Cowley Manor Experimental, a 300-year-old manor house nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, is making waves with its unique fusion of historical grandeur and avant-garde luxury. Situated within 55 acres of meticulously maintained Grade II-listed gardens, the hotel offers guests a serene countryside escape just a 15-minute drive from the Regency spa town of Cheltenham.
The property’s exterior maintains its classic pale Cotswold stone facade, providing a traditional welcome. However, guests stepping inside are met with an unexpectedly modern interior, characterised by a rich colour palette, dark wood finishes, and organically shaped furniture. Design elements subtly reference Lewis Carroll, a notable past guest, with whimsical touches like hidden doorways and geometric patterns, creating an 'Alice in Wonderland' feel.
A major draw for visitors is the C-Side Spa, which boasts both a 17-metre slate-lined indoor pool and a 15-metre outdoor pool. The indoor pool, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding woodland, creating an immersive, forest-like swimming experience. The spa provides a range of holistic treatments, including dedicated pregnancy massages, utilising high-end skincare products.
Culinary enthusiasts are catered for by the hotel’s main restaurant, where the menu has been curated by acclaimed London chef Jackson Boxer. Boxer, known for his work at Brunswick House, brings a modern British cuisine with a French accent to the Cotswolds, featuring dishes such as seabass crudo and chateaubriand steak. The hotel also features a sophisticated bar, offering a dedicated martini menu and creative cocktails, run with the expertise of the Experimental Cocktail Club group.
The 36 individually decorated rooms and suites feature comfortable Baldaquin beds and amenities like Nespresso machines and luxury toiletries. Larger suites offer outdoor spaces, while unique 'treehouse rooms' are spread across multiple floors, ideal for extended stays. The hotel's location also places it conveniently close to popular Cotswolds destinations such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and even Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop.
For UK travellers considering a visit, Cowley Manor Experimental is easily accessible. Cheltenham Spa train station provides direct links to major cities including London Paddington, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central, and Manchester Piccadilly. Driving from London takes approximately two hours. While there are no specific FCO travel warnings for the Cotswolds, visitors should always ensure they have appropriate travel insurance, particularly if combining a stay with activities that might not be covered by standard policies. Room rates can vary significantly based on season and room type, with a luxurious suite potentially costing upwards of several hundred pounds per night. No visa is required for UK citizens travelling within the UK.