The Web’s Premiere Guide to Historic Hotels and Accommodation in the UK, France, Italy and Western Europe
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The Royalist. Stow-on-the-Wold
Anywhere with structural timbers over 1000 years old is bound to have more than its fair share of tales to tell. Dating back to 947 AD, The Royalist has many curious features befitting such an ancient building: “witch marks” above the fireplace to ward off evil spirits, a medieval frieze, and even a leper pit in the oldest part of the cellars.
Its name, however, is linked to the English Civil War, when the building was used as headquarters of the Royalist army prior to the Battle of Stow in 1646 - a battle they would lose at great cost. Booking.com | TripAdvisor
Its name, however, is linked to the English Civil War, when the building was used as headquarters of the Royalist army prior to the Battle of Stow in 1646 -
The Manor House Hotel. Moreton-in-Marsh
Attempt to conjure up a mental image of the archetypal Cotswold country house and the result would no doubt bear more than a passing resemblance to The Manor House Hotel - a honey-coloured stone building amid well-tended gardens and ancient oaks.
Although the existing house is of considerable age (it was built in 1545), its predecessor was, in fact, granted to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster by King Henry VIII six years earlier in 1539. It’s most notable historic claim, however, is its playing host to the future King George VI during World War II. Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Although the existing house is of considerable age (it was built in 1545), its predecessor was, in fact, granted to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster by King Henry VIII six years earlier in 1539. It’s most notable historic claim, however, is its playing host to the future King George VI during World War II. Booking.com |
The Fleece. Cirencester
Located in the centre of Cirencester - once the second largest Roman town in England - the Fleece Hotel’s historic claim-to-fame is immortalised in the name of it’s “1651 Bar & Restaurant”. It was here in September of that year the future King Charles II hid from Parliamentarian troops eager to capture him for the £1000 price which had been placed on his head. Posing as Jane Lane’s manservant, he remained undetected before fleeing the country for France. Superbreak | TripAdvisor | Lastminute.com
The New Inn. Gloucester.
This, the UK’s oldest surviving galleried inn, was originally built as a Pilgrims Inn to house visitors to the shrine of King Edward II in St Peters Abbey. However, the building fell into disrepair and was subsequently reconstructed in 1455 (hence the title “The New Inn”). Its main historic significance, however, is that it was while staying at The New Inn in 1553 that Lady Jane Grey was pronounced Queen - a title she would hold for a mere nine days. Expedia | TripAdvisor | Lastminute.com
Wesley House. Winchcombe
An old, traditional building in a quintessential small Cotswold town, Wesley House surprises with a contemporary feel to its bar and grill. The accommodation, however, is more in keeping with its exterior image, especially the twin-bed “Preacher’s Room” in which John Wesley - the founder of Methodism - stayed in 1755 and 1779. TripAdvisor
More Period Accommodation in Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds...
Badminton
Bodkin House. This former coaching inn set in the hamlet of Petty France just outside Badminton once hosted Jane Austen as a young girl. Indeed, it would later feature in her novel Northanger Abbey. Booking.com
Bibury
Bibury Court. Beautiful country house hotel dating from the early 17th century. Bibury Court is located on the edge of what artist William Morris described as “the most beautiful village in England”. Practical information for the visitor is available with Booking.com | LateRooms | Lastminute.com
The Swan. Much enlarged over the past couple of hundred years, The Swan’s origins date back to the 17th century when it acted as a coaching inn. Booking.com
Blockley
Lower Brook House. With 17th century origins, Lower Brook House is set at the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Offering highly-rated bed & breakfast accommodation, it possesses a mere six rooms. Booking.com
Bourton on the Water
Lower Slaughter Manor. Exquisite seventeenth century manor house occupying a site dating back to the Norman conquest. LateRooms | Mr & Mrs Smith | Lastminute.com
Washbourne Court. Seventeenth century property that was formerly a set of farm workers cottages and a “cramming school” for Eton. Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Lords of the Manor. A former rectory dating from the 17th century, The Lords of The Manor is situated in Upper Slaughter, just a short drive from Bourton on the Water itself. Booking.com
Buckland (nr Broadway)
Buckland Manor. A truly stunning 13th century property set amid ten acres of superb gardens. Expedia
Cheltenham
Hotel de la Bere. Superb 500-year-old manor boasting 57 en-suite guest rooms.
The Greenway. A classic Elizabethan country house dating from around 1580, much favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Interestingly, the property takes its name from the ancient path which runs alongside the estate. Booking.com
Chipping Campden
Charingworth Manor. A magnificent medieval manor (14th century) which inspired T S Eliot. More practical information is available through Booking.com | Charingworth Manor | LateRooms
The Noel Arms. Legend it might be, but rumour has it that Charles II stayed here shortly after defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 – the last of the English Civil War. Booking.com | Lastminute.com
The Noel Arms. Legend it might be, but rumour has it that Charles II stayed here shortly after defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 – the last of the English Civil War. Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Chipping Sodbury
Cross Hands, The. Queen Elizabeth II sought refuge here during a blizzard in 1981. The building itself - formerly a posting house - dates back as far as the 14th century. Expedia | The Cross Hands
Cirencester
Best Western Stratton House. Seventeenth century manor offering 39 en-suite guest rooms. Further details are available with Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Clearwell
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel. One of the oldest buildings offering accommodation in the UK, Tudor Farmhouse is located on the fringes of the Forest of Dean and within easy reach of Monmouth and the Welsh border. Booking.com
Coleford
The Speech House. Its interesting name is derived from it having been used as a Verderer’s Court (‘Verderers’ being guardians of Royal Forests and appointed by the monarch). However, its most notable historic claim-to-fame is that the building was originally constructed as a hunting lodge in 1676 for King Charles II. Learn more through Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Gloucester
Lechlade on Thames
The New Inn. Did Shelley write his Stanzas in Lechlade Churchyard while staying here in August 1815? Some say so. TripAdvisor
Minchinhampton
Burleigh Court. Those who stay at this 18th century manor have very positive things to say, on the whole. Supposedly built for a Japanese Ambassador, it retains much of its period charm in addition to a couple of ghost (reputedly). Booking.com | TripAdvisor
Stonehouse
Stonehouse Court. Dating back to 1601, Stonehouse Court is an elegant manor which offers 36 en suite guest rooms.
Stow-
Grapevine, The. A 17th century hotel in one of England’s most historic towns. LateRooms | Lastminute.com
The Old Stocks. Both family rooms and dog-friendly rooms are available at this 17th century hotel. Booking.com
Tetbury
The Snooty Fox. Originally known as The White Hart, this old inn is a landmark of the famously royal Gloucestershire town of Tetbury. Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Tewkesbury
For more period accommodation try our sections on Historic Holiday Cottages and Beautiful English Villages
Nights In The Past is in no doubt whatsoever that Gloucestershire is home to some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. We also admit that we will have almost certainly failed to include a historic gem from this most quintessentially English of counties. If you know of any other heritage accommodation - traditional inn, bed & breakfast, country house hotel or otherwise - you believe should be included, please get in touch. Anyone seeking places to stay in the Cotswolds will find further options in our Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire sections.
Copyright. Nights In The Past 2007 -
Historic Hotels in Gloucestershire
If you can’t find it below, see all Gloucestershire hotels at LateRooms, Booking.com, Lastminute.com, Hotels.com
Charingworth Manor
Buckland Manor
Lower Slaughter Manor