Landscape Cowley Manor Experimental Hotel & Spa in the Cotswolds

The Chapters of Cowley Manor

A manor house at the heart of England’s history.

The first iteration constructed in 1695. A property once owned by the kings of England. Exchanged by Edward the Confessor for the land in which he built Westminster Abbey. A building designed by the renowned R.A. Briggs. A safe haven for from German air attacks. The inspiration for Alice in Wonderland.

Fountain Cowley Manor Experimental Hotel & Spa in the Cotswolds

Chapter 1: The Kings of England

Long before construction started in 1695, the land belonged to one of the last Anglo-Saxon Kings. Edward the Confessor exchanged this very land in return for the land on which he constructed Westminster Abbey.

Hotel & Spa Cowley Manor Experimental located in the Cotswolds

Landscape Window View Hotel & Spa Cowley Manor Experimental in the Cotswolds

Chapter 2: A Fortune Lost

Owned by Pershore Abbey until the 16th Century, Cowley Manor passed into the hands of the Brett family. Sadly, one member squandered the family fortune and with it went Cowley Manor. The main house is not as old as it looks, although there has been a house on site for many centuries dating back to a mention in the Domesday Book. The buildings as they are today were built just over 100 years ago.

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Chapter 3: The Epitome of Luxury

Cowley Manor was once the pinnacle of modern living, built by fine craftsmen using traditional and local materials but also with new inventions and designs. It was the first private house in England to use concrete, a innovation of the time. It showcased a new form of country entertaining, with grand rooms, and –unusually – a major spa complex. There were Roman, Greek, and Turkish steam rooms, and a range of pools with water at varying temperatures for different moods.

Chapter 4: Inspiring Famous Tales

Lewis Carroll (born William Dodgson) visited Cowley regularly, staying with friends at what is now the Old Rectory. Local history says Carroll wrote his iconic Alice in Wonderland, during his stays in the local village, drawing his inspiration from the grounds of Cowley Manor.

Gardens Galore

Balcony View of Hotel & Spa Cowley Manor Experimental in the Cotswolds

We have created a haven of tranquillity on the grounds of Cowley Manor. From our eclectic collection of trees and beautiful plant life that blooms throughout each season to our unique sculptures dotted around the grounds, the gardens at Cowley Manor are an inspiration throughout winter, spring, summer and autumn.

Conservation is very close to our hearts here at Cowley. Can you spot any of our wonderful creatures? Keep an eye out for the rare Lesser-Spotted Purple Dragonfly.