SITUATED on the 90 acres of country estate, just a few minutes away from Cheltenham and on the gateway to Cotswolds you can find an impressive manor house – the Ellenborough Park Hotel.
A long winded drive leads to an impressive 15th century brick building, which previously operated as an all girls school. Overlooking famous horse tracks, the hotel has its own private road leading to the racecourse, a particularly valued route during the busy times of the racing week.
Ellenborough Park Exterior
Checking into the hotel I am amazed by the original wooden beams and the fireplaces placed around the manor. Ellenborough Park has a total of 61 luxury guest rooms in the hotel, each designed by Nina Campbell, as well as the lavish wallpaper stretching from the bottom to the top of the staircase leading to my suite.
The hotel offers six different types of rooms from the Suites – located in the main manor, filled with antiques and offering plenty of open space, to Cosy Doubles, usually located in the Muse and slightly more modest in size, yet still full of character and quintessential English decor.
Luxury Suite
My room for a night is a spacious yet homely Kauto Star Suite, where I can enjoy the most amazing view overlooking the estate and the hotel’s outside pool and a particularly comfortable bed. The bathroom has a delightful open rain shower and a freestanding bath, which I cannot wait to use.
Each guest arriving at Ellenborough is welcome to use the boot room, where you can borrow a pair of Dubarry’s boots and a wax coat to enjoy a countryside walk and explore the grounds at any time of the year. The guests are welcome to bring their dogs for a stay at the hotel as Ellenborough Park offers a selection of 12 dog friendly rooms and a paw spa for more muddy days.
Sunset at the hotel
As it’s raining on the day of my arrival, I am more than thrilled to have been scheduled a full body massage in the hotel’s Elemis spa. After an hour session of pure relaxation I am heading to use the sauna and a hydro pool to complete the delightful wellness experience and unwind. In the spa you can also enjoy a bespoke treatment for every skin type or book a body treatment of your choice.
Awaiting for the dinner in the evening, we are happy to sit in the impressive Great Hall filled with historic paintings and sip our drinks by the stone fireplace. At the top of the spacious lounge we can see The Snug, a cosy lounge hidden away from the prying eyes, also known as one of the most popular proposal spots in the hotel.
Great Hall
The Restaurant in the hotel has an impressive menu selection with vegetarian and vegan options. We are treated to a Beetroot cure salmon to start with, followed by a delicious pea and wild mushroom risotto.
The dessert is the most delightful vanilla and passionfruit cheesecake with mango sorbet, a heaven for those with a sweet tooth.
Al fresco dining
In the morning the breakfast lovers won’t be disappointed. The buffet includes a vast selection of fresh fruit, bagels and pastries and even a fully equipped Bloody Mary bar.
The morning menu also has a variety of delights to prepare you for an exciting day of exploring the grounds or visiting Cheltenham with a full English, eggs Benedict or a nutritious porridge with maple syrup and seasonal fruits.
During the sunny days the hotels guests can also enjoying their meals al fresco in the Cedar Pavillion Tent or the unusual dining carriages, which reflect the influences of the neighbouring race tracks.
Outside pool
To finish a delightful English countryside stay I am happy to indulge myself in an afternoon tea, a lovely treat in the colourful rays of sun coming through a tinted glass windows in the great hall. A selection of finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and sweet treats on a three tiered stand make me instantly dread leaving the dreamy grounds of the Ellenborough Park.
Afternoon tea
The hotel is a perfect place to get away from a fast paced city and enjoy a breath of fresh air in the countryside. With its impressive size, Ellenborough Park Hotel is a lovely option for a couples getaway as well as for a family holiday.
by Olga Petrusewicz
Nightly rates at Ellenborough Park start from £299 inclusive of VAT and breakfast based on a Cosy Double room sleeping two people. For more information please go to the Ellenborough Park site