Take inspiration from Downton Abbey with an historical retreat

With Downton Abbey hitting our screens in less than a month, a love of historical estates is set to spike within the British public. Ellenborough Park, a 16th century country house hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds offers the grandeur and luxury so often explored within this critically acclaimed series.

Like the series, Ellenborough Park bares a rich and enthralling heritage. Lady of the Manor, Jane Digby was seventeen years younger than her controversial husband, Earl Ellenborough when they married. A spirited and empowered woman, Jane committed adultery with an Austrian prince in 1830 and her marriage ended. Scandalous Jane went on to have four more marriages and at least four more affairs, before finally settling down with a Bedouin chief, Sheikh el Mazrab, twenty years her junior.

Ellenborough Park is a Grade II listed building set on the original Cheltenham Racecourse estate, which has been restored as an exceptional destination hotel. Providing the best in hotel accommodation, locally sourced British cuisine and exceptional service, it is ideal for romantic interludes and historical excursions with neighbouring Sudeley Castle a beautiful walk away. 

Located just ten minutes from Regency Cheltenham, set in stunning parkland, the hotel comprises 62 large bedrooms and suites individually designed by Nina Campbell, who took inspiration from the heritage of the house, drawing on fineries of the past and adding contemporary finishes.

Akin to Carson and his team, the staff at Ellenborough Park offer exceptional service, treating you like the Lord or Lady of the Manor, and are on hand to satisfy your every whim. Enjoy afternoon tea in the opulent Great Hall, with homemade cakes and sandwiches served by the obliging staff, or relax in the Indian themed spa with one of the many soothing treatments on offer. Ellenborough Park also offers a full range of country pursuits, with Dubarry boots and Barbour jackets available for free hire so you can look and feel the part!

Dining options include the oak panelled Beaufort Dining Room for formal occasions and The Brasserie, with its country house menu, as a more informal setting.  For a private dining experience, Ellenborough Park has many options such as the Royalist with oak panelling and original stone fireplaces, with dedicated service throughout and a sense of relaxed attentiveness that reflects that of days gone by.

Stay at Ellenborough Park, from £230 per night (Sunday – Friday) for two people in a traditional room with breakfast.

For more information, visit ellenboroughpark.com.