Ellenborough Park
It’s July, and many an English garden is full of floral colour with blooming bushes, freshly sculptured lawns all misted in an uplifting fragrant bouquet. But there’s more to discover than flowerbeds and parasols at Ellenborough Park which has unveiled a private spa garden hidden amidst its 90 acres of grounds.
The Spa Garden
This new concept of a Spa Garden is a robe-wearing and slipper short hop from the main spa, expanding the spa experience for guests. Small and exclusive, this relaxing space enclosed in a walled garden offers an all-season hot tub, reclining sun loungers and a sauna cabin which looks like a grown-up barrel. It maybe miniature, but it’s unique, fun and perfect for a romantic enclosure or a small group (up to 12). It’s a hideaway to clink a glass of fizz or simply relax in the country air and serene surroundings. A spa smothered in nature, cloistered, secret. Ellenborough Park offers a specific Spa Garden Retreat Package which includes exclusive access to the Spa Garden, a De-stress Body Ritual or a Revitalise Facial Ritual, and a choice between a two-course lunch with bubbles or afternoon tea in the historic Great Hall. It also includes the use of Ellenborough Park’s indoor facilities, which include a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. This indoor spa is a cosy affair accommodated in an historic building with 6 treatment rooms and a relaxation room.
Convenient Location
This country manor is located in sight of the gallops of Cheltenham Racecourse and a short drive away from the city of Cheltenham, at the foot of Cleeve Hill. Ellenborough Park is a historic characterful country house in the heart of Gloucestershire’s countryside. With 61 rooms, styles vary. Old school classic designs are on show in the suites of the main house with four poster beds, open plan spacious bathrooms protected by beamed ceilings. Mews rooms look out onto a courtyard garden where pathways brush with borders laced with lavender bushes, foxgloves, clematis, hydrangeas. Garden rooms enjoy their own outside space. On the lawn a giant chess board awaits players, deckchairs, their residents. For the energetic, an outdoor heated pool and even a dedicated Dubarry boot room to kit out with boots and weather proof clothing to explore the grounds and follow local walks.
History
This pile of honey-coloured Cotswold stone dates back to the 15th century. The manor house is enclosed inside historic walls and a keeper of a colourful history. In 1947 it became the Oriel High School for Girls and then established itself as a hotel. There’s a mix of architecture with towers that give a castle appearance, a secret passageway, the chapel, used today for weddings, an Indian memorial gazebo and of course the Great Hall on entry.
Dining
The Restaurant is steeped in history. This wood-panelled room, reminiscent of the 15th century, displays original features and stained-glass windows illuminated with elegant chandeliers is the perfect place for fine dining. The Horse Box Brasserie caters for casual dining while the south lawn is dotted with quirky dining carriages, a trailer bar and sun terrace to create an alfresco area. Here enjoy tea or toast the sunset over Cheltenham.
Porridge at breakfast is offered with a nip of whiskey. Stone bass, with coconut and haricot beans as well as Welsh wagyu beef burger, and plant burger feature on the varied dinner menu. Desserts range from the classical rhubarb crumble and ginger ice-cream to a salted caramel & white chocolate fondant with apple compote and crème fraiche sorbet or a full cheese menu of five varieties.
Dog Friendly
From sausage dogs to spaniels, four-legged friends are welcomed at Ellenborough Park with 12 dog-friendly rooms and great walks throughout the estate. There is a dedicated Doggie menu which includes a tapas selection of Sunday roast bones and bark burgers or even a fish and chips main dish. There is, of course, a paw spa – naturally.
With hints of Chelsea Flower Show design concepts with its prized geraniums and award-winning sweet peas, Ellenborough Park’s Spa Garden leads its guests under a wooden pergola approach draped with honeysuckle and seasonal plants. This is a spa garden that is coming up roses with special retreat packages for that private indulgent experience.
