A stunning setting for relaxing weekend break
Heather Large enjoys the views and unwinds on a break at Tewkesbury Park
As we made our way up the long sweeping drive from the entrance gate to Tewkesbury Park, we had an inkling that something special would be waiting for us at the top.
And we were not disappointed. With glorious, panoramic views across the Gloucestershire countryside – including the famous site of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury – this hotel’s setting is simply stunning.
When my partner and I arrived for a much-needed weekend break, the hotel and golf course, set in 163 acres of beautiful parkland, were basking in bright sunshine and clear blue skies.
We stepped into an oasis of elegance and tranquillity as soon as we walked through the doors.
We were shown to our room which was the Margaret of Anjou suite, one of nine new luxury historic suites named after key characters who fought in the Battle of Tewkesbury and completed as part of an extensive £9 million renovation project.
All 85 guest rooms have received a complete refurbishment and the hotel also has a number of dog-friendly rooms with patio doors opening directly onto the hotel’s grounds. There is also a new events suite – the Cotswold Suite – complete with a wood-fire pizza oven and terrace.
As well as a comfortable king-size bed and cosy armchairs, one of the centre-pieces of our suite was an extravagant copper slipper bath offering the chance to lie back and soak up the magnificent views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
As well as being able to tuck into the vast breakfast buffet, our two-night stay included dinner in the 1471 Restaurant.
Neither of us could resist the free range Gloucester Old Spot pork belly roulade, which came with a chorizo and five-bean cassoulet, crackling, tender stem broccoli and cider glaze and we weren’t disappointed. It was very tasty and full of flavours – each forkful was a delight.
But it was the desserts that blew us away. Both of us have a sweet tooth so we were spoilt for choice with many mouth-watering options to choose from.
The poached rhubarb, vanilla custard and almond frangipane and the sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce, home-made honeycomb ice cream and brandy snap were standouts, both were simply devine.
But there is much more to the hotel than just the wonderful food and hard-working staff, as it offers pure relaxation in the form of a spa offering a range of treatments.
The leisure club also has a sauna, steam room and indoor swimming pool, which were all recently refurbished, and if you’re feeling more active then there are squash and tennis courts. If golf is your true passion then there is an 18-hole, par 73, parkland golf course, academy course, practice range and putting green.
The hotel is just a leisurely 10-minute walk from the historic town of Tewkesbury. The town’s most well-known landmark is the Abbey, but there are also plenty of medieval streets to explore along with an eclectic mix of shops and tearooms.
Other attractions include The John Moore Museum, The Roses Theatre, wildlife haven Tewkesbury Nature Reserve and vibrant weekly and monthly markets.
And Tewkesbury Park is also within easy reach of Cheltenham, Gloucester and Worcester making it an ideal base from which to see more of the Cotswolds. Our stay has definitely left us determined to return soon, as it really is the perfect spot to unwind.