Arriving at Burleigh Court Hotel is like going back in time. The manor, which dates back to the early 1800s, is set against a backdrop of exquisite Cotswolds hills, which glow as gold as the famous local stone when the sun begins to set. I spent two nights at the hotel hoping to rest, recuperate and enjoy some early autumn nature in the heart of one of England’s most picturesque regions.
Having reopened in January, Burleigh Court has seen a bit of a makeover. It has been tastefully decorated, with a chic bar stocked with local wines and brews. The patio area, complete with fire pits for the colder months, takes advantage of those aforementioned views. The lounge features a roaring fire, as well as a chess set we utilised each evening after dinner, while there were lots of cosy corners to curl up in.
Burleigh Court’s raison d’etre is to help guests escape the troubles of modern life and lose themselves in an elevated setting with a cosy atmosphere. You should feel right at home at Burleigh, and after just a few hours I truly did.
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We stayed in the romantic category of room, which comes with a four-poster bed, Jacuzzi bath and views over the manicured gardens. Toiletries are an organic in-house brand that are also available to buy.
We were situated in one of the house’s round turrets, and a window seat provided the perfect spot to read a book or just relax and look out over the autumnal ivy. The rooms are individually decorated, but ours had a neutral palette with intricately designed wallpaper and sumptuous linens and textures throughout. Quirky touches such as wash basins made from vintage pots and a retro telephone and radio made it feel fun and un-stuffy.
The kitchen is seasonal and local ingredients are used
(Image credit: Burleigh Court Photography)
Eating and drinking
Burleigh Court’s recently-extended Oak Room restaurant has two AA Rosettes and overlooks the rolling hills outside. It aims for a unique take on modern Cotswold food, using local ingredients, including reared and wild meats as well as kitchen-garden and foraged produce. The kitchen is seasonal, and the chefs are lowering their carbon footprint by using more game and invasive species such as American crayfish, which decimate local fish and crustacean populations.
The wine selection goes beyond the usual, and we were recommended a delicious hearty red from Israel. It paired beautifully with my venison, which came with celeriac and an oat-topped venison ragu and was a highlight of the meal. The duck was crisp and rich, with pak choi and carrot. The set lemon cream dessert was a perfect balance between sweet and savoury with fennel meringue and sesame sable, as well as honey ice cream from the Burleigh bee hives.
The Oak Room restaurant
(Image credit: Burleigh Court Photography)
Out and about
The hotel is situated south of Stroud, near the village of Brimscombe in the south Cotswolds. Stroud is easily accessible by train from across the country and there are attractions, restaurants and pubs that are walkable from the hotel. But you likely would want a car to enjoy the area to its fullest.
Stroud itself is a pretty Cotswolds town with a lovely centre and a monthly farmer’s market. The market town of Cirencester is also only a 20-minute drive away. If you love the outdoors then the south Cotswolds is perfect for you. For avid walkers there are footpaths galore where you can find some of the area’s most scenic views, and even the most inexperienced hiker can find their perfect walk.
If you prefer your walks with a side of country pub, there are plenty of those, too. We plotted a route from the hotel through the local villages of Burleigh, Amberley and Michinhampton Common. The Black Horse Inn has stunning views, delicious food, and a large beer garden. We ended our walk at the canal-side Stroud Brewery and Tap Room, which hosts pop-up kitchens and has live music.
Guests can book a wild food foraging experience
(Image credit: Burleigh Court Photography)
Things to do
Burleigh offers a wild food foraging experience led by in-house kitchen gardener Emanuelle Paulson. The five-hour experience includes a walk taking in the grounds and surrounding area, and is followed by a lunch prepared by head chef Shaun Jones. You learn how to identify, pick, and eat local delicious seasonal edibles along the route. We found and tried wild strawberries, stinging nettles, rosehips, and walnuts. It changes seasonally and Paulson discusses what is safe and how to identify these on your own. Her passion is infectious and by the end of the session we were fully on-board with the foraging lifestyle, and equipped with skills we could take home. Prices for the wild food foraging start at £69 per person.
The hotel can also arrange clay pigeon shooting as well as an in-room massage, while during the summer there is an Art Deco outdoor plunge pool dating back to the 1920s.
Burleigh Court Hotel, The Roundabouts, Brimscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2PF. Stays are priced from £139 per night room only;burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk
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