Expert hotel review: Calcot & Spa, Tetbury

This picturesque Cotswold spa hotel has achieved a difficult balancing act with seemingly effortless grace. The perfectly manicured bushes are juxtaposed with areas that are being slowly rewilded; historic exteriors are married with elegant, modern interiors; and there is plenty for families while the place feels suitably grown-up. 

There are just 37 rooms (two treehouses have opened since my visit), but the numerous communal areas meant that, although at full capacity during my visit, it never felt busy. I found the atmosphere over a weekend in early Spring welcoming and surprisingly calm given the numerous families with small children (my own included) running around. 

Overall score – 8/10

The setting – 9/10

Found just under four miles outside the beautiful village of Tetbury, Calcot & Spa sits in 220 acres of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. The site dates back to the 1300s when Henry of Kingswood constructed the tithe barn as an annexe of Kingswood Abbey. It was expanded during the 16th-century to include a manor house.

Today it looks exactly as you would expect from the outside; Cotswold, honey-hued stone, gravel paths that crunch under foot, perfectly manicured horticulture and quintessential English countryside grounds. 

Eat – 7/10

The Brasserie is the main restaurant and can seat up to 80 diners at any time. All meals are served here, as well as an Afternoon Tea (£32). 

The conservatory-style vibe makes for a great breakfast spot and the small buffet (fruit, yoghurt, cereals and pastries) is complemented by a menu of hot food that includes all the classics. 

Local, seasonal produce is the star of the dinner menu. I loved the XXL Orkney Scallop starter as it was packed full of flavour. Main options included Northleach venison, a potato galette and Seabream with Cornish mussels. I went for the steak which was cooked perfectly, but not especially stand-out. While the service was relaxed and unfussy, as billed, it was a little slow. 

The Hive is the hotel’s lounge, styling itself as a cafe by day and cocktail bar by night. The children’ s tea can be served here while adults tuck into a small but very original cocktail list (tipples include the Beehive Martini, Creme de la Cotswolds and Twisted Ice Lolly).  

Sleep – 8/10

There are 13 rooms in the main house, with larger family rooms found in the grounds. Cosy Rooms are the smallest (and therefore cheapest), but feel relatively spacious and are a good option for couples. Each is slightly different, as you would expect from a period property, but each is beautifully designed. Duck egg walls keep the rooms feeling light, with taupe floor-length drapes and white window dressings. 

Not all rooms have baths, but the rainfall showers leave little to be desired. The geometric pattern of the tiles is reflected across the rest of the hotel, with its muted colour palette and feature wallpaper. 

Larger family suites have separate bedrooms for kids. While the treehouses are still under construction, The Cottage is the most impressive of the rooms. This feels more like a hideaway holiday home with lounge, logfire, kitchenette, kids’ room with ensuite and master bedroom on a separate floor with separate bathroom. 

The mini bar of additional snacks was welcome (and included), while a fresh loaf of sourdough was an extra-special touch. 

Play – 8/10

There are some great facilities for children, although these are in keeping with the size of the hotel. The little adventure playground includes a play area for smaller children with a mud kitchen. Bikes are available to hire (for free), including trailers for tiny ones, and the grounds include a disc golf course and croquet. 

Many parents will appreciate the Playbarn, an Ofsted-registered kids’ club. Four hours of childcare are included for every night of your stay and, better yet, there’s no lower age limit. The hotel has also invested in excellent babycams that stretch from even the furthest room to the restaurant, meaning that the kids can have dinner at 5pm, be put to bed and the parents can enjoy a meal all to themselves while watching over their little ones. 

For adults, there’s a fully-equipped gym – one of the most impressive I’ve seen at a hotel – as well as outdoor resistance options. The Grain Store is set in the original tithe barn and here you’ll find a holistic studio space for yoga and pilates, as well as a spin room. 

Relax – 8/10

The spa here is a major draw, even though it’s not overly extensive. Child swim times are limited, meaning that families can have fun during allotted hours, while adults are left in peace for the rest of the day. The indoor heated pool was warm enough for small children, but mine especially loved the neighbouring shallow pool with step entry. Here, they could stand and play freely. 

The outdoor hot tub is particularly picturesque, and in winter, there’s a fire lit in the adjacent seating area. Upstairs, you’ll find a sauna and steam room as well as a beauty treatment area and rooms. I tried the Comfort Zone Hydra Glow Facial and while entertained by the – literal – silver (Cryo) spoon treatment, it left with my skin feeling invigorated and my body feeling as relaxed as it would if I’d had a massage. 

Although the spa facilities aren’t overly extensive, everything was very well executed. My favourite part was the number of relaxation areas – one of which looks out over the grounds, boasting impressive views. 

Value – 7/10

Double rooms from £442 including breakfast. While the price is a little high for a UK hotel, the included extras make it worth it – especially for families, with four hours’ childcare for every night stayed. 

Additional information

Website: calcot.co

Address: Calcot & Spa, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8YJ

Phone: 01666 890 391

Accessibile: Somewhat (one fully-accessible room for wheelchair users)

Family-friendly: Yes

Dog-friendly: Yes (by prior arrangement)