De Vere Tourtworth Court

A Historic Gem in the South Cotswolds: De Vere Tortworth Court

Tucked away just north of Bristol, De Vere Tortworth Court is a stunning historic manor surrounded by beautiful countryside, the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.

Originally recorded in the Domesday Book, the Tortworth estate was home to the Ducie family for more than 350 years. After a major restoration, the manor now beautifully combines its grand period features with contemporary design and luxury.

One of the highlights for me was wandering through the 30-acre estate, where you’ll find a peaceful Victorian arboretum filled with over 300 species of plants and trees; A true hidden gem for nature lovers. When you want to unwind, you can also enjoy seasonal dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their two restaurants.

They had a beautiful greenery arch tunnel you could walk through, decorated with padlocks engraved with couples’ initials, Which I thought was so cute! There were bug houses, a gorgeous variety of trees, a bittersweet little animal cemetery, and even an outdoor games area with ping-pong (which we had a hilarious time playing). We spent time lying on the grass reading, taking plenty of photos, enjoying cocktails from the hut, and relaxing in the many seating areas overlooking the stunning views.

Now on to the hotel room, Unfortunately, it was a slight downgrade from what I had originally reserved due to some maintenance issues; However, the staff were very accommodating and discounted our new room for the inconvenience. The refund ended up being put to great use at the spa!

The room interior was very comfortable and gave off cosy vibes with a touch of antique-modern style. It was spacious, had a bathtub (a perk for me, as I love a bubble bath!), and came with delicious biscuits and a lovely coffee selection that Elliott thoroughly enjoyed. I also loved how grand our front door looked, even the antique door knob had so much character. And of course, we did the all-important bed test: Which was very comfortable, and we both slept like babies.

As I mentioned earlier, we had a spa day, and the package we booked was brilliant. We got a couple’s full-body massage, access to the pool and hot tub facilities, and an afternoon tea (which was delicious, Click here to read the full Afternoon Tea Review).

The spa itself was a tranquil space, and the ladies who did our massages were fantastic, friendly, professional, and really attentive to the areas where we held the most tension (mainly our shoulders, neck, and back). When I tell you they did a great job, they really did! I couldn’t believe how much tension and how many knots they worked out of both mine and Elliott’s backs. By the end of the session, we were practically falling asleep, that’s how relaxed we were! After the treatment, we were given a glass of water each and a yummy little chocolate. Then we headed to our afternoon tea. We also checked out the pool and hot tub facilities, which were… ok, honestly, there was nothing wrong with them, but I was expecting something a bit more extravagant given how grand the rest of the estate is. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable.

Throughout the manor, there were a variety of exquisite Victorian-styled rooms, but the most incredible of all had to be the Library Bar. It was amazing! The walls were filled from ceiling to floor with antique, leather-bound books, and there were luxury sofas and chairs, dark wood furniture, and beautiful vintage décor everywhere you looked. The bar itself was a stunning statement piece. We spent hours in there just reading, chatting, and soaking it all in. It is truly a book lover’s dream and so much fun to explore.

When it came to customer service, I can happily say everyone was delightful; friendly, polite, chatty, and very helpful. They were all well-presented and seemed to work well as a team, taking time throughout our stay to chat with us and ensure guests were well looked after.

We ate in the restaurant on our first night, and the food was delicious (Click here for the full review). We also ate in the Atrium Bar a couple of times; with its stunning 60-foot glass roof, exposed brick walls, and touches of indoor greenery, it had such a relaxed yet stylish vibe. The soft lighting made it feel super inviting, and it was the perfect spot to enjoy some proper comfort food. I have to say, their chips were so good I didn’t even need ketchup; And that says a lot, because I love my sauce!

Another top highlight for me was The Orangery; Oh my goodness! It was absolutely gorgeous! I couldn’t get over the architecture; everything was so majestic and fairytale-like. I’ve always had an appreciation for buildings like this, and learning that they host weddings there instantly put it on mine and Elliott’s list of potential venues for our big day.

A unique touch I loved about the reception area was the cute vintage suitcase display filled with toiletries, sweets, and souvenirs available to purchase. And yes, of course I picked up some souvenirs, I went for a notebook (because you all know I’m a sucker for stationery!) and a tub of sweeties.

The hotel sits right by Junction 14 of the M5, making it super easy to reach whether you’re travelling for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or an event. It’s about 40 minutes from Bristol Airport and only 20 minutes from Bristol Parkway Station, with direct trains to London Paddington taking just over an hour. Plus, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bath, and the southern Cotswolds are all within easy driving distance, and I love exploring the area but trust me you will not wanna leave this hotel.

If you’re looking for something a little extra, I recommend taking a detour to explore the Cotswolds; A quaint, beautiful English region that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll.

We had a fabulous little weekend getaway and have already been looking at our next stay. It was so relaxing, peaceful, and the perfect place to spend some quality time with the one you love.