A Bedfordshire man and his wife booked a three-night stay at Warner Hotels’ Heythrop Park in between Enstone and Chipping Norton in the summer of 2025.

Housed in an 18th-century country house, the hotel is set in 440 acres of parkland and is a stone’s throw from Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water.

There is an spa and a championship 18-hole golf course at the hotel, which dates back to 1707, as well as three restaurants and two entertainment venues.

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The couple paid £708 for the holiday, with it being their 17th stay at a Warner hotel, as they prioritise the quiet and adults-only atmosphere.

Yet, as the pair told This Is Money, their trip was “ruined” after the first two nights featured a loud hen party.

“It started at dinner when the hen party moved all the tables to accommodate their large party of 28 people, disrupting other guests,” they told the publication.

“Later, they continued drinking, singing and shouting on the hotel’s terrace until midnight.

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“They then moved to the courtyard directly outside our room, not finishing until after 1am. We asked the reception staff to do something, but it didn’t stop.

“The next night, the same behaviour continued until after 2am. We got hardly any sleep and had to abandon some of our planned activities in the Cotswolds.”

The couple then made a formal complaint and wrote to Warner’s chief executive, but they have yet to receive a response at the time of writing.

This newspaper has approached Warner for comment on the matter.

Dr Michael Holland will become the next chief executive later this year, subject to the completion of pre‑employment checks, following the retirement of Grant Macdonald.

Dr Holland brings extensive clinical and leadership experience, having started his career at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust as a consultant psychiatrist before moving into senior positions.

Dr Holland said: “I am very pleased to have accepted the role of Chief Executive of Oxford Health.

“The Trust has a strong record of providing compassionate, high-quality care, and I look forward to working with colleagues to continue supporting patients, service users and carers.

“My focus will be on maintaining safe, inclusive and person-centred services, and on building confidently on the strong foundations already in place.”

He served as executive medical director from 2016 to 2022 and later became chief executive of The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

In that role, he led the organisation through a merger, improving its governance, performance and quality.

Chair of NHS Oxford Health Andrea Young said: “The Board is confident that Michael has the experience and values needed to lead the Trust into its next chapter, and we very much look forward to welcoming them to the Trust.

“I would also like to thank Grant Macdonald for his leadership and dedication to Oxford Health.

“Grant has led the organisation with integrity and compassion, with a clear focus on patient care and staff wellbeing, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

This May half term, the activities feature play zones, special character appearances, and food events – offering entertainment for both children and adults.

A key highlight is the Adventure Play attraction in the Walled Garden, the biggest family-themed attraction in the Palace’s history, featuring secret chambers, rope bridges, and water jets.

Visitors can also take part in the Pip and Posy Rainbow Treasure Hunt, inspired by the popular children’s TV series.

Costumed characters of Pip and Posy will be meeting young fans on May 30 and 31.

The programme also includes the Blenheim Palace Food Festival, which runs from May 23 to 25 and features a fantastic line-up of celebrity chefs and experts, and amazing food and drink from gourmet delights to vibrant street food.

Families can ride Winston the mini train to the Walled Garden, explore the Marlborough Maze, and enjoy pizza at the Walled Garden Pizzeria.

The Blueprints of Power exhibition is open until May 31.

The exhibition explores the life and legacy of architect and playwright Sir John Vanbrugh.

Access to the Palace and Food Festival are included with a valid Pass or Park & Gardens Day Ticket.

A Palace and Play Pass grants access to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year as well as many events including the Food Festival and Flower Show.

The pass costs £165 for a family of four.

For full details and booking information, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/may-half-term.