Ellenborough Park

Ellenborough Park – The Restaurant

Overview

Tucked among the rolling hills of the Cotswolds near Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park is a five-star country house hotel set within 90 acres of parkland. This grand 15th-century manor combines stately English heritage with luxurious contemporary comforts, offering both a tranquil weekend retreat and a base for exploring Gloucestershire’s market towns and countryside trails. With its own acclaimed restaurant, spa, and an outdoor heated pool, Ellenborough Park offers everything you need for an indulgent gourmet getaway just over two miles from Cheltenham town centre.

Eat

Dining at The Restaurant at Ellenborough Park is a refined yet inviting experience. The culinary approach is rooted in classic British flavours, enhanced with modern, seasonal touches and an emphasis on local sourcing, including ingredients drawn from the Cotswolds’ larder. The menus, served in the oak-panelled dining room, showcase both hearty and elegant fare throughout the week. Expect starters that highlight regional vegetables, mains such as roast lamb or pan-seared fish with vibrant accompaniments, and desserts capturing the seasons with a creative twist. There’s also a well-curated wine list and genuinely polished yet warm service, making each meal feel celebratory but never stiff. Afternoon tea is a fixture, and breakfast can be enjoyed overlooking manicured lawns. The Restaurant continues to enjoy a strong following among both hotel guests and visiting diners seeking a taste of the Cotswolds’ best fine dining.

Sleep

The manor’s 61 rooms and suites are generously proportioned, each with its own character and a design palette that nods to country house tradition: think antiques, rich textiles, and indulgently comfortable beds. Many offer garden views or private terraces; suites can include roll-top baths and original beams. Bathrooms are smart and stocked with high-end toiletries, while thoughtful touches – from plush robes to fresh milk for tea – underscore Ellenborough Park’s attention to guest comfort. Families and dog owners are well accommodated, and the restful, immersive atmosphere will appeal to romantic couples, solo travellers, and small groups seeking escapism with a dash of grandeur.

Retreat

Days at Ellenborough Park are easily filled, whether you’re unwinding at the spa and heated outdoor pool or exploring the 90-acre grounds dotted with ancient trees. There are spa treatments, a fitness room, and a sauna/steam room onsite, as well as walking trails that start from the door – including access to the famed Cotswold Way. Cheltenham Racecourse is visible from the hotel and a free shuttle is offered on race days, while the handsome Regency town is a short drive away for shopping and galleries. Nearby, the Cotswold villages of Broadway and Winchcombe beckon for leisurely day trips. London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa takes under two hours by train, with the hotel just a 10-minute taxi ride from the station. However you spend your stay, Ellenborough Park wraps you in historic elegance, contemporary luxury, and the green embrace of the Cotswolds.