Set amid gentle hills, half-timbered market towns, and the storytelling appeal of Shakespeare, Warwickshire is one of England’s most bountiful counties. Beyond the obvious pull of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle, there lie Jacobean manors, riverside inns, and countryside retreats fit to capture the imagination of any budding writer.
Hotels that pair heritage with fine dining, expansive spa experiences, and grounds that stretch the boundary of formal gardens or wildflower meadows are plentiful in this part of England. Whether seeking a romantic break or a retreat to dip quill in ink, these Warwickshire hotels bring period character and charm in abundance.
Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa
Owned by the magnificent Eden Hotel Collection, Mallory Court is a 43-bedroom manor house set within ten acres of sculpted gardens on the outskirts of Royal Leamington Spa. Inside, the wood-panelled drawing rooms and crackling fireplaces maintain a deep country house charm that feels untouched by time, while bedrooms range from characterful suites in the main house to more contemporary quarters in the Orchard House annexe.
The jewel in Mallory Court’s crown is its Elan Spa, a stylish wellness sanctuary that boasts hydrotherapy pools, a glazed sauna, and ESPA treatments offered in garden-facing therapy rooms. The on-site fine-dining restaurant holds 3 AA Rosettes, serving classical British dishes with a seasonal flair, while a more relaxed brasserie caters to casual lunches and afternoon teas with sweeping lawn views.
The Arden Hotel
Set directly opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Arden Hotel is an ideal haunt for thespians and lovers of the Bard. This handsome Georgian townhouse has been transformed into a modern boutique stay with 45 rooms that, in a nod to the area's heritage, see some rooms offering Juliet balconies that overlook the River Avon and Bancroft Gardens.
Inside, the Lounge and Club Bar are fine places for cocktails and pre-theatre dining, while the Waterside Brasserie offers a menu of locally sourced classics such as lamb rump with heritage carrots and seared trout with dill hollandaise. Guests will enjoy the plush furnishings, bold artwork, and find pleasant company in the steady stream of theatre-goers sipping espresso martinis after a show.
Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow
Originally founded as a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey, Coombe Abbey is among Warwickshire’s most extraordinary hotels. Oozing with medieval character, candlelit corridors, wood-beamed four-poster suites, and staff in full period dress, it sets the tone for a stay that leans heavily into the romanticised historical setting.
The 500-acre parkland grounds stretch as far as the eye can see, and the formal lake walks and walled gardens give way to secret benches and quiet woodland clearings. Dining at The Garden Room is no less atmospheric, with roast meats carved tableside and wine served in goblets for a hearty feast worthy of the Middle Ages. Coombe Abbey also hosts themed medieval banquets in its vaulted cellars, making it the quintessential destination in Warwickshire for Medieval-style stays.
The Howard Arms
Set on the northern edge of the Cotswolds in the honey coloured village of Ilmington, The Howard Arms offers a more intimate country inn experience, with just eight individually styled rooms. Timber-framed interiors, Farrow & Ball walls, and antique trunks provide a rustic-chic feel that’s as warm in winter as it is in summer.
The pub downstairs is a local favourite, with low-beamed ceilings and open fires framing a menu that goes well beyond standard gastropub fare. Expect dishes like wild mushroom and truffle risotto, pan-seared duck with confit shallots, or Oxford Blue cheese soufflés. The large garden terrace is a summer draw, but autumn and winter bring their own charm with game specials and slow-simmered stews.
The Welcombe Hotel
Grand and unapologetically stately, The Welcombe Hotel stands at the end of a sweeping drive, its Jacobean-style façade framed by formal Italian gardens. Built in 1866 and now part of the Best Western Premier Collection, the hotel mixes old-world splendour with modern spa facilities and an 18-hole championship golf course.
Inside, high ceilings, chandeliers, and mullioned windows define the period bedrooms, while a newly updated spa includes a pool, thermal suite, and Elemis treatment menu. Dining in the Trevelyan Restaurant is a classic affair, with white tablecloths, silver service and elegant dishes like guinea fowl supreme served with mushroom velouté. Afternoon tea in the lounge, especially in winter, is a decadent way to mark the trip to this refined part of the world.
Ettington Park Hotel
Operated by Hand Picked Hotels, Ettington Park is a neo-Gothic mansion just six miles from Stratford, surrounded by 40 acres of parkland and ancient woodland. With its spires, turrets, and carved stonework, the building leans heavily into the romantic aesthetic, fitting as it has appeared in classic British horror films such as The Haunting of Hill House.
The 48 bedrooms mix original features, from stained glass, ornate fireplaces and opulent upholstery. The Drawing Room Bar serves cocktails beneath painted ceilings, while the oak-panelled Great Drawing Room delivers 2 AA Rosette dining in a candlelit setting. There’s also an indoor pool, spa pool, and tennis court, but it’s the wild deer in the misty grounds that guests remember most from this fittingly haunting, estate hotel.
The Old Manor House
Tucked just off the Fosse Way between Shipston and Stratford, The Old Manor House is a private and luxurious five-room B&B offering grown-up escapism in a 16th-century Tudor house. This Grade II-listed home is full of historic quirks, from exposed stone fireplaces, uneven flagstones and steep staircases, but the rooms are dressed in soft linens and layered textures that ooze sophistication.
Breakfasts are cooked to order and served in the airy, light-filled conservatory that looks out over an immaculate garden lawn. Though there’s no restaurant for evening dining, the property is within striking distance of Stratford’s dining scene and the surrounding countryside pubs. It’s a perfect choice for a more intimate stay with a few fellow guests.
