Hotels in Cheltenham Gloucestershire: why stay at Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds

When you search for hotels in Cheltenham Gloucestershire, you’ll find plenty of options in town – but one of the most distinctive places to stay lies just outside the city. Cowley Manor Experimental is a historic country-house hotel with spa, restaurant and landscaped grounds, set in the Cotswolds yet only a short drive from Cheltenham. It’s an ideal base if you want both a relaxing retreat and easy access to the racecourse, festivals and cultural highlights of Gloucestershire.

Staying in Cheltenham, gateway to Gloucestershire

Cheltenham is one of the liveliest towns in Gloucestershire, known for its Georgian avenues, cultural festivals and world-famous racecourse. It’s also a natural gateway to the Cotswolds, making it a popular search term for travellers looking for accommodation across the county.

City-centre hotels put you close to theatres, restaurants and shops, but they often come with more noise and little outdoor space. That’s why many guests looking at hotels in Cheltenham Gloucestershire choose an address just outside town, combining convenient road access with calmer surroundings.

Cowley Manor sits in the village of Cowley, within the Cheltenham area, surrounded by rolling hills, lakes and established gardens. From here, you can dip into Cheltenham’s energy during the day or evening, then retreat to the peace of the countryside.

Cowley Manor Experimental: a luxury country hotel near Cheltenham

Cowley Manor Experimental is a 17th-century manor house transformed into a contemporary country hotel. Behind the classical façade, 36 bedrooms and suites mix period proportions with playful, design-led interiors inspired by Lewis Carroll. Canopy beds, bold fabrics and warm wood make each room feel both characterful and comfortable.

The hotel is designed as a complete stay near Cheltenham. The C-Side Spa offers indoor and outdoor pools, treatment rooms and relaxation spaces with views over the grounds. In the main house, the restaurant showcases seasonal produce from Gloucestershire and beyond, with menus curated by chef consultant Jackson Boxer. The Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds bar, the library and lounges provide relaxed spaces for pre-dinner drinks, nightcaps or a quiet afternoon by the fire.

For guests comparing hotels in Cheltenham Gloucestershire, Cowley Manor stands out as a countryside alternative: a design-forward hotel with spa, serious food and generous grounds, still only around fifteen minutes’ drive from central Cheltenham.

Why choose a countryside hotel instead of a city-centre stay?

Choosing a countryside hotel near Cheltenham rather than a room in town changes the rhythm of your trip. Instead of stepping straight out into busy streets, you wake up to views of lawns, lakes and mature trees. Mornings can start with a swim or a walk through the gardens; evenings end with dinner and cocktails on site, rather than another journey across town.

This kind of setting particularly suits:

• couples seeking a romantic break with spa time and long walks;
  
  
• wellness-focused trips built around treatments, swimming and quiet;
  
  
• families and small groups who value space, outdoor activities and easy parking.
  
  

Because Cowley Manor offers its own restaurant, bar and spa, you can choose how often you head into Cheltenham itself. Some guests visit the town every day; others spend most of their time at the hotel, only venturing out for a specific event or excursion.

Using Cowley Manor as your base to explore Gloucestershire

One of the main advantages of staying near Cheltenham is the ease of exploring the wider county. From Cowley Manor you can reach Cheltenham’s Regency streets, galleries and parks in a short drive, then return to the calm of the estate.

The hotel is also well placed for:

• Cheltenham Racecourse and its famous festival, around twenty minutes away by car, ideal if you want a luxurious base away from the race-day crowds ;
  
  
• day trips to classic Cotswold villages and market towns across Gloucestershire;
  
  
• longer excursions to major historic and cultural sites in the region.
  
  

Back at the hotel, you can balance busy days out with time at the spa, leisurely breakfasts on the terrace or cocktails in the bar. The team can help arrange taxis, suggest itineraries and point you towards the most interesting events happening in Cheltenham during your stay.

Planning your hotel stay in Cheltenham Gloucestershire

To make the most of your trip, start by deciding the focus of your stay:

• a short break built around the spa and the hotel’s grounds, with perhaps one afternoon in Cheltenham;
  
  
• a long weekend combining the races or a festival with relaxed evenings at the manor;
  
  
• a longer Gloucestershire itinerary, using Cowley Manor as a comfortable base.
  
  

Room types range from intimate doubles to spacious suites with lake or garden views. During peak periods such as race weeks and major festivals, early booking is strongly recommended, especially if you have a preferred room category.

Choosing Cowley Manor when you search for hotels in Cheltenham Gloucestershire gives you the best of both worlds: a characterful country-house hotel with spa and serious dining, plus quick, simple access to Cheltenham and the wider Cotswolds.

Key Facts

• Country-house hotel in Cowley, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
  
  
• Historic 17th-century manor transformed into a contemporary design hotel
  
  
• 36 bedrooms and suites with views over gardens and lakes
  
  
• C-Side Spa with indoor and outdoor pools and treatment rooms
  
  
• Seasonal restaurant and Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds bar on site
  
  
• Set within extensive landscaped grounds in the Cotswolds
  
  
• Convenient base for Cheltenham Racecourse, festivals and wider Gloucestershire
  
  

FAQ

Where is Cowley Manor located in relation to Cheltenham?
Cowley Manor is located in Cowley, within the Cheltenham area of Gloucestershire. It sits in the Cotswolds countryside but remains only a short drive from Cheltenham’s main districts, making it easy to split your time between town and country.

Is Cowley Manor a good option when searching for hotels in Cheltenham Gloucestershire?
Yes. If you are looking for hotels in Cheltenham Gloucestershire that combine access to the town with a peaceful setting, Cowley Manor is a strong option. You stay close enough for festivals, races and shopping, while enjoying the space, spa and gardens of a rural estate.

Does the hotel have a spa and wellness facilities?
The C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor offers indoor and outdoor pools, treatment rooms and relaxation areas. It’s well suited to spa weekends near Cheltenham, or simply to unwind after days spent exploring the county or attending events.

Can I stay at Cowley Manor during Cheltenham races or festivals?
Yes, many guests choose Cowley Manor during major events at Cheltenham Racecourse or in the town centre. You can spend the day at the racecourse or a festival, then return to the calm of the manor for dinner, cocktails and a restful night. Early booking is recommended for these dates.

How do I get to Cowley Manor?
The hotel’s full address is Cowley Manor, Cowley, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL, United Kingdom. Arrivals are usually by car or taxi along the local A-roads. Once on site, parking is available and the team can help arrange local transport during your stay.