National Park Stay Smartbox by Buyagift Review
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
Surprise! What a perfect gift to treat a loved one to – a night away at a place of your choice in one of the UK’s beautiful National Parks! We were delighted to be selected as reviewers of a Smartbox by Buyagift for an overnight stay in or near a National Park for two people worth £89.99.
We received the gift in a box beautifully packaged. Inside was a voucher with the code on and details of how and where to book. Also included was a full colour booklet with a great choice of 3-star b&bs, log cabins and lodges, camping experiences, inns and hotels in one of the UK’s breathtaking National parks – over 190 experiences – throughout the country. Most are for two people though some are for families (sometimes with a supplement). There were even more choices online as well as an easy search facility to narrow down by availability. It is worth pointing out that a few choices do have a supplement for Friday and Saturday nights or some peak times are not available, so you do need to read the small print. However, most had full availability. It was fun and exciting looking through the choices and making a decision about where and when to go!
In the end, after much debate, we selected the Camberley Hotel in Harrogate in the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. Booking was very simple over the phone directly with the hotel. I booked a double room with breakfast for a Saturday night just a few weeks away and luckily there was availability. I gave the code on the voucher and shortly after received an email confirmation of my booking. It was all straightforward and easy.
We arrived at the hotel at the time of check in. On the way, we called ahead to check there was parking available in the car park to the rear of the hotel. We parked up and were greeted by the owner who showed us to our room after pointing out where breakfast would be served the next morning.
The hotel is in a beautiful Victorian house. There is no lift, which we were aware of as it clearly states this on the details and on the hotel website. Our room was on the top floor to the rear of the building looking onto the car park. It was small and cosy with a double four poster bed, wardrobe, desk and bedside cabinets. The room was equipped with TV, iron, ironing board, fan and electric heater as well as tea and coffee making facilities and an ensuite shower room with towels. It was quiet and clean and a perfect base for our night away!
There is plenty to do in the area – both in Harrogate itself and in the countryside around.
In Harrogate there are lots of shops, restaurants and places to relax in and experience including the famous Betty’s Tearooms and the beautiful Valley Gardens with pump rooms – definitely worth a visit! There is also the historic Turkish Baths for pure relaxation!
A short drive away you can explore National Trust properties such as Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey, the quaint towns of Ripon, Knaresborough and Wetherby and there are countless other beautiful places to enjoy in the National Park on your doorstep waiting for adventure!
Breakfast at the hotel was absolutely delicious! A full English breakfast was perfectly cooked to order with all the works. There was a choice of cereals, fresh fruit, toast, yoghurts and fruit juice. The produce was mostly sourced locally and some of it you are even able to buy directly from the hotel.
There is a shared lounge with information of restaurants, things to do in the area and somewhere to sit, relax and people watch! There is also free wifi available throughout the hotel.
We had an amazing break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and we have made precious memories that will last forever. The gift of an experience is perfect for the person who has everything. We would recommend the buy a gift night away at one of the National Parks as a thoughtful and unique idea to treat someone special. If none of the places on offer take your fancy you are able to exchange your gift for anything you like from the enormous Buyagift range for free!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £89.99
Available to buy from buyagift here.
