We chose the gorgeous English spa town of Cheltenham as our base to explore the Cotswolds, and were enthralled by its impressive architecture, its fabulous gardens and parks, the stylish shopping, theatre, live music, and world-class horse racing. The town hosts the world famous Cheltenham Literature Festival each October, plus a range of other equally erudite events throughout the year.
We stayed at a perfect, small Regency hotel, The Bradley, in Royal Parade. It is located in the heart of the lively and beautiful Montpellier district of the town. This AA 5 star property has just 10 boutique bedrooms and feels like you’re staying in someone’s luxury home.
The living rooms at The Bradley are a perfect example of luxurious Victorian living, with elegant antique furniture and furnishings. We approved of the plate of home made cakes set out for our arrival and of the decanter of drink that was served in our room.
Our room was vibrantly and attractively decorated in a period style, with plenty of space and light, and we enjoyed a lazy soak in a large free-standing bath with L’Occitane bath products and Penhaligon soap. To fall asleep in a proper old four poster bed, having enjoyed a nightcap before bed, was a rare luxury. We slept better than we had in months.
There’s no restaurant at The Bradley, but that’s really of no concern. Breakfast is served in the pretty conservatory which overlooks the gardens, and it’s a mouthwatering spread of locally sourced ingredients; eggs benedict, muffins topped with smoked salmon; pastries, hot buttered toast, and plentiful tea, coffee or hot chocolate. For dinner you can step outside and within a few minutes’ walk will be at Le Champignon Sauvage, which has been awarded a Michelin star and is without doubt one of the finest restaurants in Britain.
Book your stay online at The Bradley’s website
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Sophie Ibbotson is an entrepreneur, writer, and lover of wild places. She’s the author of five Bradt Guides, including the first guidebook to South Sudan, and provides tourism development consultancy through her company, Maximum Exposure.
