Hotel Snapshot
The Cotswolds are full of upscale estate hotels, where guests can saddle up, feast on seasonal fare, and unwind at a fabulous spa. Lucknam Park, nestled near Bath, stands out in the competitive field of English countryside hospitality. Set on 500 acres of parkland and wilderness, this quintessential country retreat—built in 1720 and now part of the Emblems Collection—invites guests to don wellies for a romp across the bucolic grounds, dress in finery for a Michelin-starred meal, and slip into a cozy robe for an afternoon of facials and infused water. It’s also one of the most exceptional family properties in the area, earning points among travelers with tots in tow.
Design & Character
The heart of Lucknam Park is the restored Georgian manor house, which holds the reception, library, bar, Michelin-starred restaurant, and many of the rooms. Interiors exude the history of the centuries-old estate—well-loved luxury furnishings, roaring fireplaces, portraits of residents past, black-and-white photographs from back in the day, shelves filled with old books, hand-loomed rugs, and hand-selected antiques.
The Rooms
The individually decorated rooms and suites in the main house are steeped in character—from floral wallpaper and antique dressers to four-poster beds and freestanding tubs. For something a bit more private and contemporary, but certainly not lacking in charm, consider one of the new cottages, complete with a log-burning fireplace in the living room, an eat-in kitchen, two bedrooms, and a primary bath with a copper rolltop tub. Perfect for families or a small group of friends traveling together, these storybook stone houses are like staying in your very own private Cotswolds residence—at least, for a few days.
Food & Drink
The Walled Garden is the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or bites and booze whenever you please. Restaurant Hywel Jones—which has held onto its Michelin star for 20 consecutive years—earns high praise for its tasting menu, wine selection, and refined setting, recently refurbished with fresh fabrics while still retaining the old-school charm of its ornamental wood trims and sparkling crystal chandeliers. There’s a fire-warmed lounge for pre-dinner drinks and digestifs, including a fine selection of whisky from around the world.
Amenities
Spread across the sprawling estate are a spate of first-class amenities, ranging from an equestrian center and country pastimes like duck herding and clay pigeon shooting to footie fields and a kids’ play hut.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
There’s a full-service spa for pampering downtime, whether you prefer to book in for a full day of bespoke massages, manicures, pedicures, 111 Skin facials, and sauna sessions, or just plop down for a few hours of relaxation by the indoor pool. If the walking and running paths aren’t your workout speed, Lucknam Park also has a fully kitted fitness center.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Lucknam Park is tucked away in Wiltshire, on the far side of the Cotswolds from London. It’s close to Bath to follow in the footsteps of Jane Austin as well as scenic Castle Combe. And you can reach Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in just 25 minutes.
Fast Facts
Location: Cotswolds, United Kingdom
Vibe: Equestrian elegance in the English countryside
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 42 rooms + 9 cottages
Pricing: starting at $442 nightly
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: From pre-dinner drinks to dessert, the dining experience at Restaurant Hywel Jones is without parallel.
Dining: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Walled Garden. Be sure to make a reservation for a memorable meal at Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones
Amenities: two restaurants; bar/lounge; library; kids play area; soccer fields; equestrian center; spa; walking/running paths; gardens; duck herding; clay pigeon shooting
Nearby Attractions: Bath; Castle Combe; Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Cotswolds, United Kingdom
