Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

The Independent UK

Lizzie Edmonds

Calcot Manor & Spa, Cotswolds, hotel review

Cotswolds (Location)

A fabulous, family-focused hotel where staff really have thought of everything to keep little ones – and therefore their accompanying adults – happy

Location

Calcot Manor & Spa is four miles from the quaint town of Tetbury in the heart of the Cotswolds. Made up of one main house plus several cottages and outbuildings, the hotel is nestled in 220 acres of re-wilded countryside, ripe for guests to explore on foot or by bike (which you can rent for free). The nearest station is Kemble, which is about 20 minutes away by taxi.

The vibe

Cora and Sebastian outside Calcot Manor & Spa (Lizzie Edmonds)

Warm, welcoming and fun – sort of like visiting the home of your posh friend who has lots of kids and a dog, plus bonus grandparents who want to look after your children. It is both very family-friendly and very catered to adults who want to have a lovely time with good food, delicious wine and a fabulous spa.

Service

Having stayed in various hotels with children, I can confirm there is a big difference between a luxury hotel that caters for kids and a truly family-friendly establishment. There is also a huge difference between employees who have been trained to deal with young guests, and staff who clearly adore children. The latter is true in both instances at Calcot Manor & Spa. A special shout out to Sabrina on reception for pushing for an early check-in so my son could get his all-important nap, and Sam in the restaurant for making breakfast fun rather than an early morning horror.

Bed and bath

One of the stylish, luxury rooms at Calcot Manor & Spa that radiates Cotswolds chic (Calcot Manor & Spa)

There are 35 rooms, about half of which are in the main house. They are adults-only – so ideal for couples. We stayed in a family suite which was gargantuan. As well as a main bedroom, the children had their own sleeping quarters, plus there was a small kitchenette and dining space. There was a large family bathroom (including children’s soaps, shampoos and toys) with an enormous shower and huge roll top bath. Much like the public spaces, the look is contemporary Cotswolds chic – neutral interiors jazzed up with fun details such as colourful headboards, quirky lamps and inviting soft furnishings.

Food and drink

There are two places to eat at Calcot Manor & Spa. First, The Hive, which is a more casual offering serving a selection of all-day dining classics – sandwiches, flatbreads, salads. It also has an extensive children’s menu and is home to the dedicated kids buffet-style tea between 5pm and 6pm every night. After hours, it transforms into a cocktail bar.

Set in a light-filled conservatory-style building, The Brasserie is the more grown-up eating space that also hosts breakfast, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch. Expect high-end (and high-priced) dining here.

Make sure to spend some time in the wonderful outdoor Jacuzzi before settling in front of the fire (Calcot Spa at Calcot Manor & Spa)

Facilities

As the name would suggest, there is a spa at Calcot Manor & Spa. I had both a Hydraglow Facial and a Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage - both of which were sublime. Make sure to spend some time in the outdoor jacuzzi before wrapping up in a fluffy robe in front of the fire. Bliss.

Children can use the pool for pre-booked 45-minute slots at 3.45pm or 4.30pm daily (plus 8.45am or 9.30am at the weekend). Otherwise, it is a child-free zone.

Accessibility

There are seven ground-floor rooms and one wheelchair accessible bedroom. All public rooms are accessible. The spa is also and has a lift to the first floor.

Pet Policy

Six of the bedrooms are suitable for dogs with a charge of £25 per dog per night.

Check-in/check-out

Check-in is 3pm, check-out is 11am.

Family-friendly?

Extremely. Child guests (aged newborn and up) can visit the Ofsted-registered purpose-built crèche, The Playbarn, for a (very generous) four hours a day. For younger children, the space is packed with toys, puzzles, dressing up costumes – while for older kids (aged eight and over), there is The Mez packed with PlayStations, Wii consoles, Xboxes, computers and even a 12-seater cinema.

There is also a seasonal outdoor pool, nature trail, lawn games, outdoor play area, mud kitchen… honestly children could stay for a long weekend and not get around to doing it all. An added bonus is the in-built baby monitor system, meaning adults can escape the room after the children are asleep for dinner and drinks.