Follow a meandering private driveway to the top of a hill to find Tewkesbury Park hotel, then take a moment to make a slow 360 degree turn to admire the beautiful panoramic views this family-run hotel has to offer.
You can’t help but drink up the location and the peace afforded by this pretty setting among 165 acres of Gloucestershire parkland.
Joining me to enjoy a two day break here at this luxury Cotswolds hotel was my teenage daughter and our dog Pepper, who was among other canine guests, welcomed with open arms at this dog-friendly hotel, where a bowl of sausages and a big fuss come as standard for your much loved pet at breakfast time.
The hotel has 10 dog friendly rooms on the ground floor where guests can throw open the doors and step out to exercise them alongside the golf course.
Your pet even gets their own super comfy bed and if you’re a golfer they can join you on the course, providing they remain on the lead and stay off the greens - and of course you clean up afterwards.
On the edge of the medieval town of Tewkesbury, packed with independent shops and steeped in history, this hotel has had much thought put into making it a stylish and contemporary destination, with the added bonus of friendly staff at every turn.
New features include a floor to ceiling glass-surround bar area with a secluded terraced complete with wood fired pizza oven and barbecue with seating overlooking those gorgeous views plus a traditional croquet lawn.
The leisure facilities include a well equipped gym, a lovely warm swimming pool and outdoor hot tub in a pretty enclosed garden. There is a steam room and sauna and two new spa treatment rooms, with the hotel’s signature simply stylish decor.
The only downside is that the spa rooms are set apart from the leisure centre within the hotel, a shame, as it breaks the flow of the spa feel.
That aside the five star facial treatments we enjoyed were second to none.
The hotel’s 18 hole golf course has well kept greens with woodland and water features and is busy with a friendly crowd of locals.
Billed as a venue that can cater for all standards, non golfers are welcomed and staff can arrange tuition on the practice range with a six hole, par three course, ideal for beginners.
There are tennis courts, and for the less energetic, a game of table tennis, within the well stocked 19th hole of the licensed clubhouse, serving an impressive mix of breakfast, brunch, snacks, cream teas and bar.
The hotel’s breakfast is not to be missed with home cooked, locally sourced choices, including giant field mushrooms slowly cooked in butter, some of the tastiest I’ve enjoyed.
May not sound much but, trust me, when bacon and sausages are not an option, vegetarians like myself notice stuff like tasty mushrooms.
Chef Anuj Thakur and his team are passionate about local produce and creating dishes packed with flavour with a menu ranging from Thai spiced smoked haddock and cheddar fish cakes, to venison steak and home made soups.
Our favourite was the Tewkesbury Park rainbow beetroot slaw going down a storm with triple cooked hand cut chips. Simple but effective!
While staying at the hotel there is plenty to do locally without having to drive too far.
For walkers there are many routes close by to enjoy more of those stunning views across to the Cotswolds, Malverns and Tewkesbury Abbey, which has dominated the town’s skyline for more than 900 years.
The abbey is renowned as the UK’s greatest example of medieval architecture and is open to visitors from 7.30am to 6pm year round.
Just a few minutes drive from the hotel it is well worth a visit. Don’t miss one of the tours to climb the 200 steps of the Norman tower.
A museum and Heritage Centre in the town can transport you back in time while the Rose Theatre hosts concerts, comedy, workshops and movies.
Not far away are Engall Castle or Eastnor Castle, while Worcester, Gloucester and Cheltenham are all within half an hour’s drive.
Or you could of course just hole yourself up, do very little, and just relax.
Whatever you choose, Tewkesbury Park has super comfy beds that guarantee a tranquil, restful night’s sleep at the end of your day.
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