Get together at Drystone Manor, our beautiful modern house set in approximately two acres on the outskirts of the ancient village of Iron Acton. Sleeping 16 across seven bedrooms, it is great for hen parties, birthday parties, anniversaries and all kinds of family gatherings.
Drystone Manor offers amazing spaces inside and out, with a contemporary interior and plenty of outdoor entertainment facilities in times of good weather. There is a tennis court, a table tennis table and a swim spa hot tub for 10 guests with deep end, and it also has its own private large pond. Drystone Manor has plenty of cosy outdoor seating on the decking, plus outdoor dining and a gas barbecue. Approached via electric gates, there is secure private parking for eight cars.
Our fabulous house offers generous living spaces and a magnificent state-of-the-art kitchen with two fridges and freezers as well as a wine fridge. The dining table seats 16. And, if you want to switch off and take a rest from cooking, the highly rated chefs at Dineindulge can prepare a celebratory meal in your kitchen (clearing away included!). Alternatively, there are two great pubs nearby offering meals at excellent value.
For indoor entertainment, there is a games room with full size pool table plus a lounge/cinema room with a 75″ TV plus soundbar. And for a more intimate group, there is a cosy snug room with TV.
Drystone Manor sleeps 16 across seven bedrooms; one on the ground floor, four on the first floor and two on the second floor. There are four en suite shower rooms, including an impressive walk through wet room in the Master bedroom, an en suite bathroom and a separate cloakroom.
Iron Acton is a beautiful village between Bristol and the Cotswolds, right on the Frome Valley Walkway for beautiful walks in the Cotswolds. Time your visit right and you could enjoy the annual May Day celebrations on Iron Acton Green or even a night at the proms in Iron Acton Meadows. The historic Acton Court, built to impress Henry VIII, is close-by and open to visitors for tours and special events. The property is close to three market towns - Chipping Sodbury, Thornbury and Wotton-Under-Edge, offering a host of cafes, country pubs and supermarkets.
Drystone Manor is a ten minute drive from Bristol city centre and a minibus service in and out of the city can be arranged at an additional charge at very reasonable rates. The property is also perfectly positioned for Bath, Cheltenham, Tetbury, Cirencester, Castle Combe, well known for its car racing track, and the world famous Badminton and Gatcombe Horse Trials.
Dyrham Park ancient parkland and mansion, the quaint National Trust village of Lacock, used in the filming of the BBC serial Cranford, Malmesbury, with its 12th century Benedictine Abbey, The Cotswold Water Park, Westonbirt Arboretum and the Forest of Dean all make a lovely day out.
Drystone Manor benefits from easy access, being within convenient reach of both the M4 and M5 motorways.
"Great weekend. Booked for a special occasion. The house worked well and location was great for day trips. Good weather allowed us to make the most of the outside and plenty of space inside at night. Relaxed feel with tidy, clean bedrooms."
"Perfect location for a large gathering, and end entertaining. Highly recommended."
"Great time had by all for a birthday retreat. The house is spacious, well equipped and full of amenities such pool table, tennis court, hot tub, and a barbecue. The location is fabulous - set in quiet countryside yet close enough to enjoy the sights of Bristol. Highly recommend this property!"
PRIVATE CHEF EXPERIENCE
We've partnered with Dineindulge to make hosting a memorable dinner party at Drystone Manor an absolute breeze.
Their chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish. They'll bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. All you have to do is sit back, maybe enjoy a glass of wine or two, and anticipate the amazing gastronomic experience that’s on the way!
Also check out their range of delicious menus here starting at £29.99 per person. It’s quick & easy to book online, and if you’re not sure of all the details or can’t decide on a menu, don’t worry! You can simply pay a £60 deposit to secure your date and finalize all the details later with the Dineindulge team.
On the day of the event...
The chef will arrive approximately 2 hours before the start of service, along with all the ingredients needed to cook your chosen meal in your kitchen.
The chef will cook and serve each dish to you – and they’re happy to pass on some tips if you want to improve your own cookery! Before leaving, the chef will ensure the kitchen has been cleaned.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Iron Acton is a beautiful village right on the Frome Valley Walkway for beautiful walks in the Cotswolds. If you time your visit right, you could enjoy the annual May Day celebrations on Iron Acton Green or even a night at the proms in Iron Acton Meadows. The historic Acton Court, built to impress Henry VIII, is close-by and open to visitors for tours and special events.
There are three great pubs nearby offering meals at excellent value (see below). Although there is no shop in the main part of the village, there is a garage on the outskirts of the village that is open 24/7 - the Esso MFG Petrol Station in Iron Acton (1.3 miles). Wood View Barn is 10 minutes away from the historic town of Chipping Sodbury (5 miles) which has a Waitrose and SPAR shop, as well as a host of coffee shops, eating places and public houses.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS & PUBS
Fox, Broad Ln, Bristol BS37 7LD (0.6 miles/12 minute walk or 2 minute drive) - www.foxpub.co.uk
The Codrington Arms, 261 North Rd, Yate, Bristol BS37 7LG (0.8 miles/16 minute walk or 3 minute drive) - www.codringtonarms.co.uk
The Lamb Inn, Wotton Rd, Iron Acton, Bristol BS37 9UZ (0.8 miles/16 minute walk or 3 minute drive) - thelambinnironacton.wordpress.com
White Hart Inn, High St, Iron Acton, Bristol BS37 9UG (1 mile/21 minute walk or 3 minute drive) - thewhitehartironacton.co.uk
Spice Mahal, Pool Farm, Wotton Rd BS37 7NA (2 miles/5 minute drive) - www.spicemahalbristol.co.uk
Rose & Crown, Wotton Rd, Bristol BS37 7NB (2.5 miles/5 minute drive), Dine in and Takeaway - www.facebook.com/theroseandcrownrangeworthy
Chipping Sodbury (3 miles/10 minute drive) has several Restaurants/Pubs Cocktail Bars. The Sodbury Steakhouse at The Squire Inn - thesquireinn.co.uk is definitely worth a visit.
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Wander around any number of the well renowned, beautiful homes and charming gardens in the area.
Bowood House & Gardens, near Calne (9 miles).
Dyrham Park (9.5 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.
Badminton House and Estate (10 miles), home of the famous horse trials, is just a few minutes' drive away.
Newark Park (National Trust), Wootton-under-Edge (11 miles).
Westonbirt Arboretum (14 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.
Berkeley Castle (10.5 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.
Chavenage House (17 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 (19 miles), is a peaceful 5-acre plantsman’s ‘Millennium’ garden adjoining Malmesbury Abbey (open from late March until late October).
Corsham Court and Gardens, Corsham (20 miles).
Rodmarton Manor, Cirencester, attractive Arts and Crafts House (21 miles).
Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village (National Trust), Lacock (26.5 miles).
Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick (26 miles).
The Bathurst Estate & Cirencester Park (29 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 (31 miles) is a romantic English garden.
Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze (33.5 miles).
Avebury Manor and Garden (National Trust), Avebury (37 miles).
CITIES, TOWNS & VILLAGES
CHIPPING SODBURY (5 miles) is an historic market town and has plenty of pubs, restaurants, shops, supermarkets and café. The famous author J K Rowling was born at Chipping Sodbury Maternity Hospital. The town has annual celebrations including a Victorian Day in the first week of December, and a 'Big Lunch' festival during the first week of June.
THORNBURY (6 miles) is an historic market town with a high street, restaurants, and a castle.
WOOTTON-UNDER-EDGE (8.5 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.
BRISTOL (11 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.
TETBURY (17 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 (14 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.
BATH (16 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.
MALMESBURY (19 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.
LACOCK (26.5 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.
CIRENCESTER (28.5 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.
CHELTENHAM (33 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.
AVEBURY (37 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).
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire (10 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.
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire (11 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.
Cattle Country Adventure Park, Berkeley (11.5 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 Adventure & Wildlife Park, Keynsham, Bristol (15 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.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre (16 miles). Wildlife and bird watching reserve on banks of the river Severn.
The Cotswold Water Park (32 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.
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath.
MARCH
Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival, Bristol.
APRIL
Bath Comedy Festival, Bath.
Enchanted Easter, Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire.
Noah’s Easter Egg Hunt, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxhall.
Bristol Folk Festival, Bristol.
Cotswolds Decorative Antiques & Fine Art Fair, Westonbirt School.
MAY
May Day celebrations on Iron Acton Green.
Tetbury Wacky Races, Tetbury.
Badminton Horse Trials, Badminton.
Paddington Family Fun Weekend, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire.
Nailsworth Festival, Nailsworth.
The Bath Festival, Bath.
VegFest UK, Bristol.
Bath Fringe Festival, Bath.
Chippenham Folk Festival, Chippenham.
Tetbury Woolsack Races, Tetbury.
Giffords Circus (various venues) - May to September.
Coopers Hill Cheese Rolling (22 miles) – late May bank holiday.
JUNE
Bath Fringe Festival, Bath.
Let’s Rock Bristol!, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol.
Bristol’s Big Green Week, Bristol.
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
Forest Live Outdoor Music Concerts, Westonbirt Arboretum.
Gloucestershire Festival of Polo, Beaufort Polo Club, Westonbirt.
JULY
Iron Acton’s summer music event Music in the Meadows.
Bristol Shakespeare Festival, Bristol.
Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol.
WOMAD, Charlton Park, Malmesbury.
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
The Cotswold Show & Food Festival, Cirencester Park, Cirencester.
Barbury International Horse Trials, Marlborough.
Fairford International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford.
Crudwell Strawberry Fair, near Malmesbury.
Malmesbury Carnival & Festival.
AUGUST
Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol.
Bath Folk Festival, Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, Bath.
Bristol International Kite Festival, Durdham Downs, Stoke Road, Bristol BS9 1FG.
Cotswolds Decorative Antiques & Fine Art Fair, Westonbirt School.
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
Tetbury Summer & Flower Show.
Hawkesbury Horticultural Show, Hawkesbury Upton (last Saturday in August every year).
Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Kemble Airfield (End Aug or Beginning September).
Tetbury Classic Car Show (August or September).
SEPTEMBER
Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Kemble Airfield (End Aug or Beginning September).
Tetbury Classic Car Show (August or September).
The Jane Austen Festival, Bath.
Tetbury Music Festival, Tetbury.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath.
Malmesbury Carnival, Malmesbury.
Giffords Circus (various venues May to September).
OCTOBER
Tetbury Music Festival, Tetbury.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath.
Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol.
Great Bath Feast, Bath.
Circus City Festival, Bristol. A biennial contemporary circus festival across Bristol.
End of Season Gala, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire.
Halloween at Avon Valley Country Park, Keynsham, Bristol.
Spooky Half Term Train Rides, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire.
Halloween Festival at Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire.
NOVEMBER
Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol.
Bath Film Festival, Bath.
Bath Rotary Club Fireworks Display, Bath.
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.
Novemberfest Beer Festival, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire.
Bath MozartFest, Bath.
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol.
Bath Artisan Christmas Market, Green Park station, Bath.
Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market, Gloucester Quays.
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath.
Bath Christmas Market, Bath.
Santa Specials, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire.
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt (Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings), Westonbirt Arboretum.
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol.
Mary Howard Exclusive Christmas Fair, Cotswold Airport, Kemble.
DECEMBER
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt (Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings), Westonbirt Arboretum.
Bath Christmas Market, Bath.
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath.
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol.
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol.
Santa Specials, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire. Selected dates.
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.
Bath Artisan Christmas Market, Green Park station, Bath.
Sherry & Mince Pie Specials at Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, South Gloucestershire.
Things you need to know about Drystone Manor 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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