Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa Review

As you would expect from a grand old property dating back to the time of the Norman Conquest, Billesley Manor has plenty of history. It is said that this was a favourite haunt of William Shakespeare and that he visited in 1599 to write his comedy As You Like It in what is now a lounge bearing the play’s name. He is also believed to have married Anne Hathaway in a church in the grounds of the property. Nowadays, guests can admire the historic site and its period features with modern-day luxuries. A fine restaurant, cosy wood-panelled bar and impressive spa can all be enjoyed in this tranquil spot in the Warwickshire countryside.

Background and Concept 

Billesley Manor resembles a traditional historic English countryside estate of the type you would see on a period drama. It is a fine establishment but there is no stuffiness or pretension, the team are friendly and only too happy to tell you about the hotel’s history or offer a meal recommendation. Modern furniture sits comfortably in historic rooms complete with Tudor wooden panelling, large fireplaces and ornate archways. Its quiet, rural location on 11 acres of grounds makes it a place to truly switch off, a feeling helped by a visit to the spa. 

Location

The hotel is five miles outside the medieval riverside town of Stratford-upon-Avon. It is located just off the busy A46 Alcester Road but is far enough away to not hear any of its traffic. Stratford is easily reachable in a car in about ten minutes and the historic market town is well worth a visit.

Rooms and Suites

There are 71 rooms across the original manor house and restored cedar barns, with both traditional and contemporary rooms effortlessly combining 16th-century charm with modern facilities. Some rooms have four-poster beds, large fireplaces and original period features offering the opportunity to take a step back in time to the era of the Bard, while others offer a more modern theme. There’s a Shakespeare suite on the first floor which is the largest of the rooms on offer. All bedrooms have flat-screen televisions, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. 

Our Stay 

Our room was number 33, a delightful suite on the first floor with a terrific view of the well-manicured topiary garden, which is a lovely sight to wake up to. Our bed was as comfortable as they come and the spacious room was thoughtfully designed with floral armchairs adding welcome splashes of vibrant colour. A large grey headboard and dark blue wallpaper complemented each other well, with framed quills adorning the walls in another nod to the mansion’s most famous guest.

A nice little extra was the coffee machine, very welcome indeed to me as a coffee lover, which sat on a desk which doubled up as a dressing table. The bathroom was sleek, clean and white, with Molton Brown toiletries and a rainforest shower head adding to the feeling of luxury.

Food and Drink 

The Stuart Restaurant, a wood-panelled dining room with high ceilings and open fires is split into two to give you the chance to decide which side you would like to eat. Historic portraits on the walls are given a splash of colourful paint to offer a modern vibe in the space where guests can enjoy local and regional produce via a menu that changes with the seasons. Cotswold lamb, vegetables from the kitchen garden and gin distilled locally are all on offer. The kitchen is overseen by executive head chef Richard Dewey who believes that quality local produce makes for great dishes and knowing the provenance of ingredients is vital. Next door is the Great Hall Bar and Lounge which is another wonderful setting for a meal, in a slightly less formal setting. Guests can enjoy a meal, cocktail or afternoon tea while sinking into comfy armchairs.

Our Dining Experience 

We were given a warm welcome and a brief history lesson about the hotel before being shown to our seats tucked away nicely in a comfortable corner of the Stuart Restaurant. Our waitress was friendly and attentive as she handed out the menus. Courses are given playful names with a nod to the hotel’s proximity to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company in Stratford, with pre-show nibbles, Act 1 (starters), Act 2 (mains) and supporting (sides) listed. I opted for scallops for a starter – a favourite of mine – and I wasn’t disappointed. The dish was beautifully presented with pickled apple and coriander yoghurt giving it freshness and zing. My wife chose the delicious goat’s cheese mousse with truffle soil.

For mains, I was torn between venison and duck breast but advice from our server gave me a gentle nudge into choosing the beef fillet. Cooked medium rare as it is recommended and served with truffle mash and black garlic emulsion, it was a real treat. My wife chose the hotel’s signature Billesley Burger which arrived in a beautiful pretzel bun.

We just about had room for dessert and chose a crème brulee and chocolate brownie from the enticing list. 

Breakfast

The morning offering is plentiful, with guests greeted and welcomed into the Stuart Restaurant before setting out to choose from the hot and cold buffet. The sausages, bacon and eggs were of excellent quality and there was plentiful fresh fruit, juices and bread.

Lounge

The As You Like It Lounge is a nice spot to retreat for some peace and quiet, or maybe some inspiration. It is in this room that Shakespeare is said to have written his famous play of the same name. The tranquil space has books hanging the ceiling enticing you to hunker down and have a read yourself, along with an afternoon tea. There is also a desk looking out onto the gardens if an idea takes hold that you instantly need to commit to paper. 

Spa 

The large pool is perfect for some light exercise before working up a sweat in the steam room or sauna. A wide range of massages and treatments are available focusing on wellness of skin, body and mind. It’s possible to make a day of it with comfortable loungers around the pool and food and drinks available in the bar area. 

Final Thoughts

Billesley Manor is perfect for a romantic break in Stratford at any time of year. Whether sitting in a cosy chair by an open fireplace in winter or walking the gardens and enjoying dinner on the outdoor terrace in summer. These are grand surroundings, but they soon feel like home. The historic manor house acts like a cocoon to escape the stress of everyday life and truly switch off to do as much or as little as you wish. After all, this is luxury As You Like It.