There are few hotels in the Cotswolds that can compete with the thoroughbred pedigree of Ellenborough Park. Boasting a setting of ninety acres of rolling countryside, a six hundred year old main building, and a cosy relationship with Cheltenham Racecourse, this hotel encapsulates the values of country life. But it’s not all muddy boots and horses; Ellenborough’s hospitality is slick, luxurious, and full of Cotswolds charm.
Stay
The heart of Ellenborough Park is a pretty 15th century manor of traditional Cotswolds stone. This building is home to some of the sixty one bedrooms and suites, both the hotel’s restaurants, the grand hall, and reception. The remaining guestrooms occupy a collection of attractive outbuildings which have clearly been designed to harmoniously blend old and new. Wherever you wander, the lawns, hedges, trees, and topiary are immaculately maintained and give the property a feel of being truly cared for; we were reliably informed that a lot of work does indeed go into maintaining this manicured finish.
On arrival check in was swift, and after a brief tour of the hotel we were shown to our bedroom in one of the outbuildings named Ellenborough Gate. Often when I find I am not staying in the principal building of a country hotel I feel a slight sense of disappointment – perhaps it is fear of missing out on the grandeur that older architecture promises. No such fears to be had here, our room was nothing short of heavenly. There was plenty of space to sprawl out, whether in the sumptuous four poster bed or the freestanding, clawfoot bathtub that was crying out to be filled with bubbles. I slept like a baby on pillows so soft I was tempted to cram them into my suitcase (I did not).
Spa
I’m told that Ellenborough Park is a popular choice as a spa hotel. There’s an outdoor pool with bar service that’s heated all year round and a spa complex with sauna, steam room, relaxation rooms, a fitness suite, and several treatment rooms. A dip in the pool before dinner was very welcome after travelling from London, and we made full use of the rest of the spa the next day; I had a blissful (and excellently priced) hot stone massage by a professional and friendly therapist which I would happily recommend. The facilities are a little on the small side it must be said, but the relative quietness of the spa combined with the availability of the outdoor pool adequately made up for this.
Eat
Options for dinner are twofold. For a more rustic supper, The Brasserie serves up traditional English food in a relaxed setting adjacent to the hotel’s casually styled Bar. We had dinner in The Beaufort; an elegant, candlelit, fully wood panelled dining room awarded three AA rosettes. Dinner is a la carte, with a choice of two, three, or four courses, and a sommelier on hand to deftly guide you through the somewhat dense wine menu.
The meal starts with rather superior bread; a round loaf separated into sixths of alternating wholemeal, white, and tomato, served with a trio of amuse bouche. Our starter was a scotch egg of crab with cod cheeks and grilled watermelon; a lovely combination of textures and flavours that paired well with the recommended Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. To follow was a fillet of beautifully tender beef with chive pomme puree and carefully prepared seasonal vegetables. We finished with a blood orange Baked Alaska flambéed tableside with marmalade vodka from the local Chase Distillery. The inclusion of orange sorbet perfectly balanced a usually overly sweet dish; it was delicious. Service throughout the evening was attentive but unobtrusive, and the setting was as romantic as a dining room can be.
Do
There’s a lot to get up to, so you won’t find yourself bored. Guests can make use of the Cotswolds and borrow a Barbour jacket and Dubarry boots from reception for a ramble of the parkland, take afternoon tea in the majestically decorated Grand Hall, or clay pigeon shoot by prior arrangement. You can even bring your dog if you let them know in advance. The hotel is also the place to stay during the Cheltenham Festival due to a private road straight down to the racecourse; an ideal retreat at which to celebrate all your winnings.
Ellenborough Park is a splendid place to unwind, and with the idyllic setting of the Cotswolds it’s a perfect weekend escape.
It took us about two hours to get to Cheltenham Spa Station from London Paddington, and from there it was just a short taxi ride through the town’s suburbs to the hotel. Rates are from £169 a night for a traditional double including WIFI and full access to the hotel’s spa facilities.