PA Life checked into De Vere Tortworth Court, located just north of Bristol, and on the southernmost border of the idyllic Cotswolds, to take in the grandeur of this Victorian mansion house hotel…
The drive up to the hotel, following a country lane just off M5 and through the vast grounds set the scene for our visit, and the sight of this grand country house hotel was even better than expected. It was easy to soak up the history of the place as soon as we entered the stunning hall and took in the magnificent oak staircase that sweeps around the double-height reception.
Impressive grounds with a notable arboretum
Upon arrival we wanted to make the most of the afternoon and headed out to explore the expansive parkland, and the arboretum it’s famed for, surrounding the hotel. Adding to the beauty of the grounds, and interiors too, were the numerous wonderful sculptures by Ed Elliott.
On our walk, we discovered many rare spices of tall, old trees and also a beautifully landscaped garden with a large terrace at the back of the house. This creates a wonderful spot for outdoor lunches and drinks, or for just taking in the sun on the deck chairs. Weather permitting, an outdoor bar opens for guests transforming the area to a summer chill zone for all ages. There is also a massive tipi with further seating on its large terrace, ready to welcome guests to enjoy food and drink throughout the day. It’s available for private hire and would make a perfect option for a BBQ lunch or dinner as part of a conference or away day itinerary.
What were the bedrooms like
We visited at the end of April, just as the hotel was nearing the completion of an extensive ยฃ1.3M refurbishment. The investment has made it possible for the 53 Courtroom bedrooms to be refitted with new contemporary finish. In addition, the bathrooms have had sleek walk-in showers added, with toiletries from a luxury British brand, Penhaligon’s.
Our bedroom, a beautiful and spacious Mansion House deluxe double, was on the second floor in the main building, accessible via the grand oak staircase off the reception. The room overlooked the garden at the front of the house, and the impressive entrance gate to the property. The bed was very comfortable, and equally importantly, the room was very quiet, ensuring a restful night. Some of the finest bedrooms and suites on the estate sit off this square hall, and all come with king-size beds, buttoned sofas, commissioned artwork, and beautifully-restored original features.
The spa at De Vere Tortworth Court
We also had time to check out the pool, sauna and steam room, but had to leave any spa treatments to another visit. The spa complex can accommodate for up to around 20-25 people comfortably and is a great option to have for guest wishing to unwind after the day. There is also a gym for guests wishing to keep up with their exercise during their stay.
Dining at De Vere Tortworth was a feast for all senses
The main restaurant, 1853 Restaurant & Library Bar, is located in the hotelโs original library and has also been refurbished recently. Many of its original features, including the oak-panelling, decorative ceilings, ornate archways and grand fireplace have all been beautifully restored to their former glory. It really is a stunning space in which to take in your surroundings whilst enjoying lunch, afternoon tea or a sumptuous dinner. Breakfast is also served in the main restaurant. You can find a private space within the booths if you prefer a more intimate setting. It also works equally well for banquet style dining, which is perfect for groups.
On the menu you’ll find the finest British produce inspired by local, seasonal ingredients. We enjoyed a feast of a three-course dinner starting with sauteed king scallops, perfectly soft and very fresh, and a De Vere ‘posh’ prawn cocktail that included hot smoked salmon for extra flavour.
As mains, I chose a roasted rump of lamb with Moroccan style couscous and pomegranate and tzatziki for authentic Mediterranean flavours – a mouthwatering dish. My guest wanted to put their grill to test by ordering a chargrilled ribeye steak that had aged for 28-days and cooked medium. He was impressed as steaks are often served too well-done, but the kitchen at Tortworth showed they are seasoned masters of the grill, and delivering the right flavours.
As a pudding, we shared a regional cheeseboard with Cotswold brie and Ilchester cheddar – you can’t go wrong with good British farmhouse cheese.
Light dishes and snacks are also available at the Atrium Bar, formerly a courtyard, now a stylish reimagined space with exposed brick walls and a 60-foot high glass ceiling letting in natural light, and the stars at night. A gorgeous place for relaxing over a drink or a coffee at any time of the day or evening.
Event spaces and team building
Combining Victorian heritage with 21st century style, De Vere Tortworth Court provides a unique location for team building, conferences, events meetings, training or gala dinners with 14 event spaces, with space to host up to 400 people, and 30 acres of grounds.
You can also hire the standalone Victorian Orangery, which is a popular wedding venue and also works well for receptions. The historic arboretum, described as one of the finest in the country due its variety of rare tree species can host groups for nature walks and teambuilding activities.
Environmentally friendly team building and workshops are offered in partnership with GOTO Events. These activities enable a connection with nature, such as building birdhouses, bee hotels, kokedama or terrariums.
An easily accessible location close to Bristol
De Vere Tortworth Court is located in the Southern Cotswolds, close to Bath and Cardiff and easily accessible from the M5 and M4. The drive from Bristol takes only 20 mins, 30 mins from Bristol airport and Bristol Parkway station.
For more information please visit: devere.com/Tortworth-Court
Sustainability is a top priority
De Vere has partnered with SkootEco, an award-winning Top 5% B-Corp dedicated to environmental sustainability, to further its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step in De Vereโs sustainability drive, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
The bespoke emissions calculator, which sits on De Vereโs website, allows delegates to effortlessly calculate the carbon footprint of their events by inputting data such as location, number of attendees, duration, meals, travel, and accommodation. The results are provided in seconds via an email report. This empowers event planners to understand their carbon emissions, using GHG protocols and high integrity data-sets, and provides the opportunity to offset them with a simple Eco-Contribution and start them on their journey to becoming more sustainable.
Through a partnership with GWR delegates can benefit from discounted trains from London Paddington to Bristol Parkway from ยฃ44pp return. And it’s a fast service, taking less than two hours, door to door.
For a small supplement of up to ยฃ5 per delegate per day De Vere can offer their Sustainable Spaces meeting package that includes:
- Event carbon footprint offsetย – we offset your event-related emissions to ensure your gathering contributes toย aย cleanerย environment
- No daily room service**ย – housekeeping services are reduced, saving water, energy, andย resourcesย duringย longerย stays
- Reusable De Vere waterย bottleย –ย each delegate receives a reusable water bottle to be filled at our hydration stationsย reducing single-use plastic waste atย yourย event
- Stationary stationย – essential writing materials in a central location so delegates only takeย whatย isย needed
- Fairtrade coffeeย – enjoy ethically sourced, Fairtrade-certified coffee, ensuring quality with aย positiveย socialย impact
- Main meeting room withย natural daylightย – enjoy a spacious room with ample natural light to reduce energy consumptionย andย enhanceย focus
- Electronic communicationsย –ย all event communications are sent electronically, reducing paper use andย supportingย digitalย efficiency
**for stays of 2 nights or more
PA Life had a fantastic stay at
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