Cowley Manor is one of the most famous buildings in the country. Based on the Villa Borghese in Rome and echoing the architecture of Chatsworth and Cliveden, it features a grand Italianate exterior and bold iconic interiors.
The perfect choice for a romantic break or country getaway, Cowley includes 31 bedrooms, a multi award-winning spa, heated indoor & outdoor pools, and 55 acres of Grade II listed gardens – ideal for a luxury getaway in the Cotswolds.
Located within the quintessential chocolate-box village of Cowley, the manor is just 15 minutes from Cirencester and 20 minutes from Stow-on-the-Wold – with its honey-hued buildings and inspiring views, it is the perfect starting point for a countryside walk (with some great pubs on the way!).
The land on which Cowley Manor sits used to belong to the kings of England. It was exchanged by Edward the Confessor in return for the land on which he built Westminster Abbey. Packed with history and colourful stories Cowley Manor was built to showcase the height of modern living. Constructed by fine craftsmen using traditional and local materials the house featured all the latest new inventions and designs. It was, for example, the first private house in England to use concrete.
Lewis Carroll (William Dodgson) visited Cowley regularly. Local history has it that Carroll wrote his best-known book, Alice in Wonderland, during his stays in the village, drawing his inspiration from the grounds of Cowley Manor. With 55 acres of gardens, said to have inspired the adventures of Alice in Wonderland, the Telegraph proclaimed they were the ‘most spectacular’ they have ever seen.
During the Second World War, the manor was requisitioned as a safe haven from German air attacks, as it was thought the Luftwaffe would find it difficult to launch raids down the narrow Churn valley – as it turned out this proved to be correct.
The Main House originally had 47 bedrooms, and countless sub-divided rooms on the ground floor. These were transformed into 15 beautiful guest rooms with huge bathrooms and large public areas. The Stable Block was re-designed and re-configured with additional bedrooms built over one, two, and three levels.
Cowley’s fabulous C-Side spa was sunk into the Grade II listed grounds after exceptional permission was given by English Heritage, who have subsequently referred to Cowley and C-Side as among the most exciting and leading projects in a historical setting in the UK.
Cowley Manor is a playground for grown-ups, it’s hard to pick just one highlight for couples at Cowley this Summer, here are just a few of our favourites:
• Picnicking in the Grounds: what could be more romantic? We strongly recommend booking this wonderful experience as a surprise for your partner, think of all the extra brownie points you’ll get.
• A Couple’s Treatment at C-Side: A gorgeous, shared experience in the couple’s treatment suite at C-Side. There’s something special about sharing this experience together and letting your stresses float away. We recommended booking at the start of your stay or prior to arrival.
• We’re still ‘peachy keen, jellybean’ for the Al Fresco cinema screenings (including Grease) that take place on the Top Lawn or poolside at C-Side.
• For the green-fingered, lunch and a tour of the gardens with Head Gardener David Masters is not to be missed.
With so much to do and see in the area, including everything the nearby regency spa town of Cheltenham has to offer, its hardly surprising that guests continue to return to Cowley year after year.
Check out some of the lesser known attractions including:
‘Theatre Under the Stars’ with a performance of The Scarlet Pimpernel on the top lawn at 7pm on the 31st of July. Tickets & more information
Holst Museum – The birthplace of the famous composer. The Holst Museum is a Victorian Tardis where visitors can see what it was like to grow up and live in the 19th Century. There are craft sessions, Victorian games and much more. Visit for more information.
Summer Jam at the Brewery Quarter (2nd – 4th August) – A mini-festival taking place in Cheltenham just 15 minutes from Cowley, with lots of live music, crafts, and art stalls. Visit for more information.
To ensure you experience the very best of Cowley Manor, Country Hotel Breaks has negotiated the following incredible offer for our customers – complete with all these value-added extras included:
SPARKLING COTSWOLD BREAK – £162.50 pp
Stay in a Good room and receive:
A Bottle of Prosecco in your room on arrival
Dinner in The Restaurant on one evening (allocation £30pp)
Continental breakfast daily
Lazy late noon check out
Need a great gift idea? Our luxury hotel vouchers are ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and all other special occasions. Whether you want to say congratulations, thank-you, or just because – a hotel gift voucher lets the lucky recipient create their own perfect break.
If you would like more information about any of our luxury hotels or require assistance with your reservation, please call our helpful reservations team on 0333 2125 532 or email reservations@countryhotelbreaks.com
