SPOTLIGHT ON...THE COTSWOLDS

We reveal where to wed in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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TEWKESBURY PARK UNVEILS ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PACKAGES

Gather family and friends together for a magical Christmas and New Year spent in the rolling Cotswold countryside. Having completed a full refurbishment in recent years, family-owned Tewkesbury Park is an exquisite country house hotel, spa and award-winning golf course commanding one of the most stunning positions, with 360° breathtaking views of the Malvern Hills, the Cotswold Escarpment and the Severn Valley. Tewkesbury Park offers an array of luxurious facilities for everyone including your furry four-legged friends!

The hotel makes for the perfect festive retreat filled with menus to feast on, suites to relax in and spa rooms for some much-needed pampering. Whether it’s set to be a quiet cosy Christmas for two, or a glamorous affair with all of the family, there will be a whole host of delights on offer. THREE-NIGHT CHRISTMAS RETREAT FROM 24TH - 27TH DECEMBER Celebrate in style with Tewkesbury Park’s indulgent three-night Christmas Retreat, arriving on Christmas eve. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea followed by a Christmas movie offering with popcorn and hot chocolate. Drinks and canapés will be served after, ahead of a three-course meal. Mandatory bucks fizz and an extended breakfast will be enjoyed on Christmas morning, before a traditional Xmas lunch. Christmas cake will be enjoyed in front of the king’s speech followed by a relaxed evening menu offering an array of local produce. The third and final day will encompass a leisurely morning with the chance to head out and explore the beautiful grounds of the hotel followed by an evening of music, cocktails and sumptuous dining. Prices start from £996 for a Just Right room based on two people sharing (advanced booking required.)

Head chef Anuj Thakur and his talented team have created a sensational six-course tasting menu to be enjoyed this festive season. ‘Taste of Christmas’ will be served in the hotel’s Mint restaurant and boast dishes from hand-dived Scottish scallops, Aberdeen angus beef fillet and a winter vegetable Wellington to tantalising desserts of rose and raspberry macaron and lemon and lime posset. Guests also have the option to treat themselves to a lavish private dining experience in the Duke of Gloucester or Earl of Warwick dining rooms. Situated in the old manor house, their luxurious décor and sparkling chandeliers create a magical setting for festive celebrations. Priced at £78 per person with a matching wine flight for £42 per person. (Private dining room hire is charged separately and advanced booking is required.)

Who doesn’t love a good party? What better way to welcome in the new year than with a six-course feast, with fabulous live music and fireworks? It’s all about unhurried indulgence this New Year, and once you’ve made yourself at home, take time to explore the grounds or have a dip in the pool, before warming up for New Year’s Eve and tucking into a three-course feast. For the main event itself, Tewkesbury Park will knock your socks off with a glass of fizz and canapés followed by a six-course feast complete with a live band and fireworks at the stroke of midnight - and don’t forget to pack your finest flapper frock or suit because it’s Great Gatsby themed. Late check-out and a relaxed extended breakfast will greet be served before check-out the next morning. Prices start from £775 for a Just Right room based on two people sharing and advanced booking is required.

To find out more and to book, visit www.tewkesburypark.co.uk

NEW WEDDING VENUE WATER’S EDGE AT EWEN OPENS

Looking to book a wedding in 2023? Then don’t miss the opening of the Cotswolds’ hottest new wedding venue, Water’s Edge at Ewen launched by husband and wife team Steve and Emma Hewer. Commanding a stunning location in the heart of the pretty Cotswold village of Ewen, it’s a spectacular barn conversion with stylish interiors - think gallery kitchen, statement bar, crackling fireplaces and more.

To find out more, visit www.watersedgeatewen.co.uk

Read all about it in our next February/March issue!

ELMORE COURT WELCOMES A NEW GENERAL MANAGER AND WEDDING COORDINATOR

Summer may have long since departed but the Elmore Court estate is still a hive of activity. Their treehouses have grown from an idea into something more structural now, with the finishing touches being put to the interiors with bespoke furniture – read more in our new-year issue! The exclusive-use wedding venue has just welcomed a new general manager called Luke Millikin who has plenty of experience and will help owner Anselm run it. There’s also a new wedding coordinator, Annie. On Sunday 19th March 2023, couples will have the opportunity to visit the venue for a wedding showcase. For more information, visit www.elmorecourt.com

THE LYGON ARMS ON BROADWAY UNVEILS FESTIVE BREAKS

The Lygon Arms located in the quintessential Cotswolds in the famous town of Broadway that borders Gloucestershire with Worcestershire is known for its roaring log fires and cosy corners in winter and is currently offering a home-from-home in which to soak up the nostalgia of Christmas. Enjoy a three-night festive break by arriving on Christmas Eve and departing on 27th December 2022 priced from £405 per night.

Those wanting to book a new year minimoon in the region can enjoy countryside walks in the surrounding picturesque Broadway village up to Fish Hill and along The Cotswold Way. No wellies? No worries. There’s a fully stocked boot room at this 14th-century coaching inn.

To find out more and to book, visit www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk