Last Updated on December 12, 2023

Paws and Relax: Dog-Friendly Staycation in Gloucestershire

Embarking on a journey with our beloved four-legged companions often poses a challenge, given that numerous establishments overlook the need to cater to pets. At Tewkesbury Park Hotel, however, they recognise that dogs, much like their human counterparts, relish the joys of a holiday.

With 23 million households in the UK now owning a pet (41%), dogs emerge as the most popular choice. An overwhelming 83% of individuals express guilt about leaving their canine companions behind during holidays, leading 67% to strategically plan breaks around their dogs, while 56% prefer taking their dogs along. Furthermore, 40% of pet owners believe that the dog deserves a holiday too, and quite right! (as reported by justhooit.com)

So, when I was offered the opportunity to stay at this country hotel in Gloucestershire, I eagerly extended an invitation to my friend and her furry companion, Keeper, to join me in experiencing the hospitality of Tewkesbury Park.

This family-owned hotel takes pet-friendly accommodation to a whole new level, especially now that they have enhanced their current dog-friendly amenities by introducing six brand-new rooms specifically designed to cater to canine companions.

We set off from West London on a crisp, sunlit winter’s day arriving at Tewkesbury Park in approximately two hours. It is only five minutes from M5 junction nine and on the doorstep of Tewkesbury, an attractive medieval market town, which is just a 15-minute walk away and boasts an impressive Abbey which is worth a visit. Adjacent to Tewkesbury Park lies the historic site of the Tewkesbury Battle, a pivotal moment in the Wars of the Roses. It’s also within easy reach of Cheltenham, Gloucester and Worcester. 

The manor house hotel, built in the late 18th century is perched on the top of a gentle hill amidst 165 acres of beautiful undulating parkland, commanding spectacular 360-degree views of the Malvern Hills and beyond. The extensive green slopes provide the perfect landscape for its golf and country club which opened in 1976. Over the years they have built various extensions, including two accommodation wings, one of which houses the new dog-friendly rooms. The hotel was fully refurbished in 2016. The reception area is warm and welcoming, especially now that it’s adorned with sparking Christmas trees.

It boasts an open-plan contemporary design featuring a skylight roof and wooden floors. It is set over different levels, leading to an inviting bar and a charming piano lounge, painted in an attractive air force blue hue, and adorned with plush velvet armchairs, a grand piano and scattered tables, creating a cosy yet stylish atmosphere where guests can relax. Once we completed the check-in process, we eagerly went to the comfort of our newly refurbished room.

The bedroom exuded tasteful charm with its neutral tones and a modern Scandi feel. Flower prints adorned the walls and the comfy beds were dressed in white linen. A sleek desk, chair, and bedside tables complemented the wooden floor. The room featured a wall-mounted TV and amenities including an ironing board, mini-fridge, Nespresso coffee machine, and tea-making facilities. I loved the added touch of two pairs of wellies which were perfect for strolling straight out into the grounds. The shower room was beautifully clean and fresh with green leaf design wall tiles and a sink mounted on marble adding a touch of luxury along with the Natural Spa Factory Products.

Notably, each room came equipped with a dog’s bed, with the addition of a private fully-enclosed elegant terrace designed by distinguished Cheltenham-based Keltie & Clark. It was surrounded by a glass balustrade which allowed Keeper the freedom to relax and for us to take in the breathtaking views of the Gloucestershire countryside, I can imagine it’s even more fabulous in the summer months, and especially lovely for a sundowner.

Conveniently, the room could be accessed directly via the terrace using a key, eliminating the need to navigate through the hotel and making it very easy for us to take Keeper out for a walk. A thoughtful touch was the inclusion of a doggy wash area just outside the terraces, complete with a shower – a perfect solution for cleaning up after those inevitable muddy walks. The hotel has 93 rooms in all, including nine luxury historic suites where you can throw yourself onto a deliciously comfy super king Hypnos bed.

Tewkesbury Park boasts an impressive array of amenities, including an 18-hole par 72 parkland golf course, an academy course, squash and tennis courts.

For those seeking relaxation, a warm indoor pool, Scandinavian-style sauna, outdoor hot tub, sun terrace and gym are available in a separate health club. Back in the main hotel, two spa treatment rooms and a nail bar provide further opportunities for rejuvenation and pampering.

Additionally, the hotel offers two meeting rooms, an elegant Orangery, a sophisticated Cocktail Lounge, and the Cotswolds Suite – an event and wedding space with a glass façade offering stunning views. The suite is equipped with a wood-fired pizza oven and a terrace for added charm.

Dinner (without a dog) is served in the Mint restaurant which along with the Orangery provides a far-reaching vista of the green beyond. The décor is light and airy and continues to keep with the Scandi-chic styling. If you would rather not leave your dog in your bedroom you can eat, as we did in the Piano Lounge. When we arrived for dinner, a table waited for us with the addition of a welcome bed for Keeper.

The Mint restaurant is headed up by Anuj Thakur, who deserves more than a fleeting mention as the food here at Tewkesbury Park offers an exceptional culinary experience. Hailing originally from India, Thakur joined Tewkesbury Park in 2016, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at Dartington Hall, a historic grade-II medieval hotel nestled in Totnes, Devon. During his time at Dartington Hall, Thakur garnered acclaim by securing two AA rosettes for the White Hart Restaurant. Thakur commenced his career at one of India’s most distinguished colonial establishments – The Oberoi Cecil Hotel, Shimla – a Leading Hotels of the World hotel.

Unwinding from the day, we began with an amuse bouche – a bite-sized cornet filled with a creamy goat’s cheese mouse and nuggets of saffron poached pears and delicate and delicious crab croquette with a subtlety infused wasabi mayonnaise and crisp finely sliced radishes with a citrus gel. Followed by perfectly cooked plump Scottish king scallops served with florets of cauliflower, paper-thin crisps of Parma ham and sweet golden raisins.

The Cheltenham beetroot chaat was sensational– consisting of small patties made of beetroot aloo tikki, perched on a fabulous smear of mint and tamarind sauce, with crispy sev and pink jewels of pomegranate. We both agreed we could eat it over and over again. For mains my salt-cured Cornish cod was divine, expertly poached in a decadent butter bath and accompanied by tender, juicy braised leeks. in a well-balanced aromatic coconut and tamarind sauce. My friend raved about her choice – the chicken supreme stuffed with a luxurious truffle mousse and bathed in a rich jus that heightened the savoury notes.

We accompanied our meal with a bottle of Embrujo del Campo Verdejo, an organic Spanish wine with notes of apple, pear, melon and grass. For pudding, the most glorious of frangipane tarts, with luscious pear in a beautifully buttery homemade pasty served with a welcome dollop of clotted cream and vanilla ice cream.

Finally, we indulged in a local cheese plate – featuring an array of exquisite choices such as Hereford Hop, the remarkable Blue Monday crafted by Alex James, Rosary 1sh Goat’s Cheese, and a creamy organic Cotswold brie. Served with fresh honeycomb, homemade chutney, grapes, celery, quince jelly, and a selection of biscuits.

This was a truly delectable meal and if I was a local, I would be dining here as frequently as possible! Now just in case you thought Keeper had been forgotten, you need not worry as she was provided with a roast chicken dinner which she ate with gusto.

After a good night’s sleep and a brisk morning walk, we enjoyed the self-service breakfast before setting off on our merry way. Had we not eaten so very well the night before we might have taken better advantage of the excellent spread of pastries, cereals, muesli fresh fruit and yoghurt, cheeses, smoothies, juices and cooked options. Keeper, however, was more than ready for her bowl of scrambled eggs and sausages!

Our stay at Tewkesbury Park was hugely pleasurable, and our canine companion revelled in the experience just as much as we did. The hotel’s commitment to providing a dog-friendly environment made our staycation truly special. From the welcoming accommodations to the thoughtful amenities, it’s evident that Tewkesbury Park goes above and beyond to ensure both guests and their four-legged friends have a memorable and enjoyable stay. 

Prices for the dog-friendly rooms cost £258 including breakfast, (based on double occupancy) a memory foam dog bed, food & water bowls and treats. When dining in the dog-friendly Piano Lounge, breakfast and dinner are included for your dog. 

For information and reservations, please call 01684 295 405, or email reservations@tewkesburypark.co.uk, or visit www.tewkesburypark.co.uk.   

Address: Tewkesbury Park, Lincoln Green Ln, Tewkesbury GL20 7DN Phone: 01684 272300

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