Cowley Manor Experimental - 4-Star Hotel in Elkstone

Cowley Manor Experimental houses 36 rooms, each with handmade furniture and fabrics by young British designers, split between the main house and a converted stable block. The hotel sits within 55 acres of parkland, woods, and meadows that include natural springs, lakes, and Victorian cascades. Guests can walk the grounds past unique sculptures and across the lawns to a pub in the nearby village.

The restaurant, a grand room with a high ceiling and views of the grounds, is curated by celebrated chef Jackson Boxer and serves food made from fresh local ingredients. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and the hotel offers afternoon tea experiences, a charming cocktail lounge, and a bar with an open fireplace. Breakfast includes a generous continental buffet alongside a la carte options, and the bar menu also supplies burgers and lighter dishes.

The C-Side Spa offers holistic treatments and wellness services that include facials, massages, body scrubs, and wraps, as well as a hammam, steam room, and sauna. Two heated swimming pools - one indoor and one outdoor - are open year-round, with sun loungers and umbrellas provided. The spa also features a fitness centre, fitness/spa locker rooms, a spa lounge/relaxation area, and spa/wellness packages.

The hotel provides extensive outdoor areas for activities such as walking with alpacas, hiking, and aerobics, plus a games room with billiards. Families can use the board games, kids' meals, and the chapel/shrine; children are welcome in the spa pools during designated hours. Dog-friendly accommodations are available, and the grounds offer plenty of space for pets to roam.

Set in the Cotswolds, the hotel is a 15-minute drive from Cheltenham and 20 minutes from Gloucester, with nearby attractions including Cotswold Wildlife Park, Cirencester, and Sudeley Castle. On-site services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, and room service. Free parking is available, and the hotel offers quick service and attention to detail for special occasions such as weddings and corporate gatherings.

Rooms: 36 rooms with British designer furniture

Dining: Jackson Boxer restaurant with local ingredients

Wellness: C-Side Spa with holistic treatments, two heated pools

Grounds: 55 acres with lakes, Victorian cascades, alpaca walks

Pet policy: Dog-friendly rooms and grounds

Location: 15 min from Cheltenham, near Cotswold Wildlife Park