“A Georgian Bath-stone house in a bucolic setting turned classy hotel with beautiful grounds, pools, spa, gym, top-notch dining, individual bedrooms and faultless service. Decor is predominantly traditional, but expect some surprises! An archetypal country house hotel with a contemporary twist.”
“A Georgian Bath-stone house in a bucolic setting turned classy hotel with beautiful grounds, pools, spa, gym, top-notch dining, individual bedrooms and faultless service. Decor is predominantly traditional, but expect some surprises! An archetypal country house hotel with a contemporary twist.”
Hotel Review
The first sight of this 1821 golden-stone manor at the top of a winding drive and surrounded by parkland is sure to wow you. It originally opened as a hotel in 1977 and, after falling into administration, was bought in 2021 by accomplished hoteliers Ian and Christa Taylor. They added it to The Kaleidoscope Collection, their exclusive portfolio of charming, quirky hotels in the South West (see Homewood, Freshford). The Taylors’ renovation programme, injecting new life and energy into Bishopstrow, is already showing signs of their trademark originality.
Among its greatest assets are 11 hectares of grounds, with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court, croquet lawn and even a dog agility area (Bishopstrow is determinedly pet friendly). There is also an 18thC walled kitchen garden, now ‘no dig’, and magical temple beside a private stretch of the River Wylye, where guests can ply their trout rods. Produce from this garden and other local growers and suppliers features on Executive Chef, Philip Lewis’s inspired, unpretentious Garden Grill menu. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the candlelit dining domes make the most romantic choice for dinner.
Back inside the hotel, the style is grand, but not off-putting. The Georgian features are all there, but with the occasional zany chandelier or whimsical piece of textile art. This eclectic style extends to the 36 bedrooms, ranging from Cosy through Comfy and Roomy to the extra luxurious Suites. The most contemporary are the Courtyard rooms. The former stables have been converted into a pampering boutique spa, steam room, sauna, indoor pool and gym.
Written by Leonie Glass
Recommended For
- Spa breaks
- The spa not only offers a wide range of therapies and beauty treatments, but also a thermal suite plus indoor and outdoor pools
- Families
- There's expansive gardens to run around in, games to play and a host of activities for all ages in the summer holidays
- Romantic Break
- Beautiful interiors, rooms with private hot tubs, superb food and a lovely country location
- Hotel Entertainment
- Bishopstrow hosts a range of activities and workshops including candle-making, garden tutorials and seasonal family fun
- Other Activities
- Clay pigeon shooting, gin tasting and garden tours can all be arranged
- Sights nearby
- Longleat, Stourhead and Stonehenge are all within a half hour drive
- Great walks
- Pet friendly
- Dogs are loved here and welcomed with a pack containing Lily's Kitchen food, a treat and a ball
- Restaurant
- The Garden Grill showcases the best British cuisine with many of the ingredients grown on site
- Private Hot Tub
- A handful of the suites and luxury suites come with private outdoor hot tub
- Boutique
- Beautifully classic interiors with a chic contemporary twist
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Designer
- Luxury
- Child friendly
- Gym
- Spa
Facilities
- Pet friendly
- Dogs are loved here and welcomed with a pack containing Lily's Kitchen food, a treat and a ball
- Restaurant
- The Garden Grill showcases the best British cuisine with many of the ingredients grown on site
- Private Hot Tub
- A handful of the suites and luxury suites come with private outdoor hot tub
- Swimming Pool
- Both outdoor and indoor pools
- Parking
- Complimentary on site parking
- Garden
- 30 acres of grounds
- Sit-out Terrace
- Suites
- Massage
- Sauna/Steam
- Bar
- Hot Tub
- Sitting Room
- Child friendly
- Gym
- Spa
Activities
- Hotel Entertainment
- Bishopstrow hosts a range of activities and workshops including candle-making, garden tutorials and seasonal family fun
- Other Activities
- Clay pigeon shooting, gin tasting and garden tours can all be arranged
- Sights nearby
- Longleat, Stourhead and Stonehenge are all within a half hour drive
- Great walks
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa Review
With its own meadows and section of river, Bishopstrow offers a cosseting experience in tranquil surroundings. The hotel is best known for its destination spa, but its lavish and luxurious bedrooms are two equally good reasons to take a trip to this bucolic corner of Wiltshire...
Originally published by The Telegraph
