Inside the Cotswolds’ ‘cruise ship on land’

Experts from adult-only hotel group, Warner Hotels, say this is due to the predicted travel chaos at airports as staff go on strike combined with the ongoing cost of living crisis. While the UK does not have any all-inclusive resorts similar to those of southern Europe, Warner’s newest hotel, Heythrop Park, is more than a hotel and has been described as a ‘cruise ship on land’ and offers everything from dining to entertainment without you having to don your sea legs.

The 300-year-old, Grade II listed hotel opened in 2022 following a £40 million investment and offers half-board breaks with indoor and outdoor activities, access to a stunning spa, acres of grounds to walk around and live entertainment all at no extra cost.

Behind its sandstone façade, the hotel boasts 337 meticulously designed bedrooms – all with windows and a view – a selection of lofty lounges and sweeping staircases. In the evenings guests can enjoy a big night out without going out. Guests have so much choice included, whether that’s watching a spectacular West End style stage show or an intimate performance from one of the many star acts in the Theatre or putting on their dancing shoes and enjoying live music and singing from the best of the best in the intimate and comfortable Late Lounge.

The hotel offers an impressive array of dining options, from the all-important Market Kitchen buffet style restaurant to the Brasserie32 restaurant. And while it may not have a sea view, guests can also enjoy an afternoon tea in a beautiful historic location with sweeping views of the Cotswold countryside.

In the daytime there is always something going on, with daily sessions of archery, rifle shooting, and laser clay outside and daily quizzes, chef-hosted cookery demos, gin, cocktail, and tea tasting inside. With a cinema room, games room, and plenty of bars, lounges, terraces, and reading rooms to choose from, guests can sit back and put their feet up knowing they don’t have to go far to find a place to relax.

If you’re more inclined to get off at each port stop, the local area is filled with natural beauty and historic landmarks and towns and villages such as Chipping Norton, Banbury, and the city of Oxford.

Within the 440 acres of grounds there is a par-72, 18-hole championship Baimbridge golf course and driving range ready to test even the most avid golfer’s abilities. Strategically designed to take you on a sight-seeing path around the grounds, the course twists and turns past lakes and streams showing off the quiet Cotswolds landscape.

Guests can relax in the hotel’s spa and leisure facilities including outdoor hot tubs, relaxation room, sauna, steam room, thermal suite, and gym, with classes ranging from wellness and yoga to fitness.  

Matt Williams, head of activities and entertainment at Warner Hotels, said: “In the UK, it can be hard to find space to create a resort similar to those abroad, but at Heythrop Park we benefit from acres of land to fill with activities and a large manor house for lounges, entertainment, and restaurants to make sure our guests get real value for their money.

“Whether our guests’ idea of fun is getting up to as much as possible, or they simply want to have a relaxing getaway the choice is theirs.

“While we won’t be setting sail any time soon, the ‘cruise ship on land’ is ready and waiting to welcome guests aboard.”

To book your cruise on land, visit https://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk