Historic Hotels in Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds:

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. TripAdvisor

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. Superbreak | TripAdvisor | Expedia

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 | Expedia

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

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 | Expedia

More period and historic accommodation in Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds...

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”. Expedia | LateRooms

Blockley

Crown Inn, The. A quintessential 16th century Cotswold inn. Expedia

Bourton on the Water

Lower Slaughter Manor.. Exquisite seventeenth century manor house occupying a site dating back to the Norman conquest. Expedia | LateRooms | Mr & Mrs Smith

Washbourne Court. Seventeenth century property that was formerly a set of farm workers cottages and a “cramming school” for Eton. Expedia | Superbreak

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. Hotelshop

Chipping Camden

Charingworth Manor. A magnificent medieval manor (14th century) which inspired T S Eliot. Expedia | LateRooms | Hotelshop

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 | Hotel's Own Site

Cirencester

Best Western Stratton House. Seventeenth century manor offering 39 en-suite guest rooms. Superbreak | Hotel Site

Gloucester

Hatton Court. Former private home now offering 45 en-suite rooms. Expedia

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). TripAdvisor

Stonehouse

Stonehouse Court. Dating back to 1601, Stonehouse Court is an elegant manor which offers 36 en suite guest rooms. Hotelshop

Stow-on-the-Wold

Grapevine, The. A 17th century hotel in one of England’s most historic towns. LateRooms

Tewkesbury

Tudor House Hotel. Founded by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1540. Expedia

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Discover more period places to stay in the Cotswolds in our Haunted Hotels in the West Country section.