4 star hotel in the Cotswolds: Cowley Manor Experimental

If you are looking for a 4 star hotel in the Cotswolds, Cowley Manor Experimental offers exactly what you’d expect from a refined countryside address: a 17th-century manor, 36 individually designed rooms, a full spa with indoor and outdoor pools, seasonal dining by Jackson Boxer and 55 acres of private grounds in the English countryside.

A four-star style escape in the heart of the Cotswolds

Set in rolling countryside near Cheltenham, Cowley Manor Experimental feels like a secluded retreat yet remains close to the villages and market towns that make the Cotswolds so iconic. The historic house stands at the centre of 55 acres of gardens, lakes and woodland, creating a peaceful base for exploring the region or simply switching off for a few days.

From here, it’s easy to spend the morning wandering through honey-stone streets in nearby villages such as Bibury or Castle Combe, then return to the hotel for a swim, a treatment at the spa and dinner overlooking the grounds.

Rooms and suites: playful design and country-house comfort

Cowley Manor Experimental offers 36 rooms and suites, each with its own layout and character. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, the interiors combine bold colours, graphic fabrics, rattan details and generous headboards with original architectural features.

Many rooms feature four-poster beds, freestanding bathtubs and views across the lakes and lawns. Some are perfect for couples looking for a romantic hideaway, while spacious family rooms and two-bedroom suites make longer stays with children easy and comfortable.

C-Side Spa: a complete wellness experience

A premier spa is an essential cornerstone of any four-star experience in the Cotswolds and C-Side delivers. Housed in contemporary buildings that open onto the landscape, the spa includes a slate-lined indoor pool, a large outdoor pool heated year-round, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room.

Treatments range from deep-tissue massages to restorative facials, using natural, locally inspired products. They are designed as full sensory rituals rather than quick add-ons, making C-Side as suitable for a dedicated wellness break as for a single indulgent afternoon.

Families benefit from dedicated family swim times in the indoor pool, so children can enjoy the water while adults still find quieter moments in the spa.

Local, seasonal dining and creative cocktails

Dining is a central part of the experience at Cowley Manor Experimental. Chef Consultant Jackson Boxer crafts menus that highlight the best local produce from the Cotswolds, often with subtle French influences. Expect carefully sourced meat and fish, vibrant vegetables from the hotel’s kitchen garden and thoughtful sauces rather than heavy embellishment.

Menus change with the seasons: comforting dishes built around squash, game and autumn fruit as the days grow shorter, then festive menus when Christmas comes to the manor. Breakfasts are generous and relaxed, with fresh bread, pastries and cooked options that set you up for a day of walking or spa time.

In the evening, the Experimental Cocktail Club bar takes over, serving signature drinks that draw on herbs, fruits and botanicals from the grounds – a natural continuation of the group’s cocktail-bar heritage in London and Paris.

The perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds

Cowley Manor makes an excellent base for discovering the wider Cotswolds. The team can suggest routes and outings, from picture-perfect villages like Bourton-on-the-Water to family-friendly attractions such as Cotswold Wildlife Park or the tree-lined walks of Westonbirt Arboretum.

Closer to home, the estate itself provides more than enough to fill a weekend: lakeside paths, woodland walks, hidden picnic spots and lawns made for deckchairs and long summer afternoons. In cooler weather, the library, lounges and board games offer a cosy alternative to being outdoors.

For couples, families and groups

Whether you are planning a romantic break, a multi-generational trip or a countryside weekend with friends, Cowley Manor Experimental adapts easily. Couples can book spa treatments for two, arrange a private picnic by the lake or join a cocktail-making session in the bar.

Families appreciate the generous room options, the indoor pool, outdoor space to burn off energy and flexible, seasonal menus with dishes that appeal to all ages. Groups, meanwhile, benefit from the mix of shared spaces and quiet corners, ideal for celebrating a birthday, marking an occasion or simply spending unhurried time together in the countryside.

For travellers searching for a 4 star hotel in the Cotswolds, Cowley Manor Experimental brings together design-led interiors, a serious spa, destination dining and a story-rich setting – a complete country-house experience in one place.

Key Facts

• Historic 17th-century manor house in the Cotswolds countryside
  
  
• Around 36 individually designed bedrooms and suites
  
  
• 55 acres of private gardens, lakes and woodland around the hotel
  
  
• C-Side Spa with heated indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and steam room
  
  
• Seasonal restaurant menus by Chef Consultant Jackson Boxer
  
  
• Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds bar on site
  
  
• Family-friendly facilities and activities during school-holiday periods
  
  

FAQ

What makes Cowley Manor Experimental a strong choice for a 4 star hotel stay in the Cotswolds?
It combines a historic country-house setting with playful, design-driven interiors, a fully equipped spa, serious seasonal dining and extensive grounds. Guests get the comfort and facilities they expect from a four-star-level stay, with the character of a boutique retreat.

Does Cowley Manor Experimental have both indoor and outdoor pools?
Yes. C-Side Spa includes a slate-lined indoor pool and a large outdoor pool, alongside treatment rooms, sauna and steam facilities, making it attractive in every season.

Is the hotel suitable for families as well as couples?
Very much so. There are spacious family rooms and suites, family swim times in the indoor pool and simple on-site activities such as garden trails, games and movie nights during school holidays.

Can I come just for a wellness weekend in the Cotswolds?
Yes. Many guests choose Cowley Manor specifically for a two- or three-night wellness break, combining spa treatments, time in the pools, unhurried meals and gentle walks in the Cotswolds. Occasional packages group these elements into one easy-to-book.