King Charles’ former butler to host ‘royal weekends’ at affordable UK hotel chain
FANCY knowing what it’s like to live like royalty?
Grant Harrold, a former Royal Butler and renowned etiquette expert, is collaborating with Warner Hotels to provide a range of “royally good” staycations.
Being a well-known member of the royal household, the Butler has served some of the most prominent royals of the 20th century, including King Charles III, Camilla Queen Consort, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
During the unique breaks, holidaymakers will enjoy a relaxing weekend in some of the UK’s most picturesque locations and get exclusive insights into the daily life at Buckingham Palace.
- Check out Warner Leisure’s staycations with Grant Harrold here
The etiquette expert will be conducting special classes and Q&A sessions, providing an intimate look at what life is actually like for members of the Royal Family.
Guests will also have the opportunity to have a royal-approved afternoon tea and practise their newly refined skills with finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones, all capped off with a pot of tea.
But their “real test” will be at the three-course evening meal, where they will have the opportunity to show off all their new skills.
In addition to learning all there is to know about etiquette, guests can enjoy the great outdoors by taking leisurely strolls around the massive gardens and grounds or even by the sea.
On top of that, you could also spend the rest of the day relaxing in the spa or try out a new sport like archery and rifle shooting.
Meanwhile, at night there will be live performances by DJs, bands, singers or even comedy acts.
We’ve rounded up the best deals on the royal weekends at Warner Hotels:
- 3 nights at Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, North Wales – from £269pp on March 8 (with Grant Harold and performances from Vox Clever)
- 3 nights at Nidd Hall Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorkshire – from £349pp on May 31 (with Grant Harold and performances from Foxx)
- 3 nights at Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire – from £309pp on June 14 (with Grant Harold and performances from Jamie Flanagan’s tribute to Michael Buble and Phil Walker)
- 3 nights at Heythrop Park Hotel, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire – from £419pp on July 5 (with Grant Harold and performances from The McCartney Songbook)
- 3 nights at Gunton Hall, Lowestoft, Suffolk – from £269pp on August 23 (with Grant Harold and performances from One Like Wonder – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder)
- 3 nights at Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire – from £284pp on September 6 (with Grant Harold and performances from Back to Bacharach)
Most staycations can be booked with deposits from £35pp.
Warner Hotels Chief Commerical Officier, Tony Roberts, said: “‘We’re delighted to welcome none other than the Royal Butler himself to our 16 unique properties to give holidaymakers and royal superfans alike the answer to the perfect staycation.
“Our guests come to us time and time again for an all-encompassing joyous escape, so these weekend getaways are an exciting addition as we introduce new experiences that make our breaks more than just a holiday.”
But the deals don’t end there, as the hotel chain has launched exclusive Strictly Come Dancing staycations, with live dance lessons from the professionals this summer.
On top of the workshops, there will be meet & greets with some of the show’s dancers.
For more UK staycation deals, we revealed how to find the cheapest Travelodge hotel room deals, with prices from £7pp a night.
And how Brits can stay at the only UK holiday park with on-site Wetherspoons from £4pp a night.
Meanwhile, seaside cottage stays are on sale from £27pp this summer, in Suffolk, Wales and Devon.
Prices correct at the time of publication.
Best staycation locations for 2024
- 1. Bristol
The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
- 2. Hull
The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene – if that’s something you’re after.
The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
- 3. Isles of Scilly
Just off the Cornish coast, it’s easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.