Cowley Manor

Contemporary country hotel with spa set in beautiful Cotswold parkland, perfect for some R&R

Roll up to this stately home with its 55 acres of parkland, lakes and river and you expect something grand or traditional inside. But walk in past the wellies and you instantly pick up the contrast. Look up to prism crystals suspended from high ceilings, catch a glimpse of a rockstar-esque snooker room then proceed to the eclectic sitting room. You could almost be in a grown-up common room were it not so comfortable. Furnishings are modern designer but there's a clubby ambiance we rather liked: newspapers rustle, contented guests gaze out to parkland.

Expect funky interiors, cowhide seats and notorious mock hunting trophies made from papier-mâché on the bar-room wall. Staff are wonderfully down to earth, and they like kids; in fact children even have their own pink dining room adjoining the main oak-panelled restaurant. Cowley's 30 contemporary bedrooms are fit for a classic kip but it was their stunning pool and spa that really stole the show and made us realise why we'd chosen to stay.

Highs

• Magnificent grounds in Cotswold countryside
• Great views from the house
• Award winning C.Side spa with treatments galore
• Very friendly unstuffy staff
• Beautiful dining room with good menu
• Fantastic indoor / outdoor pool area

Lows

• Space and comfort don't come cheap
• Some quirky touches like the hunting trophies might not be to everyone's taste
• Those seeking a peaceful or romantic retreat may not appreciate children in the pool/lounge
• The library area is sometimes off limits
• Entrance from the car park doesn't do the stature of the building justice