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Cowley, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
GL53 9NL
To call the look ‘designer’ doesn’t do justice to Cowley Manor’s funky, flamboyant aesthetic; the exuberant decor is a world away from the usual country-house hotels.
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Cowley, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Cheltenham: Le Champignon Sauvage on Suffolk Road in Cheltenham (+44 (0)1242 573449) serves excellent English and French cuisine; the Daffodil on Suffolk Parade (+44 (0)1242 700055) serves Mod Med in art deco surrounds.
Montpellier Wine Bar at Bayshill Lodge in regency Cheltenham has a lively atmosphere. The Hare and Hounds in Fosse Cross (+44 (0)1285 720288) for delicious gastro food. The Fossebridge Inn near Northleach (+44 (0)1285 720721) is ideal for Sunday lunch: book ahead. The 17th-century Lamb Inn at Great Rissington (+44 (0)1451 820388) has a great garden. The Bell at Sapperton near Cirencester (+44 (0)1285 760298) is good for lunch and has a great variety of ales. The Green Dragon (+44 (0)1242 870 271) in Cowley has a classic country pub vibe, with crackling fires, low-slung beams and flagstone floors.
Hot-air ballooning at Balloon Flights, Cheltenham (+44 (0)1242 675003; www.hot-air-ballooning.ltd.uk). Boutique shopping in Cheltenham’s Montpellier. Cheltenham races, 40 minutes away (+44 (0)1242 537642; www.cheltenham.co.uk). Antiques fair at the racecourse, last Sunday of every month. Clay-pigeon shooting at Chatcombe Estate Shooting School (+44 (0)1242 870391). Horse riding can be arranged at Ullenwood Stables (+44 (0)1242 575 020), and helicopter tours of the Cotswolds with Rise (+44 (0)1452 857083).
March Cheltenham Festival starts Britain’s horse-racing calendar, and hosts the Gold Cup (+44 (0)1242 537642; www.cheltenham.co.uk). July Cheltenham’s Music and Fringe Festival features music concerts, street entertainment, comedy and fireworks; the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford (+44 (0)1285 713300; www.airtattoo.com).
For a full list of bars and restaurants in Cotswolds, click here
The beautiful Norman church of St Mary's in Cowley Manor's grounds seats up to 60 and makes a wonderful scenic setting in which to wed.
Wedding parties of 60–100 must take the hotel's 30 rooms on an exclusive basis, giving you exclusive use of the restaurant, public areas, and grounds. Smaller weddings for up to 30 guests can be arranged, with use of the private dining room.
The setting makes for the ideal wedding album – gorgeous rolling Cotswold hills, with a chain of lakes and waterfalls in the gardens, and masses of space in the main house to celebrate in. Spa treatments, hot air balloon trips and clay-pigeon shooting can all be arranged for the wedding party.
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There are 55 acres of grounds to explore. In July, Cheltenham’s Music and Fringe Festival features music concerts, street entertainment, comedy and fireworks; and there's the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford (01285 713300; www.airtattoo.com).
There are indoor and outdoor pools, but they are more for swimmers and less for splashers.
A children’s supper is served between 7pm and 8.30pm (for £5); the hotel asks that the dining room is child-free by 8.30pm.
Babysitting is available by pre-arrangement; ring ahead for current prices. Book one and indulge in Cowley's acclaimed spa indulgences.
There's a DVD library to choose films from. Ask for hot-water bottles to warm beds with.
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