted to take it along the river for an hour, a bottle of white wine in tow- we set out on our journey. It is so much fun waving to other explorers out on the water and admiring the riverside houses that line the banks. The excursion also brings out the nature lover in me – swans and ducks share the water with us, and I even spot a few dragonflies skimming the surface as we chug happily along with glasses in hand. At this point, I have forgotten all about the weather.

Although I am a little sad when the time comes to dock the boat and get back on dry land, I am immediately perked up when I remember that we have a whole afternoon of using the outdoor pool and indoor spa ahead of us. Before this, I take my bag up to my room and get changed. On opening the door, I am immediately met with a stunning view framed by an enormous glass window; a luscious green lawn spills out below me until it reaches the banks of the sparkling river on which the boats are still drifting along. The Deluxe Double Riverside Room also comes complete with an espresso coffee maker, the comfiest king-size bed and a luxurious bathroom with both a spacious bathtub and a separate overhead shower perfect for making use of the complimentary ESPA toiletries.

Slipping into my swimwear and the white robe which I find hanging invitingly in the wardrobe, I wander down to the outdoor pool, telling myself that despite it being overcast, it is still perfectly warm enough to take a dip. To my delight, I remember that the outdoor pool is heated, and I happily swim a few lengths in its warm waters before deciding to see what the spa has to offer inside. For guests lucky enough to visit The Runnymede on a balmy summer’s day, I believe the pool and additional whirlpool that sits right beside the river, would create the feeling of being somewhere in Southern Europe instead of Surrey, especially if you were to make use of the poolside loungers and have an aperitif in hand!

The Runnymede has won awards for its spa facilities and it was clear from the excitement I felt upon entering that they were well deserved. Flooded with natural daylight with floor to ceiling windows, the spa houses a sleek, contemporary space in which sits a large swimming pool, plunge pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and infrared cabin. Knowing I want to work up my appetite for dinner later on, I swim some more lengths and then make use of the steam room and sauna. There is also the option for guests to use the gym and tennis courts and take part in fitness classes that offer everything from orchard yoga to Zumba. The self-care does not stop there at The Runnymede either. A full menu of spa treatments is available, coming in packages that would make the perfect, blissful gift for any loved one. Feeling fully relaxed after using the luxurious spa showers, I return to my room to get ready for dinner in front of the huge bathroom mirror.

The ‘Leftbank’ restaurant which sits next to the lounge and again benefits from those opulent floor-to-ceiling windows, has embraced its night-time persona and is lit with candles that mirror the lights glistening off the river outside. This creates the perfect suppertime view as we scan through the menu and decide on roast hake with spinach, grilled Ratte, vine cherry tomatoes and Provencal sauce and a Sunday Roast (it is a Sunday after all). The food is delicious and accompanied by a red wine from the extensive wine menu, we happily sit back and indulge in yet another luxury experience provided by The Runnymede Hotel. To finish a lovely day, we end the meal with some mouth-watering desserts, vanilla and salted caramel cheesecake with a nougatine crunch and the lemon meringue tart with Chantilly cream. Retiring to my king size bed feeling contently full, I know that tonight I will have a peaceful night’s sleep in this soothing haven, dreaming of that lemon meringue tart…

Waking up to the sun streaming in my window, I lazily stretch making the most of what is perhaps the comfiest bed I have slept in for a long time. However, I know that this doesn’t last long with me as the call of breakfast and good coffee is one I can never resist. After packing up my things I hesitantly say goodbye to my room and head to the restaurant which has cheerful morning energy. Beautifully laid out for guests to enjoy are endless options for breakfast. Which happens to be my favourite meal of the day.  There is everything from continental croissants and pastries, to fruit, yoghurt, cereal, smoked salmon and of course, the obligatory full-English. I select a jar of Swiss Bircher Museli and fresh orange juice to wake myself up with, taking in the glorious riverside views. At breakfast, a cheerful waitress keeps my coffee cup full and I decided to give in to temptation and go for a full-English breakfast to round off my stay. I am soon digging into a dish made up of Hollacombe Farm free-range scrambled eggs, grilled back streaky bacon, succulent Cumberland sausages, juicy tomatoes, locally made black pudding, hash brown potatoes, mushrooms and baked beans – scrumptious, the perfect end to a perfect stay.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing spa break, a weekend full of sporting pursuits and outdoor activities or a quick trip away from the hustle and bustle of London, The Runnymede on Thames, will have something to suit your every desire. Relax, rejuvenate and melt your stresses away as you enjoy a riverside stay that you will be sure to remember.