Something For The Weekend: Win a weekend at the Red Lion, Henley

On a bright spring afternoon, the red brick frontage of the Red Lion Hotel looks leafy and inviting – like something from an Enid Blyton story. The hotel is a picturesquely rambling hotch-potch of 15th, 16th and 17th century architecture, with wisteria clambering over the bare bricks. You can imagine those fresh-faced little nippers (and their dog) finding secret passageways and sneaking midnight feasts here. Right on the Thames, it’s the perfect place to go for riverside walks or even to hire a rowing boat nearby and spend the afternoon messing about on the river. You could even up the Famous Five factor by having one of the day-trip picnics the restaurant will pack for you (though, maybe without the lashings of Ginger Beer).

But, as we all know, you can’t count on the British weather… when fifteen minutes of morning sunshine turns into an afternoon’s drizzle you have to make your own fun. Luckily, the individually designed bedrooms at the Red Lion are more than comfortable. Tastefully decked out with antique art and traditional furnishings, it would be easy to while away hours tucked up in one of the four poster beds, watching DVDs or just snoozing among the duck feathers. If you don’t fancy being a lazy bones, though, the library with its open fire and collection of literary tomes is the perfect retreat from the drizzle. There’s also free wifi, so you can take your laptop and surf for as long as you like without worrying about the cost (complimentary wifi coverage also extends to the bedrooms).

If you want maximum relaxation, you should make a beeline for the “body and soul” room. There, you can sweat out the day’s stresses in the gym or just lay back and take it easy in the Jacuzzi and wet room.

Once you’re clean, steamed and totally chilled out, you’ll be for a few drinks, perhaps a locally brewed beer in the aptly named Snug Bar or an evening feast in the restaurant. Head chef Stephan serves up classic French dishes with a British influence and style. You can enjoy a Anglo-Gallic delight from the constantly changing menu among the rustic décor and exposed beams with a beautiful view of the Henley bridge out the window. Or, if the weather has decided to pull its socks up you could even go al fresco on the beautiful terrace.

If you think you like the sound of The Red Lion, just email us with your name, address and daytime phone number to be in with a chance of winning a lovely weekend by the river.

Or, if you'd rather not leave it to luck - book your stay at the Red Lion Hotel

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