After a busy week in the city, the glowing buttery Cotswold-stone façade of this former Rectory was a sight for sore eyes. Set in the pretty-as-a-picture Wiltshire village of Crudwell, the hotel underwent a huge 6-month renovation in early 2017, transforming it into an elegant and peaceful rural retreat. Step inside and it’s all deep velvet sofas, modern art, vintage maps and cosy window seats.
The 15 bedrooms have been given a country-chic makeover; soft sisal flooring, sage velvet sofas, artfully strewn blankets and claw-foot tubs abound. The marble-topped bar, with its glittering array of bottles, will tempt you to sample pre-dinner cocktails. Later, head through to the welcoming restaurant for a decadent dinner. On a winter's day, there are roaring log fires in the lounge. In summer, the gardens are beautiful for relaxing in, with a heated pool plus plenty of tables and seats dotted around. For days out, you're within easy striking distance of the antiques shops of Tetbury, Cirencester or even Bath. Pack a good book, some wellies and your appetite – Cotswolds bliss awaits.
Highs
- The elegant on-site bar and restaurant for indulgent dinners, plus a buzzy sister pub just over the road
- Large bright and airy bedrooms, many with claw-foot tubs, and a spacious 3-bedroom cottage
- A heated outdoor pool (usually open May-Oct) and beautiful gardens for lazy summer days
- A great Cotswolds location - easy to get to via train or car (90 minutes' drive from London)
- Warm, friendly staff
Lows
- Children can be accommodated but they may find the adult atmosphere a little boring
- As is often the case in the Cotswolds, good food comes with a price tag to match
- You'll need to ask at reception for the WiFi code (no phones in the rooms)
- Some steep stairs to the top floor and low ceilings in the hallways
- No twin rooms
Best time to go
A charming destination in any season - we loved the autumn colours during our visit, but in winter we can imagine the cosy rooms and log fires making this is a really romantic bolthole.
Our top tips
If you fancy a car-free weekend of walking, eating and relaxing this is a great place to do it. Train to Kemble station, from where it's an easy taxi to The Rectory.
- Boutique Hotel
- 15 rooms + 1 cottage (for 2-6)
- Restaurant and bar open daily
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The Rectory has 15 light and airy bedrooms, plus a cosy self-catering 3-bedroom cottage in the grounds. Expect muted sage-green shades of Farrow & Ball, Scandi-inspired sheepskins draped over leather armchairs and large bottles of Green & Spring herbal bath products.
We liked first-floor Medium Room 1, a beautiful space with a dusky-pink velvet bed. Up in the eaves, Medium Room 16 has a Scandi vibe and a separate sofabed (handy for those with young children). Our first-floor Big Room (6) was delightful. A huge kingsize four-poster bed was surrounded by an antique wardrobe, glass lamps, a sofa and a lovely vintage trunk table, plus 3 cosy window seats. Its ensuite bathroom had a clawfoot tub and separate shower, plus twin basins. All other Big Rooms have an in-room tub. All rooms come with a kettle and teas; you'll find milk in the first-floor honesty fridge (on the landing). The Biggest Room (4) has a gorgeous teal ensuite - with its own clawfoot bathtub - and a modern four-poster bed.
Nestled in the hotel grounds, the modern Scandi-style 3-bedroom cottage (2 doubles and 1 twin room) has a kitchen, a big corner sofa and a wood-burner – perfect for cosy winter breaks.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- WiFi
Eating
Dinner is taken in the elegant candlelit dining room; log fires warm the panelled space during the cooler months. The menu combines classic and contemporary flavours, such as caramelised veal sweetbreads, roast fallow deer and apple crumble souffle for dessert. They're pretty meat and fish heavy here, so those on a more plant-based diet should be aware that their choices are somewhat limited. Staff are happy to advise on wine options from their nicely varied list.
If you want a more casual dinner, book a table at The Potting Shed pub across the road - fish and chips, sausage and mash, steak, that sort of thing.
Served in the light and airy Glasshouse, breakfast is a help-yourself array of cereals, homemade granola, yoghurt, juices, bread and pastries. There’s even vodka and champagne if you need an early pick-me-up! We tried the French toast, bacon and maple syrup, but poached eggs, avocado and smoked salmon are also on offer for a healthier start. Lunch is served daily and cakes are available through the day.
For local restaurants, we like swanky Whatley Manor, the other side of Malmesbury. For something simpler, try The Vine Tree village pub at Norton.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Kick off your shoes, curl up in a window seat and lose yourself in a good book. Alternatively, hole up in your room and choose a film from your TV's library
- In good weather, relax in the garden with a G&T or splash around in the outdoor heated pool (open May to October, weather dependent)
- Pull on some Hunters and go for a walk in the country - Westonbirt's arboretum is one of the finest in the world (a 15-minute drive)
- You are on the edge of the Cotswolds. Visit nearby Tetbury and find some of England's finest antique shops or browse the quirky boutiques and delis of Cirencester (10 minutes' drive), a charming market town
- Spend the day in Bath and treat yourself to a day at Thermae Bath Spa (40-minute drive)
- Harry Potter fans might want to visit the National Trust's Lacock Abbey which has featured in 2 of the hit films
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
Kids
The hotel can accommodate children but it is more of a grown up vibe and not ideal for little ones.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Some rooms can interconnect via a corridor. The cottage might work best for families, it has 3 bedrooms (including 1 twin room).
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Kids Activities on site:
- The walled garden is great for children to play in with several large lawns
- The outdoor pool is heated during the summer months
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Rectory is located in the village of Crudwell, in Wiltshire. It sits between Malmesbury and Cirencester.
By Train
The nearest train station is Kemble (6km / 3 miles). It's 70 minutes from London Paddington sation. See Seat 61 for more details.
By Air and/or Car
Heathrow is about 1 hour away and Bristol is 45 minutes. See our car rental recommendations. You'll need to bring your own electric car charger to plug in to a socket, for an additional cost.
Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to the UK and getting around.
Airports:
- Bristol 65.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 200.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 0.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape