Calcot Manor and Spa, situated near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, has been honoured as England’s Hotel of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2026, held recently. This four-star establishment stood out for its “unique luxury with award-winning spa and wellness facilities,” according to the AA.
The manor, originally a homely farmhouse, has been transformed into an impressive estate featuring extensive rewilded areas and peaceful walking paths, providing guests with a true sense of escape. Each of the hotel’s rooms is distinctively decorated and equipped with modern comforts, ensuring a bespoke experience for visitors. Sumptuous sitting rooms offer cosy log fires during winter months and overlook immaculately maintained gardens.
Dining at Calcot Manor and Spa features the unfussy Brasserie as the main option, complemented by The Hive, which offers casual all-day grazing and cocktails in a lively setting. The establishment has also earned an AA two-rosette Award for Culinary Excellence and a Best Spa certification, underscoring its outstanding hospitality standards.
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Beyond the hotel’s allure, its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds. The nearby market town of Tetbury, just a short drive away, enchants visitors with its honey-coloured Georgian architecture and vibrant high street.
Historically known for its wool and yarn trade, Tetbury today hosts a variety of artisans and independent retailers selling handcrafted jewellery, unique clothing, and homewares. The town is especially renowned for its numerous antique shops filled with a wide array of treasures.
The Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre, situated in a converted railway shed, serves as a community hub offering local art exhibitions, events like the Tetbury Wool Fair, and live music performances.
Tetbury is perched on an ancient hill fort, providing picturesque walking routes such as the Tetbury Trail and Ashley Circular. This three-hour walk begins at the Old Railway Yard, follows an old railway line through tree-lined valleys to the village of Ashley, and returns. A popular stop along the way is The Trouble House, a traditional Cotswold pub known for its hearty Sunday roasts and inviting garden.
Just south of Tetbury lies Highgrove House, one of King Charles’s official residences. Visitors can stroll through the stunning gardens that double as an organic farm and dine at the Orchard Room Restaurant, which focuses on locally grown ingredients and overlooks the orchards.
Tetbury also holds literary significance as the inspiration for “Cotchester” in Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire novels. The late author lived nearby for many years. When her work “Rivals” was adapted into a Disney+ series, Tetbury’s Long Street was transformed to reflect the 1900s aesthetic, while the Elizabethan manor Chavenage House nearby was used as the O’Hara family home.
These attractions, alongside the award-winning Calcot Manor and Spa, make Tetbury and its surroundings a compelling destination for visitors seeking both luxury and local charm.