Tewkesbury Park’s £8m re-fit, reviewed

CMW recently visited Tewksbury Park, which has undergone a plush upgrade, costing £8m. Competition across the English countryside is rife, and venues making that extra effort raise their status for international MICE buyers. Tewksbury Park in the Cotswolds has undergone a radical rethink over the last year, and meetings were at the centre of the investment. Tewksbury’s rural charms already set it apart. Its church, tea rooms and cobbled streets are a welcome retreat from urban settings. Patrick Jones, general manager, of Tewkesbury Park, recently oversaw the completion of its new events space – The Cotswolds Suite. Created specifically for the conference and events market, with its floor-to-ceiling glass façade, the Suite has cost £3m and has magnificent views across the Cotswolds and the Severn Valley. The completion of the Cotswolds Suite brings the total investment of the hotel up to £8m. This follows last year’s extensive renovation, which resulted in the addition of nine luxury historic suites, two spa rooms, two meeting rooms, an orangery and a cocktail lounge. The health club, guestrooms, main foyer and reception were all completely refurbished. Accommodating up to 200 guests, the new events suite can be subdivided into three equal sections, The Broadway Suite, adjacent to the golf putting green; The Burford Suite, the middle room and The Bibury Suite, adjoining the exclusive-use Berkeley Lounge, Bar and Terrace. Fully air-conditioned, with all-day designer-range chairs and a video wall, the Cotswolds Suite is also ready for more demanding planners. A wood-fired pizza bar & BBQ are new additions too. Located on the terrace immediately outside the Cotswolds Suite, this will provide guests with a place to grab a pizza and a crisp glass of wine. Tewkesbury Park has an 18-hole par 73 parkland golf course, academy course, practice range, putting green, golf boutique and squash and tennis courts. A fully-equipped leisure and fitness suite has an excellent gym, indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room. Tewkesbury Park is five minutes from M5 junction nine, on the doorstep of Tewkesbury and within easy reach of Cheltenham, Gloucester and Worcester.