Historic Character
Traditional Rooms
Located in the historic Manor House, The Mews, and Ellenborough Gate. Filled with architectural character, exposed beams, charming nooks, walk-in power shower, and Nespresso station.
Welcome to Cotswold Grandeur
Five-Star Country House Hotel, Spa & Restaurant in the Cotswolds
Where five centuries of history, timeless English elegance, and picturesque countryside combine across 90 private acres between Cleeve Hill and Cheltenham Racecourse.
5-Star Luxury Rating
Good Spa Guide 5-Bubble Rating
PoB Hotels Member
ECOsmart Certified
Dog-Friendly Pawfect Breaks
Quintessential Cotswolds Luxury
Where Five Centuries of Hospitality Meet Five-Star Indulgence
Nestled on Southam Road at the foot of Cleeve Hill—the highest vantage point in the Cotswolds—Ellenborough Park spans 90 glorious acres reaching to the gallops of Cheltenham Racecourse.
Centred around a magnificent Grade II*-listed 15th-century manor house constructed with warm honey-coloured stone, the estate has hosted British royalty, nobility, and discerning travellers since 1485. Today, restored to peerless five-star glory, Ellenborough Park combines historic Tudor oak-panelled dining rooms and roaring hearths with a state-of-the-art 5-Bubble spa, year-round heated outdoor pool, and canine-friendly hospitality.
5-Bubble Spa Rating
Good Spa Guide 2021–2024
Best Hotel Wedding Venue
Cotswolds Wedding Awards
ECOsmart Greengage
Certified Environmental Leader
Elegant Country Charm
61 Individually Designed Bedrooms & Private Hideaways
Distributed across the Main House, The Mews, Woodland Court, and Ellenborough Gate. Every room features king-size Hypnos mattresses, underfloor bathroom heating, freestanding roll-top baths or power showers, and Noble Isle luxury toiletries.
Historic Character
Estate Views
Classic Rooms
Dotted across the estate buildings, offering tranquil views over Cleeve Hill or manicured gardens. Spacious marble bathrooms featuring roll-top bath and/or walk-in shower.
Near Spa & Pool
Deluxe Rooms
Situated in close proximity to the tower spa and 16m heated outdoor pool. Stylised with delicate British floral wallpapers and soothing duck-egg blue palettes.
Four-Poster or Patio
Luxury Rooms
Expansive architectural layouts with integrated lounge seating. Selected rooms feature genuine historic four-poster beds, ground-floor private garden patios, or elevated vistas toward Cleeve Hill.
Signature Suite
Manor Suites
Located in the primary historic Main House. An opulent open-plan sanctuary dressed in authentic British tweeds and heritage florals, featuring an expansive lounge and freestanding roll-top bath.
Private Cottage
The Lodge at Ellenborough
A restored 19th-century private cottage with a wood-burning stove, fully equipped country kitchen, dining room, dressing room, enclosed private garden, and full 5-star hotel dining & spa privileges.
Dogs Dine & Stay
Pawfect Dog-Friendly Breaks
Four specialist Pooch Bedrooms with enclosed private gardens. Includes Le Chameau dog beds, Sir Woofchester gourmet welcome pack, and access to our dedicated on-site Paw Spa with Digby botanical shampoo.
Kids Stay & Dine Free
The Little Explorers Family Break
Complimentary in-room adventure teepee with activity books, Yoto screen-free story players, Le Chameau wellies from the Boot Room, and our famous Kiddie Breakfast Milkshake Bar during school holidays.
Top Value Package
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Our signature hotel break combining 5-star lodging with a full Cotswold breakfast, £55 per adult dining allocation in The Restaurant or Horse Box Brasserie, and full spa & heated pool access.
Relax, Unwind & Recharge
The Fairytale Tower Spa & Outdoor Thermal Sanctuary
Continuously awarded the prestigious 5-Bubble Rating by the Good Spa Guide (2021–2024). A tranquil wellness retreat surrounded by Cotswold nature.
Curated Spa Day Rituals & Starting Rates
Mon – Thu
Revive & Glow Spa Day
25-minute Back Massage or Elemis Express Facial, tea/coffee with homemade cookie, full use of indoor thermal facilities, 16m heated outdoor pool, gym, robe, and slippers.
Viral Signature
Japanese Head Spa Therapy
Sensory scalp detoxification, targeted meridian pressure-point massage, follicle stimulation, sebum reduction, and botanical hair rinse promoting restorative peace.
Full Day Experience
Indulge Spa Day
50-minute bespoke treatment (Full Body Massage, Elemis Expert Touch Facial, or Absolute Face & Body Ritual), delicious 2-course lunch with glass of Prosecco, and thermal access.
Finest Flavours
Four Distinct Culinary Spaces Steeped in Provenance
From fine dining beneath Tudor stone fireplaces to casual equestrian cocktails and open-air lawn carriages overlooking Cheltenham Racecourse. Ingredients harvested from our on-site Kitchen Garden and local Gloucestershire farmers.
Fine British Dining
The 15th-Century Restaurant
Set within original 15th-century oak-panelled dining rooms featuring leaded stone mullioned windows and the historic De la Bere marriage crest over the Tudor stone hearth. Our Executive Chef serves modern British culinary masterpieces celebrating seasonal Cotswold provenance.
Cosy Equestrian Gastropub
Horse Box Brasserie & Bar
A relaxed, country-chic brasserie paying homage to Cheltenham's illustrious equestrian racing heritage. Outfitted with plush leather seating, rustic timber, and racing portraits. Walk-in guests and four-legged companions are warmly welcomed, with our Sir Woofchester canine menu on offer!
Quintessential English Heritage
Afternoon Tea in The Great Hall
Served by the stone fireplace in The Great Hall or out on the south-facing terrace. Indulge in tiered stands of delicate savoury finger sandwiches, warm homemade plain and fruit scones served with rich Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserves, and exquisite patisserie.
Summer Lawn Experience
Alfresco Dining & Quirky Carriages
Operating annually from late May through September on the Front and South Lawns. Dine outdoors with panoramic vistas across the Cotswolds and Cheltenham Racecourse, or reserve an intimate, heated novelty dining carriage for private afternoon teas, picnic hampers, and sunset cocktails.
Experience More
Unrivalled Pursuits Across 90 Private Acres
From complimentary country rambles in the Dubarry Boot Room to children’s off-road mini driving adventures and helicopter arrivals directly onto estate grounds.
Ages 4–10
Mini Land Rover Experience
An unforgettable off-road driving adventure for little adventurers aged 4 to 10 on our dedicated estate grass track. Vehicles replicate the classic Land Rover Defender.
Complimentary for Guests
The Dubarry Boot Room
Never worry about packing muddy boots. Our mud room is fully equipped with complimentary Dubarry leather boots and jackets for adults, and Le Chameau wellington boots for children.
Couples Package
Romantic Retreat Package
Overnight 5-star lodging with chilled Taittinger Champagne and handcrafted chocolates on arrival, £55 per person dinner allowance, full English breakfast, and spa access.
Helipad: 51°55'30\"N
Private Helipad & Range Rover Shuttle
Arrive in utmost privacy and style. Dedicated helipad coordinates 51°55'30.67"N, 2°02'38.96"W. Includes private Range Rover chauffeur transfer from the pad to the manor front doors.
Exclusive Partnership
Bicester Village VIP Access
Exclusive VIP privileges at Britain's premier luxury designer outlet: access to the private VIP suite 'The Apartment', hands-free shopping service, and a 10% boutique discount pass.
With Robin Dale
Guided Regional Cotswold Tours
Curated chauffeured tours with local expert Robin Dale. Itineraries include Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm & Hawkstone Arms, Downton Abbey film sites, and hidden honey-stone hamlets.
Unique Memories
Award-Winning Cotswold Country House Weddings
Voted Best Hotel Wedding Venue at the Cotswolds Wedding Awards, and home to Lisa Taylor, honoured as Best Venue Wedding Planner.
Up to 120 Guests
De la Bere Court
Bathed in natural daylight through a dramatic glass atrium ceiling with original exposed Cotswold stone brickwork, private bar, and wooden dancefloor.
Historic Vaulted Chapel
The Old Chapel
Erected on the 19th-century private estate chapel site with soaring vaulted ceilings, authentic stained glass windows, and an elevated mezzanine gallery for Champagne receptions.
Licensed Outdoor Ceremony
The Stone Gazebo
Fully restored 19th-century neo-Gothic stone gazebo fully licensed for open-air civil marriage ceremonies on manicured estate lawns with Cleeve Hill rising dramatically behind.
| Package Tier | Starting Price | Guest Base | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Package | From £160 / guest | Up to 120 | 2 glasses Prosecco reception, 6 canapés, 3-course wedding breakfast, house wine, toast fizz, evening hot rolls. |
| Gold Package | From £175 / guest | Up to 120 | 1/2 bottle Prosecco reception, 6 canapés, 3 courses, 1/2 bottle premium wine, toast fizz, evening artisan pizzas. |
| Platinum Package | From £185 / guest | Up to 120 | Enhanced vintage drinks package, 6 gourmet canapés, luxury 3-course banquet, artisan pizzas or hot carved buffet. |
| Mid-Week Package | From £11,000 total | 50 Guests | Room hire, ceremony, 3-course dinner, floral package by Donna Beaver, DJ entertainment, and Manor Suite for newlyweds. |
| A Winter's Tale | From £6,499 total | 40 Guests | Intimate winter wonderland wedding with roaring log hearths, candlelit ceremony, and seasonal banquet. |
Tailored Spaces
Corporate Retreats & Exclusive Manor Hire
Inspire your executive team in an environment where historical gravitas meets modern meeting technology and five-star discretion.
Five dedicated meeting suites accommodate everything from 10-delegate boardroom debates in The Royalist to 120-attendee conferences in De la Bere Court. For the ultimate privacy, full Exclusive Estate Use provides private buyout of all 61 bedrooms, restaurants, spa facilities, and 90 private acres for product launches, car rallies, and multi-day summits.
The Backstory
Five Centuries of Cotswolds Heritage: 1485 to Present
Trace the fascinating story of Ellenborough Park through royal visits, Tudor knights, Governors General, and world wars.
1485 • Reign of Henry VII
Thomas Goodriche builds the original Southam House estate upon lands granted in Gloucestershire during the dawn of the Tudor dynasty.
1554 • The De la Bere Lineage
Sir John Goodriche's granddaughter Eleanor marries Kinnard De la Bere, descendant of Norman knights. Their coat of arms remains proudly mounted above the fireplace in The Restaurant, and their son Richard later installs the magnificent Tudor oak panelling.
1788 • Royal Residence of King George III
King George III resides at Southam House during his historic royal stay in Cheltenham to take the restorative mineral spa waters that established Cheltenham as England's premier spa town.
1833 • The 1st Earl of Ellenborough
The estate is purchased by Edward Law, 2nd Lord Ellenborough (later 1st Earl of Ellenborough and Governor General of India; cabinet member under the Duke of Wellington). The Earl adds Gothic towers, stables, secret escape passages, and the Indian Memorial Gazebo.
1914–1945 • Wartime Convalescent Hospital
Leased to Mrs. Ratcliff and her daughters Lilian and Phyllis, who faithfully serve as volunteer nurses caring for convalescing wounded soldiers across both World Wars.
1947–1972 • The Oriel High School for Girls
The manor transitions into a prestigious girls' boarding school, educating 100 pupils in the tranquil Cotswolds foothills before closing in 1972.
2008–Present • Multi-Million Pound Restoration & 5-Star Hotel
A comprehensive three-year conservation project strips, conserves, and reinforces the Grade II*-listed architecture while expanding estate grounds to 90 acres. Ellenborough Park officially reopens as a world-class five-star hotel and spa destination.
Welcoming Every Guest
Accessibility & Inclusivity Commitment
We believe five-star hospitality must be effortless for everyone. Ellenborough Park combines sensitive 15th-century heritage preservation with modern, accessible facilities.
Adapted Accessible Bedrooms
Two purpose-designed accessible bedrooms located in Woodland Court featuring unobstructed 900mm wide doors, flat zero-threshold roll-in power showers, horizontal and vertical grab rails, 480mm toilet heights, and 800mm washbasin clearances with wheelchair knee space.
Sensory & Visual Accommodations
Portable hearing induction loops available at reception, vibrating pillow fire alarm pads, visual flashing alarm clocks, and high-contrast signage. Woodland Court elevators feature tactile Braille control buttons and audible floor level announcements.
Estate Pathways & Dedicated Parking
Designated blue badge parking spaces immediately adjacent to accessible entrances. Flat flagstone and low-pile carpeted corridors wider than 1200mm throughout ground floor dining, lounges, and event spaces. Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed estate-wide.
Direct Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to assist your stay planning, dining bookings, spa appointments, and arrival arrangements.
What time is check-in and check-out at Ellenborough Park?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Overnight hotel guests receive full complimentary access to the indoor spa thermal suite, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, and 16-metre outdoor heated pool from 3:00 PM on arrival day until 11:00 AM on departure day. Early check-in or late check-out may be arranged subject to availability.
Is Ellenborough Park dog-friendly, and what is included in a Pawfect Break?
Yes, Ellenborough Park is proudly dog-friendly with 14 designated bedrooms across the estate, including 4 specialist Pooch Bedrooms that feature their own large, fully enclosed private gardens. A surcharge of £30 per dog, per night (maximum 2 dogs) includes a luxury Le Chameau dog bed or sleeping crate, food & water bowls, a complimentary Sir Woofchester gourmet welcome pack, and full access to our on-site Paw Spa equipped with warm washing showers and Digby botanical shampoos.
What are the direct booking perks when reserving on the official website?
When booking directly on our official website or with our reservations team (01242 545454), we guarantee the lowest available price. You will also receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability upon arrival, up to a Junior Suite), 10% off your first pre-booked spa treatment, and a complimentary glass of Taittinger Champagne per person upon pre-booking dining with two main courses via our club newsletter.
What dining options and dress codes exist across the estate?
We offer four dining venues: The 15th-Century Restaurant (fine dining, elegant smart casual dress code, dog-free); the Horse Box Brasserie & Bar (relaxed country gastropub, walk-ins welcome, dog-friendly); The Great Hall (traditional English afternoon tea); and outdoor dining carriages on the South Lawn. Children’s menus and full dietary options (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free) are catered for across all kitchens.
How far is Ellenborough Park from Cheltenham Racecourse?
Ellenborough Park is situated just 0.9 miles from Cheltenham Racecourse. Uniquely, the hotel has its own private access track leading directly into the racecourse grounds, allowing our guests to bypass public traffic during race festival fixtures.
How do I arrange private helicopter landing at the hotel?
The estate maintains a certified helipad at coordinates 51°55’30.67”N, 2°02’38.96”W. Landing is free of charge for overnight hotel residents (£65 landing fee for non-staying day visitors). Every landing includes private chauffeur transfer in an estate Range Rover directly to the hotel front entrance. Please notify reception at 01242 545454 prior to flight.
What car parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities are provided?
We provide ample complimentary on-site parking for all hotel residents, restaurant diners, and spa visitors. For electric vehicle drivers, six EV charging bays are conveniently located in the main guest car park.