Ellenborough Park
Southam, near Cheltenham · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Ellenborough Park
A five-star country estate in 90 acres between Cleeve Hill and Cheltenham Racecourse, with a spa, outdoor heated pool and 65 rooms.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Ellenborough Park
Ellenborough Park occupies a restored 15th-century manor house at Southam, set in 90 acres between Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, and the gallops at Cheltenham Racecourse. The main house has a Tudor core with mullioned windows, oak panelling and heraldic stained glass, and the estate takes its name from Lord Ellenborough, who owned it in the 19th century.
There are 61 rooms and 4 suites, spread between the manor house and converted stable and coach house buildings around the grounds. No two are laid out the same way. Several have four-poster beds, some have roll-top baths, and all have Hypnos beds and generous bathrooms. The manor house rooms carry the most period detail; the courtyard rooms are quieter and better suited to guests who want easy access to parking.
The spa has an outdoor heated pool that runs year-round, plus a sauna, steam room, hot tub, gym and treatment rooms. Dining is split between the main restaurant, which serves modern British cooking, and the Horse Box bar, a more informal room reflecting the hotel's racing connections. There is a helipad, and the grounds include formal gardens and lawns used for weddings and events.
The location makes it a natural choice during Cheltenham Festival week, when it books out early and rates rise sharply. Outside race weeks it works well as a quiet base for walking on Cleeve Common, visiting Sudeley Castle and Winchcombe, or day trips into Cheltenham itself, about ten minutes away. It suits couples, golfers and groups celebrating an occasion.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We had the best stay on our wedding night. The staff went above and beyond to make sure it was a really special experience and that it was! We felt very relaxed and had the best time! Exactly the calm romantic vibes we were looking for. The room we stayed in was beautiful and so comfortable with everything you would need! The food was absolutely delicious! It finished off our wedding day perfectly. Thank you!
3 weeks ago · via Google
We stayed at Ellenborough Park for my best friend’s wedding and had an amazing experience. The property is absolutely beautiful and the perfect setting for a wedding. A special thank you to Naren, who went out of his way to help me tie my tie before the ceremony. It was such a thoughtful gesture and really showed how much the staff cares about their guests. Great service, beautiful grounds, and an unforgettable stay. I would happily stay here again.
2 weeks ago · via Google
Summary: stunning location and building, staff friendly but sometimes inexperienced, spa is too small for the size of hotel. Had a lovely stay, but it was let down a bit by little details which could be easily fixed. The location is stunning. It feels more like a little medieval hamlet than a house, and it’s situated in some lovely countryside. The staff were all very friendly but did feel a little inexperienced to be honest. Overall the stay was good, but at times things felt disorganised. For example, ordering coffee at the spa took 15 minutes or more to arrive, and in one case I had to ask after it. The spa is very small and does not include a pool, though the treatments are excellent. Many of the tester products were empty and hadnt been replaced. Not a big deal, but it just didn’t quite feel five star. Lastly the evening meal was generally very good, but again service was a little rough around the edges. The monkfish was quite rubbery (which can happen easily with monkfish, but still). Ordinarily I wouldn’t quibble, but at £250 for a two-course meal with a shared cheeseboard pudding and bottle of Riesling, really I’d want it to be perfect. £125 a head with wine is approaching Michelin territory. Overall though we did enjoy our stay, but I felt we had paid a little over the odds for the experience we received.
a month ago · via Google
We were here for an afternoon tea only. The characterful old buildings are set in a lovely area of countryside. All the staff were polite, friendly and helpful. We chose to sit outside as it was a lovely day. The only criticism I would make is that the seats could do with cushions. Our tea (although we actually had coffee) was excellent but we couldn't do it complete justice. No worry, we were given boxes to take the extra goodies away. We could have stayed there for as long as wanted and cups of hot strong coffee kept appearing. All in all, a really enjoyable visit.
2 months ago · via Google
People say this hotel offers delicious food, including fantastic breakfast spreads and excellent afternoon tea, with many guests highlighting the comfortable and spotless rooms. Visitors also appreciate the welcoming and attentive staff, who are often described as going above and beyond.
Some reviews mention the service can be inconsistent.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Ellenborough Park Hotel, Southam Lane, Cheltenham, GL52 3NJ Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Southam, near Cheltenham
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 8.8 / 10 (1,400 reviews)
- Prices from
- £230 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Cotswolds