Words by Louise Pyne
2020 has quickly become the year of the staycation, and if you’re looking for a countryside break that offers it all, Ellenborough Park should be on top of your UK travel wish list. Ideal for city-dwellers looking to swap the hustle and bustle for the slower pace of country life whilst only having to travel a couple hours from the capital, Ellenborough Park is ideal.
Nestled between the Cotswolds’ highest point and Cheltenham’s world-renowned racecourse, as an added bonus the picture perfect town of Cheltenham is also on your doorstep. Gorgeous surroundings that span a whopping 90 acres, fabulous interiors, good food and an amazing five star spa are just waiting for you to come and relish for a night or two. What are you waiting for?
Hotel
The hotel really does allow you to unwind and detach from the chaos of city life. Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, it simply oozes country charm. Housed in a stunning 15th century country estate, with beautiful grounds and good dining facilities it is quintessential luxury without being overly stuffy.
Planning to tie the knot? If you’re looking for a dream wedding venue, the hotel also offers luxurious wedding packages to help you celebrate your big day in style, with a range of bespoke options available to suit parties of all sizes.
Room
Ellenborough Park’s 61 ample rooms are equipped with all the 21st century modern conveniences that you could ask for. A real treat to the senses, many rooms have garden views and some have private patios where you can enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif or breakfast delivered to your room whilst you abide the tranquil setting.
Each room in the hotel has been designed with its own unique charm and touches which makes the hotel really special. These include luxurious wallpapers and rich fabrics designed by renowned British interior designer Nina Campbell which literally scream country chic.
And if you really want to splash out, there is also the option of booking one of the lavish hotel suites. Carefully adorned with antique and historic features such as wood panelling and beams, the spacious open plan suites also offer unparalleled views across the countryside.
Food
You can choose between the formal fine dining restaurant, which serves locally produced cuisine and an extensive wine list featuring grape varieties from around the world, or alternatively if you’re looking for a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere than the Horse Box will tick your boxes. The non-formal restaurant serves British classics rendered to high standards in a warm and cosy setting. You can expect mouthwatering Angus burgers, creamy vegetarian risottos and hearty fish and chips that will satisfy even the fussiest of foodies.
And for those who are looking for an extra indulgent treat, the hotel also offers a traditional afternoon tea of classic sandwiches, baked scones with clotted cream and jam, delicious cakes and pastries. Just yum!
Spa
Offering head-to-toe pampering treats, the hotel’s opulent Indian-inspired spa offers an extensive range of holistic Elemis treatments from restorative full body massages to skin-perfecting facials. Guests can chill out in the sauna, hydro pool and restorative relaxation zone and there’s also an all-weather outdoor heated swimming pool and gym to help recharge your batteries.
In a nutshell
With the hotel immersed in such quiet surroundings, you’d be surprised just how close you are to Cheltenham town centre and the world class racecourse. The hotel is both grand and gorgeous with precise attention to detail adding to the overall luxury factor. So when you’ve eaten all the hearty food on offer, oohed and ahhed at the sumptuous interiors, and pampered yourself in the spa, you can take yourself for a walk in the stunning countryside and soak up the fresh autumn air. A weekend break to remember!
A note about Covid
‘Staying safe together’ is paramount to Ellenborough Park and guests can expect to see new measure implemented across the hotel including online check in/check out, safety stations with wipes and gloves at key points throughout the hotel, increased cleaning rotations, staff temperature checks, the removal of the breakfast buffet and much more. Ellenborough Park promises that even with the many changes, the atmosphere will remain friendly and warm, with staff always available for a chat – just now it will be from a distance.
More information on Ellenborough Park’s Covid safety measures can be found here.
Factbox
Rooms at Ellenborough Park can be booked from £154 per night.
Address: Southam Road, Cheltenham, GL52 3NJ
Phone: 01242 545454
Website: ellenboroughpark.com
Photography courtesy of Ellenborough Park.
