Nestled in 165 acres of picturesque parkland, with sweeping views of the Malvern Hills, Tewkesbury Park goes beyond the ordinary, providing not just a stay but an experience tailored for both humans and their four-legged companions. Tewkesbury Park is only five minutes from M5 junction 9, on the doorstep of Tewkesbury and within easy reach of the Cotswolds.
The Hotel
Tewkesbury Park is a haven for sports and relaxation enthusiasts, boasting an 18-hole par 72 parkland golf course, an academy course and facilities for squash and tennis. The fully equipped leisure club beckons with a gym, steam room and indoor swimming pool. There is also an outdoor Scandinavian-style sauna with a secluded terrace and hot tub, adding to this list of indulgences.
Following an extensive four-year renovation in 2016, Tewkesbury Park has elevated its offerings. Nine luxury historic suites, two spa rooms, two meeting rooms, an Orangery, and a Cocktail Lounge now grace its premises. The crown jewel is the Cotswolds Suite; a glass facade events and wedding space offering breath-taking views, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a terrace.
A dog friendly touch of class
Each of the six new dog-friendly room boasts a private fully enclosed terrace, equipped with a glass balustrade, offering panoramic views of the stunning Gloucestershire countryside. For added convenience, these rooms can be accessed directly from the terrace using a key, sparing guests the need to navigate through the hotel.
Recognising the practical needs of canine guests, Tewkesbury Park ensures a seamless stay with a dedicated doggy wash area just outside the terraces – a thoughtful touch for washing off post-walk mud. To cater to human guests, wellies cleaned by housekeeping await in the rooms, ensuring winter walks can be enjoyed without worrying about footwear.
Internally, the rooms are a masterpiece of design, courtesy of renowned interior designers ADS-Design. Drawing inspiration from the Tewkesbury surroundings, warm country tones are subtly woven into fabrics and furnishings, complementing modern fixtures. Local ceramist Jane Overbury contributes to the ambiance with carefully crafted ceramics, adding a touch of local artistry.
Practicality meets luxury, with wood flooring in all rooms for easy clean-up of any unintentional mishaps. The creation of these dog-friendly havens was entrusted to local family firm EG Carter of Gloucester, who expertly blended contemporary style with the property’s historic features, respecting the original structures.
The outdoor terraces designed by Cheltenham-based garden designers Keltie & Clark, serve as a tranquil sanctuary, creating the perfect spot for a relaxing sunset with a furry friend. Tewkesbury Park Hotel’s latest venture goes beyond pet-friendly – it’s a testament to a commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for both two-legged and four-legged guests.
Dinner at Mint Restaurant
Mint, the heartbeat of Tewkesbury Park’s culinary scene, is where Executive Chef Anuj orchestrates a symphony of freshness and local essence. Embracing a casual and inviting atmosphere, Mint sources top-notch ingredients from nearby suppliers, ensuring a menu that evolves with the seasons. The commitment to local produce is evident in autumn’s offerings, featuring delights like Winchcombe venison fillet, butternut squash & sage ravioli, and a luscious pear & almond frangipane tart.
For those craving a dining experience that harmonises with the surroundings, begin your journey with the Scottish King Scallops… exquisite textures of cauliflower, perfectly paired with the crispy allure of Parma ham and the sweet surprise of golden raisins. For a bite-sized beauty that tantalises the taste buds, the Goat’s Cheese Cornetto awaits – a perfect harmony of goat’s cheese mousse and saffron-poached pears, promising a symphony of textures and flavours.
Up next and a personal favourite of mine, was the Himalayan Goat Curry! – a tantalising blend of rich and tender slow-braised goat meat infused with Himalayan spices. This not-too-spicy curry, is a nod to the flavours in the higher mountainous regions of Asia, served elegantly with onion pilaf rice and an array of mixed pickles.
For a sweet conclusion to the expedition, indulge in the Chocolate & Coffee creation — featuring a 70% dark chocolate mousse, layers of espresso sponge and decadent mascarpone cream. Crowned with a scoop of Baileys ice cream, this dessert is a divine finale.
Tawkesbury Park Golf Course
Nestled in a breath-taking parkland setting, The Deerpark is a par 72, 6554-yard golf course offering panoramic views, water features, cross-cut fairways and impeccably maintained greens surrounded by veteran oaks. Recently referred to as a “mini Gleneagles” by National Club Golfer, the course has secured spots in Golf World and National Club Golfer’s prestigious top 100 golf resorts in Great Britain and Ireland.
This recognition is a testament to the substantial investment in both The Deerpark and The Acorn, a 9-hole, par 3 course. The commendations also acknowledge the dedication of the exceptional team responsible for maintaining both courses in pristine condition. These accolades highlight the commitment to excellence at the heart of this golfing destination.
The inclusive appeal of the facility is underscored by its acknowledgment as suitable for both seasoned professionals and beginners. The expansive range of golf facilities ensures a warm welcome for all standards of players from the adept golf, health, and hotel teams. The Deerpark stands as a testament to a perfect blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design and unwavering commitment to maintaining exceptional standards.
Things To Do
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside, the Tewkesbury area unfolds like a tapestry of history and natural beauty. Dominated by the majestic Tewkesbury Abbey, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, the town exudes a timeless charm that beckons visitors to wander its cobbled streets and immerse themselves in its rich heritage.
The surrounding landscape, including the nearby River Avon and rolling hills, offers a haven for nature lovers and avid walkers. Close by in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water unfolds like a storybook village, enchanting visitors with its quintessential charm. Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” this idyllic destination captivates with its meandering River Windrush, charming stone bridges, and riverside cafes. The picturesque High Street is lined with honey-coloured cottages, housing a delightful array of boutiques and tearooms.
Bourton-on-the-Water offers attractions such as the Model Village, showcasing a miniaturised version of the village itself, the Cotswold Motoring Museum or embark on a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of Birdland Park and Gardens. Tewkesbury provides a central gateway to explore neighbouring counties such as Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and Wiltshire. This strategic location offers diverse landscapes and historic treasures for visitors to discover in the heart of England.
In a nutshell
In a world where pet travel is gaining momentum and hotels contend for the attention of dog-loving travellers; Tewkesbury Park Hotel emerges as a frontrunner, upping the ante with its latest offering of six meticulously designed dog-friendly rooms.
To discover more, visit tewkesburypark.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Tewkesbury Park Hotel