HOTEL: TEWKESBURY PARK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE HOTEL Set in 165 acres of rolling countryside, this 18th century manor house became a golf and country club in the mid 1970s. Since then, new accommodation wings have been added over the years to make it a 93-bedroom hotel. It’s a short drive and a 15-minute walk from Tewkesbury, a pretty Gloucestershire town with a famous Medieval Abbey.
THE CHECK-IN Like all good country house hotels, this one is reached up a long drive, through the golf course. The large reception area is also home to the bar and a dining area specifically for guests with dogs. I was informed about breakfast times and given directions to my room, which was a bit complicated and I had to go back for more directions.
THE ROOM We stayed in one of six new dog-friendly rooms with fullyenclosed terraces with glass balustrades, so you still get the stunning views. Rooms can be accessed via the terrace, so you don’t have to walk through the hotel with a muddy dog. A doggy wash area with a shower is located just outside the terraces and our room came with two pairs of welly boots, a memory-foam dog bed, blanket, food and water bowls, a bag of healthy salmon treats and wooded flooring, so you don’t have to worry about mishaps. My bed was softer than I usually like but super comfy and the shower – overhead and handheld – was the perfect strength and easy to work out. Some rooms come with baths too.
THE FACILITIES Golf is the main attraction, mainly for the 18-hole 72-par course, but there’s also another ninehole par-three course. The health club has an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, barrel sauna, steam room, two squash courts and a decent gym. These, and tennis courts, are all free for guests to use. For dining, the split-level Mint restaurant has views of the green and a seasonal menu with Indian touches.
THE BUSINESS Following a fouryear renovation in 2016, the hotel has conference rooms to accommodate private board meetings for eight people to conferences for up to 200. A 10-acre field is ideal for team-building events
THE VERDICT Perfect for meetings, conferences and events, especially if you want to throw a game of golf into the mix – and take your dog!
THE DETAILS Dog-friendly rooms cost £258, including breakfast. tewkesburypark.co.uk
LIKE ALL GOOD COUNTRY HOUSE HOTELS, THIS ONE IS REACHED UP A LONG DRIVE