JUST LIKE HOME ...ONLY BETTER!
ARE LIFTED, SAYS
IT’S often said that it’s the little things that count most – and that’s certainly the case at Tewkesbury Park. At this country hotel on the edge of the Cotswolds, staff thoughtfully go the extra mile.
Although standing majestically atop a hill in rural Gloucestershire, the hotel is only a five-minute drive from the handsome market town of Tewkesbury itself, and its many historic half-timbered buildings.
Set among 164 acres of parkland, Tewkesbury Park offers panoramic views of the Cotswolds, the Severn Valley, the Welsh Mountains and the Malvern Hills.
But the scenic golf and leisure resort, which includes an 18-hole course, belies a violent chapter of English history that took place right next to the hotel grounds more than 500 years ago.
One of the most significant events in the dynastic struggle for the crown, later dubbed ‘The Wars of the Roses’, the Battle of Tewkesbury took place on May 4, 1471 in the ‘Bloody Meadow’ where thousands of Lancastrians were killed fleeing a Yorkist army where the bottom of the hotel’s drive now stands.
The battle resulted in the death of 17-year-old Prince Edward, the only son and heir of King Henry VI, whose own short-lived restored reign had ended some three weeks earlier, with Edward IV’s return to power.
Thankfully, the picturesque landscape bears no visible scars from such horrors of the late medieval period with guests instead encouraged to play games in the lounges, have a go at croquet on the lawn and read the books – one in our room was on ‘The Wars of the Roses’ – and some of the protagonists from that era lend their names to the accommodation.
Our family of five, consisting of my wife, me, and our three children, aged 12, 11 and six, stayed in one of Tewkesbury Park’s interconnecting historic suites.
Mum and dad were in the Prince of Wales room which was next door to the youngsters in the Duke of Somerset room. Although there were separate sleeping quarters and bathrooms, we were all behind the same locked outer door and the hotel prides itself on such flexibility in catering to individual guests’ bespoke needs.
We were greeted by delightful selections of fresh fruit in both rooms on arrival and, in keeping with getting those little details just right, the digital radios were tuned to relaxing classical music for the parents and a children’s station for the younger guests.
Although we had no plans to venture onto the golf course, there were several other sporting and leisure facilities available – including bike hire.
But as a family we made the quick dash across the driveway to the health club and went straight into the swimming pool.
After a good time spent splashing around, we relaxed in the hot tub and I took advantage of the indoor gym before our evening meal. The complex also has a spa and squash courts among its amenities.
Tewkesbury Park’s Mint Restaurant proved a stylish venue for our meals and although we went for several different selections between us, I was delighted with both the taste and presentation of my choices.
On our first night, to start, I had partridge, pheasant and quail galantine with whisky-soaked prunes, apple chutney and toasted brioche. I felt duty bound to select the local favourite Gloucester Old Spot pork fillet for my main, which came with sweet potato, maple glaze, tenderstem broccoli and black pudding crumb.
It was delicious, the melt in the mouth meat delightfully tender.
For dessert I picked The Great British Apple which saluted this fruit in several different forms.
There was apple parfait, apple sorbet, caramelised apple and calvados apple purée – a real treat for the palate.
Breakfast presented us with a wide variety of self-service choices of both cooked and cold options which set us up nicely for a day of activities ahead.
Although our own canine companion didn’t join us on this occasion, it’s worth noting they’re also dog-lovers at Tewkesbury Park. They have designated four-legged friendly rooms and will even throw in
was a guest of Tewkesbury Park, where rooms start at £125 per night, and suites from £200 per night, with breakfast included. Dinner, bed and breakfast rates are also available. a morning sausage for your pampered pooches if desired.
As the team at Tewkesbury Park, which is proudly family-owned say, they hope “your stay with us will be like home, but better.”