As fairytale escapes go, Ellenborough Park Hotel is right up there, combining 15th-century history with modern amenities, and all the accessories of a castle: turrets, arches, towers, stained-glass windows, dreamy landscapes, life-size equestrian sculptures, secret hideaways and winding staircases.
Situated in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, this 90-acre estate sits on top of a hill with impressive views across the rolling landscape. Horse racing fans will appreciate the private track leading directly to Cheltenham Racecourse.
Facilities
Let’s start with the inviting outdoor pool, open all year round and heated to a balmy 30 degrees. Overlooking the cream-stone manor house tower. Better still, cocktails can be delivered poolside.
Next up, the indoor Indian-themed spa is a must-visit for a little me-time. It would be rude not to take advantage of a treatment to completely unwind, whether that’s an Elemis Tech Facial or a Japanese head spa. There’s also heated facilities including a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Outdoors, you’ll find the spa garden complete with a hot tub, sauna, ice bath (if you’re feeling brave enough) and plenty of loungers to relax on.
Quirky Extras
Think oversized swings roomy enough for two, perfect for grown-ups and children alike, as well as family-friendly lawngames including chess and giant Jenga. The hotel can also organise a variety of country pursuits for guests, such as archery, rifle shooting and even duck herding.
Forgot to pack your walking gear? Fear not. Pop into the impressive Dubarry boot room inside the hotel and borrow a pair of boots and outerwear. Dubarry of Ireland is a fitting partner for the estate, known for its heritage craftsmanship and premium rural clothing. A wide range of sizes is available so you can look the part while roaming the Cotswolds outdoors.
Rooms
There are 61 uniquely designed guest rooms and suites, with accommodation to suit families of all sizes. Whether you’re escaping for a couples’ weekend in the country or planning a family break, Ellenborough Park caters to every type of stay.
All guest bedrooms feature thoughtful, functional touches including Noble Isle toiletries, Nespresso machines and tasteful décor. Our suite, situated in the main manor house up a set of winding stairs, was spacious and bright thanks to an array of windows overlooking the outdoor pool and rolling Gloucestershire countryside.
There was antique furniture galore, including a four-poster bed, chandelier and Narnia-style wardrobes, balanced with 21st-century touches such as flatscreen TVs and a teepee tent complete with a screen-free Yoto audio player. Even the welcome cards featured beautifully illustrated artwork of the estate.
Dining
The property features two restaurants. The more relaxed option is the Horse Box Brasserie, perfect for light bites and an ideal post-walk stop for a refreshing G&T or cup of tea. It’s also very dog-friendly, with its own creative dog menu featuring tapas dishes.
We dined in the more formal wood-panelled 15th-century main dining room, though there is also an alfresco option for the sunshine-soaked days the UK has been enjoying of late.
The extensive menu features everything from hearty risottos and Guinness-braised ox cheek to lobster and scallop ravioli, and miso-glazed monkfish. We’d highly recommend the beetroot-cured salmon with wasabi, onion, caper and dill to start, followed by the chateaubriand to share. The steak was cooked to perfection, served with seasonal vegetables and seriously moreish chunky chips – fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside.
Dessert came in the form of a rhubarb soufflé affair and retro lemon parfait, both light enough to enjoy after indulgent mains. For children, the chicken goujons were a highlight – none of your frozen chicken dipper style here. They were so good even the adults were grazing on them, alongside the pasta bolognese, followed by an array of sorbets, with blood orange a firm favourite.
Breakfast the next morning was a continental buffet spread complete with a Bloody Mary station, yoghurts catering to all dietary requirements, an impressive selection of nuts and chopped fruit, plus cooked-to-order dishes including smoked kippers, a Cotswolds full English or hot porridge with a dash of whisky.
Service
The staff at Ellenborough Park go above and beyond. Service in reception and the restaurants is polished, with staff taking time to chat to the whole family, not just the adults. A special shout-out goes to Kevin on reception.
We were also impressed with the waiting team’s suggestions of dishes to sample during dinner and wines to complement.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like an English countryside hotel for a family escape, particularly as temperatures begin to rise ahead of summer. Ellenborough Park Hotel really comes into its own at this time of year. Why hop on a plane when you have the best of both worlds just a drive away?
Ellenborough Park Hotel, Southam Ln, Cheltenham GL52 3NJ
