Oozing country-chic appeal, Widbrook Grange sits on the edge of the Cotswolds near Bradford on Avon and feels more like a fancy home than a hotel - without losing all the lovely service and pampering you come to expect from a gorgeous country getaway.
You'll arrive outside this grand-looking farmhouse, in all its wisteria-clad and Cotswold stone splendour, where you'll be greeted with a welcome drink on the house. You'll be shown to a lovely Classic Room, found in either a beautifully converted stable or one of the annexes around the main farmhouse for your two-night stay. Forget pared-back modernism: this is rustic done right, with every higgledy-piggledy furnishing deliberately handpicked for its charm factor. Of course, you could consider upgrading to an even larger room, complete with a rolltop bath.
Your first night includes a three-course dinner in The Kitchen Restaurant. It's a farmhouse affair, serving elevated versions of classic dishes primarily drawing on ingredients sourced from local growers and suppliers in a seasonally changing menu. After dinner, make plans to investigate the Gin Bar - a drinking den boasting one of the best gin collections in the region, with over 165 choices.
For a boutique hotel with just 19 guestrooms, the small indoor pool is an unexpected extra to enjoy. But what lies outside is even more enticing: eleven acres of grounds surrounding the hotel. With the wider Cotswolds beyond, this is the perfect place to bring your pooch, who'll stay for free with our offer.
When you're ready to explore further afield, the lovely town of Bradford on Avon is close by, and Bath is within a 25-minute drive.
Two-night stay from £189.50pp*
We love taking the 45-minute walk along the scenic canal to the impressive aqueduct at Avoncliff and stopping at The Cross Guns for lunch, which has views of the aqueduct and river from the beer garden.
The hotel is a 20-minute walk from Bradford-on-Avon's historic centre, shops and pubs.
By car: around 45 minutes from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London or 3 hours 30 minutes from Manchester. There is free parking on site.
By train: trains to Trowbridge station run from Bristol Temple Meads (38 minutes) or Bath Spa (21 minutes). The hotel is a 6-minute drive from Trowbridge Station. thetrainline.com
The hotel suits couples and families looking for a varied and good-value break close to the countryside, town and city. We love the relaxing swimming pool in a converted barn and the snug but eccentric bar that is stocked with a range of more than 150 gins.
The 11m-long heated swimming pool, which is an appealing and peaceful spot for a dip, with its large floor-to-ceiling window is a highlight. A small gym sits above it. Up to two dogs are allowed to stay in a large selection of bedrooms - dog birthday parties are even thrown. For the price of £15 per dog per night, canine pals can expect a dog bed and special treats.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Swimming pool
- Gym
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pet friendly
We love the individual quirks of each room - one even has a sink mounted on the back of a bicycle. Our favourite room has a contemporary four-poster bed, a freestanding bath in the corner, two dressmakers dolls and an interesting mix of fabrics.
Cosy, Classic, Super Deluxe Double, Family and Dog-Friendly rooms, Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, king-size bed, TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities
The traditional flavour combinations in the main courses allow the local game, meat and other produce to stand out. Our favourite dish is seared scallops with chorizo and pea puree for its simple flavours.
Restaurant: relaxed, modern British cuisine, locally-sourced produce. Open for breakfast and dinner. Dinner mains from £15.
Gin Bar: over 165 craft and award-winning gins. Open daily 12-10.30pm. Personalised tasting £29.
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