HOTEL REVIEW
Tewkesbury Park Hotel
The UK has many unsung areas within its shores, bursting with amazing history and stories, and Tewkesbury is a perfect example of this. With a rich, vibrant history and a beautiful waterside setting, there is plenty for everyone to discover in Tewkesbury. You can take in the stunning scenery by taking a stroll beside the River Severn, or a boat trip along the Avon, or head to Tewkesbury Abbey, an imposing feature of the town’s landscape for nearly 900 years. Renowned the world over for its fine Norman Tower, ornate 12th Century ceiling and stunning stained glass windows, the Abbey is one of Gloucestershire’s most popular tourist attractions, second only to Gloucester Cathedral. The Abbey is just the start of your insight into Tewkesbury’s history, as it is also the site of one of the most influential battles in the War of the Roses, where in 1471 the House of Lancaster was completely defeated by the House of York, putting King Edward IV firmly on the throne. Tewkesbury is also a stone’s throw away from
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American In Britain
the Cotswolds, and just 10 minutes from the M5, and whilst visiting this are we stayed at The Tewkesbury Park Hotel, which has wonderful views over the Cotswold Hills on one side and Malverns on the other. The hotel’s core is a beautifully proportioned 18th century property which, although I don’t know, I can surmise from the size and class of the building, was the property of a wealthy individual, and to this a number of additions have been added once the building became a hotel and golf club. The new décor inside belies the slightly dated exterior, as it is smart-casual, clean and fresh, and the vaulted ceiling gives a feeling of light and space. Once you pass the check in desks and traverse a few stairs you are presented with a cocktail bar and the public lounges, all newly decorated with modern blues and mellow yellows where bar snacks and small bites are served and diners can sit to take their after dinner drinks. My wife thought the décor was stunning, and would now quite like to redecorate our house to a similar style!
Tewkesbury Park Hotel has a variety of rooms, all recently decorated ranging from what the website describes as ‘just right’ rooms which are cosy, through a ‘touch of class’, which are stylish rooms with breath-taking views, luxury interiors, Nespresso coffee machines, Grohe rain showers and Smart TVs, through to the ‘Indulgence’ and ‘Opulent’ rooms which are located in the main building. These suites would grace the best hotels in London with beautiful bay windows, sumptuous furnishings, Neal’s Yard toiletries, many with double ended baths and bathroom TV’s, but with something even better, sumptuous views over central England’s rolling hills. We were lucky enough to stay in the Richard III Suite, and I have to say it is one of the best rooms we have stayed in anywhere in the world. The quality of the rooms continues with the facilities on offer with a par 73 golf course, which provides a good challenge for both the good and not so good golfer. Other facilities include two tennis courts and two squash courts, a gym and an indoor swimming pool.