Hotel Snapshot
The beauty of the English countryside lies in plain sight. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, narrow roads that wind past handmade stone walls, and villages with hundreds of years of history make it easy to see how this part of the world became shorthand for the classic storybook setting. Ellenborough Park sits right in the middle of it, which is one reason it has become one of the area’s most established places to stay.
Located in Gloucestershire, often called the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” this property feels like a proper English country house in the way people hope English country houses still do. The manor itself has been occupied, expanded, repurposed, and occasionally reinvented for more than 500 years. Over time, it passed through powerful families, hosted King George III during his Cheltenham spa visits, survived two World Wars, and even spent 25 years as Oriel High School for Girls. After a major restoration and expansion, the estate reopened as Ellenborough Park in 2011.
Today, the property is known and loved for its mix of history and refinement. Step through the original front door—where bullet holes from the Civil War are still visible in the wood—and it’s clear that Ellenborough Park is one in a million.
Design & Character
Ellenborough Park looks exactly how an English country house should. The interiors lean traditional but comfortable, giving the impression of a lived-in manor—which, technically, it was. The Great Hall is what countryside lobby dreams are made of, anchored by a massive (and usually roaring) fireplace, worn wood floors, and a lineup of portraits that serve as a reminder of just how long the house has been standing.
In terms of character, it’s everywhere. The Snug, one of the most secluded spots on the property, is reached by climbing a steep flight of stairs. Tucked above the Great Hall, this small, cozy seating area looks out over the space below and across the grounds. It’s an ideal place to read, slip away with a partner, or spend time in one of the hotel’s lesser-known corners. There’s even a proper boot room stocked with Dubarry of Ireland boots and coats guests can borrow, which feels both very English and quite useful.
The Rooms
The rooms at Ellenborough Park are classic but comfortable, with just enough modern touches to keep them from feeling stuck in the past. Categories range from cozy manor bedrooms to larger suites and interconnecting options designed with families in mind. The property is also notably pet-friendly, with many rooms welcoming four-legged guests.
For something more private, The Lodge, a standalone hideaway, feels like a country bolthole of its own, complete with a sitting room, full kitchen, fireplace, and private garden. It’s ideal for longer stays or travelers who want the country house experience with a little more independence.
Across the property’s 61 rooms and suites, guests can expect large beds with crisp linens, deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, oak desks, and spacious bathrooms. Many rooms overlook the gardens or the surrounding countryside, while others offer direct access to the year-round heated pool.
The Food & Drink
Dining here fits the setting: classic, comforting, and well executed. The Restaurant is the main spot—a traditional, wood-panelled dining room serving refined British dishes that feel right for a historic house like this one. Breakfast is particularly good, with everything from haddock and poached eggs to porridge topped with an impressively generous tray of add-ons (yes, whisky is an option).
For something more relaxed, the Horse Box Brasserie offers elevated pub-style fare with a Cotswolds twist. It also pours Ellenborough Park’s own gin, which has a way of making its appearance over the course of the evening. There’s also afternoon tea for those inclined, served with all the proper ceremony.
Overall, the dining here is comforting, delicious, and exactly what’s wanted after a day spent in the countryside.
The Amenities
Ellenborough Park’s amenities are quietly impressive. On the property, the spa is a highlight, offering a range of treatments, including massages and facials, alongside a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, relaxation room, and nail services. It does its job of helping guests slow down, even if only for an hour or two.
For something more private, the Spa Garden Retreat is a must. Just a few steps from the main spa building, this outdoor space is surrounded by nature and features a hot tub, roomy sauna, ice bath, and lounge chairs. Guests can also order food, drinks, and a glass of bubbly to be delivered, making it an easy place to stay awhile.
Plus, the hotel’s proximity to Cheltenham Racecourse is one of its most impressive amenities, especially during racing season. The course can be seen from the property and is connected by a private drive, making race-day transfers super seamless. During major meets, like the Cheltenham Festival, the hotel has live music events and Race Preview Nights, turning it into a great hangout spot for guests, locals, and racing fans alike.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Ellenborough Park’s location makes it an easy spot for exploring the Cotswolds. Within just over an hour’s drive, many of the cutest villages are well within reach. Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ thanks to its iconic waterways and stone bridges, while Stow-on-the-Wold is home to the famous St. Edward's Church, which is rumoured to have sparked J. R. R. Tolkien's inspiration for the 'Doors of Durin,’ in the Lord of the Rings. For something quieter, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter feel slower and more residential, while Broadway is a worthwhile stop for shopping and great pubs.
With centuries of history and a picture-perfect location, Ellenborough Park is a countryside stay done impressively well.
Fast Facts
Address: Southam Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Vibe: Classic English country house with a refined feel.
Rating: 5-star
Starting Rate: From around $350 per night
Room Count: 61 rooms and suites
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The fact that it’s right next to the Cheltenham Racecourse, and the complimentary Range Rover and Sprinter transfers that make getting there oh-so easy.
Amenities: Spa with treatment rooms and a jacuzzi, Spa Garden Retreat with a sauna, cold plunge, and jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, countryside activities, boot room, multiple dining spaces
Nearby Attractions: Cheltenham Racecourse, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper & Lower Slaughter, Broadway
Airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Hotels Above Par may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links, at no cost to you.
Other Articles You May Like
Amenities
No amenities listed yet.
