From quaint cottages to rustic barns to stately mansions, the Cotswolds are home to a whole range of romantic spots – and Ellenborough Park is no exception. A country retreat steeped in history, the 15th-century Stapel is a quintessential country wedding venue, or the perfect retreat for some pre-wedding rest and relaxation with your bridal team.

The site

On the outskirts of Cheltenham – just a short drive from the historic city center – Ellenborough Park stretches along a landline over 90 hectares of rolling Gloucestershire countryside.

As soon as we arrived we were keen to take in the stunning views and after a short stroll around the grounds we saw the famous Cheltenham Race Course in the distance – on a clear day you could see the action on the track from the comfort of the main house restaurant.

The main house

Dating back to the 15th century, Ellenborough Park has undergone several renovations and transformations over the years. With the Great Hall dating from 1435, the Ellenborough Park Estate became the home of the 1st Earl of Ellenborough in 1833.

In a later life the manor house became a private school before taking shape as a hotel and settling in its current form as Ellenborough Park about seven years ago. Steeped in history, Ellenborough Park honors its rich history with rich interiors and a number of restorative renovations.

Dinner at Ellenborough Park

The main house is also home to the restaurant, which serves a delicious range of classic British dishes, while the Great Hall serves as the perfect setting for a typically English afternoon tea.

Although the sun shone in full force for our November stay, the nip in the air meant we stayed firmly within the cozy confines of the restaurant and bar areas. However, for those visiting in the warmer months, al fresco dining is available on Tattinger Terrace, in the Cedar Pavillion tent or, for those looking for a photo op, in one of the quirky dining cars on the lawns.

The suite

There are a variety of rooms at Ellenborough Park, each unique – and beautiful – designed and decorated by Nina Campbell. We stayed in a garden room a short walk from the main building.

The room had its own private patio which served as a beautiful setting for an al fresco breakfast.

the spa

However, it’s the heated outdoor pool that really sets Ellenborough Park’s spa offering apart from the rest. A bright autumn day meant we could enjoy the great outdoors and treat ourselves to a real refreshment with an outdoor swim – although it took a small dip to make it into the water before the chilly November air hit too hard.

The spa also offers a range of energizing and revitalizing treatments, each using a range of pampering Elemis products tailored to your skin type.

Weddings at Ellenborough Park

With stunning architecture, enviable views and bespoke luxury packages to choose from, those looking for a Cotswolds wedding venue need look no further than Ellenborough Park. The hotel can accommodate up to 150 guests and is available for exclusive hire, and the extensive grounds are suitable as a marquee for even larger celebrations.

There are also 61 rooms and suites that can be booked for the wedding reception for couples wishing to accommodate their guests. When the venue is secured, Ellenborough Park’s dedicated team of wedding coordinators are on hand to see you through from the planning stages to the moment you walk down the aisle.

Ellenborough Park is currently offering a ‘Have and Hold’ package from £5,300 for 40 guests. The best late availability offer for fall or winter weddings, this includes prosecco or mulled wine on arrival, a 3 course wedding breakfast, a glass of wine per person, a glass of prosecco for the toast, roast pork for the evening reception and more. Venue options include the beautiful Old Chapel for the wedding ceremony and the rustic Old Chapel Pavilion for drinks and De La Bere Court for the wedding breakfast.

The hotel offers a Sonos system for music with a dedicated banquet manager and a bridal suite for your wedding night.

Price: Starts at £5,300 based on a minimum of 40 guests

Dates: October 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023

The next open house at Ellenborough Park will be on Sunday 11th July.

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