Hidden away in one of the prettiest postcodes in the Cotswolds, Cotswold Spa House is ideal for group gatherings, hen parties or family holidays. With space that adults can call their own, and plenty of areas for children - and pets - to safely explore, everyone will be at home here.
As you travel up the private road, you’ll be met with a sweeping drive and an imposing historic country house that wouldn’t look out of place in a period drama. Here, history meets modern day. And it begins outside as you marvel at the magnificent architecture created by Prime Minister Robert Jenkinson.
Set in its own landscaped gardens with mature shrubs, allow the kids and their four-legged companions to run off while you take it all in with a cup of tea or something fizzy on the terrace while the barbecue gets to work. Or simply sit back and relax…
Inside, this incredible house gets even better. While the decor has been updated, it still reflects its illustrious past. Having been built in 1800, many of its original features are still intact but have been accessorised with modern luxuries. Think traditional open fires, exposed beams, and bold artwork, as well as plenty of space for celebrations - whatever that looks like, for you.
As party houses in the UK go, this is unlike anything else. It was previously owned by the Duke of Beaufort and the Wordsworth family, and plenty of parties have been held here over the years.
Today though, they typically centre around the house’s indoor swimming pool and hot tub, which is the perfect place for groups of friends to catch up and child-friendly activities to be held. If you prefer to stay dry, there’s plenty of seating or you could venture back into the house where there’s enough room for up to 27 guests.
The conservatory dining room, which seats 20 comfortably, is a really sociable space to share meals prepared in the well equipped kitchen, either as a self catering option or by hiring in an outside chef. The main lounge, with lots of comfy sofas and huge picture windows, provides an excellent spot to gather at the end of a busy day for drinks. The adjacent large lobby is ideal for a proper knees up with room to dance the night away or to watch a film on the 50"screen.
There are seven bedrooms offering a convenient mix of twins, triples and family rooms with bunks so that everyone in the group is kept happy. All are spacious and stylish with contemporary soft furnishings. There are five modern bathrooms across three floors with facilities on every level. Fixtures and fittings are high end.
However you envisage the perfect Cotswolds staycation, you’re sure to find it here. For food and drink, the Cotswolds is renowned for its award-winning pubs and fine dining restaurants. There’s even a pooch-friendly one just opposite the Spa House that serves up a great selection of food and drink, whatever time of day.
Cotswold Spa House is located in the small hamlet of Petty France in the lovely south Cotswolds. The countryside around the gorgeous Georgian style house is absolutely beautiful, with long country walks available from the front door. The Badminton estate is on the doorstep, Westonbirt Arboretum is only five miles and Dyrham Park is eight miles. The lovely nearby country towns of Tetbury (home of the Prince of Wales), Cirencester and Chipping Sodbury are well worth visiting, and kids will never be bored, thanks to the nearby attractions.
Or venture further afield to popular destinations like Stow on the Wold, Bourton on the Water and Moreton in Marsh. Bath and Bristol are also just 25 minutes away for those large groups who are looking for something a little more lively.
The list of things to do is endless from driving experiences at nearby Castle Combe to flying at Kemble, paint-balling, clay pigeon shooting, art, dance and other creative activities, cocktail making and some of the country's best shopping. We are very happy to help you plan any group activities.
So if you’ve been tasked with finding the perfect place to stay for your family-friendly Cotswold holiday, stop the search here. We think you’ll agree that it’s the perfect match, right?
"We had such a good stay at Cotswold Spa House. It was a great space, and the pool is a really nice feature. The rooms were all cosy and comfortable. We all felt incredibly decadent! I Hope we can get the group together for a return visit."
"Fantastic venue that exceeded all our expectations! all the rooms are clean, comfortable & uniquely designed and decorated but what I loved is they’ve retained a lot of the original features and character of this amazing Manor House. Our experience of dealing with hosts was exceptional & we will definitely return in the future."
"Had THE best weekend away here! Booked a much needed girls weekend away and we were not disappointed! The pool and hot tub were greatly needed. The team were so easy to deal with and very accommodating. It’s safe to say I will be booking the Spa House again and recommending to all my friends and family xx"
"Love the vibes of this house, and what a stunning location! Well designed rooms that are very clean and have lovely little touches. The management were so accommodating, helping me plan a wonderful stay for our family. The adults loved the pool just as much as the kids! Can’t wait to visit again!!"
"LOVED staying here as a group for a girly weekend. Booking was easy and the people I spoke to couldn’t do enough to accommodate any requests including ideas for food, exploring, extra touches such as a bottle of champers and nibbles on arrival. We really loved all the personal customer service we received, and as an organiser of many gatherings I found Cotswold Spa House so welcoming and accommodating, it took away all the stress! Thank you so much!! 👌🏻👌🏻"
"Not enough words could describe this beautiful home. From the minute the booking was made to minute we departed, the whole booking process was efficient and it was clear the owners could not do more to ensure your stay is of a high quality. The rooms were beautiful, the pool/hot tub was such a luxury that we found ourselves there most days during the stay. The grounds surrounding are lovely 😍 will definitely be staying here again. Thank you to the hosts once again for ensuring our stay was perfect! Highly recommend Cotswold Spa House."
"After months of searching for a replacement venue for a twice rescheduled hen do we found Cotswold spa house and it could not have been more perfect for our celebrations this weekend. The house is well equipped with everything you could need and the decor is super stylish. Due to our long search and issues with various other companies it was a pleasure that the booking process was so easy & straightforward and the communication from then on with guest services has been excellent. Would highly recommend the house to anyone looking for a venue for a similar event!"
"I recently booked the Cotswold Spa House a few weeks before my wedding for a group meet up of my friends. Everything about the venue is to a high standard and the facilities were just what we wanted, including the chef that was recommend for the Saturday night. Looking to do a family weekend there next year with the family and a few friends, especially as we have two dogs as the space is great for them."
"Stayed for 4 nights in August, lovely new garden area which we had bbq’s (forgot to take pic) and mid-night swims in warm pool! lots of nice walks for the dogs and Bristol/Bath is close if you want to spend the day out. Huge garden to do activities. Highly recommended. very clean and comfortable."
"Our stay at Cotswold Spa House was everything we could have asked for. From start to finish, Lindsay and team supported our stay throughout with a very useful house guide and constantly checked in to see if we had questions. The house itself was made for fun with its multiple different areas and spaces, allowing the group have multiple layers to their day and night! Would love to stay again."
"We stayed as a family of 15 (and 2 dogs) for a family wedding in the local area. The Cotswold Spa House exceeded our expectations and we really enjoyed our stay! The bedrooms were spacious, comfy and well laid out. The powder room was perfect for the girls to get ready in peace. The living room was lovely and cosy and the kitchen was well equipped and had everything we needed to cook fresh meals. Our favourite part was without a doubt the swimming pool and hot tub! The team at the Cotswold Spa House were brilliant. They were always on hand to answer our queries and were extremely helpful. We definitely recommend this house for large groups and will look to book again for the future. Thank you so much!"
"What a great place! We had a fantastic time and everything you needed was there. The pool was clean, as was the jacuzzi. We all had an amazing time. The beds were so comfy and the pillows. Everyone had their own towel as well, which was laid out nicely on the beds. Highly recommend for a large gathering and there is a great party room as well. Everyone needs to stay at this place. Very well organised as well and they checked in to see if we were all okay or needed anything. We will definitely be going back. Thank you."
LOCAL INFORMATION
HISTORY
Surround yourself with a slice of English history with parts of the house dating back to the late 18th century. The famous diarist Parson Woodbridge stayed at the house, as did Jane Austen, who refers to Petty France by name in ‘Northanger Abbey’. Robert Banks Jenkinson inherited the house in 1808, and was Prime Minister for fifteen years. The battle of Waterloo occurred during this time and it’s thought that Lord Wellington visited the house, which it’s believed to have been used as a hunting lodge. Subsequent owners include the Duke of Beaufort and the poet Wordsworth’s family.
LOCATION
Cotswold Spa House is located in the picturesque hamlet of Petty France in the Cotswolds. It sits on the edge of the Badminton Estate and enjoys far-reaching views of the surrounding Area of Outstanding Local Beauty. It lies on the A46 between Bath and Stroud only 5 miles from Junction 18 of the M4.
AMENITIES
Hawkesbury Village shop is a 3 minute drive. There is a Spar in Chipping Sodbury and a range of shops in Yate. Chippenham is 30 minutes away with a Morrisons and Sainsbury Local.
There is a garage with convenience store a couple of miles along the road.
Various large supermarkets are within 15 minutes drive, including a Waitrose at Chipping Sodbury (6 miles) and Tesco Superstore in Tetbury (10 miles).
FOOD & DRINK
Fancy dining out? You have a fantastic range of options for eating out around Cotswold Manor House.
Bodkin House (0 miles) is a quality gastro style pub across the road with a huge beer garden and restaurant. It has lunch and evening menus as well as speciality foods on theme nights.
Beaufort Arms, Hawkesbury Upton (1.4 miles).
The Fox Inn (Italian), Hawkesbury Upton (1.3 miles).
The Kings Arms, Didmarton (2.5 miles).
The Rattlebone Inn, Sherston (5 miles).
The Old Royal Ship, Luckington (5 miles).
The Hare and Hounds, Westonbirt (6 miles).
The Gumstool, Calcot Manor, near Tetbury (7 miles).
The Cat and Custard Pot, Shipton Moyne (8 miles).
Calcott Manor, Tetbury (7.5 miles).
Grey’s Brasserie, Brokenborough (8 miles).
The Old Bell, Malmesbury (10 miles).
The Potting Shed, Crudwell (13 miles).
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Wander around any number of the well renowned, beautiful homes and charming gardens in the area.
Badminton House and Estate (3 miles), home of the famous horse trials, is just a few minutes' drive away.
Westonbirt Arboretum (6.5 miles), managed by the Forestry Commission, is one of the finest collections of temperate trees and shrubs in the world. The 600 acre arboretum is home to 3,000 different species of trees and around 15,000 individual specimens. Westonbirt is known internationally for its spectacular autumn colour display, but offers an unforgettable day out all year round. There are 17 miles of paths throughout the arboretum and dozens of leafy glades with levels of accessibility to suit a range of visitors and you can fire your children’s imaginations with an adventure into the trees along the play trail.
Dyrham Park (8 miles), owned by the National Trust, offers 270 acres of ancient parkland, with breathtaking views, landscaped gardens, a beautiful 17th century mansion, tea room and historic herd of fallow deer.
Newark Park (National Trust), Wootton-under-Edge (8.5 miles).
Chavenage House (10.5 miles) is an Elizabethan house containing furniture, pictures and relics of Cromwellian period, amid the tranquil Cotswolds. There are spacious gardens with unspoilt views and tours are conducted by owner or his family. Featured in BBC2’s Curious House Guest and as Candleford Manor in the costume drama Larkrise to Candleford, amongst many others, it is a hidden gem of the Cotswolds.
The Abbey House Gardens, Malmesbury (11 miles), is a peaceful 5-acre plantsman’s ‘Millennium’ garden adjoining Malmesbury Abbey (open from late March until late October).
Rodmarton Manor, Cirencester, attractive Arts and Crafts House (14 miles).
Berkeley Castle (15 miles) is a beautiful and historic Castle, begun in 1154 and still the home of the Berkeley family. The Castle is surrounded by lovely terraced gardens with flower borders, a lily pond, Elizabeth I’s bowling green and sweeping lawns. Butterfly house May – Sept.
Corsham Court and Gardens, Corsham (15.5 miles).
Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village (National Trust), Lacock (18 miles).
Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick (19.5 miles).
Bowood House & Gardens, near Calne (21 miles).
The Bathurst Estate & Cirencester Park (22 miles), home to Cirencester Polo Club, where some of the highest levels of polo can be seen.
Cerney House Gardens, The Garden House, North Cerney (25.5 miles) is a romantic English garden.
Avebury Manor and Garden (National Trust), Avebury (28.5 miles).
Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze (30 miles).
CITIES, TOWNS & VILLAGES
WOOTTON-UNDER-EDGE (7 miles) has many individual shops, cafes and restaurants, together with historic buildings, an open air swimming pool, a digital cinema, museum, and an Iron Age fort dating back to 940 AD.
TETBURY (10 miles) is one of the most beautiful Cotswold towns with its elegant buildings creating a real sense of timeless beauty – a delight for those who visit this jewel of the Cotswolds. It is a thriving market town built around its outstanding 17th century Market Hall. As well as offering a unique retail experience with many individually owned shops, it is also a major centre for antiques.
CASTLE COMBE (10 miles), called ‘The Prettiest Village in England’ and well known for its car racing track, and the quaint National Trust village of Lacock (22 miles) famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, Abbey and Museum and more recently as a TV and film location.
MALMESBURY (11 miles) is rightly called the “Queen of Hilltop Towns” being England’s oldest borough with a rich history over 1000 years. Set on a hill, circled by the River Avon, the skyline is dominated by the imposing Norman Abbey. The historical sites of the town, the fine 15th century Market Cross, the Old Courtroom and Almshouses, narrow medieval streets, quaint alleyways and the riverwalk can easily be discovered on foot. Internationally renowned, Abbey House Gardens offer a romantic and unique oasis in the centre of town. Many of the town’s restaurants and shops serve succulent, locally produced produce in atmospheric surroundings. Unusual, independent retail outlets offer plenty of shopping opportunities.
BATH (15 miles) is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, a World Heritage Site which offers something for everyone. No matter the time of year you visit, you are likely to find events catering for all tastes, from the well-loved Christmas market to music, food and cultural festivals and world-class theatre productions on offer at the Theatre Royal. The streets are lined with every kind of restaurant and a wide range of quality bars and shops. The stunning and well-preserved architecture of the Georgian terraces such as The Royal Crescent are famous. A visit to the celebrated Roman Baths and wonderful Bath Abbey are a must. The American Museum at nearby Claverton Manor makes for an interesting visit, or you could hire a bike or take a gentle boat trip and explore the gorgeous scenery along the Avon and Kennet canal towpath.
LACOCK (18 miles) is a picturesque 13th century village used frequently as a film set for historical dramas (and Harry Potter!) Visit Lacock Abbey & Fox Talbot Museum of Photography.
BRISTOL (18 miles) is world renowned as a port and has a wide range of museums highlighting the city’s history. Bristol can boast some impressive historical landmarks, too, in the shape Brunel’s awe-inspiring Clifton Suspension Bridge and his beautifully restored steamship, the SS Great Britain in Bristol’s historic Harbourside. Visit Bristol Museum & Art Gallery which features outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history the interactive At-Bristol Science Centre.
CIRENCESTER (22 miles), known as ‘The Capital of the Cotswolds’, boasts a rich and well-preserved heritage with a Roman Amphitheatre, Corinium Museum and St. John the Baptist Church. The Brewery Arts Centre offers visitors a unique arts and crafts shopping experience or visit The Bathurst Estate & Cirencester Park, home to Cirencester Polo Club where some of the highest levels of polo can be seen.
BIBURY (28 miles) is a picture perfect Cotswold village, set in a conservation area, nestling on the River Coln and home to Arlington Row, the most photographed and beautiful cottages in the country, now owned by the National Trust, as well as Bibury Trout Farm and the Saxon Church, the Church of St Mary.
AVEBURY (28.5 miles). Attractions include Avebury Stone Circle, the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle (National Trust), the Alexander Keiller Museum (National Trust), Avebury Manor and Garden (National Trust) and Windmill Hill (English Heritage).
CHELTENHAM (29 miles) is a Regency spa town, with Georgian architecture and an extensive range of shops, theatres, restaurants and visitor attractions, including Cheltenham Racecourse, famous for the Gold Cup horse racing, Parks & Gardens, The Wilson Museum & Art Gallery, Pittville Park Pump Room & Lakes and the Holst Birthplace Museum.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Cattle Country Adventure Park, Berkeley (15 miles). Two huge barns house giant slides and loads of soft play equipment. Outdoor activities include two jumping pillows, the climbing net, a huge adventure castle, trampolines, ride on mini tractors, a willow wood, mini golf, tractor rides, boating lake and animal experience centre.
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (15 miles). Steam trains run right to the edge of the scenic Avon Valley, providing spectacular views. Special events are arranged throughout the year – please check their website for details.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre (18 miles). Wildlife and bird watching reserve on banks of the river Severn.
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Keynsham, Bristol (19 miles). The park covers 50 acres of beautiful countryside adjoining the River Avon providing country walks, a boating lake, play areas for children, a small petting zoo and a miniature railway.
The Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire (19 miles). A wildlife park with animals from Madagascar, east Africa and the Congo on the outskirts of Bristol. The Wild Place Project is the first stage in the creation of a much bigger wildlife conservation park. Visitors will see much larger animals than those which can be housed at the small city zoo.
The Cotswold Water Park (19.5 miles). With more than 150 lakes spread over forty square miles, there is something for everyone – from angling to archery, watersports to walking, birdwatching to biking, to name just a few things.
EVENTS
JANUARY
Sherry & Mince Pie Specials at Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (19 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (15 miles).
MARCH
Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival, Bristol (18 miles).
APRIL
Bath Comedy Festival, Bath (15 miles).
Enchanted Easter, Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire (19 miles).
Noah’s Easter Egg Hunt, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxhall (28 miles).
Bristol Folk Festival, Bristol (18 miles).
Cotswolds Decorative Antiques & Fine Art Fair, Westonbirt School (6.5 miles).
MAY
Tetbury Wacky Races, Tetbury (10 miles).
Badminton Horse Trials, Badminton (3 miles).
Paddington Family Fun Weekend, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (19 miles).
Nailsworth Festival, Nailsworth (12 miles).
The Bath Festival, Bath (15 miles).
VegFest UK, Bristol (18 miles).
Bath Fringe Festival, Bath (15 miles).
Chippenham Folk Festival, Chippenham (15 miles).
Tetbury Woolsack Races, Tetbury (10 miles).
Giffords Circus (various venues) - May to September.
Coopers Hill Cheese Rolling (22 miles) – late May bank holiday.
JUNE
Bath Fringe Festival, Bath (15 miles).
Let’s Rock Bristol!, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (18 miles).
Bristol’s Big Green Week, Bristol (18 miles).
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
Forest Live Outdoor Music Concerts, Westonbirt Arboretum (6.5 miles).
Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, Beaufort Polo Club, Westonbirt (7 miles).
JULY
Bristol Shakespeare Festival, Bristol (18 miles).
Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol (18 miles).
WOMAD, Charlton Park, Malmesbury (11 miles).
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
The Cotswold Show & Food Festival, Cirencester Park, Cirencester (22 miles).
Barbury International Horse Trials, Marlborough (33 miles).
Fairford International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford (30 miles).
Crudwell Strawberry Fair, near Malmesbury (15 miles).
Malmesbury Carnival & Festival (11 miles).
AUGUST
Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park (14 miles).
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (18 miles).
Bath Folk Festival, Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, Bath (15 miles).
Bristol International Kite Festival, Durdham Downs, Stoke Road, Bristol BS9 1FG (18 miles).
Cotswolds Decorative Antiques & Fine Art Fair, Westonbirt School (6.5 miles).
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
Tetbury Summer & Flower Show (10 miles).
Hawkesbury Horticultural Show, Hawkesbury Upton (last Saturday in August every year) (2 miles).
Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Kemble Airfield (End Aug or Beginning September) (15 miles).
Tetbury Classic Car Show (August or September) (10 miles).
SEPTEMBER
Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Kemble Airfield (End Aug or Beginning September) (15 miles).
Tetbury Classic Car Show (August or September) (10 miles).
The Jane Austen Festival, Bath (15 miles).
Tetbury Music Festival, Tetbury (10 miles).
Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath (15 miles).
Malmesbury Carnival, Malmesbury (11 miles).
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
OCTOBER
Tetbury Music Festival, Tetbury (10 miles).
Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath (15 miles).
Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol (18 miles).
Great Bath Feast, Bath (15 miles).
Circus City Festival, Bristol (18 miles). A biennial contemporary circus festival across Bristol.
End of Season Gala, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).
Halloween at Avon Valley Country Park, Keynsham, Bristol (19 miles).
Spooky Half Term Train Rides, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (7 miles).
Halloween Festival at Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire (19 miles).
NOVEMBER
Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol (18 miles).
Bath Film Festival, Bath (15 miles).
Bath Rotary Club Fireworks Display, Bath (15 miles).
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (19 miles).
Novemberfest Beer Festival, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).
Bath MozartFest, Bath (15 miles).
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol (18 miles).
Bath Artisan Christmas Market, Green Park station, Bath (15 miles).
Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market, Gloucester Quays (24 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (15 miles).
Bath Christmas Market, Bath (15 miles).
Santa Specials, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt (Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings), Westonbirt Arboretum (6.5 miles).
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol (18 miles).
Mary Howard Exclusive Christmas Fair, Cotswold Airport, Kemble (15 miles).
DECEMBER
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt (Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings), Westonbirt Arboretum (6.5 miles).
Bath Christmas Market, Bath (15 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (15 miles).
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol (18 miles).
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol (18 miles).
Santa Specials, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (15 miles). Selected dates.
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (19 miles).
Bath Artisan Christmas Market, Green Park station, Bath (15 miles).
Sherry & Mince Pie Specials at Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).
Things you need to know about Cotswold Spa House if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:
*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.
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